F-701 Retractable Ballpoint Pen (0.8mm Fine)

Last verified May 13, 2026 by the Lifetime Picks Editorial Team

The Zebra F 701 is the all stainless retractable ballpoint that EDC enthusiasts and r/PenAddict treat as the 'reliable cheap pen' answer, well under $15 but constructed to a spec that puts most $30+ pens to shame. The barrel and clip are both real stainless steel (not plated brass), the knurled grip section grips wet or oily hands, and the click mechanism uses a metal cam (not the plastic ratchet you find in BIC clicks). The included refill writes a clean 0.8mm line; the pen also accepts Zebra's premium F-Refill in black or blue, and with a minor mod accepts Parker / Schmidt refills for users who want gel or premium ink. The F 701 is widely cited as the EDC pen that survives keys, coins, and pocket lint for 10+ years.