When we say “EDC” (every day carry), we are often talking about our best scenario, when we are kitted out for travel or business. A flexible assortment of tools that will serve well in tough circumstance, but wouldn’t break our hearts if they were lost or stolen.
But what about the more common idea or “everyday carry”, just the stuff you pick up when you aren’t thinking, or the things we always have lying around? In my life, G-2 pens are ubiquitous. When filling out paperwork, writing lists, or just something to hand to someone when they ask for a pen, there’s always a G-2 pen at hand.
The reason for this is simple: they write well and they last a long time. Plus, they are refillable and they are comfortable to write with for extended periods. Win-win-win.
My main go-to size and color is a black 07. The ink is bold and the medium point never seems to stumble. It will write well on most surfaces. I write name and weight on bubble mailers and boxes as I fulfill and weigh them. I wrote and addressed Christmas cards with them this year. I think I used them for gift labels, too. I write all of my checks with them. Class notes and sermon notes (frantic jotting) are best done with a medium G-2, as well.
When it comes to the finer points, I drop down to the 0.38 version. Mostly this is for smaller writing, some tight forms, writing in the margins, etc. For tiny writing, I have a more upright hold for the pen, and the G-2 grip pens are very steady in that hold.
But G-2s aren’t just for Everyday. There are many pens that use the G-2 refills, including the G-6, my silver tactical pen, the Pilot Metropolitan roller ball, and the special G-2 versions, like the Limited and the Pro (see main photo). I love the Limited edition because of the great feel of the metal barrels. The “gunmetal” colored version is my favorite, but the silver is sleek. The Pro edition is still plastic, but it has a classic look and chunky feel like the Limited, just lighter. It also comes in the gunmetal color.
There are also many whimsical colors and barrel versions of the G-2. I don’t remember where I got the G-2 Mini, but it makes me smile when I see it next to it’s big brothers. I don’t use blue G-2s often, but I have a few. And the multi-color Dr. GRIP is a wonder. In addition to the four gel colors, it has a mechanical pencil. It isn’t a true G-2 (not G-2 refills), but seems to use the same ink.
Do you like G-2 pens? Or do you have a different “everyday” pen that seems to be everywhere you are?