AG-7 Astronaut Pen

[NYC6]

My nephew recently finished his service in the U.S. Army. A West Point grad who did two tours in Iraq. He has rejoined civilian life and I wanted to get him a little gift to thank him for doing his duty for his Country honorably.
I thought of the Astronaut pen recently as something he would like. I did some reseach online and found several places who sell them. What Im interested in is opionions of the pen itself. Figured some here have had some experiences with the Fisher AG-7 and would love to hear your take on the pens. Are they quality, do they write nice, best place to purchase and anything else you might have to offer.
I found they have a nice Apollo 11 edition that looks real nice for a little more money. Think I might purchase one for myself also.
Thanks in advance for any input.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by NYC6

My nephew recently finished his service in the U.S. Army. A West Point grad who did two tours in Iraq. He has rejoined civilian life and I wanted to get him a little gift to thank him for doing his duty for his Country honorably.
I thought of the Astronaut pen recently as something he would like. I did some reseach online and found several places who sell them. What Im interested in is opionions of the pen itself. Figured some here have had some experiences with the Fisher AG-7 and would love to hear your take on the pens. Are they quality, do they write nice and anything else you might have to offer.
I found they have a nice Apollo 11 edition that looks real nice for a little more money. Think I might purchase one for myself also.
Thanks in advance for any input.

I haven't tried the particular pen but I have a couple that use the Fisher cartridges and I love them all (more so than my MBs). They provide a very fluid and easy writing experience.

One I can recommend is the Hinderer Extreme Duty ... You have several versions from alu and stainless, to titanium. The Hinderer Investigator is quite nice and smaller as well. Your nephew, being ex Army might like those.

[Lol-x]

I have the Fisher Cap ~O~ Matic and it is brilliant I use it every day.

My favorite is the blue 'bold' refill...it writes as smooth as silk.

[NYC6]

Appreciate the tips guys, thanks.
Checked out the Hinderer 'pens', think I'll stick to the Astro pen. Think he would like that better, with the historical significance and all.
Any other opinions welcome.

[rdGOnoles]

my wife gave me the AG-7 A few weeks ago before I left for a trip. I've been using it a ton for about 3 weeks now. I highly recommend it. Weight is very nice and the mechanism is very smooth. I'm sure he will enjoy it.

[de66]

I have a Fischer for about 12 years. I dont know the model but I included a pic and a link - http://www.steveandco.com/blog.php/tag/the-space-pen/
The pen has a nice finish and writes well. I think I bought it at brookstone at the time. Its waterproof, writes upside down and writes on wet or moist paper. Although I dont take special care to polish it after each use it still has its original shine so I guess that highgrade steel has been used (no fogging up of the finish like you see sometimes with nickelplated or lower grade steel pens. The size is great because it easily fits in a jeans front pocket without disturbing. I dont use it very often so I have not yet had to get a replacement cartridge. Fischer makes nice pens with a good story to them that I am sure a military man will appreciate.
BTW did you know the Russians had an equivalent of the space pen too? I believe it was called "pencil"

[NYC6]

A nice little pen indeed and a great collection you have there. I understand the Fishers are hard chrome finished. Heres the AG-7 Im looking at. Think I'll pick up two of them after the responses here. Thanks.
http://www.coloradopen.com/product/f...ary-space-pen#

[Lion]

I do really Fisher pens and have one I use by the computer to jot down notes...everyday. The only minor problem I have had and why I quit carrying it is the top, which activates the pen(push button on side retracts the writing cartridge and tip), while carrying it has a habit of engaging in my pocket. I'm sure it's just me but the next Fisher pen I buy will be a different mechanism!!!

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by masterserg

I haven't tried the particular pen but I have a couple that use the Fisher cartridges and I love them all (more so than my MBs). They provide a very fluid and easy writing experience.

I bought an MB Meisterstuck Burgundy Ball point from a friend of mine. It wrote really nice. Noticeably nicer than my black BP. I opened it and found a Fisher Cartridge. I have a few other “Space Pens” and they all write nice.

[de66]

thanks for the link NYC6, It helped me remember that mine was the bullet :-)
and chrome after all. Sorry for the mis-information guys, I had it in my hands and was sure it was polished steel. Hehe... just to goes to show: great to have such a cool platform to share knowledge!

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by de66

thanks for the link NYC6, It helped me remember that mine was the bullet :-)
and chrome after all. Sorry for the mis-information guys, I had it in my hands and was sure it was polished steel. Hehe... just to goes to show: great to have such a cool platform to share knowledge!

I feel the same.

[avusblue]

I have one of these and use it as my "daily carry" pen, and love it:



It’s really quite an interesting pen, with a totally ‘60’s feeling retro vibe. A few observations:

• It’s small compared to so many "modern" pens. In this age of everything becoming supersized and overly chunky, it's quite refreshing. I think that is what makes it seem so retro. But it is pleasantly hefty and dense feeling in the hand.

• A neat, disciplined design. Nicely crafted, with a thickly chromed finish, although not in any way ornate or embellished. Its design language is definitely “engineered” versus “styled”. Obviously well-made, it is visually distinguished from a cheap disposable pen that it might at first glance resemble. And, it is made in USA -- nice.

• The click action is very unique. It’s kind of a “one-way” click in that you press the plunger to extend the ball point, it clicks, and stays down. It does not pop back up like a modern click pen. Instead, there is a small button on the side of the barrel (next to the clip) that releases the plunger and retracts the ball point with a firm spring loaded action. It is an incredibly cool feeling, sounding, and tactilely engaging action. I have a bad habit of clicking it 1000 times in a row in meetings. Love it!

• The vintage style pocket clip is very retro, effective, and functional. Looks great, works great.

• The writing is smooth and precise. I remember the Space Pens of old being kind of gloppy and gooey, and we put up with them because of the cool “NASA factor” and the fact that they could write on anything. But the current Fisher refills are smooth, and stay smooth.

• Despite being slim, the pen is comfortable to hold and write with. Its engraved circular serrations where you hold it are perfectly cut and designed to make for an effective grip.

I guess they did know what they were doing back in the 60’s. This pen is aesthetically pleasing, compact and efficient, and practical, enjoyable, and effective to use. HIGHLY recommended!