Fisher AG7 Space Pen

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nodd

Nomad
May 12, 2004
485
0
liverpool
I have just bought one of the Fisher Space Pens the one I went for is the AG7 which is the original astronaut pen. The pen is still being made to the same design.
For those that haven’t heard the story this is the pen Paul C Fisher designed along with the pressurised refill which allow the pen to write in a range of conditions, angles including upside down, under water and different paper types; along that all important one for a pen going into space zero G. In 1967 after 18 months testing NASA chose the pen to be used by the Apollo astronauts. This is the pen used by Buzz Aldrin to flick the circuit breaker, to launch the off the moon as the original handle was broken (moon bushcraft).
Now I cannot see me having any use for the zero gravity bit but the others might come in handy.
My initial impression of the pen is it is well made, being made out of brass which is chrome platted it is a two button design press the end button to extend the tip and the side one to retract it, these work with a satisfying click. The pen has a nice weight to it with a balance point just rear of centre near to where the pen unscrews to change the refill. There is a turned grip near the tip this extends back about an inch and has a nice feel when writing. The clip on the pen can clip onto quite thick clothing without distorting.
The pen came with a medium black refill, the little I have wrote with the pen so far, it has proved to be nice and smooth, with the ink not blobbing. Some of the reviews I have read some people find this can happen with medium and bold tip, with the fine being ok. Others say this is not a problem.
For me the pen is a timeless classic with a tactile feel to it, making it a joy use.
I bought the pen from Heinnie and was great service from them. The usual I have no connection with either company.

http://www.spacepen.com/originalastronautmodels.aspx
http://www.heinnie.com/Pens/Fisher-Space-Pens/Fisher-Space-Pens-Astronaut-Space-Pen/p-290-291-512/
 
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nodd

Nomad
May 12, 2004
485
0
liverpool
Uban Myth lol the same pen was also used by the Russians, mmm pencils in space graphite and wood shavings every where.
 

spandit

Bushcrafter through and through
Jul 6, 2011
5,594
308
East Sussex, UK
A normal ballpoint is affected by gravity if you hold it upside down. In a microgravity environment it doesn't matter so a cheap Bic would work fine
 

mrcairney

Settler
Jun 4, 2011
839
1
West Pennine Moors
Aye. Plus NASA didn't spend millions developing it, Fisher did. The story goes that mechanical pencils were used originally but the unit cost was so high that they where forced to look at a cheaper alternative. Which this is, believe it or not.
 
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nodd

Nomad
May 12, 2004
485
0
liverpool
Just tried the pen by writing in water. Pool of water on normal paper I was able to write a full my full name with it no problem against a parker pen which did not even get half way.As for zero garvity ill take the over 40 years of use in sapce as it works ok in that situation.
 

wizard

Nomad
Jan 13, 2006
472
2
77
USA
You made a good choice in a pen! I have had an AG-7 for 20 years and it still works perfectly. I have changed the refill lots of times and I prefer the fine tip over the medium. In fact I just ordered another AG-7 and it should arrive any day now.

I also have a chrome X-Mark Fisher Space Pen. It is like the bullet pen but has a clip and is flat on the top end. I prefer it to the bullets, I can tell which end is which. I carry this one daily in my jeans pocket. It is short and fits perfectly, not having to clip, just drop it in the pocket. Since I seldom wear shirts with pockets since retirement, this pen in my jeans is very convenient. Takes the same refills as the AG-7.
 

nodd

Nomad
May 12, 2004
485
0
liverpool
Wizard I can see this being well used,it just has a nice feel to it ,I have also orded a couple of fine tip refills as well to give them a try.
 

wizard

Nomad
Jan 13, 2006
472
2
77
USA
I got my new AG-7 in the mail today! I really didn't need a replacement, I just wanted a shiney new one to keep around. I put Fisher refills in my Parker pens too. I have a few old stainless steel ones that I have had even longer than my AG7. They include a little white adapter for use in the Parker pens, very thoughtful of them! Nodd, you may like the fine tips too, I can live with the nediums but like the finer one best. CHeers!
 

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