About 3 years ago I binge purchased pens. I wanted to try all the pens and see which I liked best. Some of those pen inks have run out, or dried out (and can’t be revived) and some are still working great.
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3 pen brands that have lasted more than 3 years
1. Inkjoy Gel Pens
If I had to use just 1 pen for the rest of my life it would be the Inkjoy Gel pens (this is probably no surprise if you read my blog!) I got a pack around 5 years ago and the ink still works great, no ink skipping etc. I use these all the time and the ink still hasn’t run out.
2. Papermate Flair UF
Another pen from Papermate (I find all of their pens seem to last longer than most brands). There are various color ranges in the Ultra Fine size. I’ve been using the Candy Pop color range since it first came out and they are all still working great.
I know I should store pens horizontally so the ink is balanced but I use these so often I store them vertically in a pen cup (next to the Papermate Inkjoy Gel). None of the colors have had their inks dry out.
Papermate pens are pricey, but I think they’re worth the investment.
Be careful when buying Papermate Flairs, they come in 2 thicknesses – the ultra fine (which I recommend and is like a normal fine tip) and the medium (which has a much thicker tip).
3. Zebra Sarasa Clip
Like with the Papermate pens, Zebra pens can be pricey. But if they’re going to last longer, write really smooth and come in nice colors, then I think it’s worth it. I do wish this pack had a purple pen though!
Zebra is one of my favorite brands for highlighters (their highlighters last ages too).
The common theme seems to be expensive pen means it lasts longer so before you cringe at the price of expensive pens – remember it’s worth the investment!
More Pen Reviews
- My Favorite Fineliner Pens for Planning & Bullet Journaling
- 5 Pen brands that are similar but cheaper than the Staedtler Triplus Fineliner 0.3mm
- How I use different types of pens when planning
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I tend to have a problem with buying all the pens too, so I find myself very grateful for all your pen reviews! It saves me from spending too much on things that aren’t worth it.
The problem started with a large Bold collection of Sharpies sold at my local Walmart for $30+. When I bought them, my son was a toddler aged 2 and he’s now 15. They all still work fantastically!
Obviously, I don’t use them to journal, but I’ve recently started using Happy Planners and making my own laminated dividers, so I love that the colors are still working and so bold.
Thank you again for your reviews. Based on your recommendation, along with 2 planner friends/coworkers, I picked up the Frixion erasable gels and LOVE them, using them almost exclusively. A note though: don’t use them in lamination! The heat make the colors disappear! lol