As a writer, I feel useless without a pen. It’s not my fault: I was born before home computers were a thing, let alone smartphones. I don’t keep a journal. I don’t fill legal pads with gloriously ornate prose or lyrical poetry. But I find inspiration in fleeting moments and don’t always want to unlock my phone. That’s why I always have some scraps of paper in my back pocket and a pen in the front. The Penco Perfection Ballpoint Pen is comfortable to hold and writes smoothly with its brand-name refill, but it doesn’t make your handwriting any neater than it already is … or isn’t. Phil Ryan/NYT WirecutterAlas, standard plastic pens, economical as they are, have always bugged me. Their length is ergonomic but makes them tough to carry on my person, especially if I wear clothes with small pockets. I’ve also had one leak, ruining a pair of pants. Cheap pens can bend over time, and the clips often break. And since their ink isn’t always easily replaceable, each one adds a little more plastic to landfills.Years ago, when I interviewed executives from multinational corporations face-to-face, I bought an expensive pen for taking notes. While I loved its portability and charm, it felt a bit too fancy for everyday use, and the refills are often pricey and hard to find.That’s why, almost two years ago, I bought what I think will be my last pen: the Penco Perfection Ballpoint Pen.