Skilcraft U.S. Government Pens – Made in the U.S.A. by the Blind

I recently came across an old Washington Post Article about the ultra low-tech Skilcraft U.S. Government Pen. It’s a cheap, retractable ball-point writing instrument. Not something I’d necessarily seek after – my taste in pens is decidedly more expensive and trends toward titanium and fountain pens. But with a little research the Skilcraft pen, although not necessarily a fine writing instrument, becomes a lot more attractive. It’s made in the U.S.A. By blind people. I had to have some.

According to Wikipedia, Skilcraft is a “trade name of the National Industries for the Blind”. They make all sorts of office instruments for the U.S. Government, these pens included. I ordered some and found them infinitely affordable.

They’re skinny – a little smaller than an average pen, and they’re really lightweight. It takes a little getting used to. But in the end I like them – they’re easy to use, kind of cool, and they’re made here in the U.S.A. According to the Post article, they’re spec’d to withstand freezing temperatures, really hot weather and can write a mile without blobbing or running out. Check them out and pick up a set here if you’d like.

Thanks for looking.