Remember when you were a kid and someone told you about the space pen? You know, the one that writes upside down, underwater, and in basically any condition imaginable because NASA needed something reliable for astronauts? Well, Fisher Space Pen just dropped a new version that makes their legendary writing instrument even more ridiculously practical, and honestly, I’m kind of obsessed.
Meet the Measure Twice, a bolt-action tactical pen that’s basically the Swiss Army knife of writing instruments. At $69, it’s not your average drugstore pen, but hear me out because this thing is genuinely clever.
Designer: Fisher Space Pen
First, let’s talk about that bolt-action mechanism. If you’ve ever fidgeted with a pen during a long meeting or phone call, you know the appeal of a good click. But this takes it to another level. The bolt-action deployment is smooth, satisfying, and way more robust than a standard clicker. It’s the kind of tactile experience that makes you actually want to use a physical pen in our increasingly digital world. Plus, it just looks cool. There’s something inherently appealing about that tactical aesthetic without it being over the top or trying too hard.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Fisher etched precision ruler markings right into the barrel of the pen. We’re talking both imperial measurements up to 3.5 inches and metric up to 9 centimeters. Think about how many times you’ve needed to measure something small and had to hunt around for a ruler or tape measure. Shopping for furniture online and need to visualize how big something is? Got it. Working on a craft project? Covered. Trying to figure out if that vintage frame will fit your photo? Done. It’s one of those features that seems almost too simple, but once you have it, you realize how often you actually need it.
The construction is pretty impressive too. Fisher switched from their traditional chrome-plated brass to anodized aluminum for this model. That means it’s lighter and more comfortable to carry all day, but still incredibly durable. The anodizing makes it resistant to scratches, corrosion, and impacts, so you can toss it in your bag or pocket without babying it. It’s designed to be used, not displayed on a shelf.
Now for the feature that really sets this apart: there’s a tungsten carbide glass breaker tip on the opposite end from the writing point. Yes, you read that right. This pen doubles as an emergency escape tool. In a car accident or emergency situation where you need to break a window, this could genuinely save your life. It’s the kind of thing you hope you never need, but knowing it’s there provides a weird sense of security. Plus, it speaks to the thoughtful design philosophy behind this pen. It’s not just about looking tactical or cool, it’s about actual functionality.
Of course, it still has all the legendary Space Pen technology that made the original famous. The pressurized ink cartridge writes upside down, works in extreme temperatures, functions underwater, and has a shelf life of over 100 years. That’s not marketing hype, that’s actual tested performance. These pens literally went to space and performed flawlessly in zero gravity.
What I really appreciate about the Measure Twice is how it represents a shift in how we think about everyday carry items. We’re constantly looking for ways to simplify what we carry, to have fewer, better things that do more. This pen nails that philosophy. It’s a precision writing instrument, a measuring tool, and an emergency device all in one sleek package that’s just over 5.5 inches long.
Fisher Space Pen took an icon and made it more relevant for 2026. The Measure Twice isn’t trying to replace your smartphone or be something it’s not. It’s just a really, really well-designed pen that happens to do a few extra things exceptionally well. And in a world of increasingly disposable products, there’s something genuinely appealing about a tool that’s built to last decades and actually earns its place in your pocket.
