A look at the ballpoint.
Ballpoint pens are writing instruments which dispense a viscous ink from an internal reservoir through the rolling action of a metal ball at its point. The ballpoint may vary in diameter, and may be made of brass, steel, or tungsten carbide.
Originally conceived and developed as a cleaner and more reliable alternative to quill and fountain pens, ballpoint pens are now the dominant writing instrument. Millions are manufactured and sold every day, worldwide, with low-cost (except for this beauty) and ubiquity assuring that there is always a ballpoint pen within reach. Of course, not all ballpoints are created equally, so if you want the very best make sure your ballpoint says KICKER on it!