So what's the point of all the different kinds of pens?  Trust me, it can be a daunting task to find the correct pen for someone else.  Hopefully this little tutorial can help you learn the difference so you can match your (or your boss's) writing style!

Ballpoint Ink:  Thick, non-water based ink will not thin while you write.  Ballpoint pens use a small rotating ball made of brass, steel or tungsten carbide to dispense the ink as you write.  Ballpoint ink is usually permanent.  We like the Dr. Grip Center of Gravity and the Papermate Flexgrip Elite.

Gel Ink:  This water-based ink has a viscosity or thickness which can fluctuate.  When a gel pen is not being used, the ink tends to have a higher viscosity or thicker ink.  When the ball starts to rotate, the ink thins down and is "dragged" in a similar manner as a rollerball ink.k  Gel ink provides the best of both worlds-the smooth write of a rollerball with the performance of a ballpoint.  We like the  Uniball Signo 207 and 207 Premier (as a bonus, the 207 pens feature a specially formulated ink that prevents check washing).

Rollerball Ink:  This water-based ink takes a very little effort to make the ink flow, allowing for a smooth write.  Rollerball pens utilize the same type of ball as a ballpoint pen, but because the ink is much thinner, it floods the ball and "drags" a pool of ink across the paper as you write.  The smaller the point size of your pen, the less ink there is to drag, thus producing a finer line.  Rollerball ink is usually not permanent.  We like Pentel's Rolling Writer and Bic's Z4+ pens.

Permanent Ink:  Permanent markers have the ability to mark on virtually any surface from packages, to labels, to glass and so much more.  Fade-and water-resistant ink options further extend multiple project uses.  A variety of colors and tip-sizes are available to make your mark unique.  We like the Sanford Sharpie (try the needle point!) and the Bic Mark-It.