Pens are the ubiquitous, traditional writing tools of modern times. We take this writing tool for granted and have overlooked the detail and thought that goes into the design of many of these pens.

Among them are two special cases: the U.S. Government pen and the DBA 98 biodegradable pen.

U.S. Government pen

This American pen has in fact 16 pages of military specifications regarding its design and use. These pens are crafted especially by Skilcraft, an umbrella for non-profit agencies that employ the blind and the disabled. The following are only some of the specifications mentioned:

• It measures 150 nautical miles from end to end on flight maps.
• The metal tip is exactly the regulation length female service members are allowed to grow their nails.
• The pen is made to fit into any military uniform pocket without being seen.
• Some military branches train troops to use the bottom portion of the barrel as an emergency tracheotomy tube.
• Military members have said that the bottom of the barrel also is the exact length of a two-minute fuse.
• It must be able to write for one linear mile
• It must be able to write in extreme hot or cold temperatures
  

DBA 98 Pen

This pen, created from New York Agency "DBA", is said to be 98% biodegradable and is produced in a wind-powered facility in the United States. It was conceived to serve as an alternative to the toxic wasteful pens of every day. The ink is certified non-toxic and eco-friendly as with its packaging made of 100% recyclable materials.


These pens are only a fraction of the possibilities for the future use of pens where designers are constantly modifying every day objects.