Best ballpoint pens: From ancient reeds to modern twists 

Ah, the humble ballpoint pen. 

An everyday tool for making plans, signing contracts, and setting big things in motion. We MOOsters are self-proclaimed Stylophiles—aka pen lovers. Seriously, we love pens (so much so that we’ve created our own).

Let’s take a closer look at how the ballpoint pen has evolved over the centuries. From ancient reed pens and medieval quills to the game-changing fountain pen, we’ll explore the key milestones in the history of writing tools. And, of course, we’ll also spotlight some of the best ballpoint pens on the market today.

Ancient reed pens 

The history of pens dates back to ancient civilizations, with the Egyptians using reed pens as early as 3000 BC to write on papyrus scrolls. These early pens were simple yet effective, made from hollow reeds that allowed ink to flow smoothly onto the writing surface. Many of the earliest texts were recorded with the reed pen.

Medieval quills

By the Middle Ages, the quill pen had become the writing instrument of choice. Made from bird feathers, quills were flexible and durable, capable of producing fine, elegant lines. The best quills were typically made from goose, swan, or turkey feathers. To create a quill pen, the feather’s shaft was cut at an angle to form a nib, which was then slit to allow ink to flow to the tip. This design made quills ideal for calligraphy and detailed manuscript work, as the writer had more precision and control. 

Revolutionary fountain pens

The invention of the fountain pen in the 19th century revolutionized writing by offering a more consistent ink flow and eliminating the need for constant dipping. Early designs featured a metal nib connected to an internal ink reservoir, enhancing reliability and practicality. The first patent for a fountain pen was filed by Fredrike Fölsch in England in 1809. Among the many fountain pen brands, Parker Pens is a firm favourite, symbolizing luxury and prestige in writing.

Modern ballpoint pens

In 1888, John J. Loud patented the first ballpoint pen for writing on rough surfaces like leather. However, it wasn’t suitable for everyday use and didn’t succeed commercially. The ballpoint breakthrough came in the 1930s when Hungarian journalist László Bíró, frustrated with fountain pens, developed a pen that used quick-drying ink and a ball-and-socket mechanism for smooth ink flow. Patented in 1938, Bíró’s invention became the modern ballpoint pen. By the 1950s, the Biro pen had transformed writing, becoming popular worldwide and making high-quality pens accessible to all. 

MOO Twist Pen

Today, some of the best ballpoint pens continue to be inspired by Bíró’s original design, like our Twist Pen. Drawing on a rich history of penmanship and design, MOO’s Twist Pen combines functionality and style with a smooth twist mechanism and comfortable grip. It’s sleek and stylish, perfect for modern professionals and creatives who love to handwrite notes and jot down their big ideas. And with a refillable cartridge, it’s a sustainable choice for long-term use. Plus, it’s nonslip and won’t roll away when you set it down. Neat, eh?  

Looking for the best ballpoint pens for your team?

Whether you’re taking notes in a meeting or signing key documents, our Twist Pens provide a reliable and stylish writing experience. Elevate your branded merchandise with MOO Twist Pens, available in five sleek colours and customizable with your logo. MOO Business Services is ready to help you create pens that reflect your unique brand identity.