Fine day, save for one thing: I seem to have misplaced my pen.

We have dozens of pens in the house, but this one was a matte black Lamy Studio rollerball pen. It’s the pen I grab instinctively. Not exactly a luxury item, but not nothing either. They go on sale for about $50, but can be priced above $70. I was surprised how much of the house I was willing to turn upside down rather than move on to any number of other decent options. I have a few Lamy Safari fountain pens. And a Monteverde that has a similarly pleasing heft to the Studio. The only reason I don’t use the Monteverde more is that it’s made of a reactive material and then it tempts me to polish it at the end of the day. So stupid, but these tools really can feel like an extension of our abilities. The Studio just gets the job done. What is an everyday item that leaves you feeling disarmed if you lack it?

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