Now that was different...

[AustinBoston]

The ball point pen may have been invented (the first time) by Gallelleo in the 1600's.  The first known patent for a ball point pen was in 1888.  The first practical ball point pen was patented in 1938 by a hungarian inventor named L

[Old Goat]

I hardly ever use a ball point pen any more except to sign checks. I use a pencil for all writting, sketching and layout in my work shop. I always make a detailed sketch with measurments on projects I plan to do like custom furniture, home and camper mods and improvements. These I draw on yellow legal pads which I save for future reference. Good grade #2 pencils work great for me along with a good sharpner. I buy them by the dozens so I always have plenty on hand.....
.