Politely saying NO when someone wants to borrow your pen

[Desibaba]

I have never owned a fine "Writing Instrument" but I am definitely intrigued by them. I always wonder how do you guys not lose these pens or say NO to people who want to borrow your pen for a minute. Most people innocently think a pen is only worth 25 cents when they want to borrow yours to quickly jot something down. But I wouldn't take that risk because I don't want to lose the pen or have someone damage it accidentally.

[the_Hunter]

I keep a bic in my portfolio. If someone asks for a pen they get that one.

[sechsgang]

I don't mind (then again my pens are btw the 200-600 dollar range so nothing crazy) but I tell them I better get it back or I'll expect a check. It generally comes off as funny but still gets the point across that it's not a 50 cent bic.

[srvrf]

Luckily I haven't had anyone other than my 13 year old daughter ask to try my fountain pen. I just told her it was very delicate and that she had to be careful with it. I actually think most non-PIS (not sure that's the best acronym for pen idiot savants) get a little intimidated by a fountain pen. As least that's the reaction I've seen when my technicians have seen my Fps.