That reminds me of the $1M pen NASA developed to write in zero G and all orientations in space...the Russians just used pencils.
The story is actually much more interesting than that.
p.s.-NASA didn't spend any money on developing the space pen, contrary to popular belief.
http://history.nasa.gov/spacepen.html
"Fisher offered the pens to NASA in 1965, but, because of the earlier controversy, the agency was hesitant in its approach. In 1967, after rigorous tests, NASA managers agreed to equip the Apollo astronauts with these pens. Media reports indicate that approximately 400 pens were purchased from Fisher at $6 per unit for Project Apollo.
The Soviet Union also purchased 100 of the Fisher pens, and 1,000 ink cartridges, in February 1969, for use on its Soyuz space flights. Previously, its cosmonauts had been using grease pencils to write in orbit."