For a moment in time, silverpoints were used as writing utensils because carrying quills and ink bottles was a hassle.  The use of the silverpoint was short-lived because the pens could only be used on specially treated paper. 

Fast forward to present day.  A new and improved inkless pen has been developed to work with virtually any paper. 

This modern metal pen is made of an alloy (with no silver) that leaves marks that resemble those from a pencil, except they're permanent. Since there's no ink, the pen will never dry up or run out — though 50 years from now you may be writing with just a nub. Still, not bad for $30.