Abstract

A writing instrument comprises nonretractable nib 14 made of porous material and being in fluid communication with an ink reservoir of fluorescent transparent ink, the nib colloquially known as a "highlighter". A second nib 16 is retractable and is substantially rigid and is in fluid communication with a second ink reservoir of nontransparent ink, the second nib colloquially known as a "ball point pen". The retractable and nonretractable nibs extend from an angular face of an elongated body in which they are contained. The angular face permits the nonretractable and retractable nibs, which are in parallel relation, to extend in spaced relations so that the retractable nibs extends beyond the nonretractable nib whereby the nonretractable nib does not contact the writing surface when the retractable nib is used as writing instrument. The extension and retraction of the retractable nib is accomplished with a slidable locking mechanism which allows a user to extend a retractable nib with a single finger motion without altering the writing angle or rotating the instrument in his hand, as in the prior art.