The Japanese make great pens. (Score 1)

I had the same problem until I bought the following pen:
http://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Dr.-Grip-4-1-4-Color-0.7-mm-Ballpoint-Multi-Pen-0.5-mm-Pencil-Series-I-Silver-Body/pd/2267
along with the following paper:
http://www.jetpens.com/Kokuyo-Campus-Todai-Series-Pre-Dotted-Adhesive-Bound-Notebook-A4-8.3-X-11.7-6-mm-40-Sheets-Pack-of-5/pd/5373

It made a big difference. Besides the consistent and smooth flow of ink this multi-pen also has a mechanical pencil built in. It allows you to write small. The only issue I have with this pen is the eraser. It is small but I try to keep a bigger one around like http://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Foam-Eraser-Size-10/pd/2526.

My kids are in high school now and ordered both of them a multi-pen and they love it.

Hope you find what you are looking for.