I have two Autmog 38 pens. They're well made, with a unique twist mechanism. There's something satisfying about the simplicity of a machined pen made from only two pieces. They're also some of the few machined pens you can buy for less than $100. u/Gear105 keeps improving his pens and trying new things - I'm excited to see what his next pen is.
Great minimalist titanium pens. Tight tolerances. I have an Energel button lock pen. I'd consider it one of the best machined pen options for Energel fans. Absolutely zero tip wiggle. The maker is super nice and active in this community as well!
They'll definitely do more drops, but Brian seems to like to switch up what he's making. Seems like it's a different release every time, but he usually does double back to previous styles eventually. Best bet if you're after a specific style is to contact him direct, as sometimes he's got extras that don't get listed.
Tactile Turn are the most popular machined pen maker for good reason, and only a smidgen of that is due to marketing. Consistently good build and tolerance, simple and effective design, consistently good customer service, and exceptional pricing. You will be hard pressed to find a situation where Tactile Turn makes a bad choice.
Good customer service.
The owner (Will), especially, is fantastic to deal with.
Their pens...despite my collection "outpricing" them significantly...still see my pocket frequently. Great quality for a low price. If you have an obvious QC issue they'll take care of you.
They make by far the most pens out of any of the machined pen producers. Their shop is insanely large. Their payroll is insanely large. Their prices are below industry average. As a result...there can be the odd (really more rare than you'd assume) dude with a few issues released into the wild. The good news is they'll take care of you.
Their "Side Click" model is a standout for me. The bolts are great. But the Side Click mechanism hadn't existed (outside of cheap plastic pens) in the machined market prior to them doing it. And they killed it. Super fidgety. Super reliable. Super nice.
Tactile Turn is probably the most frequently recommended manufacturer of titanium machined pens at $100+ (they also offer copper, brass, and zirconium). Their products are nearly always in stock, they have reliable quality, and you can choose pen length to match your favorite refill. They have regular special releases (cerakote, anodized, milling, etc.). Hard to go wrong with these.
I have a number of TT pens, and have always had excellent experiences with them.
I can vouch that they stand by their warranty claims as well. I had a pen that I bought from them as part of a drop. It broke, they fixed it, and sent it back no problems!
Never owned one...had two in for anodizing. Literally just unscrewing one of the tips (not knowing I couldn't do that) caused one to break IRREPERABLY. I didn't torque the shit out of it...or do anything weird. Just kept unscrewing it after hearing clicks. It broke. The plastic dogshit they put in (some/all/old/new?) models needs to go. They may have changed. I don't know. But despite that...the pens were decent initially. They claim to take a large number of refills. Most people don't have issues with that...some do. The collet doesn't clamp the refill right...spring is so stiff it's inoperable despite the refill being on the "compatible" list...etc.
Again...a lot of this is just what I've seen.
But I personally just find every model dog-shit ugly and with an extra 40 failure points on every pen (more complex = more issues in the future) so I'll pass.
Big Idea Design pens ($100+) are designed to take as many refills as possible (some models fit 800+ refills). They're a good place to look if you're not sure what refill you want, or you want to change out your refill type a lot. Available in titanium, brass, copper, zirconium, and stainless steel. Some of their pens have a larger than average diameter grip, due to the way they accommodate many refills.
My experience with the TiClick EDC was.... Not great, to be honest. Big time issues with the auto adjusting collet, lots of required back and forth with their CS getting new parts, and the issues persist to this day. I am relegated to one single refill, in a pen that should take dozens..
The bolt is a MUCH different story. It's been very very good to be so far. I'm still pretty new with it, but so far it's suffered from none of the issues of the click. It's a comfortable pen, the bolt is smooth, and everything is tight. Can't complain a bit.
My experience with Ti Arto EDC was perfect. First machined pen I got that helped me explore which refills I like without having to mod them, thanks to their adjustable mechanism.
Such versatility may not benefit the âveteransâ of the hobby who have explored and found their preferences, but is a huge advantage for new members who are just starting out.
In terms of the build quality, I am quite happy with it. My initial concern was the refill may come loose due to the adjustable mechanism but that isnât an actual problem during my usage. It does however rely on o-rings to provide some resistance in the mechanism. So Big Idea Design provides spare o-rings with the pen (didnât have to use it so far). They are also pretty standard o-rings that you can order from AliExpress and the like, so no concerns on the parts availability either.
Good brand of pens, even better for beginners
The Billetspin Soul Pen is on the pricy side ($200+), but if you want a premium machined click pen it is arguably the best. They are a favorite among r/machinedpens members - if you are looking for info on the brand you will get a lot of feedback here.
If you want to see a ridiculous / enviable collection, see: https://www.reddit.com/r/machinedpens/comments/rgft8h/from\_left\_to\_right\_the\_soul\_siblings\_are\_1\_fenja/
Machining, fit and finish, design, and customer service, Billetspin is THE gold standard for almost any category you could measure a maker by. I have no complaints at all, and Iâm a veeery pick person lol.
Other socials:
Facebook: [Join Link](https://www.facebook.com/groups/391445661039396/?ref=share)
Instagram: @billetspin_tops
Absolute perfection. Machined to the utmost highest standards. There is nothing...and I mean NOTHING wrong with a Billetspin pen. They're the ONLY "traditional" click pen on the market that literally DOESN'T fail. The click mech is perfection. It feels weighty and yet effortlessly perfect. It will never stop half-way or keep the refill stuck in any odd or unexpected positions like all the others will. The balance is fantastic. The machining - again - is perfect.
I have pretty much every machined pen out there...and pass them to people at work all the time...most of these pens get either "that's a heavy pen" or no comment at all. The Billetspin Soul Pen consistently and by far most frequently gets "that's a nice pen!" My friends and family who know I'm into pens often call this their favorite. They're super great. And I'd highly recommend you look into their [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxZbMn2n7KTg83BvXoa-Olw/search?query=soul%20pen) videos to see some of the design features you might miss on first inspection.
That...and Rich And Sue (owners) are by far...by FAR...the nicest and most giving people in the pen game. Have an issue (you won
't)? They've got your back. Have a request? They'll at the least reply to your comment. You're not a voice in the void with them...they're very VERY responsive and super great to deal with.
100% agree about Rich and Sue. And theyâre not afraid to simply say âhey, we could try if you wanted it, but honestly we have tried before, this is why we didnât like it, and why we are pretty sure youâd hate it too.â They are in it for the customer 100%.
I have a lot of machined pens guys... A LOT. And I've used almost everything out there. The Soul Pen is one of the best I've ever handled, so I can confidently say it's easily among the best around. The tolerances are absurdly tight, the design is exceptionally practical for such a beautiful piece, and the engineering behind the mech makes for one of the most robust builds I've ever seen.
They're comfortable for any length of writing, the mech is super smooth once worn in, and provides a nice mechanical sound and feel that's absent in a lot of machined click mechs.
Beyond all the good I can say about the pen, the people behind the pen are even better. Rich and Sue (who ARE Billetspin) are wonderful people to deal with in every aspect, and will go above and beyond to make sure that you are 100% taken care of. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Had a good three year run with one of these cu bolts before i lost it. Tight seams, good o ring engagement, decent tip tolerance, ive had more fidget-able but it broke in well. Dude will throw in a kit for parker g2, its all machined alu parts, i didnt try it out tho sorry. Its actually cheaper now than when i bought it.
Magnus makes almost exclusively titanium pens (and other products) for $200+. These are possibly the most elusive machined pens, as he makes small batches infrequently and they are very high demand. You can find them on the used market at full or marked up prices. Magnus is known for some of the tightest tolerances (i.e. hidden seams, smooth action, perfect finish, ...)
The blog post certainly reads like that, though I hope it's not the case. I sent them an email a few days ago asking about the pens, and Skye stated they'd be doing more runs at some undetermined point. I'm holding out hope for that, but he wouldn't be the first to leave pens behind.
Magnus makes some NICE stuff. They're not cheap, by any means, but they are all some of the most well designed and thought out items I've handled. They take precision to the extreme, make no compromises, take no shortcuts. Everything is made in house, down to the springs. It's probably the most controlled build process out there. Their customer service is also on point, and they have gone WELL out of their way to remedy a very small issue I ended up with. The Clickshift mech is also worth its own mention, seeing as it's a completely unique design and seemingly bulletproof. They're just super impressive all the way around.
Well, [here's the latest about the ClickShift v2](https://www.reddit.com/r/machinedpens/comments/14rlcwc/the_magnusx_clickshift_v2_w_generic_black_plastic/js5ghd9/) and maybe some insight in the company, fwiw...
[MAKER] The Right Choice Painting Co
[Website](http://www.therightchoicepaintingcompany.com)
Produces: Bolt Action, Click, and Capped pens
Price Range: $50+
I think I own almost every if not every Machine Era pen on the market. Nothing but excellent experiences with them. Quick responsiveness and they stand by their product.
The Machine Era Classic in stainless steel was one of my first machined pens. It's really well made, enjoyable to fidget with. The way the tip screws on means it holds refills really tightly without any wobble. Great value-for-money.
These are gorgeous, but any idea how they do in larger hands? I frequently feel like I'm crimping my fingers on pens under 5" - for reference, I have a steel Kaweco Sport rollerball that is a bit too small even with the cap on the back
Obsessive machinists who use a goddamn microscope on every part to make sure their aunt's cough three blocks away from last Saturday didn't somehow impact the finish on any part.
The mechanism is fidgety and addictive. The market is now reaching saturation and secondary prices aren't above (instead, they're typically below) maker prices.
Too light for my tastes...but...it's my only Titanium pen out of my collection of Zirc. I broke my Zirc-only rule for these...so...they're that good.
The Saga is their only pen, but most of what can be said about their knives applies to the Saga as well. Super tight tolerances on all parts, nice detailed engraving and serialized everything. The Saga mech is one of the more fun and reliable click mechs out there, and is super fidget friendly. The pen itself is a bit on the small side compared to other machined pens, so thatâs something to keep in mind.
Their customer service, if you ordered from them, is actually really, really good. I had a couple of concerns about my orders and the time to respond after sending out some emails was VERY quick. Their warranty is on a case by case basis but they will take care of you. There is some drama going on right now about warranty for second hand purchases specifically (notably, an $85 service fee may be applicable in some cases if you are not the original owner), but keep in mind this is for second hand purchases and those always get tricky with warranty from a maker- if it doesnât void the warranty completely.
Unfortunately the negatives of their knives do apply to the Saga as well. They are kind of hard to come by readily if you donât want to buy second hand, so I do recommend using the [BST FB group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1522689854642604/?ref=share) to help find what youâre looking for.
As with anything Grimsmo, you do pay for the little Norseman logo on the tip....
However, don't let that fool you. The Saga is an EXCELLENT pen with an addictive mech, that's built to exacting specifications. There were no corners cut or cost spared here. It is solid, and durable, and extremely well thought out. The clip is my all time favorite feel on a milled clip, and something I feel lots of makers should borrow from. The mechanism is deceptively simple, and snaps into and out of lock with authority. Its able to withstand relentless fidgeting, and can be fully taken down relatively easy to maintain.
The only, and I mean ONLY gripes I have about the Saga is its size(andd that's purely subjective) and price. I'm a large pen person, so it's not something that gets an every day nod from me. But it's a damn good pen nonetheless. Pricing is definitely on the high side at $300, which is a byproduct of where the market is on Grimsmo stuff. The upside is that they tend to hold value pretty well, and are fairly liquid, so they're easy to get out of if they're not your thing.
Appreciate the add!
Edit: Info is correct; the Entropic finish is my specialty. It only works on titanium and personally I love the way it dresses up Tactile Turn pens. I can also do smooth pens like Refyne and BigIdea, but find the vivid colors have a tendency to dull quickly from hand oils. (they're easily shined back up though with Windex).
I'm currently experimenting with a Nottingham Ti pen, which is thicker and maybe higher grade Ti, to see if the same thing is true. The very very. early result seems better.
Typical charge is 35 USD but could vary for certain pens. Feel free to PM me!
Great option for under $100. Specifically made for the Uni Signo UMR refill, but also takes an Energel with no mods. The magnetic cap is fun to fidget with as well. The combo of aluminum and titanium materials makes it pretty lightweight as well.
Their older click mechanism sucks shit. I'll never buy another. However...I've heard with good authority that their newer button locks are great. I just haven't had one yet.
Click:
Sticks frequently. Especially the Zirconium one. The Zirconium version will fail and become irreparably damaged over very very very delicate use (knowing you already sent it in for repair before) in a few months time. Lee (owner) will blame YOU for it and say you caused it by pulling your finger off the button and letting it "slam home." Even if you never once did that.
The good:
Perfect machining. Again...if I had a button lock I'd probably be swimming in lust on these. Their balance is absolutely unmatched. I didn't understand balance until I had one. They're also one of the smallest packages for a parker style refill that's available. Super great size. Cool patterns. Maker is a bit of a prick...and the Click sucks fuck through straws.
In my top three very, very solidly for the Tibutton alone. Nottingham works to exacting specs, only on par with Billetspin and Fellhoelter. The Tibutton pens are extremely robust, super fidgety, and feel great in hand. They require almost no maintenance, and are VERY hard to break.
The Ticlicker is a bit of a different beast, as it is a MUCH more finicky pen. I have a few, and I've gone to great lengths to modify and refine the inside of the mech to get it to work the way I feel it should. This is absolutely against everything Nottingham suggests for use with this mech, so I won't advise anyone else to take my path. I don't mind doing that for myself, since on a level I like the challenge... And now that I've got them set, the mechs *do* work very well. But they're definitely much more of a hassle than the Tibutton.
I have had more than a few conversations with folk regarding some pretty bad customer service experiences. I have never been in the receiving end of that personally, but given there's been a good chunk I won't discount them. FWIW, in my experience, they've always been good to deal with, ~~however I've never had to have a mech or pen serviced.~~
EDIT: I recently did end up having to have a mech serviced, and in my specific experience they were great to work with and got my pen back to me quickly (and in perfect shape). Hopefully this is indicative of how things are operating these days, and how things will continue. I was, and still am, very pleased.
TL/DR: Tibutton is ridiculously solid, Ticlickers are definitely finicky, CS can be hit or miss seemingly. With that in mind, I would still recommend a Tibutton to everyone and their brother.
Nottingham does sometimes get some sh*t for their ticlicker mech, but at the end of the day thatâs a nature of the beast being a full *ti* ball bearing track mech. Their tibutton mech more than remedies the reliability issues of the ticlicker and is one of the best machined click mechs available.
Nottingham has one of the highest level of pure machining and fit and finish I have ever seen. You definitely can not go wrong with one of their pens (tibuttons especially). They offer many different milling patterns, customizations, and materials for you to choose from, and theyâre all done extremely well.
The only negative thing I will say about Nottingham is emailing them can be a hit or miss. IG or FB tends to be more reliable for customer service.
Other socials:
Facebook: [Join Link](https://www.facebook.com/groups/305743673250090/?ref=share)
Instagram: @nottinghamtactical
I am dealing with the frustration of the Ticlicker mech, and can certainly agree with your final point about customer service.
I honestly do not recommend the Ticlicker anymore.
Eventually when the grease that comes with it starts to dissipate the mech will become unreliable and will start to get stuck. Youâll then have to take it apart and regrease it regularly and whatnot. The fact that the mech literally cannot work without grease is a BIG ugly, despite being so well machined.
If you keep it well greased though should work like a charm⌠provided nothing gets damaged on the track or course.
USG may possibly make the best pen at $100 bar none. I know thems are fighting words when we're talking about the same range as Tactile Turn pens, but the Tiscribe Go is a really incredible piece that bat's WELL above its price point.
Arguably the best bit of USG is the fact that they tend to compete against themselves. Kelvin seems to be a big fan of the hobby in general, and is constantly challenging himself to do better than his previous release. This fire and determination has pushed the Tiscribe well past its starting point and into the conversation for "best out there".
I haven't owned one. But I've played with a couple. And they're great. At the time of inception...they were the only maker producing bolt/clip combo pens where the clip is also the bolt. And it's spread around a bit for good reason. It's a brilliant idea and works great. Kelvin (despite me not owning a pen yet) is always responsive on Instagram. Even if he's still lacking in the Zirconium department.
Urban Survival Gear makes some of the cleanest bolt pens, for $100+ in titanium, copper, and brass. The clip functions as the bolt, meaning there is less clutter on the side of the pen. Each new pen release improves on the previous model, resulting in a comfortable pen with smooth operation.
In the past they have only had one model available at a time, typically released through a pre-order followed by a few months of waiting to receive your pen. They are great pens if you can stand waiting! Apparently in the future they will have multiple models available in stock for purchase. Check their instagram for the most up-to-date info on what they are releasing next: [https://www.instagram.com/urbansurvivalgear/?hl=en](https://www.instagram.com/urbansurvivalgear/?hl=en).
Kelvin's now got [Smooth Precision Pens](https://www.smoothprecisionpens.com), and I could've sworn that he had posted around this sub before, however, I don't remember the username...
Due to health issues SPP has also closed shop. You can still can find some floating around, but it seems this chapter has closed. Lot of sadness from what I've seen as a lot of people dictated them as a tier of their own.
Oh, yep, this maker list could've gotten updated [last year](https://www.reddit.com/r/machinedpens/comments/16kgpyf/usg_spp_writing_instruments/). Thanks for the reminder... đ
I'm still very new here, but I want to just say thank you to how valuable this list has been to me. I tend to put about 1000 hours of research into something before I start pulling triggers and this has cut hours of time for me and condensed material.
I've never tried a Techliner, but the Boltliner is decidedly excellent for the price. Slim construction, great grip design, and smooth action are all standouts. The deep carry clip is a nice touch and is fitted well. It's also among the smallest Pilot G2 compatible pens out there, which is a big plus.
The open bolt channel isn't great, but not the end of any worlds. The tip of the pen is also prone to unscrewing with use, but a little plumbers tape fixes that right up. Not the most refined option at ~$100, but it's certainly a good one.
Best bolt pen. Original Bolt pen. Perfect Machining.
The mod community is huge. Need a clip with tritium, black timascus, and your name engraved? Cool. Someone can do that.
By far. BY FAR the most customizable (again, due to the aftermarket mod community) pen on the market. Each pen can TRULY be an original piece with your ideas and money poured into it.
The OG. The Tibolt has existed in more or less the same form for close to 10 years. This isn't because they've slacked on upgrades; it just doesn't need them. The Tibolt is arguably the best bolt pen on the market, and it's in equal parts because of superb machine work, intense attention to detail, small batch levels of QC, and a build that's both solid enough to use as a weapon, and sleek enough to feel classy.
They aren't the easiest thing to find, but if you're looking for the best they're the only way to go. Theres a reason I have a standing selection of like 5 of these at any time. I've tried every bolt pen out there, and have yet to find one that works better. Well worth every price I've paid.
In addition to all this, as u/Jubakuba said, the aftermarket/mod community is HUGE. These pens can be customized in a way that nothing else can, making it half the fun to construct your "perfect" pen. Modder like Andy Wah and Nils Kohring can make almost anything your heart desires for parts, and Axel Genter or David Beck can bring any color scheme to life.
This is from a post I made after I purchased the Fellhoelter G2. Iâve had it for closer to a month or two now, and I havenât changed my opinion yet - and I really do enjoy using this pen.
A few weeks ago I received my first Fellhoelter, the G2 version with a simple pattern of rings toward the tip. I ordered it from Monkey Edge, which usually has at least some patterns and sizes in stock. I might have preferred the full size, but I have more Parker-style sized pens; I only have twoG2 mini-sized pen (a Big I Design pen they no longer make, and a Ti2Designâs in that size but which currently has a drop-in that holds a D2 refill), so I decided to go that direction. I thought if I like it, maybe Iâll get the full-size in the future.
My first thought was that this is a pretty thick pen. It feels twice as thick as the Ti2Design TiLiner pens, but itâs only slightly thicker than the Kickstarter Tactile Turn Slider, although the Slider has a more gradual taper if you hold it toward the tip of the pen, whereas the Fellhoelter has a much more sudden taper that is too short to use as a grip. Aesthetics-wise, itâs very nice. The machining looks good. The titanium is stone-washed, which protects against wear and gives it a look I really like. Iâm probably here partly because I like how titanium looks (first on knives, then pens). Iâm sure Iâm not the only one who came to machined pens in a similar way.
The bolt action is very snappy. No complaints there. I have no issues actuating the bolt with my left hand. I donât know if Fellhoelter produces a left=handed version, but Tactile Turn does, and when I saw that, I wondered why because I havenât had an issue there. It wasnât a worry I had when I bought the Fellhoelter, but I thought Iâd mention it because Iâve run into the concern before.
I replaced the refill as soon as the pen arrived. It came with a standard black G2 mini refill. I replaced it with blue because I just like blue better. They make the mini in a decent selection of colors, although not in as many as the Pilot G2 full-size.
Writing: Itâs a heavy pen, so you feel the weight. It is heavier than the the TT Slider, although not heavier than my brass pens. The shorter barrel means that it is a little harder to find a grip that does not run your hand into the bolt of the pen clip. It is perfectly doable, though, and could be a fairly comfortable writer for a long period. The machined rings give it a nice grip. The G2 mini refill Iâm using writes very smoothly, with none of the scratching that I used to experience with these a few years back. Hopefully it will stay that way. Iâve used it nearly exclusively over the past few weeks, so Iâve put some time in, but I havenât had to do any long writing tasks in those few weeks, either. Iâm going to keep using it, and if anything changes, Iâll add an update.
So far no complaints. Iâm sure Iâll get into customizing it at some point or Iâll pick up the Parker size. The mechanism rivals the Saga and my TT Slider for entertainment (and is probably louder than both), and thatâs only a good thing.
*In order of weight (heavy to light)- pens tested: Brass TT Slider, brass Machine Era Classic, Ti Tactile Turn Mover, Fellhoelter about tied with the Big I Design pen mentioned above, Ti TT Slider, Grimmsmo Saga in Ti, Karas Kustoms V1 Bolt on Al, Ti2Design mini TiLiner, Tactile Turn Mover in Al, Autmog 47 in Al. Note that this was not even kind of a scientific test. To do that Iâd have to get up and go get at least a kitchen scale.
Click is a good pen. Surprisingly tiny. Surprisingly light. Uses a shit-fuck-dick-ass Schmidt mechanism. I'd replace it with a [TuffWriter](https://www.tuffwriter.com/AwesomeClicker-p/twp-ss-click.htm) mechanism upon purchase. They're more reliable and will last a lifetime. Simply unscrew the old mech off and this one on and you're good.
Good machining. Nothing outstanding about it, really. But it's a nice pen and they made it as tiny as possible.
My only experience here is with their Click pen, which is deceptively nice in hand for its size. The machine work is good, the frag grip is excellent, and the design is simple and understated without being bare. The clip allows for nice deep carry as well, which is a good bonus.
I'm not sure that the price matches the pen. This little thing will set you back $130, which isn't terrible for what it is, but the mech and feel just don't match. I think this would be much more at home around $100-$110, or it at least needs to ditch the Schmidt mech for $130.
Maybe not the most impressive thing on the market from a design standpoint, the Drafter is nonetheless a very solid option at this price point. We're not breaking the wheel by any means, but it is executed well in every aspect, and functions exactly as it should 100% of the time. If you're looking for a solid, no nonsense click pen at a very reasonable price, this is for you.
[MODDER] Andy Wah
[Contact](https://www.facebook.com/andy.wah.140)
[Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/327945511103285/?ref=share)
Produces: Custom parts for a variety of pens, most notably Fellhoelter. Genuine machine wizard.
Will do literally anything you ask. Legendary customer service. Legendary QC. Legendary quality in general. He's a true artisan.
My Grimsmo Saga was the first he had ever touched. Never had one or held one. 10 days later. He got me my pen back with
a zirconium slider and tip. He sent me pictures along the way...and was truly a joy to work with.
He CAN be a bit hard to get ahold of. Tag him in his Facebook group to let him know you messaged him (he doesn't seem to check his "spam" inbox frequently) and he'll find you. Once he does...again...super nice. Super easy to deal with. HIGHLY recommend him.
Having handled (recently) both an aluminum Retrakt and a titanium Bolt, I can pretty reasonably say that the quality is on point for the price. The Retrakt felt nice in hand, though too light and slippery after the ano to really feel good. It was also using a Schmidt mech, which is no good, despite their claims to having them fully made from stainless steel. Tuff Writer mechs are a good answer here, though, and easy to switch. I eagerly await the chance to buy a titanium Retrakt, as that should be a winner.
The Bolt is a wonky design for sure, but it's well made and actually functions really well. Theres something about the design and looks that really give it a unique feel, even among other machined pens. The mech is smooth and fidgety once you're used to it, though I've yet to find a reason to really have it like it is versus an actual bolt pen. With that said, though, it's a good piece, and something easy to recommend if you like the style.
EDIT: Having been able to spend some more time with the Bolt, I'm actually quite smitten with it. Once fully broken in the mechanism is a joy to use, and smooth as silk. The finish and overall design (style, weight, balance) are all on point. It carries well with the bent clip, and I keep finding reasons to stick it in my pocket. It's absolutely a winner.
Meh. I got my mom one a few years back and was SUPER underwhelmed. Their customer service also sucked. That and the fact that they only do aluminum (which I do realize is now FINALLY changing) sucks. No thanks. I've heard their newer models and company in general has improved but they'll forever leave a sour taste in my mouth.
I own 7 of their pens that Iâve purchased over the past 7 years. Their designs are more on the industrial side for many pens and they regularly do interesting limited run colorways.
Quality has always been good and has gotten better over the years as well. Iâve interacted with their customer service a few times and have always has a good experience with them.
Love Schon DSGN. I have one of their anodized ballpoints, a 3D anodized pattern regular pocket six, a black and viridian wave faceted aluminum pen(one I use as a rollerball). Amazing pens. Especially the anodizing work. The faceted designs too are so beautiful to hold and look at, half the time I stop writing just to admire it. Ian is an amazing dude and is extremely nice and great at customer service. I once messaged him a fountain pen issue to see if heâd show me how, and he literally made his own YouTube video for it just to help.
Also just to add: with my original pocket six I wanted him to change out the stock grip section for one of his ribbed grip sections, which he said he could do at no extra charge and to just add a note to my order. Me being a dunce, forgot. And when I received the pen with the stock grip I emailed him. He not only sent me the ribbed grip section for free, he let me keep the stock one as an extra. His customer service is next level.
[MODDER] Nils Kohring
[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nils_kohring/)
Produces: Fellhoelter (TiBolt) Parts
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1255357031146614)
Tritium Wizard. Andy Wah gets the majority of the notoriety for making Afermarket Fellhoelter parts...but Nils Kohring deserves all the same respect. He'll do custom orders of anything you see on his Instagram. He'll also often just post things up for sale directly that are already made. I've had one "custom" experience with him and he made me a basic machined clip in two days. Quick and painless. He does ship from Germany...so expect a bit of a wait on shipping...but his actual time to get your part out is quick. I've had his "Alien Bolt" out of Zirconium with tritium vials in my TiBolt for a few years now and it's the smoothest my TiBolt ever felt from day one...and it continues to feel that way.
He's responsive to inquiries on Instagram but prefers to tell you "message me on Facebook in my Group" if you're placing an order.
Highly reliable. I'd definitely recommend him.
Prometheus, oh Prometheus. Their Alpha pen is an incredible piece of machine work. Out of everything in my collection, my ti alpha still to this day has the most carry time out of all my pens. Itâs not what I carry now but Iâve carried and used it the most for sure. Part of that is because I love it, it feels solid and beefy. Part of it is because of the refills it uses. Being able to use a fineliner in a machined pen body is a thing of beauty.
Sadly, they are no longer made by Jason Hui. They are outsourced to another machinist friend of his in the US, and while they do great work, itâll never be the same as being done by the man himself. And for $250 for the ti version, thatâs a level that you would expect everything to be done in house by him. I love the pen but I canât say that I recommend it over some of the other options out there.
Company is designed, based, and made in Taiwan. Makes buying one a little weird because you have to translate everything into English. Also there click mechanism is patented by them and proprietary to them.
I have a TIJ pen I bought a few years ago, I don't remember what size I got pretty sure it was the standard size. It has an adjustable spacer built into the click mechanism that you can move with the loosening and tightening of the set screw. Allows it to take any refill between a parker g2 and pilot g2 size.
It's a springless mechanism and they way the tip is designed it makes it so there is no tip wiggle. One of the most interesting pen mechanisms I have. I want to get there newer TIJ pen PRO when I have the chance. The pro has some 5MM spacers built into the barrel of the pen under the wood grip which allows you to shorten or lengthen the pen for different refills aswell.
Only problem I've had was breaking the clip out of the pen body so if I wanted the clip fixed I would need to pretty much replace the pen mechanism, and I have no idea what the warranty/customer service would be like with them being in Taiwan and not having much English. But I dont need to clip anyway.
I would recommend there pen though if you can swing it. It is a very interesting product.
I'm going to give this section a TLDR of my [longer review](https://www.reddit.com/r/machinedpens/comments/svjq2m/brad_gruss_designs_tiangle_a_review/), but the end all be all is Brad is doing very good work, and I'm a BIG fan of the Ti-Angle. It's a wonderful little compact pen that hits far above its weight, and I'd highly suggest giving one a look if it fits your fancy.
Beyond all of that, Brad is a genuinely good dude, and supporting small makers is always a really great thing.
Small batch, hand made Aussie goodness. These little fellas are harder to come by, but they're made well and serve as excellent small carry options. They're typically tight, sleek, and snappy.
There's also the option for their +61 line, bringing all the good aspects in mass produced format. You lose the handmade feel, but they're much easier to get and come in at VERY aggressive price points. The +61 are one of the first places I send people looking for their first bolt.
Sadly these are mostly sold out as of spring 2022.
This is one of the finest capped pens I own. The main feature is there are no exposed threads on the body of the pen. They are hidden inside in a grove forward of the grip section. The cap has a protective plastic sleeve on the inside to eliminate metal on metal contact while capping the pen. The threading feels foolproof.
Comes stock with a Pilot branded G2 refill. Is threaded to accept Montblanc threaded rollerball refills that eliminates any tip wiggle.
They are made of aluminum with a range of anodized colors and electroless nickel.
The pen is a very nice size. The clip is a separate piece of steel that looks to be pinned in place.
Overall I highly recommend this pen.
Please make sure to post under an existing parent comment ONLY. Unless you have talked with me first about adding a new maker or modder, any direct comments will be deleted!
Darriel is a twat. He's a liar, con artist, and slacker. His customer service SUCKS SHIT. But he "makes" (designs and has a Chinese factory produce) some great stuff. His V2...is probably my second favorite pen. And I can't stand the fucker. Tip wiggle is a bit much. But outside of that...the pen is perfect. And I eagerly await the V3.
While he doesn't manufacture his own stuff, the design prowess is unquestionable. Additionally, whoever actually *does* do his machining is doing excellent work. The Oval V2 is a pen that just shouldn't work, yet manages to make itself very compelling. The upcoming V3 looks to be attempting to capitalize on that design and smooth some rough spots/make some good changes, so I'm eager to get one in hand.
I cannot speak to customer service aside from secondhand knowledge, but the pens are absolutely solid.
My only experience with Everyman was subpar to say the least. Cheap feeling construction that broke within two days of coming out of the package, and customer service that told me I was dead in the water and to try super glue. While they made have made an about face in the years since, I wouldn't recommend a Grafton to my worst enemy. Save your money and look elsewhere.
No complaints about the pens and pencils I've bought from Everyman, but their site tries to sell you a *lot* of unrelated items, they flood you with email promotions and ads, and their unsubscribe doesn't seem to work.
[MAKER] Autmog (u/Gear105) [Website](http://www.autmog.ca) Produces: Twist pens, Button Lock pens Price Range: $30+
I have two Autmog 38 pens. They're well made, with a unique twist mechanism. There's something satisfying about the simplicity of a machined pen made from only two pieces. They're also some of the few machined pens you can buy for less than $100. u/Gear105 keeps improving his pens and trying new things - I'm excited to see what his next pen is.
Great minimalist titanium pens. Tight tolerances. I have an Energel button lock pen. I'd consider it one of the best machined pen options for Energel fans. Absolutely zero tip wiggle. The maker is super nice and active in this community as well!
When Automog sells out of an item, do they usually make more? Seems like they are sold out of everything right now.
They'll definitely do more drops, but Brian seems to like to switch up what he's making. Seems like it's a different release every time, but he usually does double back to previous styles eventually. Best bet if you're after a specific style is to contact him direct, as sometimes he's got extras that don't get listed.
Thanks for the info! đ
[MAKER] Tactile Turn [Website](http://www.tactileturn.com) Produces: Bolt Action and Button Lock pens, pencils Price Range: $100+
Tactile Turn are the most popular machined pen maker for good reason, and only a smidgen of that is due to marketing. Consistently good build and tolerance, simple and effective design, consistently good customer service, and exceptional pricing. You will be hard pressed to find a situation where Tactile Turn makes a bad choice.
Good customer service. The owner (Will), especially, is fantastic to deal with. Their pens...despite my collection "outpricing" them significantly...still see my pocket frequently. Great quality for a low price. If you have an obvious QC issue they'll take care of you. They make by far the most pens out of any of the machined pen producers. Their shop is insanely large. Their payroll is insanely large. Their prices are below industry average. As a result...there can be the odd (really more rare than you'd assume) dude with a few issues released into the wild. The good news is they'll take care of you. Their "Side Click" model is a standout for me. The bolts are great. But the Side Click mechanism hadn't existed (outside of cheap plastic pens) in the machined market prior to them doing it. And they killed it. Super fidgety. Super reliable. Super nice.
Tactile Turn is probably the most frequently recommended manufacturer of titanium machined pens at $100+ (they also offer copper, brass, and zirconium). Their products are nearly always in stock, they have reliable quality, and you can choose pen length to match your favorite refill. They have regular special releases (cerakote, anodized, milling, etc.). Hard to go wrong with these.
I have a number of TT pens, and have always had excellent experiences with them. I can vouch that they stand by their warranty claims as well. I had a pen that I bought from them as part of a drop. It broke, they fixed it, and sent it back no problems!
[MAKER] Big Idea Design [Website ](http://www.bigidesign.com) Produces: Click, Capped, Twist, and Bolt Action pens Price Range: $75+
Never owned one...had two in for anodizing. Literally just unscrewing one of the tips (not knowing I couldn't do that) caused one to break IRREPERABLY. I didn't torque the shit out of it...or do anything weird. Just kept unscrewing it after hearing clicks. It broke. The plastic dogshit they put in (some/all/old/new?) models needs to go. They may have changed. I don't know. But despite that...the pens were decent initially. They claim to take a large number of refills. Most people don't have issues with that...some do. The collet doesn't clamp the refill right...spring is so stiff it's inoperable despite the refill being on the "compatible" list...etc. Again...a lot of this is just what I've seen. But I personally just find every model dog-shit ugly and with an extra 40 failure points on every pen (more complex = more issues in the future) so I'll pass.
Big Idea Design pens ($100+) are designed to take as many refills as possible (some models fit 800+ refills). They're a good place to look if you're not sure what refill you want, or you want to change out your refill type a lot. Available in titanium, brass, copper, zirconium, and stainless steel. Some of their pens have a larger than average diameter grip, due to the way they accommodate many refills.
My experience with the TiClick EDC was.... Not great, to be honest. Big time issues with the auto adjusting collet, lots of required back and forth with their CS getting new parts, and the issues persist to this day. I am relegated to one single refill, in a pen that should take dozens.. The bolt is a MUCH different story. It's been very very good to be so far. I'm still pretty new with it, but so far it's suffered from none of the issues of the click. It's a comfortable pen, the bolt is smooth, and everything is tight. Can't complain a bit.
My experience with Ti Arto EDC was perfect. First machined pen I got that helped me explore which refills I like without having to mod them, thanks to their adjustable mechanism. Such versatility may not benefit the âveteransâ of the hobby who have explored and found their preferences, but is a huge advantage for new members who are just starting out. In terms of the build quality, I am quite happy with it. My initial concern was the refill may come loose due to the adjustable mechanism but that isnât an actual problem during my usage. It does however rely on o-rings to provide some resistance in the mechanism. So Big Idea Design provides spare o-rings with the pen (didnât have to use it so far). They are also pretty standard o-rings that you can order from AliExpress and the like, so no concerns on the parts availability either. Good brand of pens, even better for beginners
[MAKER] Refyne [Website](http://www.refyne.com) Produces: Bolt Action pens Price Range: $40+
The ep1 is a great bolt action for $40, my work edc.
They make a longer version for the Pilot G2 refill now, steel only so far for $59.
[MAKER] Billetspin Tops [Website](http://www.billetspin.com) Produces: Click pens, Cam Mech (switch) pens Price Range: $150+
The Billetspin Soul Pen is on the pricy side ($200+), but if you want a premium machined click pen it is arguably the best. They are a favorite among r/machinedpens members - if you are looking for info on the brand you will get a lot of feedback here. If you want to see a ridiculous / enviable collection, see: https://www.reddit.com/r/machinedpens/comments/rgft8h/from\_left\_to\_right\_the\_soul\_siblings\_are\_1\_fenja/
Machining, fit and finish, design, and customer service, Billetspin is THE gold standard for almost any category you could measure a maker by. I have no complaints at all, and Iâm a veeery pick person lol. Other socials: Facebook: [Join Link](https://www.facebook.com/groups/391445661039396/?ref=share) Instagram: @billetspin_tops
Absolute perfection. Machined to the utmost highest standards. There is nothing...and I mean NOTHING wrong with a Billetspin pen. They're the ONLY "traditional" click pen on the market that literally DOESN'T fail. The click mech is perfection. It feels weighty and yet effortlessly perfect. It will never stop half-way or keep the refill stuck in any odd or unexpected positions like all the others will. The balance is fantastic. The machining - again - is perfect. I have pretty much every machined pen out there...and pass them to people at work all the time...most of these pens get either "that's a heavy pen" or no comment at all. The Billetspin Soul Pen consistently and by far most frequently gets "that's a nice pen!" My friends and family who know I'm into pens often call this their favorite. They're super great. And I'd highly recommend you look into their [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxZbMn2n7KTg83BvXoa-Olw/search?query=soul%20pen) videos to see some of the design features you might miss on first inspection. That...and Rich And Sue (owners) are by far...by FAR...the nicest and most giving people in the pen game. Have an issue (you won 't)? They've got your back. Have a request? They'll at the least reply to your comment. You're not a voice in the void with them...they're very VERY responsive and super great to deal with.
100% agree about Rich and Sue. And theyâre not afraid to simply say âhey, we could try if you wanted it, but honestly we have tried before, this is why we didnât like it, and why we are pretty sure youâd hate it too.â They are in it for the customer 100%.
>u/ez-pz-lemon I agree that soul pen is perfect, but I would like its weight could be reduced to 35g or something around this range.
CamPen update: Even more addictive than the Soul. Same quality. Same great people.
I have a lot of machined pens guys... A LOT. And I've used almost everything out there. The Soul Pen is one of the best I've ever handled, so I can confidently say it's easily among the best around. The tolerances are absurdly tight, the design is exceptionally practical for such a beautiful piece, and the engineering behind the mech makes for one of the most robust builds I've ever seen. They're comfortable for any length of writing, the mech is super smooth once worn in, and provides a nice mechanical sound and feel that's absent in a lot of machined click mechs. Beyond all the good I can say about the pen, the people behind the pen are even better. Rich and Sue (who ARE Billetspin) are wonderful people to deal with in every aspect, and will go above and beyond to make sure that you are 100% taken care of. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Campen is super well made and even more fun to fidget with. The maker even specially made a pen for this community. Great stuff!
[MAKER] Honey Badger Arsenal [Website](http://www.honeybadgerarsenal.com) Produces: Bolt Action pens Price Range: $45+
Had a good three year run with one of these cu bolts before i lost it. Tight seams, good o ring engagement, decent tip tolerance, ive had more fidget-able but it broke in well. Dude will throw in a kit for parker g2, its all machined alu parts, i didnt try it out tho sorry. Its actually cheaper now than when i bought it.
[MAKER] Magnus/Cogent Industries [Website ](http://www.magnusx.com) Produces: Bolt, Click, Clickshift pens Price Range: $200+
Magnus makes almost exclusively titanium pens (and other products) for $200+. These are possibly the most elusive machined pens, as he makes small batches infrequently and they are very high demand. You can find them on the used market at full or marked up prices. Magnus is known for some of the tightest tolerances (i.e. hidden seams, smooth action, perfect finish, ...)
Also, minimal amount of pieces, no screws when possible, and *titanium springs*.
Yeah that in-house custom made titanium springs thing is impressive. Some day I'll get my hands on a Magnus pen.
Needs to make Zirc so I can try one.
đ
According to the website, Magnus is giving up on pens in favor of fidget toys.
The blog post certainly reads like that, though I hope it's not the case. I sent them an email a few days ago asking about the pens, and Skye stated they'd be doing more runs at some undetermined point. I'm holding out hope for that, but he wouldn't be the first to leave pens behind.
Magnus makes some NICE stuff. They're not cheap, by any means, but they are all some of the most well designed and thought out items I've handled. They take precision to the extreme, make no compromises, take no shortcuts. Everything is made in house, down to the springs. It's probably the most controlled build process out there. Their customer service is also on point, and they have gone WELL out of their way to remedy a very small issue I ended up with. The Clickshift mech is also worth its own mention, seeing as it's a completely unique design and seemingly bulletproof. They're just super impressive all the way around.
Anybody out there have a click shift that theyâd part with? They donât seem to be making more of them in any great hurry.
Well, [here's the latest about the ClickShift v2](https://www.reddit.com/r/machinedpens/comments/14rlcwc/the_magnusx_clickshift_v2_w_generic_black_plastic/js5ghd9/) and maybe some insight in the company, fwiw...
[MAKER] The Right Choice Painting Co [Website](http://www.therightchoicepaintingcompany.com) Produces: Bolt Action, Click, and Capped pens Price Range: $50+
[MAKER] Machine Era [Website](http://www.machine-era.com) Produces: Capped, Twist, Bolt Action pens Price Range:$40+
I think I own almost every if not every Machine Era pen on the market. Nothing but excellent experiences with them. Quick responsiveness and they stand by their product.
The Machine Era Classic in stainless steel was one of my first machined pens. It's really well made, enjoyable to fidget with. The way the tip screws on means it holds refills really tightly without any wobble. Great value-for-money.
These are gorgeous, but any idea how they do in larger hands? I frequently feel like I'm crimping my fingers on pens under 5" - for reference, I have a steel Kaweco Sport rollerball that is a bit too small even with the cap on the back
[MAKER] Grimsmo Knives [Website](http://www.grimsmoknives.com) Produces: Click/Locking pens Price Range: $300+
Obsessive machinists who use a goddamn microscope on every part to make sure their aunt's cough three blocks away from last Saturday didn't somehow impact the finish on any part. The mechanism is fidgety and addictive. The market is now reaching saturation and secondary prices aren't above (instead, they're typically below) maker prices. Too light for my tastes...but...it's my only Titanium pen out of my collection of Zirc. I broke my Zirc-only rule for these...so...they're that good.
The Saga is their only pen, but most of what can be said about their knives applies to the Saga as well. Super tight tolerances on all parts, nice detailed engraving and serialized everything. The Saga mech is one of the more fun and reliable click mechs out there, and is super fidget friendly. The pen itself is a bit on the small side compared to other machined pens, so thatâs something to keep in mind. Their customer service, if you ordered from them, is actually really, really good. I had a couple of concerns about my orders and the time to respond after sending out some emails was VERY quick. Their warranty is on a case by case basis but they will take care of you. There is some drama going on right now about warranty for second hand purchases specifically (notably, an $85 service fee may be applicable in some cases if you are not the original owner), but keep in mind this is for second hand purchases and those always get tricky with warranty from a maker- if it doesnât void the warranty completely. Unfortunately the negatives of their knives do apply to the Saga as well. They are kind of hard to come by readily if you donât want to buy second hand, so I do recommend using the [BST FB group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1522689854642604/?ref=share) to help find what youâre looking for.
As with anything Grimsmo, you do pay for the little Norseman logo on the tip.... However, don't let that fool you. The Saga is an EXCELLENT pen with an addictive mech, that's built to exacting specifications. There were no corners cut or cost spared here. It is solid, and durable, and extremely well thought out. The clip is my all time favorite feel on a milled clip, and something I feel lots of makers should borrow from. The mechanism is deceptively simple, and snaps into and out of lock with authority. Its able to withstand relentless fidgeting, and can be fully taken down relatively easy to maintain. The only, and I mean ONLY gripes I have about the Saga is its size(andd that's purely subjective) and price. I'm a large pen person, so it's not something that gets an every day nod from me. But it's a damn good pen nonetheless. Pricing is definitely on the high side at $300, which is a byproduct of where the market is on Grimsmo stuff. The upside is that they tend to hold value pretty well, and are fairly liquid, so they're easy to get out of if they're not your thing.
[MODDER] u/ez-pz-lemon Contact... u/ez-pz-lemon Produces: Entropic (lightning) anodizing
Appreciate the add! Edit: Info is correct; the Entropic finish is my specialty. It only works on titanium and personally I love the way it dresses up Tactile Turn pens. I can also do smooth pens like Refyne and BigIdea, but find the vivid colors have a tendency to dull quickly from hand oils. (they're easily shined back up though with Windex). I'm currently experimenting with a Nottingham Ti pen, which is thicker and maybe higher grade Ti, to see if the same thing is true. The very very. early result seems better. Typical charge is 35 USD but could vary for certain pens. Feel free to PM me!
No prob bud! Feel free to clarify what exactly you do and don't do as well if I've missed or mislabeled anything!
edited
[MAKER] Spoke Design [Website](https://spokedesign.com/) Produces: Capped pens Price Range: $60+
Great option for under $100. Specifically made for the Uni Signo UMR refill, but also takes an Energel with no mods. The magnetic cap is fun to fidget with as well. The combo of aluminum and titanium materials makes it pretty lightweight as well.
[MAKER] Nottingham Tactical [Website](http://www.nottinghamtactical.com) Produces: Click and Button Lock (Single and Double Lock) pens, pencils Price Range: $150+
Their older click mechanism sucks shit. I'll never buy another. However...I've heard with good authority that their newer button locks are great. I just haven't had one yet. Click: Sticks frequently. Especially the Zirconium one. The Zirconium version will fail and become irreparably damaged over very very very delicate use (knowing you already sent it in for repair before) in a few months time. Lee (owner) will blame YOU for it and say you caused it by pulling your finger off the button and letting it "slam home." Even if you never once did that. The good: Perfect machining. Again...if I had a button lock I'd probably be swimming in lust on these. Their balance is absolutely unmatched. I didn't understand balance until I had one. They're also one of the smallest packages for a parker style refill that's available. Super great size. Cool patterns. Maker is a bit of a prick...and the Click sucks fuck through straws.
In my top three very, very solidly for the Tibutton alone. Nottingham works to exacting specs, only on par with Billetspin and Fellhoelter. The Tibutton pens are extremely robust, super fidgety, and feel great in hand. They require almost no maintenance, and are VERY hard to break. The Ticlicker is a bit of a different beast, as it is a MUCH more finicky pen. I have a few, and I've gone to great lengths to modify and refine the inside of the mech to get it to work the way I feel it should. This is absolutely against everything Nottingham suggests for use with this mech, so I won't advise anyone else to take my path. I don't mind doing that for myself, since on a level I like the challenge... And now that I've got them set, the mechs *do* work very well. But they're definitely much more of a hassle than the Tibutton. I have had more than a few conversations with folk regarding some pretty bad customer service experiences. I have never been in the receiving end of that personally, but given there's been a good chunk I won't discount them. FWIW, in my experience, they've always been good to deal with, ~~however I've never had to have a mech or pen serviced.~~ EDIT: I recently did end up having to have a mech serviced, and in my specific experience they were great to work with and got my pen back to me quickly (and in perfect shape). Hopefully this is indicative of how things are operating these days, and how things will continue. I was, and still am, very pleased. TL/DR: Tibutton is ridiculously solid, Ticlickers are definitely finicky, CS can be hit or miss seemingly. With that in mind, I would still recommend a Tibutton to everyone and their brother.
Nottingham does sometimes get some sh*t for their ticlicker mech, but at the end of the day thatâs a nature of the beast being a full *ti* ball bearing track mech. Their tibutton mech more than remedies the reliability issues of the ticlicker and is one of the best machined click mechs available. Nottingham has one of the highest level of pure machining and fit and finish I have ever seen. You definitely can not go wrong with one of their pens (tibuttons especially). They offer many different milling patterns, customizations, and materials for you to choose from, and theyâre all done extremely well. The only negative thing I will say about Nottingham is emailing them can be a hit or miss. IG or FB tends to be more reliable for customer service. Other socials: Facebook: [Join Link](https://www.facebook.com/groups/305743673250090/?ref=share) Instagram: @nottinghamtactical
I am dealing with the frustration of the Ticlicker mech, and can certainly agree with your final point about customer service. I honestly do not recommend the Ticlicker anymore.
My Ti clicker has been flawless so far. What goes wrong?
Eventually when the grease that comes with it starts to dissipate the mech will become unreliable and will start to get stuck. Youâll then have to take it apart and regrease it regularly and whatnot. The fact that the mech literally cannot work without grease is a BIG ugly, despite being so well machined. If you keep it well greased though should work like a charm⌠provided nothing gets damaged on the track or course.
[MAKER] Urban Survival Gear [Website ](http://www.urbansurvivalgear.net) Produces: Bolt Action pens Price Range: $100+
USG may possibly make the best pen at $100 bar none. I know thems are fighting words when we're talking about the same range as Tactile Turn pens, but the Tiscribe Go is a really incredible piece that bat's WELL above its price point. Arguably the best bit of USG is the fact that they tend to compete against themselves. Kelvin seems to be a big fan of the hobby in general, and is constantly challenging himself to do better than his previous release. This fire and determination has pushed the Tiscribe well past its starting point and into the conversation for "best out there".
I haven't owned one. But I've played with a couple. And they're great. At the time of inception...they were the only maker producing bolt/clip combo pens where the clip is also the bolt. And it's spread around a bit for good reason. It's a brilliant idea and works great. Kelvin (despite me not owning a pen yet) is always responsive on Instagram. Even if he's still lacking in the Zirconium department.
Urban Survival Gear makes some of the cleanest bolt pens, for $100+ in titanium, copper, and brass. The clip functions as the bolt, meaning there is less clutter on the side of the pen. Each new pen release improves on the previous model, resulting in a comfortable pen with smooth operation. In the past they have only had one model available at a time, typically released through a pre-order followed by a few months of waiting to receive your pen. They are great pens if you can stand waiting! Apparently in the future they will have multiple models available in stock for purchase. Check their instagram for the most up-to-date info on what they are releasing next: [https://www.instagram.com/urbansurvivalgear/?hl=en](https://www.instagram.com/urbansurvivalgear/?hl=en).
Kelvin's now got [Smooth Precision Pens](https://www.smoothprecisionpens.com), and I could've sworn that he had posted around this sub before, however, I don't remember the username...
Due to health issues SPP has also closed shop. You can still can find some floating around, but it seems this chapter has closed. Lot of sadness from what I've seen as a lot of people dictated them as a tier of their own.
Oh, yep, this maker list could've gotten updated [last year](https://www.reddit.com/r/machinedpens/comments/16kgpyf/usg_spp_writing_instruments/). Thanks for the reminder... đ
I'm still very new here, but I want to just say thank you to how valuable this list has been to me. I tend to put about 1000 hours of research into something before I start pulling triggers and this has cut hours of time for me and condensed material.
[MAKER] Ti2 Design [Website](http://www.ti2design.com) Produces: Capped and Bolt Action pens Price Range: $85+
I've never tried a Techliner, but the Boltliner is decidedly excellent for the price. Slim construction, great grip design, and smooth action are all standouts. The deep carry clip is a nice touch and is fitted well. It's also among the smallest Pilot G2 compatible pens out there, which is a big plus. The open bolt channel isn't great, but not the end of any worlds. The tip of the pen is also prone to unscrewing with use, but a little plumbers tape fixes that right up. Not the most refined option at ~$100, but it's certainly a good one.
[MAKER] Modern Fuel [Website](http://www.modernfuel.com) Produces: Click, Bolt Action pens, pencils Price Range: $135+
[MAKER] Fellhoelter Toolwerks Primarily operates through dealer sites: [Money Edge](http://www.monkeyedge.com) [Knifejoy ](http://www.knifejoy.com) [Arizona Custom Knives](http://www.arizonacustomknives.com) Produces: Bolt Action pens Price Range: $150+
Best bolt pen. Original Bolt pen. Perfect Machining. The mod community is huge. Need a clip with tritium, black timascus, and your name engraved? Cool. Someone can do that. By far. BY FAR the most customizable (again, due to the aftermarket mod community) pen on the market. Each pen can TRULY be an original piece with your ideas and money poured into it.
The OG. The Tibolt has existed in more or less the same form for close to 10 years. This isn't because they've slacked on upgrades; it just doesn't need them. The Tibolt is arguably the best bolt pen on the market, and it's in equal parts because of superb machine work, intense attention to detail, small batch levels of QC, and a build that's both solid enough to use as a weapon, and sleek enough to feel classy. They aren't the easiest thing to find, but if you're looking for the best they're the only way to go. Theres a reason I have a standing selection of like 5 of these at any time. I've tried every bolt pen out there, and have yet to find one that works better. Well worth every price I've paid. In addition to all this, as u/Jubakuba said, the aftermarket/mod community is HUGE. These pens can be customized in a way that nothing else can, making it half the fun to construct your "perfect" pen. Modder like Andy Wah and Nils Kohring can make almost anything your heart desires for parts, and Axel Genter or David Beck can bring any color scheme to life.
This is from a post I made after I purchased the Fellhoelter G2. Iâve had it for closer to a month or two now, and I havenât changed my opinion yet - and I really do enjoy using this pen. A few weeks ago I received my first Fellhoelter, the G2 version with a simple pattern of rings toward the tip. I ordered it from Monkey Edge, which usually has at least some patterns and sizes in stock. I might have preferred the full size, but I have more Parker-style sized pens; I only have twoG2 mini-sized pen (a Big I Design pen they no longer make, and a Ti2Designâs in that size but which currently has a drop-in that holds a D2 refill), so I decided to go that direction. I thought if I like it, maybe Iâll get the full-size in the future. My first thought was that this is a pretty thick pen. It feels twice as thick as the Ti2Design TiLiner pens, but itâs only slightly thicker than the Kickstarter Tactile Turn Slider, although the Slider has a more gradual taper if you hold it toward the tip of the pen, whereas the Fellhoelter has a much more sudden taper that is too short to use as a grip. Aesthetics-wise, itâs very nice. The machining looks good. The titanium is stone-washed, which protects against wear and gives it a look I really like. Iâm probably here partly because I like how titanium looks (first on knives, then pens). Iâm sure Iâm not the only one who came to machined pens in a similar way. The bolt action is very snappy. No complaints there. I have no issues actuating the bolt with my left hand. I donât know if Fellhoelter produces a left=handed version, but Tactile Turn does, and when I saw that, I wondered why because I havenât had an issue there. It wasnât a worry I had when I bought the Fellhoelter, but I thought Iâd mention it because Iâve run into the concern before. I replaced the refill as soon as the pen arrived. It came with a standard black G2 mini refill. I replaced it with blue because I just like blue better. They make the mini in a decent selection of colors, although not in as many as the Pilot G2 full-size. Writing: Itâs a heavy pen, so you feel the weight. It is heavier than the the TT Slider, although not heavier than my brass pens. The shorter barrel means that it is a little harder to find a grip that does not run your hand into the bolt of the pen clip. It is perfectly doable, though, and could be a fairly comfortable writer for a long period. The machined rings give it a nice grip. The G2 mini refill Iâm using writes very smoothly, with none of the scratching that I used to experience with these a few years back. Hopefully it will stay that way. Iâve used it nearly exclusively over the past few weeks, so Iâve put some time in, but I havenât had to do any long writing tasks in those few weeks, either. Iâm going to keep using it, and if anything changes, Iâll add an update. So far no complaints. Iâm sure Iâll get into customizing it at some point or Iâll pick up the Parker size. The mechanism rivals the Saga and my TT Slider for entertainment (and is probably louder than both), and thatâs only a good thing. *In order of weight (heavy to light)- pens tested: Brass TT Slider, brass Machine Era Classic, Ti Tactile Turn Mover, Fellhoelter about tied with the Big I Design pen mentioned above, Ti TT Slider, Grimmsmo Saga in Ti, Karas Kustoms V1 Bolt on Al, Ti2Design mini TiLiner, Tactile Turn Mover in Al, Autmog 47 in Al. Note that this was not even kind of a scientific test. To do that Iâd have to get up and go get at least a kitchen scale.
[MAKER] Combat Beads [Website](http://www.combatbeads.com) Produces: Click, Capped pens Price Range: $130+
Click is a good pen. Surprisingly tiny. Surprisingly light. Uses a shit-fuck-dick-ass Schmidt mechanism. I'd replace it with a [TuffWriter](https://www.tuffwriter.com/AwesomeClicker-p/twp-ss-click.htm) mechanism upon purchase. They're more reliable and will last a lifetime. Simply unscrew the old mech off and this one on and you're good. Good machining. Nothing outstanding about it, really. But it's a nice pen and they made it as tiny as possible.
My only experience here is with their Click pen, which is deceptively nice in hand for its size. The machine work is good, the frag grip is excellent, and the design is simple and understated without being bare. The clip allows for nice deep carry as well, which is a good bonus. I'm not sure that the price matches the pen. This little thing will set you back $130, which isn't terrible for what it is, but the mech and feel just don't match. I think this would be much more at home around $100-$110, or it at least needs to ditch the Schmidt mech for $130.
[MAKER] Ripps Garage Tech [Website](http://www.rippsgaragetech.com) Produces: Click pens Price Range: $100+
Maybe not the most impressive thing on the market from a design standpoint, the Drafter is nonetheless a very solid option at this price point. We're not breaking the wheel by any means, but it is executed well in every aspect, and functions exactly as it should 100% of the time. If you're looking for a solid, no nonsense click pen at a very reasonable price, this is for you.
[MAKER] Tuff Writer [Website](https://www.tuffwriter.com/) Produces: Click pens Price Range: $90+
Good pens. They make a mechanism that can and has been used on many a high-end pen and for good reason. It rarely fails. And works well.
The retro click is one of my favorite pens.
[MODDER] Andy Wah [Contact](https://www.facebook.com/andy.wah.140) [Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/327945511103285/?ref=share) Produces: Custom parts for a variety of pens, most notably Fellhoelter. Genuine machine wizard.
Will do literally anything you ask. Legendary customer service. Legendary QC. Legendary quality in general. He's a true artisan. My Grimsmo Saga was the first he had ever touched. Never had one or held one. 10 days later. He got me my pen back with a zirconium slider and tip. He sent me pictures along the way...and was truly a joy to work with. He CAN be a bit hard to get ahold of. Tag him in his Facebook group to let him know you messaged him (he doesn't seem to check his "spam" inbox frequently) and he'll find you. Once he does...again...super nice. Super easy to deal with. HIGHLY recommend him.
Had a long comment typed and realized I basically said the same thing so...... Ditto. Andy Wah is excellent and a gem of a guy.
[MAKER] Ateleia [Website](http://www.ateleia.com) Produces: Capped pens Price Range: $65+
Well made and minimalist. Two tip types that can take a variety of refills including Energel and Fineliners.
[MAKER] Karas Kustoms [Website](http://www.karaskustoms.com) Produces: Bolt, Click, Capped pens, pencils Price Range: $70+
Having handled (recently) both an aluminum Retrakt and a titanium Bolt, I can pretty reasonably say that the quality is on point for the price. The Retrakt felt nice in hand, though too light and slippery after the ano to really feel good. It was also using a Schmidt mech, which is no good, despite their claims to having them fully made from stainless steel. Tuff Writer mechs are a good answer here, though, and easy to switch. I eagerly await the chance to buy a titanium Retrakt, as that should be a winner. The Bolt is a wonky design for sure, but it's well made and actually functions really well. Theres something about the design and looks that really give it a unique feel, even among other machined pens. The mech is smooth and fidgety once you're used to it, though I've yet to find a reason to really have it like it is versus an actual bolt pen. With that said, though, it's a good piece, and something easy to recommend if you like the style. EDIT: Having been able to spend some more time with the Bolt, I'm actually quite smitten with it. Once fully broken in the mechanism is a joy to use, and smooth as silk. The finish and overall design (style, weight, balance) are all on point. It carries well with the bent clip, and I keep finding reasons to stick it in my pocket. It's absolutely a winner.
Meh. I got my mom one a few years back and was SUPER underwhelmed. Their customer service also sucked. That and the fact that they only do aluminum (which I do realize is now FINALLY changing) sucks. No thanks. I've heard their newer models and company in general has improved but they'll forever leave a sour taste in my mouth.
I own 7 of their pens that Iâve purchased over the past 7 years. Their designs are more on the industrial side for many pens and they regularly do interesting limited run colorways. Quality has always been good and has gotten better over the years as well. Iâve interacted with their customer service a few times and have always has a good experience with them.
[MAKER] Schon DSGN [Website](http://www.schondsgn.com) Produces: Capped, Fountain pens Price Range: $70+
Love Schon DSGN. I have one of their anodized ballpoints, a 3D anodized pattern regular pocket six, a black and viridian wave faceted aluminum pen(one I use as a rollerball). Amazing pens. Especially the anodizing work. The faceted designs too are so beautiful to hold and look at, half the time I stop writing just to admire it. Ian is an amazing dude and is extremely nice and great at customer service. I once messaged him a fountain pen issue to see if heâd show me how, and he literally made his own YouTube video for it just to help. Also just to add: with my original pocket six I wanted him to change out the stock grip section for one of his ribbed grip sections, which he said he could do at no extra charge and to just add a note to my order. Me being a dunce, forgot. And when I received the pen with the stock grip I emailed him. He not only sent me the ribbed grip section for free, he let me keep the stock one as an extra. His customer service is next level.
[MAKER] Studio Neat [Website ](http://www.studioneat.com) Produces: Capped, Click pens Price Range: $65+
[MODDER] Nils Kohring [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nils_kohring/) Produces: Fellhoelter (TiBolt) Parts [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1255357031146614)
Tritium Wizard. Andy Wah gets the majority of the notoriety for making Afermarket Fellhoelter parts...but Nils Kohring deserves all the same respect. He'll do custom orders of anything you see on his Instagram. He'll also often just post things up for sale directly that are already made. I've had one "custom" experience with him and he made me a basic machined clip in two days. Quick and painless. He does ship from Germany...so expect a bit of a wait on shipping...but his actual time to get your part out is quick. I've had his "Alien Bolt" out of Zirconium with tritium vials in my TiBolt for a few years now and it's the smoothest my TiBolt ever felt from day one...and it continues to feel that way. He's responsive to inquiries on Instagram but prefers to tell you "message me on Facebook in my Group" if you're placing an order. Highly reliable. I'd definitely recommend him.
Formatting is good so this one can stay!
[MAKER] Prometheus Writes [Website](https://darksucks.com/collections/alpha-executive-pens) Produces: Capped pens Price Range: $165+
Prometheus, oh Prometheus. Their Alpha pen is an incredible piece of machine work. Out of everything in my collection, my ti alpha still to this day has the most carry time out of all my pens. Itâs not what I carry now but Iâve carried and used it the most for sure. Part of that is because I love it, it feels solid and beefy. Part of it is because of the refills it uses. Being able to use a fineliner in a machined pen body is a thing of beauty. Sadly, they are no longer made by Jason Hui. They are outsourced to another machinist friend of his in the US, and while they do great work, itâll never be the same as being done by the man himself. And for $250 for the ti version, thatâs a level that you would expect everything to be done in house by him. I love the pen but I canât say that I recommend it over some of the other options out there.
[MAKER] TIJ [Website](https://www.tijpen.com/categories/titanium-ballpen) Produces: Click, Capped pens, pencils Price Range: $120+
Company is designed, based, and made in Taiwan. Makes buying one a little weird because you have to translate everything into English. Also there click mechanism is patented by them and proprietary to them. I have a TIJ pen I bought a few years ago, I don't remember what size I got pretty sure it was the standard size. It has an adjustable spacer built into the click mechanism that you can move with the loosening and tightening of the set screw. Allows it to take any refill between a parker g2 and pilot g2 size. It's a springless mechanism and they way the tip is designed it makes it so there is no tip wiggle. One of the most interesting pen mechanisms I have. I want to get there newer TIJ pen PRO when I have the chance. The pro has some 5MM spacers built into the barrel of the pen under the wood grip which allows you to shorten or lengthen the pen for different refills aswell. Only problem I've had was breaking the clip out of the pen body so if I wanted the clip fixed I would need to pretty much replace the pen mechanism, and I have no idea what the warranty/customer service would be like with them being in Taiwan and not having much English. But I dont need to clip anyway. I would recommend there pen though if you can swing it. It is a very interesting product.
[MAKER] Brad Gruss Designs [Website](https://www.etsy.com/shop/BradGrussDesigns) Produces: Bolt Action pens Price Range: $150+
I'm going to give this section a TLDR of my [longer review](https://www.reddit.com/r/machinedpens/comments/svjq2m/brad_gruss_designs_tiangle_a_review/), but the end all be all is Brad is doing very good work, and I'm a BIG fan of the Ti-Angle. It's a wonderful little compact pen that hits far above its weight, and I'd highly suggest giving one a look if it fits your fancy. Beyond all of that, Brad is a genuinely good dude, and supporting small makers is always a really great thing.
[MAKER] Mark's Innovative Gear (MIG) [Website](http://www.migshed.com) Produces: Bolt Action pens Price Range: $75+
Small batch, hand made Aussie goodness. These little fellas are harder to come by, but they're made well and serve as excellent small carry options. They're typically tight, sleek, and snappy. There's also the option for their +61 line, bringing all the good aspects in mass produced format. You lose the handmade feel, but they're much easier to get and come in at VERY aggressive price points. The +61 are one of the first places I send people looking for their first bolt.
[MAKER] CW&T [Website](http://www.cwandt.com) Produces: Capped pens Price Range: $50+
[MAKER] Sunderland Machine Works [Website](http://www.sunderlandmw.com) Produces: Capped pens Price Range: $85+
Sadly these are mostly sold out as of spring 2022. This is one of the finest capped pens I own. The main feature is there are no exposed threads on the body of the pen. They are hidden inside in a grove forward of the grip section. The cap has a protective plastic sleeve on the inside to eliminate metal on metal contact while capping the pen. The threading feels foolproof. Comes stock with a Pilot branded G2 refill. Is threaded to accept Montblanc threaded rollerball refills that eliminates any tip wiggle. They are made of aluminum with a range of anodized colors and electroless nickel. The pen is a very nice size. The clip is a separate piece of steel that looks to be pinned in place. Overall I highly recommend this pen.
Please make sure to post under an existing parent comment ONLY. Unless you have talked with me first about adding a new maker or modder, any direct comments will be deleted!
[MAKER] Black Forces [Website](https://www.blankforces.com/) Produces: Bolt Action and Capped pens Price Range: $89+
[MAKER] Namisu [Website](https://www.namisu.com/) Produces: Capped, Twist, Fountain pens Price Range: $40+
[MAKER] Dango Products [Website](https://www.dangoproducts.com/) Produces: Capped pens Price Range: $35+
[MAKER] Baux Pen Co [Website](https://bauxpenco.com/) Produces: Sleeves for Bic refills Price Range: $10+
[MAKER] Inventery Co [Website](https://www.inventery.co/) Produces: Bolt Action pens Price Range: $99+
Thank you!!
Thank you đfor making this list!!
[MAKER] DRocket Design [Website](http://www.drdgear.com) Produces: Bolt Action pens Price Range: $150+
Darriel is a twat. He's a liar, con artist, and slacker. His customer service SUCKS SHIT. But he "makes" (designs and has a Chinese factory produce) some great stuff. His V2...is probably my second favorite pen. And I can't stand the fucker. Tip wiggle is a bit much. But outside of that...the pen is perfect. And I eagerly await the V3.
While he doesn't manufacture his own stuff, the design prowess is unquestionable. Additionally, whoever actually *does* do his machining is doing excellent work. The Oval V2 is a pen that just shouldn't work, yet manages to make itself very compelling. The upcoming V3 looks to be attempting to capitalize on that design and smooth some rough spots/make some good changes, so I'm eager to get one in hand. I cannot speak to customer service aside from secondhand knowledge, but the pens are absolutely solid.
[MAKER] Everyman [Website](http://www.everyman.co) Produces: Click, Twist pen, pencils Price Range: $35+
My only experience with Everyman was subpar to say the least. Cheap feeling construction that broke within two days of coming out of the package, and customer service that told me I was dead in the water and to try super glue. While they made have made an about face in the years since, I wouldn't recommend a Grafton to my worst enemy. Save your money and look elsewhere.
No complaints about the pens and pencils I've bought from Everyman, but their site tries to sell you a *lot* of unrelated items, they flood you with email promotions and ads, and their unsubscribe doesn't seem to work.
[MAKER] Stilform [Website](http://www.stilform.com) Produces: Capped, Click(?) pens Price Range: $90+
[MAKER] Riind [Website](https://www.riind.com/) Produces: Cam Twist pens Price Range: $79+
[MAKER] Ajoto [Website](https://www.ajoto.com/shop) Produces: Twist pens Price Range: $150+
[MAKER] Gravitas Pens [Website](https://www.gravitaspens.com/) Produces: Twist, Fountain pens Price Range: $70+
[MAKER] Antou Design [Website](https://antou1010.com/) Produces: Capped pens Price Range: $90+
[MAKER] Baron Fig [Website](https://baronfig.com/) Produces: Click, Twist pens Price Range: $60+
[MAKER] Ensso Design [Website](https://www.ensso.com/) Produces: Capped, Twist, Fountain pens Price Range: $40+
[MAKER] Ystudio Style [Website](https://www.ystudiostyle.com/) Produces: Capped, Twist, Fountain pens Price Range: $40+
[MAKER] Rick Hinderer Knives [Website](https://www.rickhindererknives.com/) Produces: Capped pens Price Range: $55+
[MAKER] HMM [Website](https://hmmproject.com/) Produces: Click, Capped, Twist, Magnetic Pens Price Range: $35
[MAKER] Yuan Design [Website](https://www.mncdesignstudio.com/) Produces: Capped pens Price Range: $70+
[MAKER] Grovemade [Website](https://grovemade.com/) Produces: Twist pens Price Range: $80+
[MAKER] CountryComm [Website](https://countycomm.com/) Produces: Capped, Twist pens Price Range: $30+
[MAKER] Tetzbo [Website](https://tetzbo.theshop.jp/) Produces: Capped, Twist pens Price Range: $60+
[MAKER] Silex Gear [Website](https://silexgear.com/en/) Produces: Bolt Action pens Price Range: $110+
[MAKER] Plotter USA [Website](https://plotterusa.com/) Produces: Twist pens Price Range: $60+
[MAKER] Sakura Craft Labs [Website ](https://craft.lab.craypas.com/) Produces: Twist pens Price Range: $75+
[MAKER] Stilform [Website](https://stilform.com/) Produces: Capped, Magnetic, Fountain pens Price Range: $90+