We'll occasionally talk about "tactical" pens (which I prefer to call defensive writing instruments ). Last weekend at Blade Show my wife picked up one of Mathew Martin's 500 series flame Ti cap pens. It is the one in the middle of the picture beside the C-fiber pen he's donated for Knife Rights.
It comes with the conical tip shown as well as a stylus tip and a set of black O-rings that you can put on in the grooves. In addition to being attractive with the flame blue heat coloring the pen is substantial, as you'd expect with a 1.2 oz chunk of machined 6Al4V Ti. It is also surprisingly comfortable to write with. Mathew uses Fisher Space Pen refills so you can permanently sign documents underwater in space while upside down. The cap screws off and onto the opposite end so you don't loose it (assuming you remember to screw it onto the opposite end).
It is the heaviest pen I've carried, but it surprised me in how comfortable and well balanced it was to write with. There's no fatigue with it as you might be concerned with.
Of course, it can be very "impactful" when used for other design purposes. It doesn't slip in the hand if you hammer a surface with it and if you happen to drag the tip across something you can inscribe your name without using the ink.
I've asked Mathew if he has a "bullet" tip I can use in place of the very pointy cone since I fly a lot. I wouldn't want TSA eyeing the cone too closely and if I forgot to stash it in my check bag I'd hate to forget to put the rubber stylus tip on it.
Yes, my dear wife spent as much as she might have for a custom knife for me, but I have far far fewer pens than knives and she was impressed by Mathew's willingness to spend time during a busy Blade Show talking with her about his work. I can also carry this anywhere without the risk of surrendering it (although I've destroyed 3 less expensive pens instead of surrendering them to security).
It comes with the conical tip shown as well as a stylus tip and a set of black O-rings that you can put on in the grooves. In addition to being attractive with the flame blue heat coloring the pen is substantial, as you'd expect with a 1.2 oz chunk of machined 6Al4V Ti. It is also surprisingly comfortable to write with. Mathew uses Fisher Space Pen refills so you can permanently sign documents underwater in space while upside down. The cap screws off and onto the opposite end so you don't loose it (assuming you remember to screw it onto the opposite end).
It is the heaviest pen I've carried, but it surprised me in how comfortable and well balanced it was to write with. There's no fatigue with it as you might be concerned with.
Of course, it can be very "impactful" when used for other design purposes. It doesn't slip in the hand if you hammer a surface with it and if you happen to drag the tip across something you can inscribe your name without using the ink.
I've asked Mathew if he has a "bullet" tip I can use in place of the very pointy cone since I fly a lot. I wouldn't want TSA eyeing the cone too closely and if I forgot to stash it in my check bag I'd hate to forget to put the rubber stylus tip on it.
Yes, my dear wife spent as much as she might have for a custom knife for me, but I have far far fewer pens than knives and she was impressed by Mathew's willingness to spend time during a busy Blade Show talking with her about his work. I can also carry this anywhere without the risk of surrendering it (although I've destroyed 3 less expensive pens instead of surrendering them to security).
Last edited: