Mathew Martin Pens

Status
Not open for further replies.

hso

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 3, 2003
Messages
66,017
Location
0 hrs east of TN
We'll occasionally talk about "tactical" pens (which I prefer to call defensive writing instruments :D). 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.

500+Series+Group+Photo.jpg

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:
hso

Very nice looking pens! I like the flame blue heat coloring as well. I already have a Fisher Space pen (with two refills), courtesy of my kids last Christmas. Seems like a decent enough price for such a well crafted hand-made item.
 
That carbon fiber model is up for grabs to anyone drawn in the Knife Rights raffle and if the Jim Batson, PhD Bowie is taken by the time I get the call (fingers crossed) I might just have to pick it. Another good reason to sign up for Knife Rights!
 
Bobson,

Knife Rights is a small organization that has changed knife laws in states to allow possession and carry of formerly prohibited knives (hard to believe TX banned Bowie knives!). They take a 2A position that all arms are constitutionally protected and that laws restricting your right to carry a knife is an infringement on the 2A. Their keynote speaker for their annual breakfast this year was Sheriff David Clarke of Milwaukee County and his talk was stirring. They're our sort of people!

Here's what they're up to.

Federal: Knife Rights' Knife Owners' Protection Act Re-Introduced - CALL/WRITE TODAY!
Federal: African Elephant Conservation and Legal Ivory Possession Act Re-Introduced - CALL/WRITE TODAY!
Illinois: Switchblade w/ CCW - CALL/WRITE TODAY!
Maine: Switchblade Ban Repeal - SIGNED INTO LAW 4/16 - Effective 9/15
Michigan: Switchblade Ban Repeal & Knife Law Preemption - CALL/WRITE TODAY!
New York: Add "Intent" to Gravity Knife Law - CALL/WRITE TODAY!
(Helps address New York City's persecution of knife owners)
Nevada: Knife Ban Repeal SIGNED INTO LAW 6/1 - Effective 7/1
Oklahoma: Knife Law Preemption - SIGNED INTO LAW 5/4 - Effective 11/1
Oklahoma: Switchblade Carry Ban Repeal - SIGNED INTO LAW 4/29 - Effective 11/1
Texas: Knife Law Preemption - - CALL/WRITE Governor TODAY!
Vermont: Knife Law Preemption - CALL/WRITE TODAY!
Wisconsin: Switchblade Ban Repeal & Knife Law Preemption - CALL/WRITE TODAY!
- See more at: http://www.kniferights.org/#sthash.A4gXcWfa.dpuf

The primary way they fund the fight is a fundraising raffle they call Ultimate Steel where first drawn gets first pick and second drawn gets second pick and third drawn...well, you get the idea. If you donate $20 for a single chance and you're drawn you get to pick whatever hasn't been picked by those drawn ahead of you. If you get picked first then everything is open to you. If you donate more you have more than one chance to be drawn and if you're drawn 3rd, 10th, and 50th you get to pick at those times from what is still available. A lot of people donate $100 for 9 chances and they automatically are sent a Leatherman (~$50 value right there). $200 gets a ESEE Izula and 22 entries. $300 gets both the Leatherman and the Izula and 37 chances. $500 gets a Benchmade Emissary and 90 chances. The Leatherman, Izula and the Emissary are all limited edition Knife Rights marked. Plenty of folks donate $40 or $60 and still get picked. The purpose is to fund their fight against folks like Cyrus Vance Jr. in NYC that is waging a war against knife owners so any amount donated if fuel for them, it just is a bonus that they're raffling off the knives to say thanks.

Everything in the drawing is donated by a knife maker, pen maker, knife manufacture, gun manufacturer, etc. That's their way of supporting the fight. When you think about what a custom knife is worth to the maker and how few they make a year that's a pretty big sacrifice and commitment on their part!

The least we can do is to toss some money into the hat and have a chance to win a remarkable knife, pen, gun come the drawing in July, dontcha think?;)
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top