This is a pen I've reviewed in various forms over the years here on The Clicky Post, yet I don't seem to get tired of using or talking about it....
The pen I'm referring to is a ultra-pocketable EDC pen, originally called "The Pen Project" and was launched by engineer and designer, Ian Schon, nearly five years ago on Kickstarter. The first versions were made of aluminum, but slowly over the years Ian expanded his lineup to include materials like brass, bronze, titanium, and even some fancy zirconium models.
Small in size and an easy pen to slip into your pocket, but for some people there was a catch: no pocket clip.
Over the years Ian toyed with the idea of an aftermarket "bolt-on" type clip to fit existing pens, but ultimately the best solution was to machine new pens entirely and offer a new clipped version.
After a good wait (and I say that in the kindest way possible), Ian is back on Kickstarter to launch his new clip-able pen! He was kind enough to send me one of the early samples to check out and to share my thoughts on.
I will state plainly that I really, really love this design, clip or no clip, and so I knew going in that I'd more be checking for usability, whether it changes how I use the pen, etc.
Ian sent me a raw aluminum version of the pen, but the Kickstarter campaign will also allow for a black anodized or polished stainless steel option (no titanium...yet). All included, the pen weighs in around 1.2 oz which is a good heft for a pen this small.
All of Ian's pocket pens come fitted with the Fisher Space Pen refill which is a very versatile and reliable ballpoint, but won't be a writing experience that will be turning heads. The refill is designed for utility in extreme conditions, so it does sacrifice in dark lines. My favorite of the Fisher refills is the blue in a fine tip.
The refills are secured in the barrel through a gold set screw which can now conveniently be unscrewed with the end of the clip.
I haven't picked one up from him as of yet, but Ian also produced a D1 refill adaptor to replace the Fisher. This would allow for refills like the Uni-ball Jetstream, Hi Tec C, Zebra gel... the list goes on, but if you love a particular type of refills one of those may be a sound investment.
Now to the clip...
The clip is extremely sturdy made out of thick bent steel and is fastened to the cap with two domed star bit screws which gives them a low profile. Ian let me know that the final finish on the clips will be different and a bit more refined, but outside of some slightly sharp edges (which a few rounds in a tumbler could polish away) I don't have any complaints.
From a usability standpoint, it felt very natural fastening the clip to a jeans pocket rather than dropping it down with the rest of the contents. Again, the sharp edges were the only uncomfortable part as my wrist or hand would brush against it when grabbing keys or my phone, but I imagine this will be sorted in final production.
The clip in no way imposes on the writing experience due to the way the pen is designed. Closed the pen is right around 4", but with the cap posted to extend to full writing length it makes the pen closer to 6" (5 7/8" actually).
Five years in the making, I feel the new clip version of Ian's pen is still a winner and a great addition to an EDC. If this is a pen that interests you or you already have one of his others and need (yes, need) a new clip version, go check out his Kickstarter campaign. The pen I reviewed he is offering for $45+ shipping during the campaign.
Thanks again to Schon DSGN for sending the pen for review!
