Baron Fig Squire - Blackout Edition Giveaway!

It’s been a little while since I’ve done a giveaway at The Clicky Post, so we’re going to be doing two pens this time… Happy New Year!

Up for grabs are two of the recent Blackout edition of the popular Baron Fig Squire rollerball pen for two winners! The Squire has become one of my go-tos over the last couple of years and definitely wanted to share it.

If you haven’t tried the Squire yet, now is a good way to try and get your hands on one…

How to Enter (Giveaway “Rules”):

- Giveaway will run through Friday, January 4th and will end at 11:59pm Arizona Time, USA

- To enter, leave a comment below (limited to one entry per person; no cheating!): What is a pen you can’t seem to leave the house without?

- I will arrange the entries in numerical order and randomly select a winner.  The winners will be announced on the blog on Saturday, January 5th and will need to connect with me within a week to claim their prize. 

- This giveaway is open to both US and International readers.

And… Special Coupon: If you’ve been looking into getting something from Baron Fig, you can save $10 off with a coupon from my referral link. This isn't a sponsorship link, but can help me to purchase more goods for review or to be given away from the folks at Baron Fig.

Fisher Space Pen - Clutch Review

With the 50th anniversary of the Apollo program this year, we can’t help but think of all things space. (or, at least I can’t…) One element of the space experience was the ability for the astronauts to keep notes while in orbit or heading to the moon, and a key player in this was the Fisher Space Pen by Paul Fisher. Now, throughout the years there were various tools used for writing in space: pencils, grease sticks on slate, felt-tip markers… but one that seems to have stuck is the Fisher.

Due to their reliable, write in any circumstances (even up to 250 degrees…who has THAT job?…), they’ve become a staple in the EDC world as a durable pocket essential.

My personal favorite in the Fisher lineup is the original astronaut pen, the AG7, but I’m always down with trying out a new model.

Pen Chalet was kind enough to send me the Clutch pen by Fisher to review, so special thanks to them!

The traditional “bullet” pen by Fisher is an especially popular EDC, but what if you’re looking for a nice durable click style? While I love the AG7 and it’s all brass construction, it is definitely more of a “dress” pen in my opinion (even though we literally took them to space). I’ve used some of the less expensive Fisher pens like the Space-Tec which has a super cool vintage vibe, but for something a little more sturdy the Clutch may just be the ticket.

The version I received is a matte black anodized aluminum which certainly has some heft, but isn’t too heavy. But, feels like a tank. Weight wise comes in just at 1 oz which is about perfect.

As far as aesthetics, this pen looks pretty cool I think. There is a good amount going on, but it balances out well. The grip section is a hexagonal shape that is slightly larger than the round main barrel. There is also a smaller matching hexagonal piece up near where the clip matches the knock.

Just below the grip there is a light knurling pattern which some texture to grab onto when unscrewing the tip to swap the refill. While writing I actually find the inside of my middle finger rests on this knurled section which creates a really strong hold on the pen.

From first glance I thought the larger hex shape of the grip might be a bit bulky or uncomfortable, but I find that my thumb and index finger quickly and comfortably find their place on one of the large facets. No qualms whatsoever.

If you like a satisfying click, this pen is sure not to disappoint. A good amount of tension, a clear “engagement”, and solid audible click. Again, the mechanism fits the pen and feels extremely sturdy.

The clip is made from bent steel and has a really tight spring. It takes a decent tug to move it from the barrel, but it affixes easily to pockets. Even though it is strong, I could see a possibility of it bending out if it was caught and pulled hard while attached to a thick pocket, but would take a good amount of force.

I have to admit when I first saw this pen it wasn’t really one I was dying to get my hands on, but now that I’ve tried it I’d put it up there in my top 3 Fisher made pens. It is Fisher’s answer to a retractable workhorse of a pen that is sure to take a beating.

Price wise it is a bit on the spendy side for a Fisher retailing for $50 (when you can get a bullet for about $20), but I think the pen fits the price. Pen Chalet even has theirs listed for $40 to save a few bucks.

If I had some bones to pick with the pen it wouldn’t be many, but I do wish that it had a slightly slimmer profile. Doesn’t diminish my new found appreciation for the pen, but would be a “want”. The hexagonal barrel exceeds 1/2” in diameter which makes for a pretty stout writing instrument, but not unwieldy. For who they designed it for I think it is pretty spot on (people working in harsh conditions usually with gloves), but if they made a Clutch S model with a smaller diameter that fit a bit more normal carry circumstances I think it would do well.

Well, there you have it. The Clutch has made it into my top 3 Fisher made pens. I think it filled a void in their lineup that had been missing with a ultra-durable, tactical looking model that outsiders have been filling for awhile. They have had what has been called the Matte Black or Police Pro pens for some time, but didn’t quite fit what the Clutch was solving for.

All-Black Pen and Leather Goods by Ateleia Craft + Design - Special 15% off Promo

When it comes to clean, sleek products, Chris Williams of Ateleia Craft has surprised me recently with his lineup of all-black pens and leather goods. I’ve had one of his black anodized aluminum pens for quite some time, but when I saw his matching sleeve and slim wallet I knew I needed to snag a set.

Certainly beats a lump of coal in my stocking, that’s for sure… Just look at these beauties.

One thing I love also about Ateleia products is that they are made pretty much in my backyard too. As a fellow Phoenix dweller, I appreciate that Chris manufacturers his goods right here and, knowing him personally as well, he is impeccable with his quality standards.

Special Coupon For 15% Off

Now through Sunday, December 16th, Chris is offering a 15% off discount on anything in his shop using the code CLICKYPOST at checkout. If you’re looking for some last minute EDC gifts for someone (or yourself) this is a great deal on some awesome goods.