Obelisk Prototype Pen by Darriel Caston of D Rocket Designs

As promised, this is “Part II” in a series showcasing some of the new designs being put out by Darriel Caston of D Rocket Designs. The first being his Oval 2 pen, but that’s not all!

The second pen I eluded to in the first review is a monolithic, space themed bolt-action pen called Obelisk. I have to admit, I couldn’t take my eyes off this thing when Darriel first sent me the pictures. And then seeing the pen in hand was even better…

When compared to other pens in the market, Obelisk has what may be seen as an odd shape or style. I mean, it doesn’t even “look like a pen”… I’m pretty sure that is the point. As mentioned in my other reviews of DC’s work, he always pushes the envelope of design into place I couldn’t even imagine going.

At it’s heart, Obelisk is a bolt-action pen that extends and retracts via the integrated clip. The action on this pen was extremely smooth and easy to use. The spring tension was just a tad light for my own tastes (prefer something that requires a little more strength), but I never ran into issues with it extending on its own. Although I was definitely fidgeting with it the whole time…

The overall profile of Obelisk is a long rectangular body with the only protrusion being the clip/bolt, and some small torx screws that hold on a side plate. At a glance this might seem like a dull design, but in my mind it makes my imagination think of some sort of Stanley Kubrick-esque prop that might have been used in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Like a key or ancient artifact that we’re not quite sure what it does…

Maybe for some people that is too abstract since it is “just a pen” after all. If that is the case, a pen like this may not be something to consider. Using a pen like this is like creating something tangible that you read about in a sci-fi novel. I mentioned it before, but Darriel seeks to create art more than mere function.

As for the writing experience, the pen will take a Parker style refill which opens up quite a few options to choose from. So depending upon what you put inside can dictate your own personal writing experience. As of lately, my personal favorite Parker refill has been the Schneider Gelion 39 (gel refill) and can’t seem to have enough of them laying around to fit my pens.

While writing I did find the tip somewhat difficult to follow due to the width of the pen (or thickness?), but wasn’t overly bothersome.

For materials Darriel kept it rather simple initially and will be offering either a bead blasted titanium or zirconium in either a smooth or fluted finish. Personally, the fluted stands out to me a bit more, but either look fantastic. Wait… that smooth zirconium looks pretty awesome…So hard to decide!

One of my favorite design elements of the pen is the curved cutout on the side of the barrel that allows the bolt/clip to move freely due to the overall shape not being round. Aside from the screws mentioned before, this cutout is the only real deviation from the “box” shape, but it is executed in such a cool way. Ultra intentional and ultra cool in my book.

The clip actually had two designs: one that is flat but with a curved indent while the other is completely flat with fluted lines machined into it. I 100% am in the second camp as I feel it compliments the design so much. And, with the bolt being fairly easy to deploy, having any extra indents for the thumb isn’t overly necessary.

If needed, the internals of the pen can be serviced by removing the 4 screws and the side plate. Admittedly since these were one-off prototypes I didn’t get too ambitious to “break them” so chose not to completely take them a part. Perhaps Darriel can post some videos of the internals and service…

If it isn’t obvious, I find Obelisk to be an extremely unique and well executed pen by Darriel. It is definitely different and may not be for everyone, but if having something interesting on your desk that is more than “just a pen”, might want to give this one a second look.

The pen will be available exclusively via pre-order through Urban EDC Supply Company starting today with shipping expected in November. Prices start at $199, but based on the precision and detail included in the design I feel that this fits within a reasonable price range for what you get for a more “custom” product.

Special thanks again to Darriel for loaning me these for a little bit to take a look!

Ti2 BoltLiner Pen Prototype - TRD Coated - Review

Another outfit that I would consider a household name in the machined pen world is Ti2 created by Mike Bond out of Hawaii. Long an EDC guy, Mike has created several successful products/projects over the years, many of which have been pens.

In 2014 he released a very cool, and very interesting pen called the TechLiner that had what some might consider an odd look, but was a smash hit and is still one of my favorites today. That particular pen has seen a variety of iterations, innovations, newly added materials, and sizes based on the demand of the community of which Mike and Ti2 have a solid reputation.

Well, Ti2 is not done and have come out with a new version of the TechLiner, but this time in a bolt-action style. And, appropriately named… BoltLiner. Mike was kind enough to send me over one of the sample BoltLiners to review as the pen is currently being funded on Kickstarter.

While different in mechanism, the BoltLiner is the TechLiner through and through and I’m so pleased that Mike decided to keep the design fairly untouched as I think while very different aesthetically than what we normally see in pens, it is a cool, rugged, badass sort of design that wraps ultra function into a unique package.

Some of the familiar design elements with the BoltLiner to it’s close cousin are the slim cylindrical shape, slanted ends, and the almost sci-fi square grip section. If you have used or own a TechLiner then the BoltLiner will feel right at home as the profile is nearly identical.

The version that Mike sent over to me is the Blackwash TRD, a coated titanium barrel with a matte grey/black finish. Looks excellent, feels great, and gives the pen a clean look. In addition to the TRD there are three additional finishes to choose from, all in titanium barrels. No brass or copper this time around which I know are fan favorites, but I wager as the pen gets off the ground Ti2 will certainly expand. The titanium is a great starting material though that people will enjoy.

To make the pen accessible to a wider range of users, they have again offered their standard size (shown in review) that takes the Pilot G2 refill, as well as their “shorty” that sits a half inch less in length that takes a Parker style refill.

While the pen is made for the Pilot G2, I did some hacking/experimenting and was able to also get a Signo 207, Pentel Energel, and Pilot Precise V7 in there and they worked pretty well. As you can imagine, none quite as good as the G2 since it was machined to fit it like a glove. To that point, while writing the pen has almost no movement which is pretty impressive considering how the tip is deployed.

If you are unfamiliar with the TechLiner, one major difference in the pen is how far the tip is extended. Where most pens stop at the conical section of the refill right near the ballpoint, the TechLiner and BoltLiner pens extend WELL past that. At first glance this is really odd as it seem out of place or unfinished, but is by design to ensure there is enough visibility while writing due to the wider end of the pen. This is definitely one of the design elements that some might see as quirks, but I actually really appreciate it and makes it unique. It also helps if you’re pressing the tip against a ruler or guide as it gives more clearance.

The bolt action works well. This being a sample and prototype, the final fit and finish may be slightly different, so take that into consideration. Easy enough to deploy, but found it wasn’t as smooth as expected and I wager this is due to it being an early production sample. There is some feedback in it which may be on the TRD models alone, but can’t quite be sure. Feels like it is rubbing against the edge which creates some tension while trying to make it work. It is mainly in the bottom of the action where you’re moving the knob either in or out of the “J”. Just feels a bit gritty when catching the metal to metal (or “finish” I guess) on some passes, but I imagine this is something Mike will work out as he makes the final pieces.

The knob is a custom machined screw that has a sort of mushroom shape head on it that flares out slightly and then up to a small peak. I’m not sure I would want it to be any bigger, but it is on the smaller side. My thumb finds it just fine but it has a fairly sharp edge on the flared section that tends to dig into the flesh a bit. It is effective at catching so rarely does it ever slip, but isn’t the most comfortable if doing a lot of fidgeting with it.

I did find with the knob that fairly quickly it tends to loosen out of its threads and requires retightening with normal use. I haven’t had it fall out of the pen, but for safe keeping I might consider a small dab of blue Loctite to keep it in there. Unless wanting to fully field strip the pen, this is the only reason I might hold off. This is not unique to just the BoltLiner, but most bolt action pens. Many makers put Loctite on prior to shipping so this is something Mike is also likely to do.

A clip is attached to the pen and is an integrated part of the design this time. On the TechLiner, the clip is an add-on you can elect to have, but on the BoltLiner it comes standard and has a machined notch at the end to fit it. Made of bent titanium and tumbled it is really sturdy. Not indestructible or unbendable by any means, but for most people it should never give a problem. I like the clean look of no fasteners as well.

Even with the few nitpicks over the knob/bolt (again, prototype/sample), overall I really love the BoltLiner and think it is a fantastic addition to the TechLiner family. I’ve backed the project myself since I am such a fan and I feel that Mike makes these pens fairly affordable being between $80 and $120 depending upon finish.

If looking to get a new machined pen or to expand your Ti2 collection, definitely take a look at the Kickstarter campaign. Special thanks again to Mike for sending this my way to check out!

Oval 2 Prototype Pen by Darriel Caston of D Rocket Designs

The more and more I’ve used pens, the more and more I feel that most of them end up looking or feeling the same. It seems like rarely do I see pens nowadays that make me stand back and take a second look.

Known mostly for his knife designs, Darriel Caston of D Rocket Designs has also dabbled in pens over the years, one of which is the predecessor to the Oval 2 we’re checking out today. To take a look at that one we have to go back to early 2015 where I was able to review the prototype of the original Oval as well.

This will actually be a two part series as Darriel also sent me some prototypes of another pen, The Obelisk, that I’m sure you’ll like to see. Stay tuned…

I’m going to start off by saying that I don’t consider Mr. Caston simply a “maker”. He has a very clear sci-fi aesthetic and style that fuses through much of his work, and he doesn’t just create usable items. I’ll just say it, he creates art. That may sound over the top, but it isn’t. Like I said above, when a new pen comes out it usually looks just like something else, but Darriel pushes the envelope of design unlike really anyone out there. The only brand that I feel pushes these limits in the space (well, used to at least) is Lamy. Whether it be a knife or a pen, his designs remind me of something that a prop maker would create for a futuristic film.

The Oval 2 is so named as it is the second of two pens that have a similar shape/experience, but he’s taken the shape up several notches on this one.

At it’s core, the Oval 2 is a bolt-action pen with the mechanism being a thumb activated affair on the side of the barrel. Pull the knob down into the j-slot and the refill is extended. Pull it back and let the knob snap back into place for the refill to be retracted.

I was sent three prototypes of the pen in zirconium, bead blasted titanium, and a tumbled copper. All three look stunning, but I fear that I am becoming beholden to the zirc material… so sleek as it is a naturally dark, almost black metal that carries a shine or mirror like quality. And, is a bit heavier than titanium, but not as heavy as copper or brass.

The knobs on each were different: copper on copper, bead blasted titanium on titanium, and on the zirc a Mokuti type material that is bluish purple. The knobs are fastened to the inner bolt piece via two torx screws.

The clips are machined as well from titanium and bead blasted except for (again) on the zirc we have a blue anodize.

At the top of the clip there is a single hole where you can see another torx screw used to affix it to the barrel. I tend to find that single screws for clips never really seems to work out well as they quickly loosen up and start to sway side to side. Granted, these are prototypes, but they suffer from the same fate. If possible, I would love to see somehow a second screw used, or a hidden notch cut into the barrel where a machined pin can pop inside to prevent back and forth. It looks super sharp, but if plans were to keep as an EDC the loosening clip would begin to be an annoyance.

Extending the tip is straight forward and easy to execute. The spring tension is a little stiff, but not unruly. I actually prefer when retractable pen mechanisms have some extra tension and makes me work for it a little bit. If too loose it makes me feel like it might go off on its own…

Near the tip of the pen you’ll find 17 machined grooves, each individually cut to make the grip section. These are extremely useful and functional, but also provide some cool texture to the pen. The zirc, since not tumbled or bead blasted on this version, had some slightly sharper grooves than the others. Not uncomfortable, but noticeable.

Writing with the Oval 2 is surprisingly comfortable. You would think the oblong “oval” shape might be odd, but not being a truly round oval and having two flat sides creates a nice surface for your thumb and middle finger to press against with the index finger resting on one of the peaks.

The prototypes currently takes an Ohto fine point, but Darriel has re-engineered the design to also accept a more universal Parker style refill which opens up quite a few options.

If you know Darriel, one of his all-time favorite pens is the Lamy Unic (one of mine as well). Sadly, this pen was discontinued by Lamy back in either the late 80s or early 90s, but is such a cool design. See image below of the Unic from my post on collecting “Grail Pens” from a few years back.

Grip and tip sections of the Lamy Unic ballpoint pens.

The Oval 2 pays some homage to this favorite pen of his in not only the look of the grip section, but also in a new surprise he added in a telescoping tip while extended. On a machined pen like this one this is a pretty awesome addition. To achieve this he had to machine a thinner tube of material, encase it in two corresponding springs, and finish it off with a ring to hold it together. This is highly elaborate and a pretty cool bit of engineering for, you know, “just a pen”. (Would say the non-pen person…)

Getting to the refill is a bit of tricky business since you unscrew the holding ring, pull out the tube, hang onto the two springs, remove/replace the refill, and then put it back together. Definitely more involved than your standard pen, but the end result is pretty cool. And, if cruising through a refill every month or two shouldn’t make the process (about 30 seconds) too unbearable. The cost of art folks!

Little sneak peek at the group of Oval 2 and Obelisk pens

Overall I really enjoy Mr. Caston’s designs and the Oval 2 is no exception. His designs are definitely not what many would consider highly practical, but that is certainly not the point. Pens like this are not purchased simply to be used, but are to be looked at, fidgeted with, and enjoyed for the unique “things” that they are. Take a pen like this out in a meeting and people will definitely notice. Frankly, I really hope Darriel continues to make a stronger name for himself in the pen world because we need more fresh and interesting designs like this.

If this design resonate with you, these pens are available now for preorder at his website and range in price based on material. Thanks again to Darriel for letting me take a quick look at these prototypes!