A newcomer to the machined pen world and currently on Kickstarter, the TiScribe pen by Kelvin Verrett of One 2 Ten CNC. Kelvin was kind enough to send me one of the pocket sized versions (now called the pocket size as a "full sized" model was also unlocked) in titanium to try out.
One of the major design ideas in the TiScribe is the attempt to make the pen seamless in the barrel. And a job well done! The pen has a series of machined lines in the grip section that work to hide both the cap break point as well as the barrel break point.
A little outside of the box thinking, but I think the seamless design could've gone a slight step further by making the cap and barrel the same diameter and chamfering the end of the cap into one of the grooves. Then BOTH of the break points would be truly seamless. Not a criticism at all, but just a thought.
The pen is machined beautifully and there aren't any finish issues that I found. It feels good and it looks good.
Capped the total pen clocks in at around 4.5" in length. Uncapped, just around 4" in length and the cap of the pen does not post to add length.
4" is an ok length. Does it feel maybe a smidge short in my hand? Maybe a little. I did a little bit of comparing to other pocket pens people use for length:
Fisher Space Pen Bullet - 5.25" posted
Kaweco AL Sport Rollerball - 5" posted
Schon DSGN Pen - 5 5/8" posted
TiScribe - 4"
Again, deal breaker? Not really, but something to be mindful of. I find the end of the pen to rest right into the fleshy part of my hand. The pen is small so there isn't a balance issue, but just not having that added inch or so does make for a different feel.
The pocket pen also comes standard with the Pilot G2 mini but is also compatible with any Parker style refill. There is included a small machined spacer that works with the Fisher Space Pen refill as long as you also use the three included rubber spacers (what I did).
The clip is machined from grade 5 titanium and is fastened in place with a single screw and a hidden pin that is meant to hold it steady. My clip doesn't spin around, but there is some slight side to side movement of maybe 1 or 1.5mm. The clip is held down with a small Phillips head screw, but I wonder if going hex may have allowed for a more snug clip?
Overall, there are a few little things that I might enjoy adjusted on the pen, but I really do think it is a solid addition to the machined pen lineup. Very precise and well made and I know Kelvin put a lot of thought and attention into its creation.
The Kickstarter has just under two weeks left so definitely take a look if you're interested in pledging for his project. Special thanks again to Kelvin for sending this sample my way!