There are people who go through packages of cheap-y plastic pens almost like it’s a smoking habit. Others of us prefer a pen that will last a lifetime and beyond.
Here are eight pens constructed from various types of metals, any of which you’ll be able to pass down to the next generation.
Tactile Turn’s “Slider” or “Glider” »
Material: Brass — ($59 or $79, depending on if you opt for the Damascus steel bolt for either size)
The major selling point of this pen is the crescent-shaped bolt-action retraction mechanism that can easily be operated single-handed. It’s actually kind of addictive to play with, and you’ll often find yourself with the pen in your hand, click-click-clicking like a fidget toy. Extremely satisfying.
+ Read our post here.
Baron Fig “Mysterium” Squire »
Material: Aluminum — ($60)
A limited-edition, science fiction-inspired version of Baron Fig’s aluminum Squire pen. It’s machined from a solid block of high-grade aluminum, with a gorgeous warm orange color — meant to evoke hazy sunsets on distant planets — and etched with an icosahedron (basically a 20-sided die) emblem.
+ Read our post here.
Studio Neat “Mark One” »
Material: Aluminum with ceramic-polymer coating — ($50 pre-order; ships fall 2018)
The Mark One sports a custom-machined aluminum body coated in a matte ceramic-polymer coating called Cerakote, which is often otherwise used to make firearms resistant to abrasion, corrosion, chemicals, and impacts. They even designed their own all-metal (and still clicky) retraction mechanism rather than settling for any old plastic one on the market.
+ Read our post here.
The Xcissor Pen »
Material: Stainless steel — ($66)
The Xcissor pen by Taiwanese company mininch (pronounced mini-inch) is a sleek stainless steel executive pen with a small pair of scissors hidden in the barrel opposite the writing end. You may find surprising uses for this in your daily life.
Comes in your choice of silver (nickel-plated) or black (teflon-coated) finishes.
+ Read our post here.
Hodinkee “Embassy” »
Material: Brass (the stainless steel and black aluminum options are currently on a waitlist) — ($98)
This tactical-style pen is perfect for:
- Writing on anything, under any circumstances.
- Knocking out an assailant with a precision blow to a pressure point.
- Rebuilding a literate civilization after the Big One.
…you get the idea.
+ Read our post here.
KOSMOS Titan »
Material: Grade-5 titanium — (€100,80 / ~$116 USD for either the mirror-polished or matte versions, or €175,63 / ~$203 USD for the 2-pack)
The minimalist KOSMOS Titan by Stilform is machined from solid titanium and features a unique retraction mechanism that has you simply shift the cap up or down to reveal or hide the writing tip. Whichever position it’s in, it will remain there thanks to a built-in Neodymium magnet.
+ We’ve not posted about this one before, but we did once write about the company’s upcoming KOSMOS Ink magnetic fountain pen.
Ystudio “Brassing” Ballpoint »
Material: Brass — ($85)
The Taiwan-based ystudio offers a gorgeous series of brass writing utensils with black finishes that slowly wear off with time, revealing a sort of character unique to you. The ballpoint pen is the most affordable of the bunch, though they do also offer a desk fountain pen ($180) and a portable fountain pen ($160).
+ Read our post here.
The Zebra F-701 »
Material: Stainless steel — ($6)
Maybe you don’t want something all fancy-pants like everything else above. That’s okay, you can always go with the tried-and-true Zebra F-701 ballpoint. The barrel is made from stainless steel, so it can put up with a good deal of abuse (including laser engraving and beyond), plus the knurled grip makes it a pleasure to write with. Not much else to say. This pen’s been around for years and it’s a solid everyday carry choice.
+ Read our post here.