Put your phone on silent, close the curtains and switch off the lights ...because this is going to take a while.
I've compiled most of the titanium pens available and put them all on this page. I've probably missed a few ...but most of them are here.
I'll be brutally honest as to the reason why I put this page together...
I did a monster amount of research on titanium pens before I designed and created my own titanium pen. I researched every titanium pen I could find ...but none were to my own personal liking (and that's why I had to design my own titanium pen):
I thought it was worthwhile sharing with you the other titanium pens available.
Also, these are not review - just a compiling of what's out there (it would hardly be fair for me to "review" other pens when I'm offering you my own titanium pen as well, right?)
So here you go... (over 45+ of them in no particular order!)
Attention Bear Grylls ...
Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1115177182/endure-a-true-survival-pen
Main website: http://www.nmbcreations.com
This titanium pen can split apart into different survival tools. There's a flare launcher, a ferrocerium rod for fire-starting, a steel pocket clip that can double as a striker, a spike on the end, and a para-cord fob with a removable inner core that can be used as tinder.
Now I'm not entirely convinced hard-core outdoors enthusiasts who already have reliable survival tools would swap them for more fiddly and basic tools in a pen.
But, then again, this would probably appeal to the average outdoor enthusiast who isn't kitted out with high tech survival tools, and wants a compact little gadget in case something ever goes wrong. After all, it's a pretty convenient thing to throw in your bag or pocket on your way out to a hike.
Plus, who doesn't want to shoot flares out of a pen?
This is pretty sleek.
It's a good-looking pen, that's for sure. Simple, streamlined, and high quality.
Kickstarter:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/i-d/tti-100-titanium-roller-pen-and-stylus-for-ipad-su
Main website: http://www.inspirs.com/
Inspirs Design successfully launched their first Kickstarter project a couple of years ago with the TTi-120 Titanium Roller Pen, and have followed it up with this pen/ stylus.
The TTi-100 has two ends, which can hold a roller pen, stylus, titanium cone, or tungsten steel tip. There are different versions of the TTi-100 available with different combinations of these, and the TTi-100 RP-Pro even allows you to interchangeably mix and match whichever ends you want.
You can also get your pen customised with a logo, and choose from a range of finishes.
Is it just me, or are we in a sci-fi film?
You could be excused for mistaking these as some kind of intergalactic gadget. But, no, they are pens.
Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/343155102/d-rocket-titanium-and-zirconium-oval-bolt-pen/description
The oval design of these bolt pen is obviously their point of difference. An issue with bolt pens of the past is they can snag on things because of their protruding bolt. But with this oval shape, the bolt stays flush so it won't catch on things.
The design itself is also simple and sleek, made of only four parts. I'm not sure about how comfortable it would be to write with, but it's a cool idea.
Someone should get these pens a cameo in Star Wars.
This is a solid-looking design.
Actually, the TiBolt looks like it fits right into some impressive piece of military mega-machinery.
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fellhoelter/tibolt-the-american-made-titanium-bolt-action-pen/
Main website: http://fellhoelter.com/product/fellhoelter-tibolt-pen-deluxe/
These titanium pens come with the option of a stylus instead of a solid cap, and take Parker or Fisher Space Pen refills that can be changed by simply unscrewing the pen tip and replacing them.
The design is obviously more of a solid and sturdy mechanical look than the sleek and minimalist one I prefer, but some people may like this.
There could also be issues with the protruding bolt snagging on things, but overall, it's an impressive-looking product with a solid backing on Kickstarter.
To shake things up a bit, here's a titanium pen with a clicky mechanism.
Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/121404618/the-ultimate-titanium-clicky-pen-project
To quote its makers on Kickstarter, this pen is different from most titanium pens out there because it screams "over-designed, over-engineered and over-built".
There's clearly a lot of thought behind it. It's a follow-up project to the Ultimate Clicky Pen, so the material has been changed from aluminium to titanium, and the design itself has been further fine-tuned.
The pen tip is made from solid titanium, and has been profiled to tip the pen's balance forward for a better feel when writing. The spring steel clip is textured powder-coated for durability and corrosion resistance, and a ball bearing cam design makes for smooth operation.
Overall, a pretty in-depth design. Oh, and if you have the classic drives-people-around-you-crazy-but-incredibly-satisfying clicky pen mannerism, then it's definitely worth a try.
The TiBolt pen now has a sibling ...
Introducing the TiBolt ReLeaded (love the name!)
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fellhoelter/tibolt-releaded-a-titanium-bolt-action-pencil/
Main website: http://www.nmbcreations.com
This bolt action mechanical pencil is designed to complement the original TiBolt pen. And I think the designers have succeeded – side-by-side the TiBolts would look like a military's arsenal!
To refill the TiBolt pencil you simply unscrew the tip, remove the black cap from the mechanism, and add more 0.7mm lead. Like the pen, it also comes with the option of a stylus instead of a solid cap.
This pencil has the same solid and sturdy mechanical look we saw in the TiBolt pen. Again, there could be issues with the protruding bolt snagging on things, but I guess that's the price to pay for the classic bolt action many people enjoy.
This project got an even bigger backing on Kickstarter than the TiBolt pen, and is once again a pretty impressive-looking product.
T for True, Ti for Titanium, and 120 for the 120mm diameter.
A good-looking product.
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/i-d/tti-120-titanium-roller-pen
Main website: http://www.inspirs.com/pro_tti_120.html
This is Inspirs Design's first Kickstarter project, a high quality titanium roller pen that doubles as a EDC pen (Every Day Carry pen).
There are different versions of the TTi-120 available. The back end of the pen can either be normal, or a tungsten steel tip that can carve through glass and metal. There are also polished or hand-blasted finishes.
To personalise, you can even get initials, symbols, or family stamps carved at the top of the cap.
There may be a few too many unnecessary rivets in the pen's design, but overall this is a pretty sleek product with some nice optional features.
No, this isn't some kind of spring-loaded mechanical tool ...
It's a pen with personality!
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/506172507/compression-pen/
This is a small project on Kickstarter that definitely gets points for originality.
The pen's cap is slotted and attached to a compression spring, so that it slides up and down the pen body. So to 'uncap' the pen, you push the cap down (compressing the spring), and twist to hold it in place.
There are three materials available: aluminium, stainless steel, or titanium. However, all of these come with a stainless steel cap, which may be a problem if you don't want a mismatching pen.
It takes Pilot V7RT refills, which are held in place by a set screw, so a tool is included with the pen to remove this screw for replacing ink. This could be a bit of a hassle – you don't want to lose the separate tool!
Overall, there may be a few glitches with this product, but it's a cool idea.
This is a pretty nice-looking pen.
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rootdesigns/rd9-pen/
Main website: http://rootdesigns.net/
It's designed for the EDC role (Every Day Carry), going simultaneously for elegance and durability.
It's made of 3K twill roll wrapped carbon fibre and titanium, meaning the pen is not only light-weight, but durable, so it can withstand daily pocket abuse. It's small and conveniently-sized, and takes Fisher Space Pen refills.
It also has O-Rings which means the cap can be quickly removed but also securely sealed.
There are some optional extras available too – such as anodizing, and a stylus cap.
Now it's quite a visually intense design, but this could appeal to some people.
Here's another carbon fibre/ titanium combo.
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/254418291/intuition-pen-stylus/description
This pen/ stylus is light-weight and balanced. The body is made from carbon twill fibre, and the ends are titanium.
It takes Pilot Hi-Tec-C inserts which come in over thirty colours and in widths from 0.25mm to 0.5mm. These are changed by unscrewing the tip and replacing the insert.
The other end has an interface for a standard Wacom Bamboo Stylus nib, which are available from several sources.
The metal cap fits on either end of the pen – the O-Rings secure it and allow for easy removal. You can also buy a second cap, if you don't want the hassle of always having at least one end exposed.
I'm getting déjà vu, because it's pretty similar to the RD9. A little less cluttered though, which is nice.
You know times they are a-changing when you can print pens.
Well to be fair, it's not the whole pen that's printed, but these DNA Pens each have a one-of-a-kind 3D printed body.
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1796693716/dna-pens-unique-british-writing-instruments/
The grip is machined from either aluminium or titanium, and the textured body is printed with nylon.
The DNA Pen is designed to take mini refills from most major brands, including Rotring, Zebra, and Schmidt. You can replace them by simply pulling the body and grip apart, unscrewing the cap inside, and replacing the refill.
You don't have to worry about a pen cap either, because the pen works with a handy twist mechanism to extend and retract the nib.
It's simple, different, and looks really cool.
Print away!
Here's another stylus/pen/pencil product.
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/grifiti/tagtool-stylus-mechanical-pencil-and-pens
Main website: http://www.grifiti.com/
The TAGTOOL is a stylus that doubles as either a fountain pen, mechanical pencil, or rollerball pen.
It's made of titanium alloy, and comes in either a satin matte or gloss black finish.
The stylus nib is on the end of the cap, which means the cap can be put on the tip of the pen/ pencil to convert it to a stylus, leaving your stylus 'writing' the right way up. There's even a range of art-inspired stylus nib shapes available.
The stylus nib itself can be replaced when worn down, or else there's a titanium alloy cap available which converts the TAGTOOL to a single function pen/ pencil.
It's not one of the higher-quality products out there, and there have been quite a few comments on Kickstarter about the cap falling off. But the TAGTOOL's price reflects this at a $30 pledge for one stylus.
Now this one's a killer.
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1115177182/stryker-a-tactical-anti-microbial-rollerball-click
Main website: http://www.nmbcreations.com/#!products/c1p9k
If the name doesn't strike fear into your heart, then looking at this pen will (I bet that's a sentence you never thought you'd read!)
Apart from the fact the Stryker looks like a downsized assault rocket, it's also an anti-microbial tactical pen.
Basically, this means it is coated with a substance which forms silver oxide, continuously releasing silver ions. These ions bind bacteria and result in bacterial death.
This pen could be a bit of a problem for people with smaller hands, because it looks pretty big. But maybe that's the price you pay for a pen that looks like it could 'stryke' down an army.
Oh, and remember the pen that shoots out flares? Well, it's made by the same guy.
He sure comes up with some cool ideas!
What do you get when you combine an airplane with a pen?
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1433863567/airfoil-click-pen-aviation-inspired-for-gel-and-ro
Main website: http://www.masterstrokepens.com/#!airfoil-click-pen/c1wkt
The Airfoil Click Pen has a bold aviation-inspired design; the forward section reminiscent of the nose cone of fighter jets, the body resembling the 'airfoil' geometry of aircraft wings that generate lift, and the end of the pen like the jet engine housing of the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane.
It's sculpted from the stock with 4 axes – that's 4 orientations the machine moves the part along to sculpt the body (most CNC mills are 3-axis).
There are also three editions of the Airfoil Click Pen available: aluminium, titanium, and 24K gold plated.
Each of these comes with a range of customisable options, such as clip and bolt options, anodizing and machine or matte finishes for the aluminium edition, and electropolishing for the titanium edition.
Seems like a pretty high-quality, well-thought-out product with a good range of customisable options.
They call these 'refill-ninjas' ...
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/klinkokids/solid-titanium-pen-stylus/
Main website: http://www.bigidesign.com/welcome/solid-titanium-pen/
The slogan for the Solid Titanium Pen + Stylus is 'the most refill-friendly pen ever'. So that pretty much sums up what this project is all about.
This is Chadwick & Joe's 8th project on Kickstarter, and it got a big backing with over $300,000 pledged.
The pen takes over 30 refill types, which you swap by simply unscrewing the tip and replacing them. You can check out the long list on their Kickstarter page. On a side note, there were a few comments on Kickstarter about the pen scratching some refills, so that's something to watch out for.
The pen is made of TA4 Grade 4 Titanium, and is obviously very sleek. There are also three different colours; bead-blasted matte black, high-polished chrome and bead-blasted matte silver.
It's a professional-looking product, and seems worth a try.
If you're thinking this looks strangely similar to the Solid Titanium Pen + Stylus, then don't worry.
Same guys, basically the same product. The difference is these pens take ballpoint refills.
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/klinkokids/ti-ballpoint-pen-stylus-refill-friendly-titanium-p/
Main website: http://www.bigidesign.co/welcome/titanium-ballpoint-pen-stylus/
After their Solid Titanium Pen + Stylus project, Chadwick & Joe got requests to make a cap-style pen that accepts ballpoint refills – the Fisher Space Pen refill in particular. So they kept the sleek style of the original pen and configured the internal to take over 35 types of ballpoint refills.
Like the original pen, the T-Ballpoint can also take either a removable screw-on stylus tip or titanium screw-on cap on the end.
It's made from TA2 titanium, and there are two colour options; raw-machined titanium and bead-blasted matte black.
Like the original, it looks worth a try.
So, if you're now sitting there thinking this also looks strangely similar to the Solid Titanium Pen + Stylus, don't worry, you're right.
Same guys again. Similar product.
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/klinkokids/ti-post-raw-pen-stylus/comments
Main website: http://www.bigidesign.co/welcome/ti-post-pen-stylus/
Using feedback from their bestselling project – the Solid Titanium Pen + Stylus – alongside their own ideas for improvement, Chadwick & Joe have also released this Ti POST RAW Pen.
The main difference is the cap can now be posted further down onto the body. This balances the pen better to improve the writing experience.
There are a couple of other changes too, like the fact the titanium threads are stronger than the original's, it's slightly lighter, and it has a raw titanium finish (hence the name).
Like the original, it takes over 35 different refills, and it comes with a removable stylus tip and flat coin-screw back plug.
Ok, these guys are on fire!
Here are two more pens Chadwick & Joe have released, this time with click mechanisms.
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/klinkokids/ti-click-pro-and-ti-click-rts-titanium-click-pen-s
Main website: http://www.bigidesign.co/welcome/ti-click-pro/ and
http://www.bigidesign.co/welcome/ti-click-rts/
This project has a solid backing on Kickstarter, with almost $150,000 pledged.
The Ti-Click PRO takes 45+ refills (including many of the same rollerball style refills the original Solid Titanium Pen takes), and the shorter Ti-Click RTS takes 35+ refills (including many popular Parker-style refills).
They are made from TA2 titanium, and both models come in a range of colours: bead-blasted matte black, bead-blasted matte silver, high-polished chrome coated, and a raw 'stone-washed' finish. The pens also come with either blue, black, or red stylus tips on the end.
The makers have custom designed and engineered the internal mechanism, too.
So there we go, a sleek titanium pen that you can click to your heart's content.
This is straight out of a spy movie.
Main website: http://www.rickhindererknives.com/rick-hinderer-store/pens/rick-hinderer-investigator-pens/titanium-investigator-pen.html
The Titanium Investigator Pen is designed as a small tactical pen to carry around for everyday use, but also to have as contingency in a bad situation.
The pen has a certain 'overbuilt' look about it, which is understandable ... when you realise it doubles as a lethal weapon!
As their website explains, the traction grooves are actually designed to give you a good grip when in CQB mode (close quarter battle).
The Investigator is also a modular pen, which means the 'bullet' on the back of the pen is a separate unscrewable piece you can replace with all sorts of other goodies.
And well, when you find out the other attachments for this pen are called things like 'warhead' and 'strike bezel', you quickly get a feel for the product.
This is some serious 007 stuff.
The basic concept: a twisting cap.
Main website: https://www.artistryintitanium.com/Twister_Pen_Description.html
This titanium pen is designed to address the issue of losing pen caps.
Basically, to extend or retract the point, you turn the cap a few times. The threads are fine, so the pen won't accidentally open in your pocket, and there is an O-Ring between the cap and body to keep out dirt.
The body and cap also have Tom Anderson's (the maker) special "grenade" machining groove pattern for a secure grip.
The Twister Pen takes Parker Gel cartridges, which are available in different colours.
And here's the interesting part. Tom Anderson's website explains that military and law enforcement have found the pocket clip and grooves handy in tough field conditions. There's even an additional glow-in-the-dark insert that is helpful for marking/ locating things in emergency situations.
Overall, the design may look a little bulky, but it's a solid concept.
Introducing a serious quest for perfection ...
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/darksucks/prometheus-writes-a-premium-3-piece-executive-pen/
Main website: http://www.prometheuswrites.com/
The maker of this pen, Jason Hui, is a self-declared pen fanatic who started a search for the perfect pen.
After writing with a Montblanc Starwalker (with Fineliner cartridge), he found what he thinks is the best cartridge in the world, and decided to make his own pen especially for it.
This means his pen is designed specifically for the Montblanc Fineliner or Montblanc Rollerball cartridges.
Prometheus Writes is a classic 3-piece design, so the cap unscrews and can be attached at the back.
There are also two types of Prometheus Writes; nickel-plated aluminium, or commercially pure Grade 2 Titanium.
The good thing here is this pen is a way to experience writing with the Montblanc cartridges at a more affordable price, compared to using Montblanc pens which start from $325 and go into the thousands.
Ok, this is weird ... weird, but very cool.
Main website: http://www.schondsgn.com/products/schon-dsgn-0001t-titanium
This titanium pen is designed to be the everyday pen of a lifetime; high-quality, convenient, and easy to carry on you at all times.
The reason this pen looks like a lipstick case is because it is.
Just kidding!
It can be converted from an easy-to-carry compact tube that's unobtrusive in your pocket, to a full-sized pen.
You can do this by unscrewing the 'cap', then screwing it onto the other end of the pen.
This pen is also available in materials and colours aside from titanium, such as aluminium, black aluminium, brass, and bronze.
I think this pen is definitely worth a go.
Another bolt action pen ...
Main website: http://maxmadco.com/products/bolt-action-retractable-pen/
This looks like a solid product, but there isn't a whole bunch else say about it.
It isn't totally titanium - the upper and lower pen barrels are made of titanium but the pocket clip and torx screws are made of stainless steel.
It uses a retractable spring-loaded mechanism and takes black Itoya 0.7mm refills.
It's obviously designed with a simple and elegant look, which is nice - except it may have been handy to have some groves to grip when writing.
Overall, it looks like a good product.
It kind of reminds me of a dentist's drill ...
And since it's a pen designed to help you ward of assailants, that's probably a good thing.
Main website: http://www.crkt.com/Tactical-Pen-Titanium
This pen is designed by Allen Elishewitz – a former Recon Marine who is now a knifemaker, a director of the American Knifemakers' Guild no less! He has also practiced martial arts like Okinawan Te, Thai Boxing, Northern Shaolin and Kali for the past 30 years.
The pen has been fine-tuned for self-defence situations. The groves provide grip, and the pointed cap is castellated to heighten impact. The cap is also threaded or snap fitted so it won't come off during use.
In terms of materials, the pocket clip is stainless steel, and the pen itself comes in either aluminium or titanium (hard-coat or anodized).
I have to say, it looks pretty damn formidable.
But seeing as it was made by a martial-arts-savvy expert knifemaker, what else would you expect?
Presenting the GB (Gun Barrel) Click Pen ...
Proving that even more innocent-looking pens can also double as weapons!
Main website: http://www.knifeart.com/knexmamatigb.html
This is a pen designed for those who prefer larger-bodied, more heavily-built pens.
And it's not only a writing instrument, but another pen designed to double as a self defence tool.
The pen has an enhanced hand grip due to the flared shape, weight-limiting 'gun barrel' style groves, and a sturdy reinforced barrel due to the body's thickness.
It takes the popular Fisher Space Pen refill, so it can also write in all sorts of situations.
There are also two materials available; zirconium, and titanium.
Looks like a decent product!
People who love fountain pens – this one's for you ...
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eimim/tactile-turn-gist-simple-fountain-pens-that-really/description
Main website: http://www.tactileturn.com/gist-fountain-pen/
This Kickstarter project is about designing a simple, functional, and customisable fountain pen.
But given the fact it's called the 'Tactile Turn' pen, you'd also guess it has some other kind of special feature. And you'd be right ...
There are ACME threads along the length of the pen. These give you a better grip, and have flat peaks so they feel much better on your hand. They're also stronger than traditional threads, and locate better, so screwing/ unscrewing the cap will feel good.
Now, the Tactile Turn Pen is so customisable because it comes in 8 different materials that are mix-and-matched to make 19 different models. There's titanium, polycarbonate, brass, copper, bronze, stainless steel, zirconium and Damascus steel.
This looks like a pretty high quality product, and the range of options is very cool (but as you can probably guess, the totally titanium model is my favourite!)
Another tactical pen in disguise...
Main website: http://titaner-store.com/product/titan-pen/
The Titan is designed to be sleek and elegant – but is also a robust, reliable tactical pen.
It's made of titanium, with a ceramic-treated clip, so it's tough enough to the handle-struggles of an EDC pen – pocket abuse is a killer, after all.
It also has a subtle tungsten reinforced attack point on the end. It probably wouldn't be as effective in a bad situation as some of the bigger, more obvious attack features of other tactical pens, but it would still be handy to have in an emergency.
Overall, the Titan looks high-quality, and would be a pretty functional, solid pen to have on you every day, and to use as back-up in an emergency.
After all, most tactical pens look like weaponised gizmos – which can be very cool, but it's understandable if you want something a bit more ... discreet.
And another one ...
Main website: http://titaner-store.com/product/the-lotus/
Introducing the Lotus Tactical Pen – another sleek, innocent-looking pen that has more to it than meets eye.
Like the Titian, it's made of solid titanium, so it's tough. It also takes standard Parker ballpoint-style refills. So, it's a good pen to carry around every day for general use.
When it comes to the Lotus's tactical function, there's actually a weapon hiding under the small cap at the back end ... the 'Lotus DNA Catcher'.
For those of you who haven't heard of a DNA catcher on a pen – it was news to me too! – it's a sharpened crown which not only functions as a tool for striking and wounding assailants, but is designed to collect their DNA for identification later.
Slightly disturbing ... but hey, a good idea!
At 795,00 €, this one isn't for the faint-hearted ...
Main website: http://www.porsche-design.com/en/For-Men/Writing-Tools/Solid-Fountain-Pen.html
YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9CbEveorjs
The Solid Fountain Pen is a Porsche Design product, milled from one piece of plasma-polished and PVD-coated titanium.
The pen's mechanism is completely hidden; to extract it you push the back end of the pen (which pops it out), then unscrew and pull it out.
The pen also has a rhodinised 18 carat gold nib.
I have to admit, the Solid Fountain Pen is lavish, sleek, and impressive – pretty much what you'd expect for breaking your wallet!
Oh, and to top it all off, it comes in a shiny two-piece transport case made of polished aluminium.
Why don't we all have one of these!?
Main website: http://www.writeanywhere.com/titanium.html
There are so many common keychain products out there; little dangling knick-knacks, name tags, bottle openers, nail clippers, even mini bobble-head dolls ... I mean come on, a pen is a no-brainer!
The concept is wonderfully simple; the pen dangles from your keychain (or clothing or gear) in its closed form, O-Ring-sealed and watertight. If you want to use it, you just pull half the pen out, flip it round the other way, and a few twists later it's a full-size pen.
The pen is also designed for extreme environments ...
Its barrel is made of titanium and the components are built from carbon fibre composite. So it's light, durable, and corrosion resistant.
It takes Inka Pressurised Refills w/ PDA Stylus, which are made to perform at any angle, altitude, and weather – even underwater.
There's also a lifetime warranty, because it's a pen designed to last.
I don't know about you, but I'd pick this over a dangling bobble-head for my keychain any day!
Alternatively, here's another pen to complement your keychain.
Main website: http://www.sunshineproductsusa.com/index.cfm/d-Mini_Titanium_Pen_53.htm
The Mini Titanium Pen is designed to be a simple, light-weight addition to your EDC (Every Day Carry).
Its cap unscrews and can slip onto the back of the pen to make it longer while writing. The pen's length is 2 15/16 inches when hanging, and 3 9/16 inches when extended.
If you want, you can also opt for carrying this mini pen around in your pocket instead of on your keychain, and get a pocket-style cap.
It's made of titanium, but you can add a carbon fibre overlay if you want, which not only acts as a decorative cover but also slightly increases the body's diameter.
The Mini Titanium Pen is clearly not designed with extreme situations in mind like the Inka Pen, and it can't extend to a full-length size, but it's a convenient little product that looks worth a go.
Now these don't come cheap either ...
Main website: http://www.tighepen.com/ti2.html
Grason Tighe was an 18-year-old entrepreneur when he started designing pens in 2000. His focus is on timelessness, craftsmanship, and 'noble' materials.
And he's spared no expense with this pen ... it's made mainly of titanium, but the hand-made nib has 18K yellow gold, and is engraved with an Acanthus leaf design tipped with Iridium and two-toned with rhodium. It also has a guilloche-engraved and selectively-blued titanium clip.
The nib comes in either a fine, medium, or broad width, and the pen is hand-engraved with "Tighe" on the cap band.
Oh, and what about the presentation? Well, the pen comes in a faux Stingray leather box that has been hand-made in Switzerland, along with a lifetime warranty.
Pretty intense! This is obviously another one of those fountain pens where you pay top dollar for high quality.
If you've ever dreamed of having a skull-adorned weapon dangling from your keychain, then it's your lucky day ...
Main website: http://www.sharpernow.com/products/ddr-darrel-ralph-skull-kubaton-anodized-titanium-tactical-pen-rainbow
If you're unfamiliar with the term 'Kubaton' (like I was!) it's a term for a self-dense keychain weapon used for either striking attackers, or else as a flailing weapon for swinging your keys at them.
Darrel Ralph, a custom knife maker, designed this pen with this function in mind.
The Kubaton has a prominent ribbed pattern for grip while writing that would obviously also come in useful in a self-defence situation.
It's made from CNC-milled titanium to be durable and light-weight, and comes in different anodised finishes. There's bronze, raw silver, or rainbow. The rainbow finish in particular could be a bit much for some people ... but then again, others may like it.
One thing's for sure; this pen is hard-core.
This one sure looks sturdy enough ...
And no, it's not a high-tech drill!
Main website: http://www.benchmade.com/1100-ti-series-pens.html
It's a solid every day tactical pen, made of titanium, with an anodised blue finish.
The Benchmade 1100 has a BP-1 coated stainless clip, and a crisscross texture on the cap and middle of the pen for grip.
And as for the fact both ends look like they could have the pen tip coming out of them, the back end is also so pointed because it is designed to be a weapon for striking in self-defence situations.
It also takes Fisher Space Ink cartridges, which is handy for all sorts of situations.
It's not exactly a sleek or minimalist design, but the features do have purpose, and overall it looks pretty cool.
A decent-looking MAP (Multiple Application Pen) ...
Main website: http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/JBCMAPSW/jim-burke-custom-map-multiple-application-pen-stonewashed-5-125-inch-overall
Jim Burke designed this pen to be strong enough to handle everything thrown its way.
It's made from stonewashed 6AL4V titanium, designed for both every-day use and as a non-lethal self-defence tool (although it may not be the best thing to use in a bad situation, given the fact its most weapon-like feature is the pen tip).
The pen has a standard Schmidt clicker which takes black Schmidt medium tip cartridge refills. You replace the ink by unscrewing the tip and removing the spring.
It definitely looks like a sturdy, high-quality pen to have with you for everyday use – although I'm not sure about all the 'multiple applications' this pen really has.
That's right, not a kubaton – a KRUbaton!
Main website: https://www.krudoknives.com/product/krubaton-tactical-pen/
Krudo Knives have designed this pen to take things to the next level. It has a similar effect to the kubaton, but it's slightly different and jazzed-up – hence the name 'Krubaton'.
It's designed for all sorts of situations. On one hand, it's a standard-sized Parker-style refillable ink pen. On the other hand, it's geared up with some serious tactical elements.
With both caps on each end, it can be used as a titanium baton, which can be used as a "pain compliance tool" to "hammer certain parts of the attacker's body" (their words, not mine!)
If you remove the cap from the back end, this also reveals a tungsten- tip glass breaker.
The Krubaton comes in three colour schemes: matte blue, matte gold, and bushed titanium.
It's a cool pen. There may be unnecessary rivets in the design, but this does give it a kickass don't-mess-with-me look!
This is for you clicky pen lovers who are partial to a bit of elegance ...
Main website: http://www.mcmpens.com/pens/
This pen is part of Matthew Martin Custom 375 Series of elegant, stylish, and lightweight pens.
Its tip and bent clip are made from 6Al4V titanium, and there are four main body materials: titanium, copper, bronze, and flamed zirconium (but there is also a range of other materials and combinations available).
The pen takes Fisher Space Pen or Parker refills, which are replaced by simply unscrewing the tip and removing the spring.
It also uses a German-made nickel-plated click mechanism, to satisfy all your clicking needs.
There are several other similar models Matthew Martin has designed, which you can check out at his website.
Looks worth a try!
And this, is for the family and friends of clicky pen lovers ...
Why? Because it has a silent clicker!
Main website: http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/DRTIGOPEN/darrel-ralph-designs-custom-ddr-titanium-go-pen-4-75-inch-overall
This is another Darrel Ralph product, designed to be a high-quality, everyday, unassuming pen.
It's made from 6Al4V titanium with a stonewash finish, so it is lightweight. This, as well as its sturdy stainless steel pocket clip, means the pen is well-suited to carrying in a dress shirt pocket.
It takes Fisher Space Pen refills, so it's versatile.
As for its most notable feature; it has a high-end silent clicking mechanism.
Looks pretty good to me!
What is it with knifemakers and pens?
Here's another pen that has been made by weapon experts ...
Main website: https://www.boker.de/us/tactical-pen/09BO089.html
Designed by Rainer Wenning and knifemaker Thomas Braunagel, this product combines tactical function with the popular bolt action.
It has a bolt action mechanism which 'clicks' open and closed for a satisfying action, and although it isn't particularly weapon-like, the nib-end of the pen can be used for striking in self-defence situations with the flat pen head providing a thumb rest for good grip.
It's made from CNC-milled titanium, and takes LAMY #M22 ink refills.
It also has a Clip Integrated Design (CID), which is what makes it look so different. The clip is basically built into the pen's body, which means it's sturdy and has minimal give. I don't know how easy it would be to clip it onto things quickly, but it's a good idea.
Looks like a good product!
Here's another solid product ...
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mikebond/ti2-pen
Main website: http://www.ti2design.com/
The Ti2 pen is made of four CNC-turned titanium parts; the cap, body, threaded endcap, and dual-threaded front.
It's designed with weight, ergonomics, feel and balance in mind. It takes Hi-Tec C Pen refills, and as you can see, it's pretty minimalist and sleek.
There is a variety of models and customisable options available too.
There's the Ti2 original (above), the Ti2 Crucible Edition (which has a heat-treated/ colourised Ti2 pen body with two differently coloured matte finish options), and the Ti2 Polished Crucible Edition (which has a range of three coloured polished finishes).There's also the Ti2 Black Edition, which has been completely anodised black.
As if that isn't enough, you can add on Grade 5 Titanium clips, a 'stealth tip' (black anodised titanium tip), and choose from either green, orange, blue or black O-Rings.
The only thing here is this pen seems to clash a little – maybe the polished tip against the matte titanium against the coloured O-Rings is a little too much.
Anyway, all in all, the Ti2 looks like a good product – probably why it got over 800 backers on Kickstarter!
We've had pens that kill bacteria, double as weapons, shoot out flares ... so why not a pen with inbuilt magnets?
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mikebond/ti2-techliner-pen
Main website: http://www.ti2design.com/Ti2-TechLiner-Titanium-Tumbled-Finish--P115.aspx
The TechLiner is made by the same guy who made the Ti2, Mike Bond. He explains that as an art school student he had to use technical pens with "needle points" for precision. The TechLiner is designed as an everyday-use, heirloom-quality "tech" pen.
It has a machined tactile 'grid' pattern for grip while writing, and takes Uni-Ball Signo 207 refills, which come in a variety of sizes and colours.
There is also a range colours and finishes available, as well as the options of adding a titanium clip, or a lanyard cap – which is pretty handy.
And now for the part you've been waiting for ... magnets. The TechLiner uses three rare earth magnets to pull the pen cap on with about 2 lbs of force. I mean, come on, that's pretty cool!
I'd give this pen a go for sure – there's something to be said for putting a cap on without actually having to touch it!
Here's a small pen with a big mission ...
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tactical/tipen-precision-machined-titanium-strong/description
Main website: http://tacticalkeychains.com/?product=tk-ink-pens
This Kickstarter project is about making a small, comfortable, durable, lightweight pen that will last a lifetime.
The TKMB takes a variety of refills, and is particularly suited to Mont Blanc Fineliner and Rollerball refills. It also has a few colour options; either raw, gonzodised, or custom-anodised.
If you want more of a grip, you can get O-Rings to put in the grooves.
Oh, and there are also lanyard cap and magnet add-ons. Yes, that's right, this is another magnetic pen – but it's a little different to the TechLiner. The magnets are designed to make the pen stick to metal. You can add on either a magnet cap or little magnets that fit inside the pen to turn it into a very fun little gismo ...
If you've ever wanted to throw a pen at a fridge and have it stick its landing, this is the pen for you!
Here's an even smaller pen on a mission ...
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tactical/tipen-precision-machined-titanium-strong/description
Main website: http://tacticalkeychains.com/?product=tk-ink-pens
As you can see, the TKSP is pretty similar to the TKMB – it's made by the same guy.
The TKSP is even smaller than the TKMB, and is designed to be reliable, comfortable, strong, and "disappear" in your pocket.
It takes Fisher Space Pen refills and Pilot Mini GR refills, and also has a range of customisable options.
There are different anodising colours available (gold, bronze, purple, blue), as well as a range of add-ons. You can get the pens in brass or copper, upgrade the pointy end cap to a more neutral flat cap, add on a clip cap, or add on a magnet cap.
You can even get the TKSP in another size, called the TKMC. It's basically a longer version of the TKSP, so the upgrades for both pens are the same.
There's a lot going on here – it looks like a cool product to experiment with!
Ok, so these pens aren't made completely of titanium ...
But they're so fascinating, I had to include them on this list.
Main website: http://www.spacepen.com/blacktitaniumnitride.aspx
NASA once selected Fisher Space Pens for use on all Apollo missions, and they're still used on flights today.
And this pen – the Fisher Bullet Space Pen – is very popular. It has been in the Guinness World Record Book for "Most Versatile Pen", has been exhibited in the New York Museum of Modern Art for years, and continues to appear in art books and magazines.
It has all brass and steel components, and this particular model comes with a black titanium nitride finish. There are heaps of other finishes out there, though.
It's clearly a very impressive product.
And it looks the part too – it's the kind of thing you wouldn't be surprised to see hurtling through space (if you ever happened to be in space in the first place, that is ... )
...The End!
Phew, that's a big bunch of titanium pens right there for sure.
If you're in the market for a titanium pen and are now even more confused than ever ...then I will blatantly point you in the direction of my own titanium pen.
Click here to check it out right now.
If you want obscenely in-depth gadget guides, then you've got to check out my "Sniper Guides". Click Here to learn more...
"The Ultimate 'Key Holder' Guide" -- Click Here
"The Ultimate 'Titanium Pen' Guide" -- Click Here
I started this website for a couple of reasons... Firstly, because I couldn't find any "gadget" type websites that aren't covered in distracting advertising. Secondly, I design and manufacture my own high-end products (and so, yeah, this is a place where I can shamelessly promote my high-end products :-).