I’ve spent 10-15 hours in the last couple of weeks (3 hours last night) researching titanium pens. The first one to really catch my eye on EDCF was the Fellhoelter TiBolt Deluxe- thought that was going to be it until I realized it’s too fat for my liking.

Then I had pretty much settled on the Maxmadco titanium bolt pen until I realized it probably won’t take my favorite pen refill, the Pentel Energel .5mm (in black). Maybe I could make it work, maybe not (I’m not afraid to mod anything I have, so that’s not an issue), but not willing to plunk down that much money when I have no idea if I can make it work.

I stumbled across the pens at Bigidesign and thought maybe one of them might work because they take so many different refills but there isn’t a bolt style pen and the capped pens have screw on caps.

Then I decided to start looking at pens with caps, since my current EDC is that type. I came across the Ti2 TechnoLiner and thought it might fit the bill, but not sure about the magnets in the cap and pen and if it will interfere with other magnetic things in my pocket. That and the fact I have no idea if I can make the Energel refill work in it, either.

I nearly pulled the trigger on the Cogent “The One” titanium pen over on Kick Starter until I found out the cap can’t be posted, which makes sense since it’s probably relatively heavy and *would* potentially throw off the balance of the pen. It sure is a gorgeous pen, though.

If you’ve stuck with me this far, congrats!  I just wanted to detail what I’ve already looked at, ruled out and considered. At the moment, the only one I’m really considering because it meets my criteria (I think) is the TechnoLiner, although I can’t find any definite specs on the diameter. I may have missed that as I was in a fog after doing so much research in 3 hours last night.

My perfect EDC pen criteria:

Made of titanium

Bolt style or threadless cap that can be posted (no standard clicky type because I’ve had issues with those ruining pants via an ink stain when I bend over or squat)

Able to or made to accept Pentel Energel refills or the refill modded to fit

Must have a clip (removable or permanent)

Finsh not important (if I don’t like it, I’ll just bead blast it myself)

Barrel diameter of 3/8″ (9.5mm) down to 5/16″ (8mm)

$150 top limit on price