REVIEW: I firmly believe all EDC bags should start with the basics: a small to moderately sized knife, a nice set of shades, and a reliable/solid writing implement. In addition to the bag itself, these non-tech accessories say a lot about the carrier. I prefer simple, well-made on this front. From that point, many of us add various layers of technology and accessories. For this review James Brand sent me one of their recently released Benton pens to checkout. Let’s see if it finds a permanent spot in my Colonel Littleton 1943 Navigator bag…
What is it?
The Benton is a minimalistic ballpoint pen engineered to survive the road less traveled. This small, lightweight pen is designed to live in your pocket or EDC bag, ready to jot some rouge thought, comical doddle, or notes during a board meeting.
Design and features
The Benton is very well made and has an excellent feel/weight to it. James Brand uses stainless steel to create the barrel of the Benton. The barrel is 3/8″ in diameter, which is thin but not too thin. Overall length is five and a half inches, weighing in at less than an ounce.
Specifications:
- MATERIAL: 304 Stainless Steel Barrel
- CLIP: Bent Steel
- GRIP PATTERN: Laser Etched
- LANYARD LOOP: From clicker
- CARTRIDGE: Schmidt 900 M (Black)
- CARTRIDGE ACCESS: Twist off
- DIAMETER: 3/8″ (9.4mm)
- LENGTH: 5.5″ (139mm)
- WEIGHT: 0.8 oz
The Benton includes a Schmidt 900 M ink cartridge that provides a smooth, flowing writing experience and is easily replaced when needed.
The lower third of the pen has many small circular indentations laser etched into the stainless steel barrel that gives the Benton an excellent feel and grip to it.
The Benton’s pocket clip is made from a PVD coated steel with the James Brand logo monogrammed into its tip.
Like the rest of the Benton, its pocket clip is low-profile and minimalistic yet gets the job done. The steel clip is rigid and strong as you would expect.
The Benton’s clicker has a machined hole/hard point to attach a lanyard to the pen.
James Brand includes a matching monogrammed lanyard with the Benton.
James Brand also includes a wool felt sleeve to protect the Benton.
What I like
- Excellent build and material quality
- Nice size and weight
- Excellent feel and grip
- Good writing experience
What needs to be improved
- None
The Benton is available in stainless steel with green/black highlights, all-black, and a limited white ceramic coated LTD edition.
Final thoughts
The Benton is a very nice pen, made from excellent materials and attention to detail. It’s shape, size, and weight is ideal. James Brand has done an excellent job creating a simple, minimalistic design…perfect for anyone’s EDC gear. It is lightweight, well-made, form factor combined with a great writing experience.
Price: $60
Where to buy: The Benton is available directly from James Brand.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by James Brand.
BIC Round Stic Xtra Life Black Ballpoint Pens, Medium Point Pens (1.0mm), 60-Count Pack of Bulk Pens, Flexible Round Barrel for Writing Comfort, No. 1 Selling Ballpoint Pens
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What does the clicker do?
The clicker makes clicking noises.