Bastion Bolt-Action MINI pen review – a tiny pen for your EDC and fidgeting fun!

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bastion boltaction mini 3

REVIEW – I created a video review of Bastion’s Bolt-Action pens earlier this year, and now I’m back with a new review of a much smaller version of the same pens. Let’s check it out!

What is it?

The Bastion Bolt-Action MINI is a tiny bolt-action pen made of 100% 6061-T6 grade aluminum with a smooth satin finish.

What’s in the box?

  • Bastion Bolt-Action MINI pen

Design and features

bastion boltaction mini 2

The Bastion Bolt-Action MINI is available in 3 colors, including black, purple, and the blue version that you see here. And at only 3.54 inches long, it’s genuinely a mini pen. Compared to my favorite regular-sized pen, a Uniball ONE 0.38 gel pen, you can see just how mini the Bastion MINI really is.

bastion boltaction mini 1

Besides being small enough to fit into anyone’s EDC, the Bastion Bolt-Action MINI features a bolt-action mechanism to extend and retract the writing tip. The action of this mechanism has a strong spring, giving it a very satisfying snap when you use it.

The only issue I noticed with this pen is that due to the size, it can feel a little awkward to activate the bolt without dropping the pen. It takes a little getting used to. But after using it a few times, you won’t want to stop, making this pen a fun fidget toy you can write with.

Although the bolt might take some time to get used to, writing with the Bastion Bolt-Action MINI feels comfortable even though it’s a really short pen. I think the pen’s regular diameter really helps to make this pen feel “normal” in hand.

bastion boltaction mini 4

The pen barrel unscrews so that you can replace the ink refill when needed. Instead of using a D1 refill like we see in so many other mini-sized pens, the Bastion Bolt-Action MINI uses a Bastion-branded black ink fine-tipped refill. I think it might be a pressurized refill but I’m not 100% sure about that and will edit this when I get clarification.

See it in action

What I like

  • Very well made
  • Satisfying bolt-action mechanism

What I’d change

  • Offer a pocket clip option

Final thoughts

The Bastion Bolt-Action MINI pen is a well-made ultra-compact EDC pen that won’t take up much space in your pocket or bag, and it should serve you well for years and decades to come.

Price: $35.88 ($30.00 on Amazon)
Where to buy: Bastion and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Bastion.

2 thoughts on “Bastion Bolt-Action MINI pen review – a tiny pen for your EDC and fidgeting fun!”




  1. Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
    1. True about the Olight Open mini. I have one and like it but although I am a fan of bolt action pens I’m not a huge fan of most ‘mini’ versions I’ve tried. Full or at least medium size pens work best for large hands.

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