The TiBolt is the latest writing instrument seeking funding through Kickstarter. Designed by Brian Fellhoelter, this is an American made pen constructed from stone washed Titanium. We’ve seen Titanium pens before, but this one has a very interesting mechanism to extend the ink tip. Instead of a standard clicky cap, the TiBolt has a sliding bolt. The pen has been designed to accept Parker and Fisher style refills and can even accommodate a stylus nib on the cap if desired. Brian’s Kickstarter goal is $19,000. The project started a couple hours ago and has already earned over 50% in pledges. If you’re interested in getting a TiBolt for yourself, the minimum pledge is $99. If you hurry, you can get in on the pledge group that has a December 2012 ship date. The rest are set for delivery in March of next year.
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It is a pretty cool pen, but if you are going to spend that much on a pen, get one that does double-duty as a personal protection device…like this Tao pen from CRKT:
http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2012/Home/May/Week3/RDMHomeMay1812.htm#EDCGadgets
It is one of our EDC items and has never failed us…as a pen. Fortunately, we never had to use it for its other purpose. If/when we have to, we are pretty certain we can depend on it for that as well!!!
I think it’s safe to say that any pen that is strong/rigid can be use as an impact “tool,” whether it be a Sharpie or a pen like this one machined from solid Titanium. Given that the TiBolt contains a large number of machined-from-solid Ti parts, I am highly confident it can serve both writing and kubaton-type duty with aplomb. $99 for a Ti pen is a bargain, by any measure.
@Mark…your point is valid.
Some attention was paid in the Tao’s barrel design to facilitate gripping, but as you say…as long as the barrel is solid, the strike will be effective.
I would normally jump at something like this… But I am anticipating the arrival of my pre-ordered pogo-connect “blue tiger” stylus that retails less than the bolt
Does it make rifle-cocking noise?
@rainyday… I’m a big fan of the quiver series as well- but haven’t had much luck squeezing in my favorite pens into the full-sized version. there is no chance in hell my schrade-tactical will be able to fit in there, nor any of my average-sized Lamys. I am however successful with holstering a old style rotring600 fountain pen (which works effectively as a kubaton in a pinch!)
@Anson I don’t want to ruin it for you, but I’m not impressed by the Blue Tiger stylus. I may have a defective one and have been waiting to hear back from Ten One Design about getting a replacement sample. But as is, I have to remove the battery to get it to turn back on after it’s set for awhile. I’ve tried a couple different apps and so far the line pressure, thickness feature isn’t really doing anything for me. Granted, I’m not a professional artist. I’m a doodler… I need to use it a little while longer, but so far not thrilled…
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Interesting how closely the TiBolt resembles The BOLT, another recent Kickstarter pen project (which I am kicking myself for not backing):
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/karaskustoms/the-bolt-a-machined-bolt-action-pen
The concept of a bolt mechanism in a pen is not new. I’ve been eyeing the maxmadco one for a while now : http://maxmadco.com/products/retractable-pen/
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@Anson – Thanks for the link! The Madmaxco pen looks cool as well. Choices, choices!
@Andy Jacobs – It might be interesting how the pens are similar, but there’s nothing suspect on Brian’s part. Karas might’ve brought their product to ks first, yet Fellhoelter had the idea for a bolt-action pen the same day as Maxmadco’s, which was back in ’09. He just hadn’t gotten it to the “public” eye (or ks) first… Some more info’s here: http://edcforums.com/threads/101435/
Just fyi. 😉
Thanks for the good writeup Julie, it’s appreciated!
@Andy Jacobs they are indeed very similar. I was almost ready to go live, and had already won an award when they posted their campaign.
Out of respect, I waited until theirs had run its course before submitting mine.
The MaxMadCo pen is OUTSTANDING all pen nuts should have one.
@Brian… weird thing. Your TiBolt project is no longer searchable on KickStarter. I am only able to access it thru the-gadgeteer article’s link. Did you do something to tick KS off?? hahahaha.
Yes, I did.
Inadvertantly.
I offered multiple TiBolts, in different configurations, as one reward.
Policy has recently changed, and this is no longer withing their guidelines.
I am not searchable until I empty those tiers of backers, and delete them.
‘within’ their guidelines.
Literacy is at an all time low…
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Thanks for all the info, all! I do like these pens, all versions from all sellers. As a buyer, it’s great to have choices. 🙂
And IT’S BACK !
More rewards have been added tonight.