Everyday Carry

The Drop: Soul Built MARKSMITH Titanium Bolt-Action Marker

Authored by:
Chris Van Hoven
The Drop: Soul Built MARKSMITH Titanium Bolt-Action Marker

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It's a big EDC market out there, and tons of awesome gear is released all the time. We made The Drop to help you discover the latest and greatest essentials worth a spot in your EDC.

The legendary Sharpie permanent marker has been a mainstay in many EDC kits because of its ability to write on a wider variety of surface areas than a traditional pen. The problem with Sharpies usually arises from their cheap plastic construction. The caps are always prone to falling off, causing unintentional marks on pockets. The plastic body is also not remarkably durable, reducing its effectiveness in more demanding conditions.

The Soul Built MARKSMITH is the world's first solid metal retractable permanent marker, eliminating all the problems associated with the standard Sharpie. Its body is CNC-machined from Ti 6Al-4V (grade 5) titanium. It’s equipped with a bolt action mechanism that isn’t just fun to fidget with, but the integrated sliding pocket clip prevents the marker from accidentally extending while clipped to your pocket.

Once you run out of ink, you can easily replace the empty cartridge with compatible Sharpie retractable permanent marker cartridges, eliminating the need to dispose of plastic markers every time you run dry. An extra Fine-sized felt-tip cartridge is included with each MARKSMITH. You can even turn it into a robust highlighting pen by replacing the permanent marker cartridge with a highlighter one. Multiple highlighter cartridge colors are available from the Soul Built website, giving you several color options.

An all-black DLC-coated titanium case is also available in a matte or satin finish for a stealthier look.


What we like: A durable, solidly-built, write-anywhere marker that doubles as a fidget toy sounds like a winner in our book.

What to watch out for: Measuring 5.5” long and 0.5” in diameter, the MARKSMITH can feel a little large for those with smaller hands, but it shouldn’t be a problem if Sharpies are already part of your trade.

Final verdict: The MARKSMITH takes the valuable functionality of the much-loved Sharpie and gives it an EDC-worthy upgrade with a premium build and materials.

Check It Out

Chris Van Hoven is a multifaceted writer with a keen interest in technology, watches, and the world of automobiles. When he geeks out about technical details and specifications, his enthusiasm for these subjects is contagious.

Having contributed extensively to renowned publications, he has made a name for himself as an authority in the Philippine automotive industry. His expertise can be seen through his engaging articles as Editor-in-Chief of C! Magazine, a prominent car magazine where he offers insightful reviews and comprehensive analysis of various vehicles.

In addition to his automotive pursuits, Chris's horological inclinations are evident in his work for Calibre Magazine and Vintage Grail. Here, he explores the latest watch releases, trends, and the significance of various vintage timepieces, captivating readers with his knowledge and enthusiasm.

Beyond his writing endeavors, Chris is an avid gamer, finding solace in the immersive world of PC gaming. His passion for gaming and tech-related gadgets allows him to stay at the forefront of the industry, always seeking the latest advancements and sharing his experiences with others.

Combining his love for technology, watches, and automotive wonders, Chris Van Hoven stands as a versatile writer who has built a reputation for his expertise and engaging style. His ability to weave together captivating stories and detailed analysis continues to capture readers and fuel his dedication to these ever-evolving fields.

Discussion (3 total)

Trevelyan Bloomfield ·
Dedicated daily Marksmith user here.
There's an integrated cap in the refill, just be sure that the clip of the pen is fully retracted, and the refill will stay moist.
Elec ·
I realize this is probably a stupid question, but what keeps it from drying out with no seeling cap?
Mikey Bautista ·
There's a photo that shows it on the Soul Built site we link to, but the retractable Sharpie refill pulls back the tip back into an enclosure when not in use!