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.
One of the introductory steps people take on their everyday carry journey is opting to carry a metal pen. Metal pens offer more durability than plastic throwaway pens, and their added heft makes them feel valuable in your hand. But not all metal pens are made alike: while most designs feature stainless steel, fewer pens feature zirconium, and that’s a shame. That’s because zirconium pens like the Bastion Zirconium Bolt-Action Pen have a unique look and feel that make them worth your attention, especially when paired with quality craftsmanship and a good ink refill like Bastion accomplishes here.
If you’re unfamiliar with zirconium, it is an entirely separate metal element. You’ve probably seen titanium EDC pens on the market. But Bastion’s pen features a slightly more durable metal than titanium while still being lightweight at just 2.4 ounces. The most significant noticeable difference to the EDC stationery enthusiast is the darker matte black tone zirconium takes on because of its natural oxidation layer. That inherently dark color is why the Bastion Zirconium Bolt-Action Pen looks so stunning in hand, and it’s why it can look the way it does without an added layer of paint or coating.
That lack of added paint makes for a silky smooth feel in hand. That feel combines with the fidgety bolt-action mechanism for deploying and retracting the 0.5mm Parker-style G2 refill for a pleasurable writing experience every time. If you want to change the color or switch to a gel-based ink, unscrew the front part of the pen and replace the cartridge while keeping a seamless look at the end. The black metal pocket clip completes the look and helps keep the pen from moving around in your pockets when you’re not writing with it.
What we like: Zirconium pens like the Bastion Zirconium Bolt-Action Pen are relatively rare, and it’s nice to see this metal get its time in the EDC sun. Pick one of these pens if you’re building an all-black EDC ensemble or looking for the last piece in your zirc loadout.
What to watch out for: The material costs of zirconium are substantial, and this pen will cost much more than the alternative materials (which Bastion also makes). And while the pen is durable, it’s not impervious to scratching and other normal wear and tear, so make sure to take care of your equipment if you want to keep things looking new for as long as possible.
Final verdict: If you’re looking for a unique metal everyday carry pen, opting for something like the Bastion Zirconium Bolt-Action Pen is a great start. Its use of a relatively rare metal body is worth considering, especially if the standard stainless steel and titanium EDC pens don’t do it for you. It’s also one of the best choices if you enjoy a blacked-out look for your EDC.
