The Drop: Tactile Turn Aluminum Bolt Action Pen
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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.
We've watched Tactile Turn grow and evolve as a penmaking company for a really long time, and their position at the top of the EDC pen game is warranted, to say the very least. And while the brand may be more known for their use of premium materials and limited edition, super-exotic releases, they haven't forgotten to brush up on and set their fundamentals in stone—or in this case, aluminum.
In a surprise drop, Tactile have released a refreshed line of anodized aluminum Bolt Action Pens in their traditional lineup of three sizes in three colors (to start). They’ve used aluminum in their earliest models like the Mover before focusing primarily on titanium, but these come with a twist. The new bodies come in 7075 aluminum, which is significantly harder and stronger than the more common 6061 alloy in most EDC gear. It’s not as premium or popular as titanium, but it has great benefits in addition to its durability, including affordability, ease of machining, and vibrancy when anodized, as can be seen with the orange and green of this release. For some context, 7075 is what's used in incredibly hard-use butterfly knives and premium custom flashlights, so it's nothing to scoff at.
But titanium enthusiasts shouldn’t worry, as the internal sliding mechanism and the bolt are still titanium, and the bolt can be upgraded to titanium Damascus like the rest of Tactile’s offerings. And while priced lower, there’s nothing low-quality about these pens as they still carry the hallmarks of Tactile’s machining prowess and design, including near-invisible tip and tail seams, a gapless inner bolt, and the minimal machined clip.
Speaking of offerings, for those unfamiliar, all of Tactile’s pens are available in three sizes to match preferences of both length and refill, so those interested in dipping their toes into some of the best machined pens they can buy can find the perfect pen to suit all their writing needs.
What we like: We love the use of 7075 aluminum for EDC as it provides exceptional material benefits while still keeping the price down for products. And while $79 is still pricey for pens, it offers a more affordable entry point into Tactile’s catalog, which until now started at $99.
What to watch out for: This release is in between a general offering and a limited edition from Tactile, so there’s no guarantee they’ll be restocking them once they run out. If you’re on the fence about picking one up, don’t miss this opportunity if you’re in a position to grab one!
Final verdict: We’re all in for aluminum.
He has lived through many personal and professional lives, spending nearly a decade in the workforce management industry, a minor career in gaming, and has lent a hand with entrepreneurial efforts back home in the Philippines. He has also been an active participant and helped build a number of significant social communities online, both for EDC and his other hobbies.
Mikey has been at the cusp of gaming, technology, and the internet since the ‘90s and continues to lend his experience, expertise, and authority to all his pursuits. When not online, in a game, or watching movies, you'll find him in the gym, speedrunning his next hobby, or talking at length about EDC with anyone willing to listen.
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