I’m writing this review of the Timascus Mini Bolt Action Pen as a southpaw who’s tried several other bolt-action pens and never been happy with any of them. The Tactile Turn bolt-action mini pen exceeded my expectations in all respects. This pen is 4.4” long, so it’s on the small side for someone with large hands.
1. The bolt on this pen has a flat head and engages at almost 170 degrees to the pocket clip. This was a huge favorable factor to my review, as the “ball” bolt on the Fellholter bolt digs into my hand when engaged. It, and others, appear to have been designed for right-handed users.
2. The bolt engages comfortably - not stiff, but in a firm, refined manner, as if ir had been used many times, yet not sloppy or soft. Some pens of this type are stiff and/or difficult to engage, especially given their short length.
3. The tactile feel of the pen is comfortable, given the small grooves of the pen’s design.
4. The length of the “Mini” is just right (it’s actually ~ 4.6” when the bolt is engaged, vs. the 4.4” stated on Tactile Turn’s website).
5. The Timascus-Zirconium material used in this pen is exquisite. I’d characterize it as black timascus with vibrant shades of blue and orange throughout. Not garish, but certainly not subdued.
6. I’m also very happy this pen is Made in USA, not Chinese junk.
7. My only criticism of this pen is the limited refill option available, which is a Pilot G2 or a Pilot G2. I hope Tactile will develop an adapter that will enable other refills to be used, especially the Fisher Space Pen refills. I work in an environment where I frequently have to sign wet or damp documents, and the Pilot G2 isn’t up to them. In a normal, dry environment it’s OK, but it leaves a lot to be desired.
Overall, I rate this pen as 5/5 or 10/10 and will gladly look forward to other Tactile Turn products.
Mini [4.4"] / Zirconium