Our modern lives seem to revolve around computers, from the literal desktops or laptops to the smartphones in our pockets to the “invisible” computers running in our cars and home appliances. In this kind of world, you’d expect people to also be reliant on technology for their documents and notes, and that is sometimes the case indeed. Some have even resorted to using their emails as makeshift to-do list managers, ill-advised as that may be.
Despite that, there is a strong culture, or rather a counter-culture, that extols the fading art of writing things by hand. And just with a stylus or Apple Pencil, but with an honest-to-goodness pen or pencil. A big part of the appeal is the tactile experience of writing on paper and holding a pen in your hand, an experience that becomes an even bigger joy when using a well-designed and handsome tool like this metal Bolen pen that gives written communication a literal twist.
Designer: The James Brand
The most basic requirement for a proper pen is smooth ink flow. If you fail at that, do you really have any right to be called a pen? But just like the sword that is always said to be weaker than a pen, that isn’t enough for a formidable writing tool. A good pen needs to be more than just comfortable to hold but also pleasing to look at, as if its very presence can be a source of inspiration for wordsmiths.
The Bolen is a ballpoint pen (pun probably not intended) that exudes this aura through its simple yet striking design. Although the typical fountain pens or capped pens are still the most common choice among pen aficionados, there is a growing trend of minimalist pens that better fit the pervading aesthetics in offices and personal workspaces these days. Aside from the curious milled dot pattern of the grip, the Bolen almost looks like it was made with a single piece of material.
Of course, it’s a twist-retractable pen, a design that offers a satisfying “click” without the dangers of accidental activation and leaking inks. With its CNC machined clip, that makes the Bolen suitable for putting in your pants or shirt pocket without fear. It does require using both hands to deploy the pen tip, but that action in itself adds meaning to what you will be doing next, as if signaling to your brain that you will be performing some meaningful activity the moment you put pen to paper.
Made with GAL-4V titanium or stainless steel, the Bolen pen provides both durability and comfort at the same time. The precision-machined barrel gives is a handsome appearance that also feels good to the touch, making the writing experience both visual and tactile. And with support for the widely used Parker-style G2 refills, you can be sure that this writing companion will be staying by your side for years to come, witnessing your deepest thoughts and most whimsical dreams.
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