Great review! Pretty much echoes my sentiments and experience exactly. 1st gen was really good, 2nd gen is basically perfect. And Kelvin is freakin awesome. A couple things I would add that I really appreciate about this pen are that the clip/bolt actuator are attached in such a way that they will never come loose with the force of operating the pen, no matter how much you fidget with it. Seems obvious, but it's actually NOT the case with many other bolt action pens. Second, my copies of this pen have zero "tip wobble" when writing, which is also not the case with some other machined bolt action pens I've bought. It's a small thing, but in practice, it's super annoying to me when there's a little "give" when you start the writing stroke. No issues here. Amazing pen, go buy one before they're out of stock!
Unfortunately I received a bit of ugly customer service from Kelvin. My tiscribe bolt arrived with stripped heads on the screws that hold the clip on. I provided pictures to Kelvin and all he said is that it's ''normal''. I find it extremely disheartening that I paid over $80 and the pen arrives with stripped screws and there is no attempt to fix this on his part. Unfortunately I will be getting rid of this pen because I cannot support a company that treats its customers like that.
Great review-great job Kelvin on the gem status! Per the tracking info, mine arrived in Austin Saturday and should be out for delivery on Tuesday. Love the anticipation!
I picked up a Gen1 copper example during the initial Kickstarter campaign. Only issue I had was the sharp top edge of the clip. Thankfully, two minutes with a diamond file solved that problem.
One thing I don't like I didn't hear you mention is the gaping hole opening up when the pen is cocked. Could they move the clip half an inch or so lower and have a piece of titanium attached inside above the clip that would cover up that hole?
Nice pen, nice review. With the grip grooves it looks like you could do the Hinderer Investigator O-Ring Hack on this one if you wanted a cushioned grip.
I realized the other day you can fit a Montblanc fineliner refill in this beauty...game over best writing experience in my opinion. It's not listed as a refill on the website. I have the Prometheus Alpha and just on a whim I checked to see if it fit and it did! FYI ALL
Jason Dranoff I have a question if you could help I would appreciate it. How strong is the retention on that pocket clip? I want it for work and will wear it on my front pant pocket and do a lot of running around and bending down to pick up packages and what not. Thanks in advance!
Luis Rodriguez Luis Rodriguez it's actually really good I manage restaurants in an airport and I run around like crazy all day I do about 18, 000 steps per day and I have no issues I keep it in my back pocket or sometimes in my front pocket and never had a concern or an issue so I highly recommend this pen.
Jason Dranoff Thanks a bunch Jason, that really helps me out in my decision! I would hate to lose it as it will be my first and most expensive EDC pen.. :/ I'm glad you like it, I'm getting the titanium V2 here soon. Thanks again1 👍
@@Jasondranoff | Not sure if you've tried this, but do you know if you can refill the Montblanc Fineliner cartridges with waterproof fountain pen ink like you can with the Rollerballs (ua-cam.com/video/3crIqTChlns/v-deo.html)? Also, I've found Pilot refills (V5 and Juice) work great since the Bolt was designed for the G2, but some refills (Jetstream, Energel, & Uni 307) rattle because the tip diameter is a little smaller. Have you noticed that with the Fineliner? Sorry for reposting, used the wrong account earlier... Thanks! Jeff
Sorry the 1508s didn’t stick with you. Honestly that configuration would not stick with me either. I got mine with a removable steel blade stop pin and the blade pivot is hexed on both sides without a logo, which I love much more than the logo. The pen: thanks for bringing it to my attention. Everything I have seen so far was not speaking to me at all. This one does! And I agree with you: this is a gem! 💎
J. Palafox Hey man, thinking about getting one but I need to know how tight the retention is on the pocket clip as I want it for work as well and I do a lot of bending down and running around and would hate for it to fall out of my pant pocket and lose it...
I get were your coming from with the name but personally It does not bother me. They specialize in everyday gear and not off the grid survival gear so Urban(City) Survival(as in everyday) Gear seems appropriate to me.
The first 'bolt' pen I bought was the Valtcan. It's very well machined and solid. Plus you can completely take it apart to clean all the parts. Love its action too. I just ordered the USG TiScribe in brass so I can use Pentel energel refills in it. I use Parker style Schmidt Easyflow 9000 refills in the Valtcan.
I ordered the pen after seeing this great review. My order was shipped in late February. Now, in almost late March, I still haven't received the pen. Apparently there is some technical issues with the delivery. It is impossible to get a useful response from the shipper (USPS) since I am not in the US, and Kelvin did not respond to any of my emails. I sincerely hope that all non-US buyers receive their order smoothly.
You still Loving this pen Nick? I'm seriously considering it after your review. I'm a dookie (what my Grandpa called lefties) myself, and have often have issues with novelty type pens in the left hand. I can write with both hands, instinctively using the left, so my right is rusty, but usually is pretty good after a day or so of writing with it exclusively. Please let me know when you have a moment. Thanks for the uploads.
I've had mine for just about a year at this point, still love the thing, use it for taking notes all day, in and out of the pocket and the clip is still good. It has plenty of scratches but it just adds to the pens aesthetic
@@RogerRabbitt, thank you for your reply. Awesome information. I've since bought this and have been carrying it almost every day, and so dig it. It's not the most expensive one out there, but I feel like I'm driving a Rolls every time I use it. I put the Amethyst Montblanc Rollerball in it that Nick suggested and can't get over how easy it is to lay down thick, solid lines with no pressure at all; it dries so quickly, my left hand doesn't smudge it either. Thanks again, keep lovin' the pen. :)
@Roger Rabbit Hey I'm looking at picking one of these up too. Do you carry in your front pants pocket at all? I'm just curious how susceptible it is to accidental opening. I had an EDK stain a couple pairs of pants. 😅
@@JoHisey, I carry in the slit of my gold shirts when I have them on, and either in the corner of my jean pocket or in its bolt case in the same pocket, with my phone. The top isn't anywhere year the end of the tip, and where the bolt is part of the clip, can't deploy into your pocket. You just need to be weary of putting it in there deployed. I will never have that issue as I play with it before putting it away, and it's retracted before going in the shirt or pocket.
7:17 How difficult is it to hide the joint under one of the grooves? 2:08 Very thin barrel. 9:22 The cap and the front cone are shinier than the barrel (maybe my monitor's fault). I'd like to see a quick test on how the clip works on thin fabric or denim.
I can answer a couple of these. For me, the thin barrel is actually a plus. Most machined pens are too thick in my opinion. Since it's 6al4v titanium alloy, I have zero concerns about durability. No way you will crush it without a vise. The finish on mine is very even, from tip to tip. I can't speak for thin fabric, but I can vouch that the clip works perfectly on jeans pockets.
BitzBee the cap on my copper ti bolt does not contact the barrel, I assume this was done to eliminate scratches. The clip has worked great in the pocket of an Oxford shirt for the one day I have carried it so far.
Thanks nick. I completely hate the name. Urban Survival Gear. Terrible. But i am picking up one from your recommendation as soon as the titanium model is restocked
Well we have Tactical flashlights, Tactical Weapon Systems, Tactical snail shaped bottle openers and Tactical over shoulder mass carry systems, err, man purses.
I think so, actually. I prefer the capless approach, and same refill. The (Nickel) Alpha pen is more nicely made, and lighter, and more carryable in size, but as a writing tool, the USG is just a bit more my speed. Hoping he can find a way to make it a bit shorter in the future.
See I carry my pen in my left back pocket - that looks like it would be too long as sometimes my Alpha pen is borderline too long for some shorts/pants I wear - that's when I reach for the Hinderer Investigator pen. I'm also a bit paranoid about clicker/bolt pens - I'm always afraid they will accidentally deploy and start staining my back pocket with ink. Happy Holidays!
I agree with this as well. The Alpha pens are more beautiful, but the USG is a better EDC tool. As much as I love my Alpha pen, I actually don't carry it in pocket very often because I like to carry in my jeans pocket since I almost never wear shirts with a pocket, and every screw-on cap pen I own *always* comes unscrewed in my pants pocket without fail. Another beautiful thing about the USG design is that there is no way it's going to deploy in pocket. The only downside I can think of with the USG is that since it's not capped, you need to use a refill that isn't sensitive to drying out, but there are plenty of good options. My favorite so far is the Energel Needle Points, which actually didn't fit the 1st gen, but work perfectly in the 2nd gen.
Couldn't agree more Nick. The version 1 pen was and is great, but the version 2 blows it away. My new absolute favorite bolt pen.
I had one of these in TI, but my mother stole it. She is a nurse so she uses it all the time.
Introducing the TiScribe Bolt Pen so good your mother will steal it.
Great review! Pretty much echoes my sentiments and experience exactly. 1st gen was really good, 2nd gen is basically perfect. And Kelvin is freakin awesome.
A couple things I would add that I really appreciate about this pen are that the clip/bolt actuator are attached in such a way that they will never come loose with the force of operating the pen, no matter how much you fidget with it. Seems obvious, but it's actually NOT the case with many other bolt action pens.
Second, my copies of this pen have zero "tip wobble" when writing, which is also not the case with some other machined bolt action pens I've bought. It's a small thing, but in practice, it's super annoying to me when there's a little "give" when you start the writing stroke. No issues here.
Amazing pen, go buy one before they're out of stock!
At the end of one of your videos, please say “Don’t drive like my brother!”
If I could be 1/10th the entertainer either of Click and Clack were, I would a proud man.
Ordered one because of a comment you made 2 months ago and it arrived 2 days ago. Love it except for the sharp edges. Glad I watch your channel.
Unfortunately I received a bit of ugly customer service from Kelvin. My tiscribe bolt arrived with stripped heads on the screws that hold the clip on. I provided pictures to Kelvin and all he said is that it's ''normal''. I find it extremely disheartening that I paid over $80 and the pen arrives with stripped screws and there is no attempt to fix this on his part. Unfortunately I will be getting rid of this pen because I cannot support a company that treats its customers like that.
I think it's disheartening that you spent 80 dollars on a pen
and you expected what exactly buying from a hoodlum
Sighs Internally how exactly is he a ‘hoodlum’?
I've literally had nothing but absolutely fantastic service and communication from Kelvin. In multiple instances.
Wow sighs internally that's really low, Need to rethink your stance on the world my friend.
Normally a knife guy but this may be the first nice pen I purchase
Hey Nick, I was wondering if you could more knife versus videos. I really enjoyed the manix vs shaman one u did recently!
Great review-great job Kelvin on the gem status! Per the tracking info, mine arrived in Austin Saturday and should be out for delivery on Tuesday. Love the anticipation!
I picked up a Gen1 copper example during the initial Kickstarter campaign. Only issue I had was the sharp top edge of the clip. Thankfully, two minutes with a diamond file solved that problem.
One thing I don't like I didn't hear you mention is the gaping hole opening up when the pen is cocked. Could they move the clip half an inch or so lower and have a piece of titanium attached inside above the clip that would cover up that hole?
Nice pen, nice review. With the grip grooves it looks like you could do the Hinderer Investigator O-Ring Hack on this one if you wanted a cushioned grip.
Heirphoto I guess you could, but the groove are not as deep as the Hinderer Investigator.
I realized the other day you can fit a Montblanc fineliner refill in this beauty...game over best writing experience in my opinion. It's not listed as a refill on the website. I have the Prometheus Alpha and just on a whim I checked to see if it fit and it did! FYI ALL
Jason Dranoff
I have a question if you could help I would appreciate it. How strong is the retention on that pocket clip? I want it for work and will wear it on my front pant pocket and do a lot of running around and bending down to pick up packages and what not. Thanks in advance!
Luis Rodriguez Luis Rodriguez it's actually really good I manage restaurants in an airport and I run around like crazy all day I do about
18, 000 steps per day and I have no issues I keep it in my back pocket or sometimes in my front pocket and never had a concern or an issue so I highly recommend this pen.
Jason Dranoff
Thanks a bunch Jason, that really helps me out in my decision! I would hate to lose it as it will be my first and most expensive EDC pen.. :/
I'm glad you like it, I'm getting the titanium V2 here soon. Thanks again1 👍
Luis Rodriguez Enjoy it's a great pen!!
@@Jasondranoff | Not sure if you've tried this, but do you know if you can refill the Montblanc Fineliner cartridges with waterproof fountain pen ink like you can with the Rollerballs (ua-cam.com/video/3crIqTChlns/v-deo.html)? Also, I've found Pilot refills (V5 and Juice) work great since the Bolt was designed for the G2, but some refills (Jetstream, Energel, & Uni 307) rattle because the tip diameter is a little smaller. Have you noticed that with the Fineliner?
Sorry for reposting, used the wrong account earlier...
Thanks!
Jeff
Nice pen, but I am old school. Parker Jotter works just fine for me.
Bought one based on your recommendation.
Same. Mine arrived yesterday. Couldn't be happier.
Sorry the 1508s didn’t stick with you. Honestly that configuration would not stick with me either. I got mine with a removable steel blade stop pin and the blade pivot is hexed on both sides without a logo, which I love much more than the logo.
The pen: thanks for bringing it to my attention. Everything I have seen so far was not speaking to me at all. This one does! And I agree with you: this is a gem! 💎
I just got mine today! it's an beautiful pen can't wait to start using it at work!
J. Palafox
Hey man, thinking about getting one but I need to know how tight the retention is on the pocket clip as I want it for work as well and I do a lot of bending down and running around and would hate for it to fall out of my pant pocket and lose it...
it stays in my front pocket just fine but the retention is definitely the worst of all my pens/knives. Still love the pen though
The Slingshot King
Just got mine as well and what you stated is on point!
Great review, can't wait for the pencil one!
Whats the purposes of a pen like this?
Is it a self defense tool? Trying to see why and what makes it $80+
Would a MontBlanc rollerball refill dry out in this type of pen much faster than if it were used in a pen that caps shut?
...nice pen!...have a great Christmas....
Nick: id like to ask that you stop reviewing items. It’s hurting my bank account
Kelvin makes great pens. I bought a bunch of them.
Have you checked out the Bastion bolt action? Stainless steel and carbon fiber
I get were your coming from with the name but personally It does not bother me. They specialize in everyday gear and not off the grid survival gear so Urban(City) Survival(as in everyday) Gear seems appropriate to me.
Hey Nick, did you see the black tiscribe bolt with mokuti clip and tip? Definitely looks fancy enough for a board room. Although, maybe too flashy!
Kyle M I just got my stonewashed and now I'm crying. I'll figure out the mokuti (and maybe cerakote) in a bit.
spsook i have a ti and copper with the cap/tips switched. Looks good, but that black with mokuti looks sexy
Kyle M gonna hold off on the mokuti and cerakote as rewards - trying to run more and read more.
I mean, the basic stonewashed Ti is gorgeous but that mokuti got me messed up.
Hey Nick, are you going to do a review of the Pilot Metro fountain pen any time soon?
Could you do a review of the valtcan bolt pen($45 on amazon) as a novelty review? Not bad for the price. Great reviews by the way
The first 'bolt' pen I bought was the Valtcan. It's very well machined and solid. Plus you can completely take it apart to clean all the parts. Love its action too. I just ordered the USG TiScribe in brass so I can use Pentel energel refills in it. I use Parker style Schmidt Easyflow 9000 refills in the Valtcan.
I ordered the pen after seeing this great review. My order was shipped in late February. Now, in almost late March, I still haven't received the pen. Apparently there is some technical issues with the delivery. It is impossible to get a useful response from the shipper (USPS) since I am not in the US, and Kelvin did not respond to any of my emails. I sincerely hope that all non-US buyers receive their order smoothly.
Nice review!!!
Hey Nick, any word on recommendation, or not, for the pencil?
fidget factor... 5000. hahaha. Love it.
how does it compare to karas kustoms?
You still Loving this pen Nick?
I'm seriously considering it after your review.
I'm a dookie (what my Grandpa called lefties) myself, and have often have issues with novelty type pens in the left hand.
I can write with both hands, instinctively using the left, so my right is rusty, but usually is pretty good after a day or so of writing with it exclusively.
Please let me know when you have a moment.
Thanks for the uploads.
I've had mine for just about a year at this point, still love the thing, use it for taking notes all day, in and out of the pocket and the clip is still good. It has plenty of scratches but it just adds to the pens aesthetic
@@RogerRabbitt, thank you for your reply. Awesome information.
I've since bought this and have been carrying it almost every day, and so dig it.
It's not the most expensive one out there, but I feel like I'm driving a Rolls every time I use it.
I put the Amethyst Montblanc Rollerball in it that Nick suggested and can't get over how easy it is to lay down thick, solid lines with no pressure at all; it dries so quickly, my left hand doesn't smudge it either.
Thanks again, keep lovin' the pen. :)
@Roger Rabbit Hey I'm looking at picking one of these up too. Do you carry in your front pants pocket at all? I'm just curious how susceptible it is to accidental opening. I had an EDK stain a couple pairs of pants. 😅
@@JoHisey, I carry in the slit of my gold shirts when I have them on, and either in the corner of my jean pocket or in its bolt case in the same pocket, with my phone.
The top isn't anywhere year the end of the tip, and where the bolt is part of the clip, can't deploy into your pocket.
You just need to be weary of putting it in there deployed.
I will never have that issue as I play with it before putting it away, and it's retracted before going in the shirt or pocket.
Gman1024 Hey thanks a lot for the info!
I just ordered one!
Will you review the zt0010??
Doesn't the clip action damage the body of the pen by scratching it every time you click it?
J. Palafox no, the clip is machined with a tiny gap between the clip and the body so it will not scratch
Justin Barylski cool, thanks I recently bought one and it’s my favorite pen!
Is the seller dead? How to order.
7:17 How difficult is it to hide the joint under one of the grooves? 2:08 Very thin barrel. 9:22 The cap and the front cone are shinier than the barrel (maybe my monitor's fault). I'd like to see a quick test on how the clip works on thin fabric or denim.
I can answer a couple of these. For me, the thin barrel is actually a plus. Most machined pens are too thick in my opinion. Since it's 6al4v titanium alloy, I have zero concerns about durability. No way you will crush it without a vise. The finish on mine is very even, from tip to tip. I can't speak for thin fabric, but I can vouch that the clip works perfectly on jeans pockets.
BitzBee the cap on my copper ti bolt does not contact the barrel, I assume this was done to eliminate scratches. The clip has worked great in the pocket of an Oxford shirt for the one day I have carried it so far.
any coupon codes?
watch too many 50s shows? nya ya see myahh
Thanks nick. I completely hate the name. Urban Survival Gear. Terrible. But i am picking up one from your recommendation as soon as the titanium model is restocked
What ink do you use, please tell me the video did not understand, thank you. I can't find the right one for me.
Mont blanc refills
Coppa is coo! (Pardon me I have a cold)....
1:34 the whole point to me watching this video is to see it taken apart, and you do that out of frame.
No comparison to small HINDERER, buhuhu!
Randall Kelley I see your point, after carrying the Hinderer Investigator for 6 months this Ti Bolt feels huge.
Nick, what would you recommend for EDC, for around 160USD?
Ben Lee good knife would cost about 80 to 130, then fill the blank with a pen of some sort
edc knife? a PM2 is great or for even cheaper you can get a dragonfly. i dont know much about pens
Titanium version is currently sold out😢. How would this pen rate for self defense? Thanks
It's a pen. So, about as well as a pen would.
It is great for writing a complaint letter to any attackers.
Well we have Tactical flashlights, Tactical Weapon Systems, Tactical snail shaped bottle openers and Tactical over shoulder mass carry systems, err, man purses.
Lol, "self defense pen". Hilarious.
I guess you haven't seen Grosse Pointe Blank.
you like it more than your Prometheus Alpha Pen?
I think so, actually. I prefer the capless approach, and same refill. The (Nickel) Alpha pen is more nicely made, and lighter, and more carryable in size, but as a writing tool, the USG is just a bit more my speed. Hoping he can find a way to make it a bit shorter in the future.
See I carry my pen in my left back pocket - that looks like it would be too long as sometimes my Alpha pen is borderline too long for some shorts/pants I wear - that's when I reach for the Hinderer Investigator pen. I'm also a bit paranoid about clicker/bolt pens - I'm always afraid they will accidentally deploy and start staining my back pocket with ink. Happy Holidays!
I agree with this as well. The Alpha pens are more beautiful, but the USG is a better EDC tool. As much as I love my Alpha pen, I actually don't carry it in pocket very often because I like to carry in my jeans pocket since I almost never wear shirts with a pocket, and every screw-on cap pen I own *always* comes unscrewed in my pants pocket without fail. Another beautiful thing about the USG design is that there is no way it's going to deploy in pocket. The only downside I can think of with the USG is that since it's not capped, you need to use a refill that isn't sensitive to drying out, but there are plenty of good options. My favorite so far is the Energel Needle Points, which actually didn't fit the 1st gen, but work perfectly in the 2nd gen.
Sloooooow down. You move the pen around so much and so fast it’s hard to even get a decent look at it. Otherwise it was a great review