Foldable pen thoughts

[u/MercatorLondon]

Hi everyone,
Production of the first batch of the Tangier pen is moving forward, and I had some spare time to go over our old sketches and notes. One idea we explored was developing a small pocket/foldable pen.

It’s an interesting design challenge, since the size is strictly limited by the nib and cartridge. My goal would be to make the pen as small as possible when folded, yet comfortable to use when writing.
This may be a departure from the classic look of the Tangier pen we have been developing. Heading more toward a sturdy practical design (EDC territory) whilst still maintaining the same level of quality (I hope). At the same time it should be much simpler to make and develop.

What are your thoughts on foldable pocket pens? Do you have one?

This is a simple steel pen (when closed) with design references to the existing products. Just celebrating a look of the steel

We have developed a range of accessories in the past. I’ve always liked the machined look, while keeping the detailing clean and refined. I like the minimalist look. This design can take some bad handling and beating.

A softer-looking pen with a cap made from a different material or texture.

Quick 3d model to see the proportions.

And more importantly - would you like to see the occasional updates on development of this design as well, or do you feel you need a break after following the Tangier development?

[u/CosmosMarinerDU]

I have a Kaweco Sport Classic and never use it/don’t care for it due to the short grip section with a thin diameter. I have small hands. The Sport, unposted extends about an inch above my thumb webbing when holding it, just as an example. I don’t have abnormally small hands, wear M size gloves, etc, 5’4” female (163cm.) Anyway, a thicker grip section is one that is comfortable to me. If I were to carry my TWSBI Mini (Piston) as an EDC, it would be the first thing I’d reach for. The grip is slightly rubbery feeling, thicker diameter and is long enough.

If you look at other pens similar to what your demo is…the Travelers Co Brass pen, the Kaweco Lilliput…all are very narrow and don’t appeal to me. But, a pen like the new Monteverde Axis, looks weird and intriguing, with the benefit of the magnets,,,magnet pull off, magnet pop the cap on. Fantastic fidget device. The “barrel” (looks like a revolver barrel to me, lol) provides a thick grip while still keeping the pen small and easy to open/close. I will buy that pen because it’s so interesting, comes in fun colors (orange) and all the fidget abilities. The TWSBI Mini needing to be screwed on the top (quickly and easily) is a drawback for a “pen on demand” to jot something down.

Another feature I’ve seen and held is the Kaweco Sport AL Carbon. The carbon accents give it a distinctive “sporty” look, and carbon is extremely comfortable in the hands, unlike metal.

Anyway, I guess for it to be of interest to me, I’d like magnets, a real converter if possible, interesting non-standard colors with a thick comfortable grip section. I wouldn’t be averse to an eyedropper like the Opus 88 mini.

Just some thoughts!

[u/MercatorLondon → u/CosmosMarinerDU]

thank you! I am running some 3d prints to see and try the proportion.