The Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we're going to take a look at an amazing sequel, Tactile Turn's second Bolt Action pen: the Bolt Action and Bolt Action Short.

[@abehaile2659]

Great review. Thank you. Ordered the zirconium short as a gift to MYSELF for finally completing an 8-year career turnaround journey 💪🏽😌

[@daysofcarnivore]

When I saw this was a review for a pen my immediate thought was "how Is this guy really going to review a pen for 18 minutes?" but, he did! and did a fine job, I watched all of it.

[@ohroonoko]

FML! I Already collect guns, flashlights, edc tools and knives. Are you going to get me into collecting pens, too???

[@doctoruttley]

😂 I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@dorkknight413]

At least it's not watches

[@ohroonoko]

@@dorkknight413 oh yeah I forgot. Watches, too!

[@Keen_Edge]

It's a dangerous game.

[@herrkeks8509]

Yes... :D

[@scaber]

Nick, I always appreciate your honesty and critical eye with your reviews. I also noticed how Will, the owner, addressed your concerns with the previous Slider review. I received the Bolt in Titanium about a week ago. It is a work of art. The previous Glider was an impressive pen but the newer Bolt has improved a few areas including a redesigned tip for no tip play, redesigned action which requires less movement and has consistent tension throughout the movement, and redesigned end to allow the pen to ride lower in a pocket. It's perfection in a machined bolt action pen.

[@tyronrucker8930]

Excellent review! Great pen, I didn't know how to refill my pen until I watched the video. Great Pen. Keep up the truthful and helpful videos.

[@EVONLMessi10]

This is One of your Finest and Best Vids/Reviews Nick! Your knowledge and expertise exceeded my expectations. I truly enjoy watching your vids Bro! Keep up the good work Bro. The Tactile Turn Bolt Action Pen is the best I’ve ever seen and used myself. Thank you for serving our community🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ChuckBradfordPhotography]

Yup, now I'm collecting pens too. Just recieved bolt bronze long, what a wonderful tool.

[@zachstuff]

After getting hands on with that smaller one I’m hooked! I think this video will get people into ordering more pens. Plus Urban coming out with his smaller version Wednesday!!! Thank you!

[@AdenosinePush]

Just got the copper one for my birthday. It is HEAVY but so, so awesome. I work in healthcare so I got it on principle due to the antimicrobial properties :) I know you're a scientist and I don't know about you but back in the day when I was in the lab in school the G2 was just about the only pen we ever used, everyone spent hundreds of hours in the lab with them. Have a soft spot for that refill and it's nice to have the mother of all pilot G2s :D

[@kit2770]

I ordered one. It arrived today. Overall, I like it a lot. I agree with everything said in the video (although the end unscrews just fine on mine. Maybe Nick is just screwing his on too tight 😄). But anyways, two things I have noticed: the specific shape of the channel in which the bolt slides up and down in my pen seems to be a bit different than what I see on the pens in the video or on the TT website. It's still a J-shape but the bottom of the "J" is a bit less round or 'fat' than what I see on the other pens. This means that I need to provide a bit of side-force with my thumb, whereas it seems that with the other pens, the rounder arc of the channel is enough to guide the bolt laterally with just a downward motion of the thumb. To be clear, it's not a giant problem. The bolt still snaps into place good and hard. But I see people flicking their bolts back and forth super quickly with just quick flicks of their thumb, and with mine, I can't do that. I need to put slightly more effort into my thumb movement, so I can't just quickly snap it back and forth. I mean, it's not like it's a huge problem, but I'm just saying. The other thing I notice is that there's a sharp point on the body of my pen. It's on the edge of the bolt channel at the midpoint of the "J". The edge of the channel is smooth, meaning It's not a burr or some random bit of metal sticking out, but I think it's just that with the less rounded shape of the channel, where the "J" turns its corner, the two lines come together at a tighter angle than seen on the other pens, forming a sharp point. Again, not a massive problem, but, to be honest, over the course of the many, many years I hope to be using this pen, depending on how I reach for the pen, it may end up cutting me at some point (granted, it would likely be a small cut, but still...). OK then, adios.

[@Gdolwell]

Picked up a short with ti-mascus tip, top and bolt based on your review, pretty stoked.

[@kerryrwac]

I was ready to bolt when i saw a pen review , but i clicked on it anyways , and it took a surprising turn . The Timascus knob is a nice option as are the two sizes .

[@ChuckBradfordPhotography]

The timascus knob is tactile.

[@briand7489]

I have both iterations and the new version is even more lefty friendly than the last. Awesome review Nick, and I love seeing you interact with fans and makers on instagram. The zirconium version might match the Batmobile.

[@elusivellama]

You know, I watch so many of your knife reviews that I sometimes forget that you also do pens. I have their titanium standard length bolt action pen, it's been a constant companion for the last 3 years and it's been excellent. The action still works perfectly, nothing has come loose that couldn't be fixed up with some blue loctite, and it uses the awesome Pilot G2 refills. I bought it as a pen, and also as a "pen", and it looks nothing at all like what people think when they imagine the latter, so it's perfect when I take it out and start jotting notes during meetings.

[@Staticclism]

I absolutely adore my Ti Glider. Now I want a zirc/timascus short. Definitely looks like a very solid set of improvements.

[@InnawoodsAnon]

What a great review. I was considering this pen or maybe the Bolt V2 from Kara's Kustoms, but this settled it. Thanks!

[@Richard_Barnes]

Your accent is incredible on its own, never mind your reviews! Love it. Thanks Nick. A great review of a superb pen. Now I gotta stop myself buying one! I have too many pens now, I’m an addict! lol. 😀👍🏻

[@SalvadorDaliLama]

Made me laugh when he said "mount blanc", so different from his accent.

[@cb4x4]

I think the line separating the Cap from the Body is perfect. It breaks up the "ribbing" along the body. If the pen had the same texture all over, I think it would look a little "plain". Also think that if it had any texturing opposite of what is currently on it, so as to assist grip when changing ink refill, that too would go against its aesthetic. Anywho…...Mine should be here this week :)

[@dustinewing7974]

I watched a few videos on this pen just to figure out how to replace the ink cartridge. The seam blends in so perfectly that I didnt even know that the tip unscrews. Lol thanks man.

[@JonathanTReviews]

What are your thoughts on size: Standard versus Short? Medium hand size and looking as a general office (non-EDC) application. Both appear to be capable of taking the Pilot G2 (with the Short requiring slight trimming). The Short appears to be long enough to feel like a full-size while shaving a little length and weight.

[@JadeSchafer]

Interesting review. Random question, anyone know a gel refill that fits the Hinderer Investigator pen?

[@David.Buckheister]

Just ordered a short in Titanium with the damascus bolt. Should get it tomorrow. Super excited.

[@zptwin2]

How do you like in after about a year

[@David.Buckheister]

Love it! Wish I had a chance to use it more. It’s great to fidget with and a dream to use. Highly recommend.

[@ticktology]

I ordered one this past week and looking forward to using it! Same exact one you have 👍😎🖊

[@michaelsantana5781]

@@ticktology thoughts on the pen so far?

[@ticktology]

@@michaelsantana5781 I really like it and the quality is high. Make sure you get the longest one so it’s able to take the pilot G2 cartridge refill. I got the ti-mascus bolt👌

[@natehate5547]

nick what refill would you recommend for a short (5.1") ?

[@slidetek]

I had to grab a V1 at Blade for $35. I've enjoyed it and really haven't been as bothered with the action - maybe being a southpaw helps. I grabbed one of these new ones during the discount release last week. I think the cost of the timascus bolt is less than it was originally if I'm not mistaken. Totally agree the biggest selling point is the wonderful milling, love the texture for grip. BTW, that's bronze, not brass.

[@ricktemmen6272]

Good review and nice camera work Nick. I collected pens for 40 years but not for the last 15 years so I suffer from minor sticker shock. Accept for My Monte Blanc I am not used to those prices. Really nice pens though. 😎👍

[@ddsfard]

Thanks Nick. I just got the short one today. Its beautiful but I find the bolt mechanism annoying. It appears to be better made for the left hand. I find pulling back on the bolt to be much more awkward than if it were a push forward action. I have not decided if it is a deal breaker. Another issues is that the bolt head is too flat. It's kind of hard to get a grip on it.

[@imaginehydreigons5377]

How durable are those thumbstuds? Does it rotate overtime?

[@CombatCactus]

What ink did you have in your ECO? Looked lovely.

[@PooMonkeyMan]

Anyone know if these pens take any of the Fisher space pen refills?

[@charlesholland6851]

I've always liked fancy pens. But I just don't write much...it's still tempting!

[@endofdayzfitnessu.k2126]

Can I use a standard Parker refil for a short version

[@abehaile2659]

Ordered a zirconium short for nearly $300. Item never arrived by mail and I couldn't do anything about it as they used USPS--no porch photo after drop off or signature. Likely delivered to wrong address--surveillance cameras on porch--but I received "confirmation" email of delivery. Very frustrating

[@Jesse-Rodriguez]

I have the Boker + bolt action in brass. Love the pen with a Fischer space pen insert.

[@jackblah5842]

I took a hard look at these but couldn't cough up that amount of coin and be locked into a refill size so I went with Big Idea Design bolt action. They recently came out with a slim version that I tried but it turns out I prefer the original thick barrel design.

[@kismetghost]

I still like my maxmadco more but I think I'm going to pick one of these up for work. That brass is sharp.

[@Howardsheppard]

I don’t consider myself a ‘pen guy’ but I do appreciate any finely crafted item. I got a regular size titanium with the Damascus. I have to say: this thing is amazing! I’m using it with a Pilot Precise V5 RT refill. The fit is immaculate. Blown away by this pen!

[@TillRaguin]

I have to admit the last 5 seconds made me laugh out loud!

[@peacefuljeffrey]

I ordered the standard in bronze-since I don’t own anything made of bronze yet-and it came today. This pen is flat-out wonderful. It’s going to be a constant companion. I would like to see them configure these pens for pressurized ink refills such as the Fisher “Space Pen” ones.

[@amin971000]

The short version does take fisher refill with an SPR4 adapter.

[@Johnny641]

I have the smaller Gen 1 bolt action in Brass and really like it, although Nick didn't get on with the action I have no probs with it. I think I will pick the Gen 2 short in Titanium. 👍

[@pixelb3285]

I want an actual bolt action pen. A fountain pen that, once the ink cartridge in the back is depleted, can extract and eject the spent cartridge and load another cartridge from an internal three-cartridge magazine, all done via the cycling of a bolt much like you'd find on a rifle.

[@davidlindquist1499]

That'd be one big pen

[@kampferbrooks6087]

Love You, and Your Videos Nick!!!

[@914Rocky]

This is an awesome pen. I have the large one in titanium with the timascus. I have had ZERO problem opening the tip cap. Zero. Maybe yours was not the best quality controlled one ever. I can turn mine easily with just my hands. I have had. I problem ever opening it. Total gem.

[@cloudcleaver23]

I like the finish better on the TiScribe, but the shorter form factor and the face that you won't (partially) actuate the bolt whenever you pull the pen from your pocket make the Tactile Turn offering look pretty good.

[@6BURG9]

Is the clip removable?

[@sasaradojcic1614]

Who I can buy this pen?

[@JamesTodd]

please review the Valtcan Eclipse Titanium Pen EDC Writer Slim Design Stonewash

[@draftierinfern0831]

Hey you should check out Big Idea Design, specifically the pocket pro! Great video as always!!

[@wrliggin2]

I still love the original slider and can't wait to get this updated version. After caring the tactile ridged texture, ever other plain titanium pen feels boring

[@karbonkevin919]

Are these usa made?

[@Lily-ut7wg]

That looks really nice. Like the timascus

[@Boelick]

I have both the original and the updated version and I completely agree with everything Nick said. The only thing I really didn’t care for on the original was the action it was just horrible with that C shape, The action on the new pen is completely different it has got to be one of the most enjoyable actions and every time I hand the pen off for someone to use they absolutely fall in love with it. I have the large copper pen with a customized bolt stud and an engraved clip

[@fossilimprint2954]

great review

[@eddiedean4471]

My favorite knife channel

[@ihmawtd1741]

You forgot to mention one more great thing. They offer free international shippin! This is a yuuuge plus in my books

[@Ryomichi]

I am tempted to get one. Especially when my favorite Maxmadco pen was discontinued. With the same price of $120 we get more detail and quality from tactile turn bolt action

[@elusivellama]

I have a Maxmadco, and the Tactile Turn is better in terms of mechanism (doesn't use a resin bolt carrier like the MMC), the texture is better and hides scratches, and the pen itself fits much better in the hand.

[@elusivellama]

Forgot to mention that I have a stainless steel Tactile Turn Glider (5.6"), the model before the current Bolt Action.

[@elusivellama]

@Super Saiyan Not really. The machining works, it adds just enough grip, but not too much.

[@Keen_Edge]

Will the owner is a fantastic guy. He'll do anything to help you out.

[@dmarcellus]

I own these pens...they are incredible.

[@BaronRadium]

Hey Nick, the only thing I was hoping you might cover is about the top cap. If the clip gets bent is the top cap easily removed to re-bend the clip?

[@dustingaddis2423]

On the previous versions it is removable, and unless he's started adding red threadlocker there shouldn't be too much problem removing the cap on the new ones.

[@lingling6546]

On the Movers and Shakers the top cap can be removed.

[@scaber]

Yes the cap can be removed but it is not easy. Here is a video of the owner, Will, showing you how to remove the cap on the old version of the pen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep_UfWmIj8-HrpY

[@kit2770]

I'm interested in these pens, but I'm wondering, wouldn't the copper and bronze pens turn your hand green? And wouldn't the pens themselves turn green? Everything I know about these metals tells me that the answer would be yes, but I can't find any info on this relating to the pens. Can anyone help me out?

[@UltimateEnd0]

Yes, you are right about the copper and bronze...actually update sorry bronze is pretty darn corrosion resistant, you're thinking of brass.

[@Oldcoinsandstuff1]

If your going to keep reviewing pens please review one I won’t friggin loose!!!

[@catkins07]

How's the rattle? You hated that in your review of the Slider but didn't touch on it here.

[@John-mf6ky]

I actually found ab older one on the ground today. I opened it and lost the damn spring though lol.. I've foind quite a few nice pens throughout tbe years, last lne was a lamy 2000 lol..

[@Jeepsteve1982]

The bronze is pretty neat. I've always wondered if there was a reason we didn't see more bronze among the brass, copper, and titanium flashlights out there.

[@stavroszisis9075]

The bronze will eventually get patina or stay this shinny?anyone knows please?

[@JonathanTReviews]

@@stavroszisis9075 It develops an absolutely stunning patina! While I have always considered myself a copper lover for its patina, I think the bronze may look even better. Had I not seen what this could turn into, I would have never considered it as I'm not a big fan of gold/brass colored metal.

[@seanledesma5997]

Is this lefty friendly?

[@Bad_Rattle]

Awesome pens! The Zirconium with Timascus stud is AMAZING looking🤤 Are the clips Ti or steel?

[@dustingaddis2423]

@@thseed7 No, they're steel.

[@Bad_Rattle]

Dustin Gaddis steel it is?!😂

[@scaber]

The clips are stainless steel.

[@PoletBally]

Great review. A little hard to understand due to your thick, Russian accent, but still good.

[@alistairt7544]

"Russian" 🤣

[@drawingninja1]

😂😂

[@jordanjtbraun]

Russian? Some sort of American accent is what I am hearing... Kind of reminds me of a Warner Bros character...

[@RoastPartyTime]

​@@jordanjtbraun It's sarcasm 🙄

[@fredel2858]

Awsome pens

[@JK-ct5kf]

For anyone who has the pen.. how does it feel when writing with it? I’ve seen so many reviews on this pen but not one talks about how it writes lmao

[@anthonypo3289]

I have the standard titanium version. It is a bit top heavy and thicker that what i usually use and the bolt is rough when its new but will get smoother as you keep using it.

[@Mackster248]

With the copper or brass material do your hands/fingers smell like a penny? My only concern

[@micheltrijsburg]

Depends mostly on the composition of your sweat I guess. I have a copper Olight and never have this smell. I might be lucky though, my guitar strings last a long time as well and some people's strings rust after a week (worked in a guitar shop for 8,5 years, so I've seen a lot of guitar strings :') )

[@richardjonsson1745]

Nice review, thanks! Also.. very much like listening to a nerdier and higly caffeinated version of "Ford Fairlane - rock'n roll detective". ;-)

[@kenlobit2085]

Ay Dutch, you got a light?

[@dustingaddis2423]

The reason the top cap isn't as flush is two-fold I believe. And note, I don't speak for Will (owner of Tactile Turn), just as a fan of his stuff and as someone with a bit of machining knowledge and experience: 1 - That texture is actually one continuous groove running the entire length of the cap and pen body. Will does the final machining pass (to add the texture) on the body and tip in one pass, with the parts assembled. That's why the transition is so flawless, they're machined together so the groove lines up perfectly, because it's one continuous groove. I don't know how he could have the top cap installed and still hold the part in the lathe. 2 - The top cap has to hold the clip in place (check the spare parts on his website to see a pic of the clip if you can't picture it in your head), so when it's screwed down it tightens against the clip, not against the body of the pen - therefore there must be some tiny gap between the top cap and the pen body. Due to the tolerances and variations in the clip's thickness I don't think he could design it so the top cap bottomed out on both the clip and pen body simultaneously - you'd end up with some clips a bit loose (because the clip material is a bit thin and the cap bottomed out on the pen body), and some with a bit of a gap in the seam (like you have already, because it bottoms out on the clip).

[@rusty2330]

my older bolt action takes the Schmidt capless P8126

[@brocstauffer4204]

Better than the tiscribe bolt? I think it might be.

[@Bad_News.]

As someone who loved the last generation, I can't wait to get my hands on one of these to throw in the rotation with my TiBolt.

[@davidmarshall7752]

Damn, should've waited for the second version. Mine has the annoying shake Nick mentioned in the first review.

[@KeyboardG23]

Love your reviews Nick, but I respectfully disagree. Thanks to your video when I went to unscrew my new titanium short it was easy, and I didn't loose any grip, but also my hands were clean and dry. Thanks to your review(s) this pen came onto my radar and now I am ordering the copper one as well.

[@RoyaleWitCheese04]

Hey everyone, if we pester Kelvin about making a blackened Ti Scribe bolt enough, he will do it. Cmon folks...let’s make this happen

[@transprtrg2599]

Thoughtful review. I also just received one of the new bolt action pens in titanium from Will. Wow, such a nice machined pen! A good EDC conceptual match to a Panerai watch. The machined look, substantial feel (Titanium is so perfect, not heavy, not insubstantial, great look), the Damascus touch, and first-class mechanism, the incredible texture / feel of the machined body details. One area Nick did not address is the deep carry clip. The awesome and visual mechanism with blued Damascus bolt won't show in a pocket, as the pen carries low--so not like the look of your stylish pen posing in your shirt pocket, like a Mont Blanc. The sound and feel. The sound of the mechanism is so pleasing, and that was likely a part of Will's design objective. You'll dig it. Phenomenal pen, particularly for the price. Final thought, also not addressed in the video. The amazing tactile machining texture captures light in a way that transforms a pen into a lovely work of art you just keep admiring as the stripe of textured light runs the length of your pen by design. Totally cool.

[@bryanstone654]

Ti Scribe Bolt wins because it can take both kinds of refills, the Parker and the Gels.

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Wow really nice looking pen design!!! :D

[@MazzDamage]

I just ordered one. If you use coupon code BOLT you get 20% off.

[@dan-k5083]

THANK YOU

[@Schwarzegamer]

Dude! Thank you so much!

[@everydaybladesinc]

Parker should buy you an airplane for all of the exposure that Jotter has received. Lol

[@1968gadgetyo]

No disassembly video? The bolt is not a 'pocket pecker'?

[@clintonlewis1663]

Nice pens 😀👍

[@jazzandmetal]

Mine is pretty easy to open. Wish it wasn’t. Good pen though.

[@coolboii900]

Having trouble unscrewing

[@hvskyline1368]

Imma buy the titanium slim bolt action with the timascus clip and bolt for 218 bucks jeez it’s as expensive as my knife

[@hurst2385]

To be fair, not all Parker's have pocket clips.

[@blackadder1966]

Just spotted one at a good price $50 usd used, just waiting for some pics vai email. Same guy has short and click for sale too $40 each. I just may take them all.

[@blackadder1966]

@@user-xk9tr6sr2o it was used

[@TheTimLara]

Nick, I just got mine today and have no issues unscrewing the tip, so I think you need to start fidgeting with a Triad lock to beef up those fingers a bit. ;)

[@scaber]

I also had no trouble unscrewing the tip.

[@alistairt7544]

Love the accent..and the pen lol

[@petermccann2561]

I was a repeat customer with Tactile Turn, but no more. My last purchase was defective-the bolt action pocket clip has loosened up, and has ~3mm side to side play. The CS experience with this company has been abysmal. 3 days of 11+ emails with photos and videos, and they still insist that I pay return shipping, and for the engraved clip. Already wasted more time than the pen cost. Hard to figure when companies penalize customers for defective products. Now the other 2 TT pens I own just remind me of the time consuming headache they needlessly created.

[@apexmoto9610]

This review is a beautiful ting

[@shorty3951]

Just order a short one in ti....now we wait for 2-4 weeks because i'm from germany fml...

[@japtasticify]

It’s Giff !

[@pendulousphallus]

I don't know how many refills are compatible with Pilot G2 standard. The Parker G2 standard gives you plenty of flexibility and chance to experiment, you aren't married to one or two refills on that standard but I fear you may be on the Pilot G2 starndard. I don't know how wise of a sizing that is, especially for a 'buy it for life' item like these.

[@dustingaddis2423]

There's lots of Pilot G2 sized refills. And since it's larger than the Parker style (in both length and diameter) all you need is a spacer and a different spring and you can use any Parker style refill. You can make your own spacer out of anything (I made one by trimming some length off a Pilot G2 body actually) , and salvage a spring from another cheap pen laying around the office.

[@pendulousphallus]

@@dustingaddis2423 Well I guess I just got told. I wasn't aware that the Pilot G2 standard was as flexible as it is and I certainly hadn't thought about resizing these refills through addition. You're a wise man.

[@scaber]

By design, most of my nicer pens take the G2 Pilot refill. I have the Bolt in Titanium, Lamy Safari Rollerball (with spacer) and Machine Era original which all take the same refill. The only nicer ball point pen that I have that is different is the Fisher bullet which is fantastic pocket pen.

[@zac_in_ak]

Good choice on paper :)

[@Klan..]

Pilot G-2 refill

[@lostfound8112]

COLLECT ALL THE THINGS! :)

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

That bent flat clip looks too thick and blah. A machined clip with a pyramid ramp would have been great.