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Titanium modular "superpen" is good to go for a century of use

Titanium modular "superpen" is good to go for a century of use
The Titaner Dragon Pearl pen is presently on Kickstarter
The Titaner Dragon Pearl pen is presently on Kickstarter
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Each individual pen is stamped with its unique serial number and production date
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Each individual pen is stamped with its unique serial number and production date
A closer look at the pen's rolling pocket clip bead
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A closer look at the pen's rolling pocket clip bead
The Titaner Dragon Pearl pen is presently on Kickstarter
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The Titaner Dragon Pearl pen is presently on Kickstarter
The Dragon Pearl's components – a retainer keeps the spring from popping out when swapping in refills
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The Dragon Pearl's components – a retainer keeps the spring from popping out when swapping in refills
View gallery - 4 images

Gadget freaks don't just like multitools and wristwatches – they're also big on fancy pens. If you're one of those folks, you might want to check out the titanium-bodied Dragon Pearl. The refillable, retractable ballpoint pen is warrantied for 100 years and a million clicks.

Currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, the Dragon Pearl is made by Japanese company Titaner. The firm has previously brought us doo-dads such as a ring that serves the same purpose as a tape measure, an extendable multifunctional ruler, and a multitool which incorporates a tiny adjustable wrench.

One of the Dragon Pearl's biggest claims to fame is the fact that virtually the whole thing – inside and out – is constructed of Grade 5 titanium.

That even includes its spring along with the rest of its patented "Dual-Wing Trajectory" nib extension/retraction system. This setup is rated for over a million cycles, and its reportedly ultra-smooth operation is described as feeling like "gliding over baby-soft skin."

The Dragon Pearl's components – a retainer keeps the spring from popping out when swapping in refills
The Dragon Pearl's components – a retainer keeps the spring from popping out when swapping in refills

One part of the pen that isn't titanium is its actual "dragon pearl," a rolling zircon bead at the end of its pocket clip. According to Titaner, the rolling action of that bead keeps the clip from damaging the user's clothing as the pen is repeatedly taken in and out of their pocket.

The bead is available in color choices of red, black and blue, as are the ink refills from manufacturers Schneider and Schmidt. There's also an underwater-capable Fisher refill.

A closer look at the pen's rolling pocket clip bead
A closer look at the pen's rolling pocket clip bead

Because of the pen's modular design, users can choose between barrels with knurled or hexagonal grip patterns, plus they can opt for either a titanium or M390 hardened steel tip – the latter allows the tip to be used as an emergency glass-breaker when the nib is retracted.

Taking the whole multitool idea further, Titaner plans on also offering non-ballpoint tips equipped with tools such as a graphite "everlasting pencil," a scalpel blade, and different types of screwdriver bits.

Each individual pen is stamped with its unique serial number and production date
Each individual pen is stamped with its unique serial number and production date

The whole pen measures 13 mm (0.5 in) wide – clip included – by 144 mm (5.7 in) long with the nib retracted, and reportedly tips the scales at 25 g (0.9 oz). Assuming it reaches production, a pledge of US$109 will get you one – 100-year warranty included. The planned retail price is $208.

You can see the Dragon Pearl in action, in the video below.

Titaner Dragon Pearl • Redefining the Titanium"Dream Pen"

Source: Kickstarter

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View gallery - 4 images
10 comments
10 comments
Rick O
I fully expect it to outlast my ability to not lose it.
Spud Murphy
Waste of a quite expensive metal. My everyday pen is a plastic pen I was given 25 years ago, still works just fine...
Rusty
Shoot, my Sharpie s-gel pens will last for years, and a pack of three is less than 20 bucks.
paul314
So has the company put together an escrow fund to make sure that warranty will be honored? Or is it like so many internet "lifetime" guarantees that actually mean the lifetime of the startup?
Zatarra Manetti
Magnus makes a better pen.
MJChappell
I use and collect unique writing pens, and this one I will keep an eye out for. I like the Production Number & Serial, makes it somewhat of a collectors item maybe 5 years from now if you found one with a extremely low serial number. The price is reasonable too. I mean if you found one that someone lost, it would be like finding a silver half dollar.
I purchased 2 plastic retractable pens about 6 years ago for $32 each. They came from Japan and aren't made in the USA. But these pens were made for writing and a showing of status.
Uncle Anonymous
Cool pen. It looks like a Zebra F701, only 23 times more expensive.
Username
My "dream" pen would be much more elegant.
gjonko
I still have four of the most comfortable pens to ever fit in my hand, but the ink refills are no longer available for sale. two of them are from the late 1960's. I still have them in my work desk drawer to look at now and then, not ever buying anything like this, I just don't believe a refill will be available in ten or more years. So what's next.
ljaques
My Zebra F701 with 2 extra refills has lasted 7 years so far, on the original ink fill. It's 100% stainless steel and can be used tactically, as well, should I need to protect myself. All that for =under= ten bucks, too. I can handle the extra ounce of weight to offset the Ti cost, thanks.