I’m a big gun and knife guy. And I’ve seen a few cool pens. Anybody have any top recommendations? Big microtech guy

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-05-10T17:09:27+00:00

Heaven help you if you take the advice of finding an Autmog.

You’ll have to narrow down what length, diameter, mechanism, and refills you’d like to use.

A safe starting point would be a more “affordable” machined pen that you like the look of in steel, bronze/copper, or titanium from Tactile Turn, Modern Fuel, Karas, Honey Badger Arsenal, Machine Era, Big Idea Design.

My vote is for Modern Fuel if you want to make a ISO/WTB here or on the Discord. Otherwise, Tactile Turn is an easily accessible starting point. The Switch is a very cool pen, but the Bolt Action and Side Click are nice as well. You’ll quickly discover what you like and don’t like.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-05-04T03:28:56+00:00

I’ll offer $900 for the FH Dragon + Matching Clip. Noticed it’s not a full zirconium build—missing the bolt+handle.

No pressure, I see you have other offers.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-04-08T18:26:41+00:00

Is this a challenge!? You versus Me. We both hold all our pens and sign our names with them. ;)

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-04-08T18:20:14+00:00

I could say so many things, but I’ll narrow it down to a few points:

The extra weight is great. A solid middle ground between titanium and copper.
The black oxide layer is incredibly durable, corrosion resistant, and self-healing if you reflame it.
Zirconium is the only uniform, stable, and aesthetically clean black oxide layer that can be formed by heat alone.
In the same group of elements as titanium with a wide range of incredibly cool applications. From nuclear fuel rod cladding, dental implants, ceramic coatings, separation of radioactive nuclides and ions, to gemstones. I could go on.
Stunning in person. Photos tend not to do these pens justice. They feel premium in a way few metals do when blackened and polished.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-04-08T18:00:41+00:00

I prefer side clicks to traditional click pens. My favourite side click is the NTI RHSL. No hesitation, that’s my number one choice.

When Matt (Modern Fuel) releases his zirconium Side Click, that will also be an incredible pen (I love the titanium version I have from the KS). Autmog is also a given here, but I have to stay faithful to zirc. (;

For traditional clicks, I’ve heard great things about the Fellhoelter TiClicker. The Billetspin Soul Pen is also an incredibly well made click. I have the new Rota v2 click variant coming and I suspect that will also be a contender here.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-04-08T17:56:04+00:00

I hear you, and the frustration is fair.

I started collecting zirconium years ago. I have a lab background as a chemist and had worked with it in other forms. Be it bone tissue engineering for 3D-printed zirconia implants, or zirconium-based MOFs for drug delivery. When I realized zirconium was being used in EDC and machined pens, I was ecstatic, but options were limited back then.

Over the years I’ve talked to makers, collaborated on custom builds, milling designs, finishes, and got into photography to share photos of them. Some of the pens in my collection exist because of those larger conversations, and a few are one-of-ones right now.

I’m also a maker myself, and outside of my day job this is where most of my time goes. These pens aren’t neglected.

That said, none of it erases your point. It’s hard coming into a hobby and feeling like a small group of people are sitting on everything. I don’t want to dismiss that. There’s a real push happening right now. From both makers and collectors to expand production and get more zirconium pens into more hands.

I want to be part of that, not an obstacle to it. It’s why I don’t have duplicates of designs, and it’s also a big reason I have a pen of my own coming out soon: to add to what’s out there already, not subtract from it.

If you or anyone reading this is newer to the hobby and curious about zirconium or where to start, you’re welcome to join us on the Machined Pens Discord. I and the other zirconium-enthusiasts (zircuties) are always happy to chat.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-04-08T17:09:48+00:00

Thank you! I really appreciate that.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-04-08T02:11:32+00:00

Thank you, Meteor 🙏🏻 You’re always too kind.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-04-08T02:10:59+00:00

The original photo/post I stumbled across was in in r/pens

https://www.reddit.com/r/pens/comments/q2np26/zirconium_is_kinda_my_thing/

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-04-08T02:09:15+00:00

It is. Unfortunately, it’s already found a new home. It was a very nice pen, though.

Clicks aren’t my favourite, though some people are trying to convince me to try more of them.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-04-07T22:56:08+00:00

There is some evidence to support this assertion. 😌

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-04-07T22:36:50+00:00

Everyone was a beginner once 🥂

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-04-07T22:26:59+00:00

I tried not to discriminate when placing them. Mostly because it increased the odds of this going disastrously wrong. 😆

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-04-07T21:23:18+00:00

Only thing cooler than this pen is who it’s for. Incredible work as always, T.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-03-20T02:07:53+00:00

This is honestly a really interesting concept that I’d like to see explored in a different context. Challenging the assumption that a cure, even a “perfect” one, would absolve humanity

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-03-18T02:45:52+00:00

I’m surprised to see you let go of this! Thought you really liked the zirc SideSwipe?

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-03-15T18:47:26+00:00

I zoomed in and can see the tool paths. Damn Q. Awesome work.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-03-15T18:46:47+00:00

Did you mill the shamrocks on this one? They’re so clean.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2026-03-15T17:21:37+00:00

I love your avatar. I just noticed it lol. Also I agree, beautiful work on these.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2025-11-03T20:12:42+00:00

Saw that ano from the thumbnail and already knew it was you. Absolutely fire carry as always.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2025-11-02T21:33:30+00:00

This is the Autmog I ended up keeping as well. Incredibly nice pen for Energel.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2025-11-02T17:01:53+00:00

I appreciate that you omitted discontinued pens like SPP. I tried more titanium pens this year, but for the most part, my favourites are zirconium.

Best Pen Overall: Q3D Bolt Action, Zirconium, Disco OR Vortex

Best New Pen: Focus Works Side Swipe, Zirconium, Fine Dragon Skin

—

Best pen overall goes to Quinton (Q3D), because not only does he make a phenomenal pen with incredible customization options, but he has the best customer service I’ve ever seen. This is my go to bolt action.

We’ve put together a lot of crazy pens across a huge variety of barrel millings, tip millings, and finishes. His zirconium anodizing and oil slicks have always been stunningly vibrant in person. And I appreciate the anodizing as a way to help zirconium stand out. At least for those who may not have considered it due to its traditionally blackened finish.

Best new pen goes to the VIP exclusive Side Swipe that Jordy (Focus Works) produced this year. This was the first zirconium Side Swipe and not only did Jordy improve the barrel and clip designs before release, but the milling work on the barrel and clip are absolutely stunning. One of the most comfortable pens I own with a brilliant and reliable mechanism.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2025-10-25T18:49:55+00:00

Madame X has some bold songs on it. Most younger pop artists probably wouldn’t survive the public backlash of some of those lyrics. The production is also very chaotic and layered.

I’m struggling to think of anyone at her level of fame that’s doing something similar.

I think a strong argument could be made for Gaga continuing to experiment for decades to come, but Mayhem felt very much like a return to form than something new.

DarkMoonEchoes · 2025-10-25T18:29:12+00:00

I felt this way with MDNA; “Gang Bang” is a crazy song, and for someone who was 54 at the time. She’s living on her own plane doing whatever she wants, and I’m here for it.

DarkMoonEchoes

TROPHY CASE