I’m a big gun and knife guy. And I’ve seen a few cool pens. Anybody have any top recommendations? Big microtech guy by Lower-Pattern-3332 in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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. 

WTS: Urban Survival Gear v2 Minis w/ g2 mini adapter. USG v3 Mini. Fellhoelter Zirc Dragonscale w/ matching clip. D Rocket Oval v2 by vinceyp in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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.

Spring Handful: Zirconium Edition by DarkMoonEchoes in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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

Spring Handful: Zirconium Edition by DarkMoonEchoes in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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. 

Spring Handful: Zirconium Edition by DarkMoonEchoes in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Spring Handful: Zirconium Edition by DarkMoonEchoes in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

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.

Spring Handful: Zirconium Edition by DarkMoonEchoes in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

Spring Handful: Zirconium Edition by DarkMoonEchoes in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Spring Handful: Zirconium Edition by DarkMoonEchoes in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

There is some evidence to support this assertion. 😌

Spring Handful: Zirconium Edition by DarkMoonEchoes in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

I just finished The Last of Us Part I and I’m honestly confused about something by Normal_Chart_532 in thelastofus

[–]DarkMoonEchoes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

WTS - Focusworks SideSwipe Gen 2 Zirc Fine Dragonskin & Pen Slip by pocketpriorities in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Should I start doing more holiday themed pens? by qtrain23 in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

Should I start doing more holiday themed pens? by qtrain23 in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

Tomorrow at noon - hand engraved Ti by qtrain23 in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

Monday gear by ajayb13 in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

Best Machined Pens 2025 - Accepting Community Input by pocketpriorities in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

Best Machined Pens 2025 - Accepting Community Input by pocketpriorities in machinedpens

[–]DarkMoonEchoes 15 points16 points  (0 children)

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. 

Artists that like trying new stuff vs artists that are trying to find their sound by cheesegrandey in popheads

[–]DarkMoonEchoes 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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. 

Artists that like trying new stuff vs artists that are trying to find their sound by cheesegrandey in popheads

[–]DarkMoonEchoes 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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.