An EDC pen is a pen that survives a pocket: machined metal, a refill you can buy anywhere, a clip that holds, and a mechanism that does not open in your pants. The three we stock take three approaches, a bolt action with a whistle and glass breaker, a capped roller in aluminum, and a titanium click pen with the button in the middle. This guide compares them.
GPCA GP 1945 Bolt-Action PRO, $39.99
Machined aerospace titanium or 6061 aluminum, a bolt-action mechanism, a military rescue whistle and a tungsten-steel glass breaker, on a GP22 or Lamy M22 refill. The tool pen. GP 1945 PRO.
Dango Ace Pen, $70
CNC-machined 6061 aluminum anodized jet black or satin silver, a stainless clip, a friction-fit cap that posts on the back, and a German Schmidt 5888 M ceramic roller refill. The writing pen. Ace Pen.
WESN Bard, $110
All-titanium with a mid-click mechanism built into the body instead of the end, which shifts the weight back for balance, a milled grip and a spiral-detail clicker. The designed pen. Bard.
Comparison
| Pen | Body | Mechanism | Refill | Extras | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP 1945 PRO | Titanium or aluminum | Bolt action | GP22 / Lamy M22 | Whistle, glass breaker | $39.99 |
| Dango Ace | 6061 aluminum | Friction cap | Schmidt 5888 M roller | Posts cap | $70 |
| WESN Bard | Titanium | Mid-click | Standard | Milled grip | $110 |
How to choose
Tool in a pocket: GP 1945. Best writing feel: Ace, for the Schmidt roller. Something to own: Bard.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best EDC pen?
The GP 1945 for a tool pen, the Dango Ace for writing, the WESN Bard for design.
What is a bolt-action pen?
A pen whose tip extends by sliding a bolt along a track, like a rifle bolt, so it cannot open accidentally.
What refill does the Dango Ace use?
A Schmidt 5888 M ceramic roller.
Is titanium worth it in a pen?
Lighter than steel and it does not corrode; the GP 1945 offers both.
Does the GP 1945 really have a glass breaker?
Yes, tungsten steel on the PRO version.
The bottom line
The GP 1945 PRO for a pocket tool, the Dango Ace for the pen you write with.
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