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by Modern Fuel
Hi, I’m Andrew Sanderson, the designer of Modern Fuel’s Bolt Action Mechanical Pencil. At Modern Fuel, we make exceptional writing instruments that are built to last 100 years.
To preorder our new Bolt Action Mechanical Pencil and help us make this vision a reality, click Back This Project, or read on for more information.
To our knowledge, this is the first true Bolt Action Mechanical Pencil on Indiegoog and maybe in the world.
Why? What’s different from the other Bolt Action Pencils that have tried before?
Bolt Action Pencils, to date, have meant the actual bolt on the pencil never locks into place just acts more like a slide up and down. It simply just taps the top of an off-the-shelf mechanism and lead dispenses.
This is really sloppy for several reasons. But, primarily because it just plain isn’t a real bolt action motion. It’s a glorified slide.
Our pencil is different. It uses the bolt action to swing a mechanism into place, then simply tap the knock of the pencil to dispense the lead. When done, just flick the bolt back and the mechanism retracts back into the body of the pencil.
Change out any one of our mechanisms to accommodate different lead sizes. From the extremely fine point of a 0.3mm to the bolt point of a 0.9mm, we have your preferences covered.
After backing our project, you’ll get a choice from any of the following in our survey for your order:
0.3mm – Extremely fine point
0.5mm – Fine point
0.7mm – Medium point
0.9mm – Bold point
Solid metal exterior. The pin and knock are also solid metal parts cut on a CNC Swiss Lathe from the same material. Internally, we have a custom all-metal mechanism exclusively made for our Modern Fuel Bolt Action Pencil.
Many bolt actions are designed to look large and bulky, but our Bolt Action Pencil is ⅜” (9.5mm) in diameter, considerably thinner than most bolt actions on the market today. The diameter perfectly matches our Bolt Action Pen.
Our slimmer, sleeker, minimalist take on the concept is more comfortable to hold and easier to carry.
At Modern Fuel, we create exceptionally well-made writing tools that can last for 100 years. We took that same approach with our new Bolt Action Pencil.
One of the most common reasons Bolt Action items have trouble over time is because they are often glued (or makers use another adhesive) to attach the pin to the actual bolt. That adhesive eventually breaks down, or if the unit is taken apart, it requires that the adhesive be broken in the process. Once this happens, typical bolt actions can never be the same.
So, we created incredibly fine threading on our pin and a custom wrench to give you enough torque to properly tighten the pin so it cannot come off during normal use. This custom wrench comes with the pencil to allow you to unscrew the pin and completely disassemble the pencil without harming it. When you put the pen back together, there is no loss of quality or value.
For those that have never used a bolt action pencil or pen, it is unbelievably satisfying – even addicting – to lock into place.
Additionally, the bolt action mechanics have a simple elegance to them. There is no mass-produced, plastic parts inside that makes the pencil work. It’s a simple mechanical chain of events, and every part that makes it happen is made of solid metal.
INCLUDED FOR EVERY BACKER RECEIVING A PENCIL ARE:
- The Bolt Action Pencil
- Choice of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 0.9mm mechanism & matching lead
- Wrench
- Clip
For backers receiving multiple pencils, each Bolt Action Mechanical Pencil comes with a full set of all the items mentioned above. Engraving is also available as an add-on and can be selected after backing our Indiegogo campaign.
Our Bolt Action Mechanical Pencil comes in four metal options: Bronze, Copper, Stainless Steel, or Titanium.
Bronze has long been used as a durable metal for ship fittings and diving equipment. We’re the only pencil out there that uses a solid piece of C52100 bronze, a high quality bronze often reserved for high-end luxury watches. Bronze has a significant weight to it, the user can truly feel the stable balance and all-metal construction. The bronze pencil will have a matte patina over time as it ages. Choose bronze if you’re looking for a softer metal that ages with character offers an antique feel.
Copper has a distinct look and feel that ages with character. Often used for high end home finishings like faucets. Copper is a softer metal that will embody its usage and patina over time. For the discerning user looking for a pencil with heft, copper is our heaviest pencil. Choose copper if you’re looking for a distinct metal with heft that ages with the user for a beautiful antique heirloom piece.
Stainless steel is a hard metal with excellent resistance to corrosion. It is one of the most common metals used in luxury watches for a highly practical clean, sleek look. The pencil is heavy enough to feel the heft of quality, but not too heavy. It will not dull or patina over time, leaving you with the same pristine pencil for decades to come. Choose stainless steel if you want a moderately heavy pencil that will look as good as new in 50 years.
Titanium is as hard as steel and 45% lighter. Unaffected by fatigue, cracking, aging, or corrosion. Titanium is trusted for the toughest jobs on the planet, including use inside jet engines. The titanium pencil is the lightest pencil by far. Choose titanium if you want a light, nearly indestructible pencil that will withstand even the harshest conditions and still look brand new.