The Ridge Bolt Action Ballpoint Pen - Premium Aluminum Retractable Pen with Textured Grip & Pressurized Ink Refill | Durable Metal Writing Instrument for Office, Business Meetings, Travel & Everyday Use | Sleek Black Design

If you're looking for a bolt action pen and you're here at Amazon, you likely encountered Bastion pens and The Ridge. Yes, it's odd to say there were so many differences between two bolt action pens--they're both extremely basic writing utensils with the same actuator, but there were enough to buy two and gift one.Why it's good:The Ridge pen stayed with me because the bolt is on the right side; yes, the Bastion is made for lefties (all five of them). The Ridge has a better weight. Seriously, a chunk of copper looks cool, but it's a struggle to carry. I love the titanium metal, look, and weight. I love the color scheme of dark gray, black, and a flash or brass (yes, I would prefer it be burnt bronze, but it's close). I like that it takes standard Parker style pen refills. I have lots of options, including the Bastion refills I bought for the Bastion pen I gifted but didn't want to include with the gift because I thought I'd buy another Bastion for myself but really can't get around my qualms of the Bastion (lefty bolt, weight, and unusable clip, primarily).What could be improved:The logo. It's not the biggest detractor, but why not let the logo be small, out of the way, and let the aesthetics and functionality tell you it's from The Ridge?The bolt sometimes sticks. I don't know why. I unscrew it, check the refill, reinstall, and go back to fidgeting.Parts get loose. Yes, the actual bolt immediately was loose and would continue to loosen with each fidget. I put some blue Loctite on it: fixed. But should I have to do that? Why didn't it come with some Loctite? It's not a part that is intended to be removed or swapped. The clip also has moved and required some stronger convincing of the rear cap to stay put; it may also get some blue Loctite soon.Yes, it's the better, lighter, and more comfortable and usable pen, but it's not perfect.At first the description said it was blue ink but after I submitted a request/complaint to seller/manufacturer they quickly rectified the situation. The pen writes beautifully and its weight and size are good for my hands. I don't have particularly large hands at 5'9" and average build but its great to have a nice pen since I notarize many documents its nice to show this off. I don't let anyone use it though =) Its mine.Pen has a really nice quality construction to it. I guess the way the pen works is what’s called bolt action in the pen industry, I just refer to it as the HK Slap or the MP5 Slap.I like this pen, it's got a nice length, feel and durability. It's a good weight and feels good in the hand. The factory ink cartridge did leak on the tip a little. I did purchase a 3 refill pack from another manufacturer, don't leak and everything is good. I would recommend this pen.My favorite pen EVER. Takes a little bit to get used to, but no things are quite like it. Only down fall, the ink canisters that comes with it are blotchy. Had to but from a different company to find better ink to ink up my papers.I have a curse that causes pens to start skipping mid sentence. The pressurized cartridge negates the curse.I bought this pen for my son and who is a paramedic. Easy to grip. Writes on different surfaces, and can be easily disinfected, if needed. He loves itNice balanced ballpoint pen...very durable and easy to use