A Premium Knife and EDC Brand Just Dropped the Mic on a New Subcategory
Behold yet more proof that good things come to those who wait, because of course they pretty much nailed it.
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Years ago I participated in an unforgettable ride from New York City to DC alongside more than a hundred other cyclists with widely varying backgrounds, experience levels and actual bikes.
Inspiring as it was, I must confess to an infuriatingly smug satisfaction derived from joining one of the more seasoned riding groups who got to sleep in and then inevitably pass the neophyte, earlier-starting groups one by one throughout the course of each day.
Like its predecessor pens in the TJB family, The Kent is meticulously machined. - Credit: The James Brand
That memory comes to mind as I consider the latest release from those EDC stalwarts at The James Brand .
Because while they are relatively late to the bolt-action pen party, their inaugural foray is such a banger that I can see them methodically taking out their rivals in the space in similar fashion.
It's called The Kent , which is perhaps fitting because it's an undercover EDC superstar.
Quick history
As you might guess, bolt-action pens get their name from bolt-action rifles, with date back to the early 1800s .
The big difference is, instead of manipulating a turn-bolt to eject a spent cartridge and fire again, you do so to deploy an ink-bearing tip.
Constructed from 303 stainless steel, The Kent boasts a low-profile silhouette, metal-injection-molded clip and what the brand calls "buttery-smooth bolt-action deployment."
Though the origins of the bolt-action pen are a bit murky, they rose to prominence in the 2000s, alongside the rise in popularity of "tactical" accessories following 9/11. (Sorry to get heavy, but it's true .)
Recent past notwithstanding, they've stuck around for a different reason: the side-mounted, spring-loaded lever must be purposefully shifted into place to release the tip.
The area near the tip — where your fingers go — is lightly textured to enhance grip. - Credit: The James Brand
That makes them unlikely to deploy accidentally, yet still operable with one hand — and hugely fidget-friendly.
Of late, a number of EDC outfits have fine-tuned their construction, with such brands as Tactile Turn and Big Idea Design leading the charge.
Bolt-action bona fides
Even in a crowded space, The Kent is already climbing toward the top for a few reasons.
First off, The James Brand is firmly established in the knife and EDC space, with a reputation for some of the finest machining you can find. This pedigree no doubt played a role in them recently being brought into the still-quite-exclusive Portland Knife Center of Excellence .
The clip lets the pen sit securely in your pocket, while the bolt-action mechanism prevents accidental deployment. - Credit: The James Brand
Second, while The Kent is their first bolt-action pen, it's hardly their first pen. Just in time for back to school, it joins a sterling series of predecessors including The Stillwell , The Bolen and The Burwell .
Third, it's simply a stunning blend of form and function. Constructed from 303 stainless steel, it boasts a low-profile silhouette, metal-injection-molded clip and what the brand calls "buttery-smooth bolt-action deployment."
True to The James Brand's rep, even the box has a premium feel, which helps make The Kent a great gift. - Credit: The James Brand
Adding to the user-friendly nature are its pocket-friendly dimensions — 5.3 inches in length, 0.3 inches in diameter and 1.3 ounces in weight — and its widely available Parker Style G2 ink cartridge.
Throw in the subtle grip-enhancing texture near the tip, and it's just about perfect for writing "see you at the top."
Availability and pricing
The Kent is available now in Silver and Black for $79.
The James Brand The Kent
About the Author:
Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men's Health, Men's Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone's bike seat is at the proper height.
