Bastion EDC Bolt Action Tactical Pen | Carbon Fiber, Mirror Polished, BSTN224

near perfect ... but

By: rcr on 25 March 2021

I have the two versions of the Bastion pen offered by Extac. (Stainless steel and carbon fiber). This review covers them both. The stainless steel version is near perfect in appearance. It seems weighty but it's well sized and balanced so that the weight sits on the web of the hand. I was so impressed that I bought the carbon fiber version as well. This is the same steel pen with a thinner steel barrel wrapped in a skin of smooth carbon fiber. The difference between the two pens is the appearance - the carbon fiber breaks up the pure thuggishness of plain steel. It's more pleasant to hold, too with the carbon fiber feeling warmer and less clammy than the stainless steel. The pen feels a little lighter. The look of this pen is so high quality that I bought another one in case the first one went missing. All three pens had a stiff, gritty bolt action to begin with and sharp edges on the bolt track. I fixed this by snipping half a centimeter off the spring and stretching it out to the original length. Plus a bit of filing and oil. The bolt action on all three is now as smooth as butter and a pleasure to manipulate. These are very presentable pens, which I wouldn't feel embarrassed to use in public They look like high-end pens but also serve as heavy steel spikes. Well worth the cost. Disappointing quality control though.

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