Obelisk Prototype Pen by Darriel Caston of D Rocket Designs

As promised, this is “Part II” in a series showcasing some of the new designs being put out by Darriel Caston of D Rocket Designs. The first being his Oval 2 pen, but that’s not all! The second pen I eluded to in the first review is a monolithic, space themed bolt-action pen called Obelisk. I have to admit, I couldn’t take my eyes off this thing when Darriel first sent me the pictures. And then seeing the pen in hand was even better… When compared to other pens in the market, Obelisk has what may be seen as an odd shape or style. I mean, it doesn’t even “look like a pen”… I’m pretty sure that is the point. As mentioned in my other reviews of DC’s work, he always pushes the envelope of design into place I couldn’t even imagine going. At it’s heart, Obelisk is a bolt-action pen that extends and retracts via the integrated clip. The action on this pen was extremely smooth and easy to use. The spring tension was just a tad light for my own tastes (prefer something that requires a little more strength), but I never ran into issues with it extending on its own. Although I was definitely fidgeting with it the whole time… The overall profile of Obelisk is a long rectangular body with the only protrusion being the clip/bolt, and some small torx screws that hold on a side plate. At a glance this might seem like a dull design, but in my mind it makes my imagination think of some sort of Stanley Kubrick-esque prop that might have been used in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Like a key or ancient artifact that we’re not quite sure what it does… Maybe for some people that is too abstract since it is “just a pen” after all. If that is the case, a pen like this may not be something to consider. Using a pen like this is like creating something tangible that you read about in a sci-fi novel. I mentioned it before, but Darriel seeks to create art more than mere function. As for the writing experience, the pen will take a Parker style refill which opens up quite a few options to choose from. So depending upon what you put inside can dictate your own personal writing experience. As of lately, my personal favorite Parker refill has been the Schneider Gelion 39 (gel refill) and can’t seem to have enough of them laying around to fit my pens. While writing I did find the tip somewhat difficult to follow due to the width of the pen (or thickness?), but wasn’t overly bothersome. For materials Darriel kept it rather simple initially and will be offering either a bead blasted titanium or zirconium in either a smooth or fluted finish. Personally, the fluted stands out to me a bit more, but either look fantastic. Wait… that smooth zirconium looks pretty awesome…So hard to decide!One of my favorite design elements of the pen is the curved cutout on the side of the barrel that allows the bolt/clip to move freely due to the overall shape not being round. Aside from the screws mentioned before, this cutout is the only real deviation from the “box” shape, but it is executed in such a cool way. Ultra intentional and ultra cool in my book. The clip actually had two designs: one that is flat but with a curved indent while the other is completely flat with fluted lines machined into it. I 100% am in the second camp as I feel it compliments the design so much. And, with the bolt being fairly easy to deploy, having any extra indents for the thumb isn’t overly necessary. If needed, the internals of the pen can be serviced by removing the 4 screws and the side plate. Admittedly since these were one-off prototypes I didn’t get too ambitious to “break them” so chose not to completely take them a part. Perhaps Darriel can post some videos of the internals and service… If it isn’t obvious, I find Obelisk to be an extremely unique and well executed pen by Darriel. It is definitely different and may not be for everyone, but if having something interesting on your desk that is more than “just a pen”, might want to give this one a second look.The pen will be available exclusively via pre-order through Urban EDC Supply Company starting today with shipping expected in November. Prices start at $199, but based on the precision and detail included in the design I feel that this fits within a reasonable price range for what you get for a more “custom” product.Special thanks again to Darriel for loaning me these for a little bit to take a look!