Multitool, steam punk gadgetry or an extraordinary pen? One of those is true
This stainless-steel pen uses a telegraph-key lever and mechanical clip to turn writing into a tactile experience
Quick Summary
The Gennai Pen SL01 is a stainless-steel ballpoint designed by Japanese artist Hidetoshi Nakayama and built by TACTICALGEEK, with a telegraph-key-style lever for retracting the refill.
It takes standard Parker-style G2 refills, weighs around 2.2oz and is available through Kickstarter from $189.
The Gennai Pen SL01 looks less a little conventional stationery while also appearing to be something lifted from a Victorian workshop.
Designed by Japanese artist Hidetoshi Nakayama and built by TACTICALGEEK, it uses exposed mechanical detailing, stacked metal layers and a lever inspired by old telegraph keys.
The pen still works like a conventional ballpoint, with a button on top extending the refill. The difference comes when you press the lever on the side, which retracts the refill with a weighted mechanical movement rather than the usual click.
Even the pen clip gets in on the act. Press its top section and the lower part swings open so you can attach it to a pocket, bag strap or EDC organiser, then it locks back into place when released.
The SL01 is machined from solid stainless steel, with each unit CNC machined before the edges are hand-chamfered and polished. It's around 3.8 inches long, 0.4 inches across the barrel and 0.9 inches wide around the telegraph-key mechanism, with a weight of about 2.2oz.
It takes standard Parker-style G2 refills and ships with a Schmidt P900M cartridge, so you're not locked into a proprietary refill system. TACTICALGEEK also offers Cerakote and Timascus versions, while a limited set of hand-engraved editions adds 24-karat gold inlay.
Despite all the mechanical hardware, this is designed as an everyday writing instrument rather than something to leave on a shelf. TACTICALGEEK is also offering a lifetime warranty covering repairs for damage that occurs through normal use.
The Gennai Pen SL01 is currently being offered through Kickstarter for $189, reduced from a stated $259.
