Those who have followed our site for some time know how much we love The James Brand. The Oregon-based firm has built its reputation on crafting EDC essentials that bridge the gap between tactical utility and refined minimalist aesthetics.
Their catalog has featured several writing utensils over the years, including the Burwell and Bolen. But with The Kent, they’ve finally entered the world of bolt-action pens, and it’s arguably the best we’ve seen.
Borrowed from the Battlefield
The whole bolt-action concept started with rifles back in the 1800s — the sliding bolt system was bombproof and simple. Pen makers didn’t really catch on until much later, with the first bolt-style actuators showing up as novelties in the late 20th century. But it wasn’t until the 2010s that these pens really found their audience in the EDC world. Brands like Tactile Turn and Karas Kustoms pioneered the space, but The James Brand brings something different to the table: their established machining pedigree and eye for clean design language.
The Kent’s 303 stainless steel construction immediately sets it apart from the field. At 5.3″ long and weighing just 1.3oz, it features pocket-friendly dimensions. The metal-injection-molded clip is also engineered to secure to your person without creating bulk, maintaining the pen’s sleek profile whether clipped to your shirt pocket or notebook.
Mechanical Precision
What makes The Kent compelling isn’t just the bolt-action mechanism itself, but how The James Brand has refined it. The side-mounted bolt keeps the pen from going off in your pocket while still letting you deploy it with one hand, which a lot of other brands haven’t quite nailed. TJB actually put serious work into getting the slot shape right, running through dozens of prototypes to find that perfect balance between a satisfying click and smooth operation.
The bolt action gets rid of that annoying clicker sticking out the top, so you end up with a much cleaner profile that won’t catch on your pocket or gear. If you’re the type who cares about streamlined carry (and you probably are if you’re reading this), that matters. They also added some subtle texture near the tip for better grip without messing with the pen’s clean lines, which is exactly the kind of thoughtful detail you’d expect from the brand.
Spec Sheet
Model: The Kent Bolt-Action Pen
Length: 5.3″
Diameter: 0.3″
Weight: 1.3oz
Materials: 303 stainless steel barrel, MIM stainless steel clip
Refill: Parker Style G2 cartridge (black ink included)
Colors: Silver, Black
Pricing & Availability
You can order The Kent now in both Silver and Black finishes from TJB’s website for $79.
Recap
The James Brand The Kent Bolt-Action Pen
The James Brand just released The Kent, their first bolt-action pen that combines a 303 stainless steel body with a refined side-mounted bolt mechanism for secure, one-handed operation.
