The Modern Materialist : Pens

Write the Bullet

Laureen Mahler — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:32:00 GMT

I am a shameless Steve McQueen fan. Don't even get me started on Steve McQueen in Bullitt. Damn if that man doesn't drive muscle cars, seduce short-skirted women, and sport gun holsters better than any hardboiled cop out there. And I imagine that when Steve McQueen from Bullitt sits down to write a letter, this is what he uses:

[$30, New Museum]

The .375 Magnum bullet pen is a lot conceptual, a little scary, and very, very Steve McQueen.

[via Better Living Through Design]

Four Color Pen For Adults

Alex Zalben — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:26:00 GMT

When I was a kid, the above was my absolute favorite type of pen. Four colors, you could click and choose as you like; it was great.

Well, now there's an adult version:

The Crossword 4-Function features an orange highlighter, a black ballpoint pen, a pencil and a PDA stylus. It's like being a kid all over again.

[$39, Uncommon Goods]

Make Your Own Pens

Alex Zalben — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:07:00 GMT

I would guess that a lot of us don't have many questions how pens are made. No insult to the pen creation industry or anything, but it's a tube of ink, in another tube. The end! However, for those of you who are still curious:

The Create-Your-Own-Pen Set comes with a sheet of iron, and tools to bend it into shape. Just like a real pen? I dunknow.

[$39, Uncommon Goods]

[Via Dvice]

Get Boned At Work

Alex Zalben — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:02:00 GMT

Everybody needs a good bone now and again... And though it may be a little risky, why not get boned at work? It's easy, of course, when you have one of these:

The coolest thing about this highlighter is that it links together with others to make a longer "draw bone." Just a concept, but once it comes out, I bet we'll all be getting boned at work.

[Via DesignZen]

Equations: Pens and Cutlery, Sitting In a Tree

Alex Zalben — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:02:00 GMT

[Via DesignBoom]

Always Get Your Pen Back

Alex Zalben — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:30:00 GMT

Annoying things people do:

1) Stand too close to you on an un-packed Subway.

2) Take your gum, but never buy gum themselves.

3) Walk the entire width of the sidewalk with their group of friends.

4) Don’t decide on what to order until they’re at the front of the line.

5) Refer to things that are clearly solvable problems as, “A total nightmare.”

6) Borrow your pens, and never give them back.

I may not be able to solve the first five, but I have a solution for the last one:

[$7, Perpetual Kid]

[Via Gear Diary]

World’s Priciest Pencils

Alex Zalben — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:30:00 GMT

Things I don’t need Swarovski Crystals encrusted on:

- Babies.
- My sandwich.
- Garbage Bags.
- Honestly? Cell phones, laptop bags, etc.
- A Coffee Filter.

And also:

Pencils. Swarovski Crystal pencils. My mind just died a little.

[$22 for a 3 Pack, Top 3 By Design]

- Wear Nothing But Crystals

- Morn-Bling Coffee

- What's your Headphone Style?

Shocking News

Alex Zalben — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Guys… I’m about to give you the shock of your life. Are you ready for this? Really? Are you sure? Okay, here goes…

It’s a shocking pen! Get it??? All you have to do is place it on the desk of your unsuspecting mark, and as soon as they touch it, their fingers complete the circuit, and they get shocked. It’ll work on anyone… Unless they’re one of those jerks who only use pencils.

[$6, Think Geek]

Love It or Leave It: Elvis on Sullivan Pen

Alex Zalben — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:30:00 GMT

It's a limited edition! Only almost 2000 of them were made!

[$95, The Daily Planner]