Machine Era has done it again with the latest enhancements to their already popular wallet and field pen. I was recently able to get my hands on the latest version through their Kickstarter campaign, so let’s take a closer look at what’s new and why these upgrades could make a great addition to your everyday carry.
The new Machine Era Wallet is larger overall with a thicker construction, giving it a robust and durable feel. Despite its increased size, it remains perfectly functional, lightweight, and not awkward to use, likely thanks to the precise machining process employed. So far, I have found that the wallet has some great qualities:
- Larger Capacity: The deeper design allows you to hold more cards and cash, making it even more versatile for daily use. The wallet comfortably holds up to 10 cards, rather than the original 7 card capacity.
- Simple and Effective: The same great minimalist and effective design that Machine Era is known.
- Stronger Construction: The wallet is now machined out of one solid piece of metal, making this version stronger and more durable than its predecessor.
The wallet comes in a variety of metals: aluminum ($65), titanium ($125), and brass ($89) (from lightest to heaviest). I opted for the aluminum version, which is the least pricey option and also the lightest weight. To this point, it has held up very well, with minimal scratching or wear.
The new and improved Machine Era Field Pen is a true standout, offering an exceptional feel and performance. Here are my thoughts:
- Perfect Size: The pen has an amazing in-hand feel and weight. It is not too short or thin, providing a comfortable grip for extended writing sessions.
- Secure Grip: The grip is comfortable and secure without being overly aggressive, ensuring a pleasant writing experience.
- Sturdy Clip: The pen features a very sturdy clip that appears to be replaceable, adding to its longevity.
- Smooth Click Mechanism: The click mechanism is super smooth and can be switched out to a twist mechanism if desired, available for an additional $18 to $20.
- DLC Coating: The Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on this pen is more of a gray-black, lighter than other DLC pens from Machine Era, giving it a unique and stylish look.
- Slight Cartridge Issue: One downside is that the cartridge that was provided with the pen sticks out slightly even when the pen is closed. This could be due to a sizing issue with the cartridge itself and might be resolved by using a different cartridge or modifying the existing one. This is an unfortunate limitation as it does cause ink leakage if the tip of the pen is not protected while in your pocket or pack.
The field pen comes in titanium ($99), brass ($89), and black DLC ($99). There is an option to include a blue clip on the titanium version, which is a nice touch for a slightly higher price ($110).
I hope that Machine Era is able to make a slight adjustment to rectify the cartridge problems with the pen because I really think both the wallet and pen are great products. Whether you’re upgrading your EDC or looking for the perfect gift, these new versions are sure to impress with their thoughtful design and improved functionality.