The better part of a decade ago, we first came across Grovemade’s beautifully crafted goods that are all handmade in their Portland workshop. We’ve been big fans of everything the brand has done since whether…
The post Grovemade Desk Tray first appeared on Cool Material.
Grovemade CEO and co-founder Ken Tomita takes no issue with cheap pens — he appreciates Pilot G-2s and Muji gel pens as much as the next guy; but in Tomita’s vision of the perfect workspace, disposable pens felt out of place. After four years of starting, iterating, giving up and starting over, Tomita and team made their own replacement. The Grovemade Desk Pen, a pen meant to stay put in one spot, is here.
The pen is available in a matte black finished aluminum or a heavier, glossier brass and start at $50. The two said the idea of a desk pen — a pen that’s left on a desk for display, notetaking, signing documents and so on — hadn’t dawned upon them until they looked through the results of a customer survey that asked past customers to send photos of their workspaces in.
Tomita said the photos were full of put-together workspaces and not-so-nice pens. “You know how there are these nice t-shirts now that cost like $70 and last five times as long? It’s kind of a leap until you’ve gone to that level and realize what you’re missing out on. I’ve never had a nice pen before the one we made,” he said.
The final product is a weighty, twist-action pen made from billets of aluminum or brass run through a Swiss Screw Machine. It features a satisfying snap when the action completes and the pen tip is in place, and three facets that provide a better grip and ensure it can’t roll off the desk. Also to ensure it doesn’t roll off the desk, pens can be purchased with pen stands made of the same material as the pen, with hardwood inlays and a cork base. Plus, the pen insert itself is a Schmidt Rollerball P8126, a refill well known in pen geekdom.
Tomita recognizes his pen is never going to be the one pen for all people — he says that’s an impossible task to place on a designer. Instead, it’s a minimal, idiosyncratic take on a bygone category. They’re available now starting at $50.
Good morning, and welcome to the latest edition of This Week in Gear — your single-shot serving of an entire week’s worth of the best new gear pulled from our weekday editions of Today in Gear. Bookmark it to peruse over a cup of coffee or before you soak up the last of your weekend freedom, then start your Monday completely up to speed. Here’s to another fantastic week.
Nixon’s Durable New Watch Is the Go-To of Pro Surfers
With tide information from over 500 beaches around the world, it’s time to hang ten.
This Is the Only Utility Knife You’ll Ever Need
If anyone is going to update a classic utility tool, it better be the lauded creator himself.
This Might Be the Most Badass Dog Leash Ever Made
The Lifetime Leash from Atlas Pet Company ensures you and your dog go on longer, better and safer walks – whether those walks take place in the neighborhood or climbing a mountain.
Breathe New Life Into Your Watch With These High-End Leather Straps
Made from calfskin sourced from the best French and Italian tanneries.
The All-New Ford Ranger Raptor Looks Insanely Good Off-Road
As of now, a US-bound Ranger Raptor is still undecided. But if the excitement over this promo video is anything to go by, Ford would be insane to hold back from the American market.
Designing the Perfect Engagement Ring Online Is Easy (and Cheaper Than Going to a Store)
Buying online is actually 50-percent cheaper than going to a traditional store.
Why Hibiki’s New Blend Is a Bad Omen for Japanese Whisky
Japanese whisky may have gotten too hot.
The Most Versatile Home Security Camera You Can Buy?
It comes integrated with Alexa so you can ask it questions and stream music the same way you would with an Amazon Echo.
The Most Iconic Triumph of All Time Is Coming Out of Hiding
You have the rare chance to see one of the actual 1962 Triumph 650cc TR6Rs from The Great Escape.
This Beautiful Pocket Knife Is Invisibly Innovative
Grovemade’s new Titanium Minimalist Knife is inspired by traditional Japanese blades. At its core is a unique and innovative feature that will go unseen by the untrained eye, and that’s by design.
This Super Pretty Headphone Amp Is Perfect for Audiophiles
The 3ES is compatible with high-end electrostatic headphones, by the likes of HiFiMan, Stax and MrSpeakers.
Toyota’s Alternative to Rolls-Royce Has the Best Seats In the Industry. Here’s Why
Unfortunately, you can’t get in the US, but we’ve got a solution.
This Titanium Chronograph Celebrates 70 Years of an Iconic Carmaker
It’ll be super limited, though, with just 70 pieces coming to the US.
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Is Hyper-Aggressive, Will Scare Supercars and Take Their Lunch Money
The 5.5-liter unit conjures 715 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, which is capable of sending the DBS Superleggera maxes out at a somewhat nutty 211 mph. It’ll hit 62 mph/100 kmh in 3.4 seconds.
Oris Completely Over-Engineered Its Biggest, Baddest Dive Watch
This titanium beast can tell time in two different time zones all the way down to 1,000 meters.
One of the Year’s Best New Pocket Knives Is Finally Available
If you’re looking for a new high-end EDC folding knife, this is the one to get.
Interested in Fly Fishing? This Is the Rod to Get You Started
Getting into a new hobby can be daunting – especially one like fly fishing, which requires an exhaustive list of specific gear. A new company, Reyr Gear, is simplifying the process with its super-packable and…
Todd Snyder Teams Up With New Balance to Make a Cocktail-Inspired Summer Sneaker
Made in the United States from high-end materials like Horween leather.
This Japanese Pocket Knife is Tiny, Tough and Beautiful
Seiichi Nakamura does away with Japanese minimalism with his newest, lightest pocket folder.
The New Chevy Blazer Is an Embarrassment Compared to This Stunning 1972 Example
To put Chevy’s recent announcement into perspective, imagine if GM decided to slap the Camaro name on a high-riding, jelly bean-shaped misguided hatchback.
This App Is Basically the Ultimate Productivity Tool
Gear Patrol readers get an exclusive discount to try it out.
These American-Made Whiskey Glasses Are Molded from Actual Oak
They call back to how whiskey is made.
This $35 Accessory Lets You Turn Your Tablet Into a $160 Smart Speaker
The Amazon Echo Show used to cost $230, and now this charging dock can make your tablet function just like it.
Designed with the Military in Mind, This Cooler Can Take on Pretty Much Anything
A rotomolded cooler that actually has a feature to accommodate a parachute landing.
Why This New Parka Makes Good Summer Outerwear
Parkas are a cold weather apparel staple, but do they make sense to wear during the summer too? Outlier just released a new one that has us questioning the matter.
Panerai’s Iconic Dive Watch Uses a Cutting-Edge Case Material
Called Carbotech, it’s extremely strong — yet lighter than ceramic or titanium.
This App Helps Photographers Take the Perfect Landscape Photo
The app factors in things like weather, time, elevation, the moon and sun cycle, and then helps the photographer plan for the perfect photo.
MasterCraft’s New Boat Will Let You Surf Anywhere
The newest boat from MasterCraft is the perfect way to hone in on your surfing skills, even if the lake is flat.
Adventure E-Bikes Are Here, and This One Looks Awesome
E-bikes are gaining in popularity, and Swiss bike maker BMC is capitalizing on the trend and combining it with one other movement: adventure riding. Meet the Alpenchallenge AMP Cross.
Sony’s Super-Telephoto Lens Is the Ultimate Weapon for Wildlife Photographers
It’s also the world’s lightest 400mm f/2.8 prime lens.
4 Grill Upgrades You Need for the Fourth of July, All Under $50
Upgrading your grilling setup just in very easy and very cheap.
The 12 Best Cigars to Smoke in 2018
To novices, smoking a cigar can be more intimidating than fun. We’re here to help.
The 9 Backyard Games You’ll Find Us Playing This Summer
Here at Gear Patrol, we take summer seriously — from barbeques to yard games. Here are our top ways to get competitive with anyone who’s down to play.
The 16 Best Running Shorts of 2018 for Every Type of Runner
Whether you’re looking for split shorts, 5″ or longer than 7″, we have you covered.
4 Grill Upgrades You Need for the Fourth of July, All Under $50
Upgrading your grilling setup just in very easy and very cheap.
The Best Outdoor Furniture for Your Patio, Balcony or Backyard
From Ikea to Herman Miller, this is your survey of the best outdoor and patio furniture at every price point.
The Cars We Love — Even Though Everyone Else Hates Them
When the whole world is hurling hate at the terrible car you love, stand your ground.
These Are the Best Board Shorts Money Can Buy
Designed by 11-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater.
The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Any Budget
Looking for a portable speaker to take to the beach, park or backyard barbecue?
The 5 Best Sandals for Men, According to Style Experts
We asked five of menswear’s best to name their favorite pairs of sandals.
15 of the Worst Used Cars to Buy From 2007-2017
If you’re currently shopping for a used car, this is a good place to find the cars you don’t want.
The 6 Most Stylish Cycling Socks of 2018
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a die hard road cyclist, these six socks are sure to make you stand out from the crowd.
8 White Sneakers to Wear All Summer Long
Temperatures are rising, leisure levels are increasing. If there was ever a time for some great summer sneakers, it’s now.
Review: You’ve Never Listened to Headphones Like These Before
The Audeara A-01 headphones give you a hearing test and then custom-tune the audio so that it sounds perfect for you.
The 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Offer Ferrari Performance for Audi Money
In some small ways new for 2019, the high-performance versions of Alfa Romeo’s Giulia and Stelvio are wicked fun. If you haven’t considered buying one — or even driving one — you should.
Sonos Beam Review: The Perfect Entry-Level Soundbar, for Most People
It combines a smart speaker with TV control, plus the terrific multiroom sound that Sonos is revered for.
Dyson Pure Cool Review: Can Dyson’s Newest Fan Solve Your Allergy Problems?
Dyson’s Pure Cool fan and filter is like many Dyson products — expensive, badass and possibly superlative.
