Review: Tacray MP1 Titanium Mini Pen
The “Bond Gadget” of Everyday Carry
Verdict: 4/5 Stars
A brilliantly machined, fidget-friendly titanium scribe that hides a toolkit in plain sight. While too small for writing novels, it is the ultimate “backup” tool for the office ninja.
Introduction: The Invisible Tool
In the world of Everyday Carry (EDC), we are often forced to choose between utility and social acceptability.
Pulling out a 4-inch tactical knife to open an Amazon package at a coffee shop might raise eyebrows; pulling out a pen does not.
Enter the Tacray MP1. On the surface, it is a sleek, stonewashed titanium mini-pen.
Under the hood, it is a modular multi-tool featuring a glass breaker, box cutter, and screwdriver.
It is designed for the person who wants to be prepared for everything—from signing a receipt to escaping a vehicle—without looking like they are heading into a combat zone.
Specs at a Glance
Material: Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5 Titanium)
Length: ~3.5 to 3.7 inches (varies slightly by tip)
Weight: ~1.7 oz (50g)
Mechanism: Bolt-Action
Ink Refill: Lamy M22 (Short)
Modular Heads: Glass Breaker, Box Cutter, Stylus, Bit Driver (varies by kit)
Design & Build Quality
The first thing you notice when you pick up the MP1 is the density. Because it is solid titanium, it feels substantial despite being shorter than your middle finger.
The machining is impressive; the threads are smooth (no gritty grinding sound when screwing on caps), and the bead-blasted finish gives it a premium, matte industrial look that hides scratches and fingerprints well.
It features a bolt-action mechanism, which has become the gold standard for EDC pens.
Unlike a clicky top, the bolt action is nearly impossible to deploy accidentally in your pocket (saving your pants from ink stains), and it provides a deeply satisfying mechanical “thwack” that makes it an addictive fidget toy during long meetings.
Performance: As a Pen
A pen is only as good as its ink, and Tacray made a smart choice here. The MP1 uses the Lamy M22 refill.
The Good: The M22 is a high-quality German refill. It writes incredibly smoothly, lays down a dark line, and is widely available online.
The Bad: The pen is short. At roughly 3.5 inches, it does not rest on the web of your hand (the fleshy part between thumb and index finger). You have to pinch it.
The Reality: This is not a pen for writing a journal entry or taking an hour of lecture notes. It is a “quick-draw” pen—perfect for signing a check, jotting a grocery list, or marking a measurement.
Performance: As a Multi-Tool
This is where the MP1 shines. The top of the pen (the finial) is threaded, allowing you to swap out different “heads” depending on your day.
The Box Cutter: A small, sharp blade that hides inside the pen body. It is arguably the most useful attachment for modern life. It slices through packing tape effortlessly, saving your keys (and your teeth).
The Glass Breaker: A tungsten steel tip. Hopefully, you never need this. But if you are trapped in a car, this hardened tip concentrates force to shatter tempered glass windows.
The Bit Driver: Some kits include a head that accepts standard hex bits. While you won’t be building a deck with this, it provides enough torque to tighten a loose screw on your sunglasses or a wobbly chair leg.
Note: The modularity is great, but it requires foresight. You have to unscrew the current head to swap it, meaning you can’t instantly switch from pen to screwdriver in 2 seconds. You have to carry the extra bits separately.
Portability
The MP1 is a ghost in the pocket. It disappears into the coin pocket of your jeans or clips securely to a shirt pocket via its titanium clip. The clip is extremely stiff—perhaps a little too stiff initially—but it ensures the pen won’t slide out if you bend over.
The Competition
Vs. Big Idea Design Mini: The Big Idea pen adjusts to fit any refill, which is more versatile for ink snobs, but it lacks the modular tool heads of the Tacray.
Vs. Fisher Space Pen: The Space Pen is the classic tiny pen. It writes anywhere (even upside down) and is cheaper, but it feels like a cheap tube compared to the over-engineered titanium chassis of the Tacray.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Build Quality: Indestructible Grade 5 Titanium. | Ergonomics: Too short for long writing sessions. |
| Ink: Uses reliable Lamy M22 refills. | Price: pricey (~$50+) for a “mini” pen. |
| Stealth: A multi-tool that passes TSA* and office scrutiny. | Loose Parts: Changing tool heads requires carrying loose bits. |
| Fidget Factor: The bolt action is satisfying and crisp. | Clip: Tension is very high; tight on thick denim. |
*Disclaimer: While the pen body is generally TSA safe, the box cutter and sometimes the glass breaker tip may be confiscated at airport security. Always check current regulations.
Final Verdict
The Tacray MP1 is a triumph of “cool factor” over pure practicality. If you strictly need a pen, buy a Pilot G2. If you strictly need a tool, buy a Leatherman.
But if you want a piece of pocket jewelry that makes you feel prepared, looks sophisticated, and keeps your hands busy, the MP1 is a fantastic addition to your carry. It is the perfect gift for the person who loves gadgets, engineering, or simply having the coolest pen in the room.
Who is this for?
The Office Worker who opens a lot of packages.
The “Minimalist” EDC enthusiast.
Anyone who appreciates high-end machining.
