Independent reviews
From everyday tech and home products to lifestyle and specialist gear, each review focuses on practical use, strengths, limitations, and who the product suits.
Running Apparel
Lightweight, highly breathable trail shorts from Hong Kong brand T8, with a functional waistband belt, race number holders, and a pole carrying system on the back.
Flashlights
The TA-20 pairs a rotary three-mode switch with an optional tactical ring that unlocks genuine hands-free use, making it a rare defensive flashlight that also works for everyday carry.
Fountain Pens
A limited edition North American exclusive built on the Sailor King of Pen platform, with hand-etched Chinkin lacquer artwork and a superb 18k gold nib.
Fountain Pens
Ten hand-finished urushi fountain pens across two limited Taccia collections, with Sailor nibs, ebonite bodies, and pricing details to weigh before buying.
Fountain Pens
Two Taccia Emperor Shin Shugyoku Nuri models and the Palisade Octagonal Chinkin Hummingbird, three limited-edition luxury fountain pens with traditional Japanese lacquer artistry and Sailor nibs.
Everyday Carry Pens
A grade 5 titanium bolt action rollerball pen with a spinner finial, a smooth Schmidt refill, and a bolt mechanism that can be more frustrating than fidgety.
Stationery
A grade 5 titanium fountain pen with a Schmidt fine nib, a month-long cap seal, and a convertible price that makes it worth a look from EDC fans and fountain pen users alike.
Stationery
The finalized Tact Submarine ballpoint pairs an all-metal build, a Schmidt refill, and a clever dual-use pen stand with a well-executed submarine design.
Everyday Carry Knives
Bob Terzuola's 1987 Mariner 2 returns via Tactile Knife Co with MagnaCut steel, full titanium construction, and a thoughtful modern update that respects the original.
Fountain Pens
A grade 5 titanium EDC fountain pen with an oxidized purple and blue finish, a Schmidt fine nib, and a glass breaker tip, priced at $69.
Pens
A seasonal titanium rollerball pen with a custom Cerakote finish, themed extras, and a smooth click mechanism aimed squarely at retro gaming fans.
Stationery
A titanium side click rollerball with an NES-inspired two-tone finish, arcade nostalgia details, and a limited seasonal release window.
Pens
Tactile Turn's 21st seasonal release applies a hand-applied splatter finish to the Titanium Bolt Action Pen, with a choice of accent colors and a favorite refill.
Pens
Tactile Turn's latest seasonal rollerball pairs a weathered cerakote finish with gold-plated details and a smooth G2 writing experience.
Pens
The latest seasonal release from Tactile Turn pairs a shimmering multi-layer Cerakote finish with the switch mechanism for the first time. Here is what you need to know before the order window closes.
Pens
Tactile Turn's Ember is a limited-time titanium bolt action pen with a gradient Cerakote finish, a wood grain clip, and a range of six sizes.
Pens
A limited-production Side Click rollerball with a record-inspired design, black Cerakote body, and a Pilot G2 refill.
Pen Reviews
A limited-production titanium Side Click pen with a topographical clip, grooved grip, and a smooth Pilot G2 rollerball cartridge.
Pens
Tactile Turn's fall limited release is a smooth titanium rollerball built around an Area 51 theme, complete with glow-in-the-dark accents and a flying saucer bolt action.
Pens
The Sprout is Tactile Turn's plant-and-gardening-themed seasonal pen, offered in titanium with glossy green cerakote across four styles, three sizes, and a well-chosen refill lineup.
Smart Trainers
The newest Tacx NEO unit adds built-in motion plates, refined low-speed accuracy, and the best structured workout response we have tested, all at a premium price.
Pen Reviews
A brass ballpoint from Taiwan with a submarine theme, a propeller-style twist mechanism, and a matching sonar stand. Here is how it performs day to day.
Fountain Pens
A brass-bodied fountain pen from Taiwan with a propeller finial, a turbine-style piston knob, and a Schmidt nib, priced from $129.
Fountain Pens
A hands-on look at the T AG Submarine collection, a pair of solid brass pens with a turbine-style internal converter and a rollerball that drinks fountain pen ink.
Everyday Carry
Seven homegrown Taiwanese EDC products, from a spring-out wallet to a fixed blade and a pen with hidden scissors, tested as one cohesive kit.
Multitools
First impressions of an unconventional, heavy, all-steel multitool with a novel slider-deployed plier head, magnetic bit storage, and an unusual Omni-Lock wrench.
Luxury Fountain Pens
Ten Palisades models plus two Empress limited editions, covering design, nibs, and who each pen is really for.
Fountain Pens
A hand-turned acrylic fountain pen with an unusually large cap, Sailor steel nibs, and a design that divides opinion. Here is what works and what does not.
Fountain Pens
A wood and brass fountain pen from Taylor Swift's official merchandise line that writes better than its price suggests and could be the perfect first pen for new collectors.
Trail Running Shoes
A month of testing in the Team Out X-Rays trail shoes: solid grip, excellent lockdown, and a firm low-stack ride that will not suit everyone.