As for the Review of the Rick Hinderer Investigator Pen, here it goes:
I was torn when deciding on an EDC pen ( Investigator Pen OR Extreme Duty Pen ) and having past experience with Hinderer Knives, I know if they made a Tactical Pen, it would be top notch.
I settled on the Investigator Pen in BLUE. I got it from a Hinderer Dealer as they offer free shipping, so I saved anywhere from $5-$10 there. So it was a total of $60 to my door. It arrived in 4 days via USPS First Class Mail.
I was concerned that the size would be too small, I even went as far as cutting a pencil to the Investigator length so I could get a real feel of its size................When it arrived and I opened the package, even though I handled the pencil cut to size, I was still surprised at the Investigators small size.
The quality was top notch and of expected Hinderer Quality. The BLUE anodize was full and perfect. I did notice the cap has a little darker anodize, but from looking at other pics on the net, this seems to be the norm. The pocket clip has lots of resistance, so I don't see this falling from any pockets unless it catches on something. The screw holding the pocket clip on looks to be similar if not the same as the screws used on the scales of the xm-18's.
The Fisher Space Pen Refill is also of top quality and from doing research on the net, is outstanding. The SPR4B comes with it, but you can also purchase different refills in different colors and different points.
As for size, I mentioned its small. I took pics of it with what I had in my pocket at the time. The Investigator is shown next to my CRK Umnumzaan and my iPhone 4 in Otterbox Defender Case. Honestly, I don't carry my xm-18 that much and prefer my workhorse Umnumzaan. I love my xm-18, its just that its my SEDC ( Sometimes Every Day Carry ), not EDC............. With the pics, you should get good scale of its size. I also took a pic of it in hand. I wear size Large Gloves, so if that helps. I also took some pics of in in my hand in a fist-like hold. This shows that the point does protrude even with my larger hands. I know I would not like to be hit with it
Overall Size is: 4 1/2" LONG, 3/8" Width/Thickness
I love the Investigator Pen overall, but like with anything there is a negative. Whether this is just me nit picking or not, I do see it as a very valid point which I will mention.
For me, I dislike that there is Only THREE Threads to secure the cap, or secure the cap to the end when writing. When Holding the pen firmly, you only get TWO full rotations and the cap comes off ( either end ). Looking at the Extreme Duty and even the Titanium models, I see Hinderer makes them all the same. I was sitting here in the couch and was doing a little experiment. I had the cap on the pen to where it is screwed on all the way, just not tight and snug. I was only holding the cap. I began turning the cap back and forth and to my surprise it loosened up to where the body of the pen fell to the couch. I did this aprox. 10 times. And each time it fell to the couch. It ranged anywhere from 20 twists to 50 twists. I wear my pens on my lanyard at work. I did this test to simulate it rubbing, rolling against my clothing. On my lanyard, the cap is held tight, but the body will sway back and forth. If the cap is twisted on tight, I don't see it coming loose, but should it........??? Also, by tightening down the pen all the time, will this create wear on the threads over time ?? Knowing from past experience with other items of similar design, my answer is: yes !
I love this little pen, but hate the thoughts of losing it. I would Love to see about 6 threads and there is more than enough room. There are 6-7 threads inside the cap, there should be 6-7 threads on the body as well. This is the ONLY Flaw I see in this design. I have had the Extreme Duty Pen in my shopping cart several times, but due to what I see as a lack of threads to really secure the pen, I am reluctant. If Hinderer would put the 6 threads on for a more secure hold, I would probably have one in every color, and would even spring for a Titanium version as well, until then .....?
There are many other Tactical Pens out there that also have the Fisher Space Pen Refill and looking at their designs, have aprox. 6 threads to secure the cap on.
So there you have it. I really like the Hinderer Investigator Pen, but with the lack of threads to secure the cap to the body preventing loss, I am reluctant to buy another.
Enjoy !!!
iPhone 4, Investigator Pen, CRK Umnumzaan
Investigator Pen
Investigator Pen Disassembled
Investigator Pen, CRK Umnumzaan
Investigator Pen, CRK Umnumzaan
Investigator Pen In Hand
Investigator in Fist-Like Grip
