REVIEW: BN WORKS TWIIST 2-IN-1 PEN

In the last few years the market for machined pens has expanded incredibly fast, making it hard to keep up with every new product that pops up. The BN Works Dot -debut product for the Taiwanese design brand- was one of those products. It kind of flew by me unnoticed. So when Tony from BN Works contacted me, I couldn't immediately connect the dots (terrible pun alert!). It's very difficult to stand out as a new brand, especially with a low-key product like the Dot. Their new product however, seems to be a bit more tricked out and managed to grab my attention when I checked it out.

A Schmidt P900 and P8126 refill are included in the box, as well as two additional replacement stylus tips

The BN Works Twiist (no, that's not a spelling error!) looks like just another rollerball pen, yet it has a neat trick up its sleeve! But more on that later. First, let's look at the design...

At first glance, I find the Twiist has a strong resemblance to the Karas Pen Co. Retrakt (that I reviewed HERE), or a Parker Jotter: a wider top section, and a long grip that tapers towards the front. The clip closely resembles the type of bent steel clip that brands like Karas Pen Co. or Schon use. It is connected to the barrel internally instead of the two external screws, which gives it a less rugged appearance.

The Twiist is available in four clean-looking anodized aluminium colorways. They all have contrasting upper and lower body parts: black+grey, grey+black or rose+black. The version I chose is a bit different from the rest, in that it features a solid copper lower section, combined with black aluminium on top. The combination of matte black and copper is striking. On top of that I just really enjoy the way copper creates patina so this was an easy choice (yes, it does leave a penny smell, if that bothers you!).

The double 'i' in the name stands for the double twist action: twist the body and the pen engages or retracts. twist the knurled section above the clip, and out pops a capacitive stylus tip. 

First of all, I think the mechanism is absolutely genius. It's simple but effective, and it offers a clean way of protecting the stylus tip. I'm the kind of person that likes uncluttered design, and I find little use for a stylus in my daily life. The only scenario when I will actually use it, would be while I'm writing and quickly need to check something on my phone or tablet. Other than that, I would rather not have it spoil the design, so it's nice that the stylus isn't visible when you don't need it.

Both the pen and stylus mechanism are made out of brass and have a very smooth action. They twist to engage, and reassuringly click into place with a subtle 'snap'. I liked the mechanism so much that I frequently found myself fidgeting with it. There is a tiny bit of play to it, but it doesn't rattle or feel cheap. Overall it feels solid and well put together.

L to R: RIIND The Pen, Karas Pen Co. Retrakt, Baron Fig Squire, BN Works Twiist, Lamy Vista, Lamy 2000

I already mentioned the similarity in design to the Karas Retrakt, but the Twiist is also fairly similar in terms of dimensions. It measures 13.6 cm (5.35"). The diameter is about 10.5 mm at the top section, and 9-10 mm where you grip it. It's quite comfortable in the hand. However, because there is no knurled or textured section, it can become a bit slippery.

The writing experience is quite pleasant. BN Works provides both a Schmidt P900 ballpoint and Schmidt P8126 rollerball refill in the package. I went for the P900, that I had never used before. Ballpoint refills don't have the same dark and consistent line as rollerballs do, but I nevertheless quite like this one. It's a smooth refill, and it doesn't leave blobs or marks that smear. One thing I especially like about the Twiist, is that the tip is machined with a tight tolerance. It doesn't have the tendency to rattle or move around when you write.

I'm not gonna lie, stylus 2-in-1 pens generally seem to be quite a hard sell. Is there really a use for a stylus tip, if your finger does the exact same job? I guess for tablet users and people who draw or sketch on digital devices, the answer would be yes. But for the average consumer it doubt it really offers much added value.

Nevertheless, I like how BN works added a stylus without interrupting a clean design. The stylus retracts when not in use. Out of sight, out of mind, a nice compromise. But of course it still adds to the price tag, so that may be a bit of a hurdle for some.

At 85 USD, the BN Works Twiist sits somewhere in the middle of the market. It costs more than the Karas Pen Co. Retrakt, but less than the RIIND pen (that I reviewed HERE). I think the price is quite fair considering the quality and design of the pen, the complex mechanism with the stylus tip, and the additional replacement stylus tips and refill that you get in the box.

This product was sent to me by BN Works so I could write this review. I was in no way influenced in the making of this review, the opinions shared in this review are completely my own! This post does not contain affilate links.