Slim Steel Pocket Pen, Engineered to Last

Production Update #2 – Components Taking Shape, Hand Finishing Underway
22 days ago – Mon, Jul 06, 2026 at 07:58:26 AM

We're pleased to share our next production update with you.

Production Update

Since our last update, we've moved from purchasing raw materials and starting component manufacture, to producing a significant number of the pen components.

It's always exciting to see parts transition from drawings, 3D models, and prototypes, into physical production components, and we're really pleased with the progress being made.

We've now entered the next production stage: hand finishing and polishing.

Each component goes through a careful finishing process to achieve the quality and appearance we want for the final pen. This stage takes time, but it's an important part of ensuring every pen meets our standards.

Once the finishing and polishing stages are complete, including a QC inspection, we'll begin the next major milestone: assembly of the first batch of pens.

We'll continue sharing photos and updates as we move through these stages.

BackerKit Survey Update

We've also made great progress with survey completion -  88% of backers have now completed their BackerKit survey.  That leaves approximately 12% still outstanding.

There are a few different groups within that remaining 12%, so we'd like to provide some information that may help.

1. Backers Whose Kickstarter Payment Failed

The largest outstanding group consists of backers whose original Kickstarter payment did not successfully process. If this applies to you, don't worry - there's still an opportunity to complete your order.

BackerKit allows you to complete payment through the survey process, and if your original payment method failed, you can:

• Retry with the same card
• Use an alternative payment method
• Complete your survey once payment has been successfully processed

If you've received emails from BackerKit regarding payment issues, please take a moment to review them and complete the process as soon as possible.

2. Apple Private Relay Email Users

We've also identified a number of backers using Apple's "Hide My Email" / Private Relay service.

Unfortunately, these relay email addresses appear to be linked specifically to Kickstarter and only reliably accept messages sent directly through the Kickstarter platform.  Because BackerKit operates as a separate platform, emails sent from BackerKit - including:

• Survey invitations
• Reminder emails
• Project updates
• Confirmation messages

may not be successfully delivered through Apple's relay service.

To help resolve this, we've contacted affected backers individually through Kickstarter's direct messaging system and sent their unique BackerKit survey links there.

If you're using Apple's Private Relay service, please check your Kickstarter messages and inbox for our message containing your survey link.

3. Instalment Payment Backers

For backers who selected Kickstarter's instalment payment option:

Your remaining instalment payments are expected to be collected around mid-July.

Once Kickstarter has successfully completed collection of the final instalment, your BackerKit survey should be automatically generated and sent to you.  If you're in this group, there's nothing you need to do right now other than ensure your payment method remains valid.

Locked Surveys & Upcoming Charge Date

A notification for everyone who has already completed and locked their survey: We expect to begin charging cards for shipping, add-ons, and any outstanding balances this week on Wednesday 8th July 2026.

This charge will appear on your bank statement as Thomas Slim London Ltd.  Please make sure that you have the correct card information on file. If any issues arise with your payment you’ll receive an email letting your know to correct your payment information.

If you need to review payment information, you can return to your survey by clicking the link in your survey email or requesting your survey link under "Lost your survey?" on our BackerKit project page at https://steel-pocket-pen.backerkit.com/

Thank You

We're excited to see the project moving forward from raw materials to finished components, and we're looking forward to sharing the assembly process with you soon.

Thank you again for your patience, support, and enthusiasm. Every completed survey helps us plan production and fulfilment more accurately, so if you haven't yet completed yours, please take a moment to do so.

We'll be back with another update as soon as we have more progress to share.

Thomas Slim Team

Production Update #1 - We’re Underway
about 1 month ago – Wed, Jun 17, 2026 at 08:08:09 AM

We’re excited to share our first production update with you - we’re officially underway.

Production Progress

We’ve now received the main raw materials and machining has begun. Our team has started the CNC machining process for the core components of the pen, including:

• Pen body
• Cap
• Grip sections

Here are a few images offering a small glimpse into the production taking shape:

Alongside this, the materials for the accessories (leather sleeves and nylon cords) are expected to arrive within the next week or so.

With survey data now giving us a clearer picture of your selections, we’ve also gone ahead and placed orders for the pen nibs (both fountain pen and rollerball options) and ink cartridges.

BackerKit Survey Reminder

We’re approaching an important milestone - surveys will be locked in 5 days’ time on Monday 22nd June.

We’ve been really pleased with how quickly many of you have completed your surveys - thank you!  That said, there are still around 20% of backers (approx. 90 people) who haven’t yet finalised theirs.

If you haven’t completed your survey yet, we’d kindly ask you to do so as soon as possible to help us avoid any delays to production and fulfilment.

If you’re having any trouble accessing or completing your survey:

• Please feel free to send us a direct message, and we’ll do our best to help
• Or you can contact BackerKit support directly here: 
  • https://steel-pocket-pen.backerkit.com/faq

Thank You

As always, thank you again for your continued support - it means a lot to us.

We’ll keep sharing updates as production progresses, and we’re looking forward to bringing these pens to life for you.

Thanks again,

Thomas Slim Team

New Add-Ons Available: Pen Conversion Kits
about 2 months ago – Fri, Jun 12, 2026 at 08:01:45 AM

We’ve had a number of backers ask whether it would be possible to convert their pen between fountain pen and rollerball formats - and we’ve been listening.

After reviewing this with our team, we’re pleased to say that we’re now able to offer conversion component kits as add-ons via BackerKit.

Conversion Kit Options

We’ve introduced two new add-ons:

Rollerball to Fountain Pen Conversion Kit

Includes:

• 1 x Fountain Pen Grip Section - in your preferred finish:
  • Steel, Gold, or Graphite
• 1 x Fountain Pen Nib - in your preferred size:
  • Extra-Fine, Fine, Medium, or Broad
• Price: £25 per conversion kit

Fountain Pen to Rollerball Conversion Kit

Includes:

• 1 x Rollerball Pen Grip Section & Cone - in your preferred finish:
  • Steel, Gold, or Graphite
• Rollerball Refill - in your preferred size:
  • Fine or Medium
• Price: £25 per conversion kit

Important Note

These kits have been specifically designed for use with the pen from this campaign (not compatible with other pens).

We hope this gives you added flexibility to get the most out of your pen - whether you prefer writing with a fountain pen or rollerball.

As always, thank you for your continued support and for your valuable feedback - it’s genuinely helped shape these additions.

BackerKit Survey Completion Reminder

Lastly - we’re really pleased to see that 77% of you have already completed your BackerKit surveys - thank you for getting those in so promptly, it makes a huge difference at this stage.

For those who haven’t yet completed yours, just a quick reminder that we’ll be locking surveys on Monday 22nd June 2026.

Please make sure to finalise your selections before this date, as once surveys are locked, we may not be able to accommodate further changes.

For backers who have opted for 'Pledge Over Time', your BackerKit survey will be sent once your final instalment has been successfully collected. 

If you have any questions or need a hand completing your survey, don’t hesitate to reach out - we'll do our best to help.

Thank you,
Thomas Slim Team

BackerKit Surveys Launching This Week & Pre-Order Store Now Live
about 2 months ago – Mon, Jun 01, 2026 at 07:11:30 AM

We’re excited to let you know that BackerKit surveys for the Thomas Slim Pocket Pen campaign will begin going out this week.

To make sure everything runs smoothly, we’ll firstly send a small number of surveys to approximately 5% of backers from each pledge level. This helps us quickly identify and resolve any issues before the full rollout. 

Once this is successfully completed, surveys will then be sent to all remaining backers - hopefully later this week.

What’s Included in the Survey?

 The survey is divided into 3 main sections:

 1) Pledge Questions

 This is where you’ll configure your pen and reward selections, including:

• Pen style - Rollerball or Fountain
• Loop or No Loop
• Pen colour / material
• Nib size

You’ll also have the option to upgrade your order to the Brass or Titanium pen versions at this stage.

2) Add-Ons

You’ll be able to add any additional pens or accessories you’d like included with your order.

You can also choose to add a monogram engraving (maximum 3 characters - letters and numbers only). If selected, engraving details will be collected during the next step of checkout.

3) Shipping Address

Finally, you’ll be asked to enter your shipping address.

You’ll still be able to edit and update your address later if needed before orders are locked.

Late Backers & Payment Issues

For any late backers, late pledgers, or anyone who has experienced payment issues, your survey will be sent within 48 hours of your final successful payment. Please be sure to check your payment details promptly.

Important Deadline

Please ensure your survey is completed before:

Monday 22nd June 2026

This is the deadline for surveys to be finalised and orders locked for production scheduling. After this date, changes may not be possible.

BackerKit Store Now Live

Missed the Kickstarter campaign? Our BackerKit store is now live for pre-orders:

https://steel-pocket-pen.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders

If you know anyone who may have missed the campaign, we’d really appreciate you sharing the store with friends and family.

Production Update

We’ve already made an initial start on production and we’ll be sharing further updates soon to show our progress behind the scenes.

We’re currently on track and look forward to fulfilling orders in early August.

As always, thank you again for your continued support - we really appreciate it and can’t wait to get these pens into your hands.

Thomas Slim Team

A Huge Thank You to All Our Backers!
2 months ago – Fri, May 15, 2026 at 10:06:53 AM

We just want to say a huge thank you to all our backers. Your support has been incredible, and the campaign has exceeded all expectations. We truly never imagined we would be fully funded in just 2 hours - and go on to reach 548% funding!

What’s Next?

We’ve partnered with BackerKit to help manage the fulfilment of your pledges. We’re currently finalising the survey and expect to send it out within the next couple of weeks.

Many of you have asked about upgrading to the titanium or brass pen editions, or adding extra pens and add-ons. The good news is that all of these options - and more - will be available in the BackerKit survey, so there’s still plenty of time to adjust your pledge.

Once you receive the survey, we kindly ask that you complete it as soon as possible. The sooner surveys are submitted, the sooner we can process orders and ship your pens.

Shipping Timeline

We’re still on track to begin shipping in July/August, and we’ll keep you updated throughout the production process.

Once again, thank you for your amazing support - we truly appreciate it!

Thomas Slim Team