THE CHRONICLE
An Ultem-Ate EDC Gear Guide
Windup Watch Shop - April 20, 2026

Some time ago, I discovered a semi-translucent, amber colored material that some brands were using to make various pieces of EDC gear. I’d later learn that this material was called “Ultem” and it's become one of my favorite materials of all time. If you’ve never heard of Ultem, let me give you a quick lesson on what this futuristic-looking material is all about.
What is Ultem?
First created in the 1980’s, Ultem or Polyetherimide (PEI) is a thermoplastic material with innate properties such as high heat resistance, good strength-to-weight ratio, and high dielectric strength that was developed by General Electric. Simply put, it’s a plastic-like material that can withstand exposure to high temps, resist the flow of electricity, and is strong while remaining lightweight, a material that got used when reliability mattered more than the cost. After the material was old in the early 2000’s, it became a widely produced and affordable material, and it skyrocketed in popularity. Alongside this increase in popularity and reduction in cost, it's become a mainstay of many industries and a fan favorite of the EDC Community.
Below is a list of curated EDC items that are either fully made or contain distinct features made from Ultem available through the Windup Watch Shop. These items cover the “core” EDC trilogy of write, light, and slice, as well as a hidden gem that will allow you to maintain your gear and keep it operating in top shape.
The Ultem Bolt Action Pen – Gen 2

Machined from Ultem round stock, the MaxMadCo pen is lightweight and easy to use. The natural transparency of Ultem allows for a peek at the internal mechanism, while also having a modern look. Milled into the body of the pen is a topographical design, a pattern that’s grown increasingly popular among EDC enthusiasts. The Ultem Bolt action pen fits a standard Parker-style refill, and will come with a Schmidt 9000M German-made refill, which provides a smooth writing experience out of the box. Measuring 129mm in length and 9.4mm in diameter, the Ultem Bolt Actial pen is slim yet long enough to comfortably fit in most hands.
As the name implies, this pen features a bolt-action mechanism in which the user slides the “bolt” down and over, which is easy. With a distinct “U” shaped bolt track, the pen is easy to operate and securely locks into place once the refill is extended. The bolt action mechanism, while not explicitly intended, is extremely fidget-friendly, much to the dismay of your nearby coworkers. Whether you’re jotting down notes, sketching a new design, or just want something new in your EDC rotation, this pen offers precision, durability, and timeless bolt-action satisfaction in a material unlike anything else.
The Ultem DraftTitan Mechanical Pencil

There's an adage that claims the pen is mightier than the sword, but I personally think the pencil might be mightier than both. See, unlike the pen, the pencil allows you to erase and correct any mistakes that you might have made. Much like the bolt-action pen above, this mechanical pencil features a topographica pattern that spans the length of the body, adding subtle texture that improves grip and visual appeal. The click-to-advance mechanism allows you to advance the 2mm graphite lead as needed while the included sharpener keeps your mark precise and refined.
Measuring in at 147.5mm (including cap) and 9mm in diameter, the DraftTitan mechanical pencil is sized perfectly for everyday use, whether you carry it in your pocket or your bag. In addition to the pencil and sharpener, 12 additional lead refills are included, ensuring you can write for quite some time before needing to buy additional refills. Since the pencil is made from Ultem, you’re able to see just how much is left of the internal graphite, without needing to disassemble the pencil.
The Wuben E8 V2 Modular Flashlight

If we’re talking about a semi-translucent material that looks great when light shines through, a flashlight just makes perfect sense. Enter the Wuben E8, a pocketable, futuristic-looking light with magnetic Ultem side scales, multiple light modes, and even a dedicated UV torch function, which makes it an essential for watch meetups in my book. At its core, the E8 is a “duel fuel” light, meaning that it can run off the included 14500 rechargeable cell, as well as a standard AA battery in a pinch. In total, the light has three unique lighting modes: a standard, front white light, side lantern mode, and that forward UV mode I mentioned above, all accessible through the rear tailswitch.
Coming in at 3.25 inches in length and just over an inch in diameter, the E8 is the perfect size to be carried daily, in a pocket or your bag. Included with the light is an M4 swivel ring, which allows you to attach a short lanyard or clip this light to a bag, whatever makes the most sense for your carry needs. While I find the UV mode to be the most useful when photographing watches, I personally love the lantern mode and will often use this light as a prop for various photos.
The Vosteed Large Nightshade

The Vosteed x CountyComm Large Nightshade improves upon their past collaboration with new materials and a larger overall size. Based on the Nightshade model, this collaboration swaps in Nitro-V steel, an upgrade over the 14C28N that was previously used. Designed around a 3.26” “leaf” style blade, the blade's tip rests below the pivot, which allows for your wrist to be straighter, reducing fatigue while cutting. Additionally, the blade's large belly makes it equally effective for slicing, food prep, or utility tasks. Overall, the knife measures in at just under 7.5”, and features ceramic bearings, milled ultem scales, and a reversible pocket clip.
With the collaboration limited to just 500 pieces, the large Nightshade offers serious value for the money, while remaining desirable for hardcore collectors. Inside the packaging, you'll find a microfiber cloth and a zippered protective pouch. In addition to the knife and pouch, this collaboration also comes with a Maratac Back-2-Basics flashlight. The Back-2-Basics flashlight runs on a single AAA-sized battery, has a glow-in-the-dark lens cap, and features low, high, and strobe modes.
The Ultem Complete Master Kit - TPSMK - Precision Screwdriver

Whether you treat your gear nicely or really put it through the wringer, at some point, you’ll likely need to maintain it. Whether it’s oiling a pivot, cleaning out pocket lint, or swapping out components, having a quality screwdriver and bits can be the difference between quick success and hours of frustration trying to remove a stripped screw. With that in mind, the TPSMK Screwdriver kit contains 30 of the most common bit sizes you might need. At the core, an Ultem bit driver features a frag-pattened shaft for grip, a dimpled golf ball-style knob, an internal bearing, and a small magnet that securely holds the bit in place.
In addition to the bits and driver, the TPSMK comes in a rugged, ABS case capable of taking a beating. Sealed with a rubber gasket, the case securely holds the bits and driver in a glow-in-the-dark insert on one side, while the other side can function as a parts tray or additional storage. Thoroughly tested by the CountyComm staff, the case is waterproof to 100 meters, dust resistant, and can survive being driven over by a 4,600 lb truck. It’s overbuilt and ready for any environment—from the workbench to the deep backcountry.




