Pens

[Bradley]

I'll give em a try guys, especially interested in the Zebra, think I've used em before, and if I remember correctly, it was nice. Definitely disappointed in the pens I got today, just for reference, the sharpie liquid graphite was $2.99, and a 2 pack of the Uni-Ball pens was $4.99. These prices might be high, like I said, I picked these up from my local Rite-Aid. Idk if anyone here has heard of California City, California, but imagine a vast desert filled with sand and bushes :) That's where I live.

[Daniel]

Anything that uses a Parker Gel refill is great for me!

I prefer roller ball pens using the gel inks. I like the way that they write and don't get sore in my hands after a long period of writing.

[Pneumothorax]

Id like to give an update on the pens for you folks. Sharpie liquid graphite pen-still sucks. Uni-Ball- seems to be getting worse, it keeps skipping while writing, and won't write in that area, you have to start the ink somewhere else, then go back to where you were writing. A little irritating since I don't have the best penmanship as is. So there you go guys.

Bummer on the uniball signo 207. Ive used thoe for 5 years. Never had a bad one. Ive always had nice ink flow. Did you try the other one also? Maybe it was just that one???

[Bradley]

I haven't tried the other one, but I definitely will. Could it possibly be the way I'm writing or something? like the angle?

[Bradley]

You can see it started to skip on "ghastly" that next word is "thoughts" this was the uni-ball, finally thought to take a pic, instead of try and fix it.

[psychophipps]

Anything that uses a Parker Gel refill is great for me!

I prefer roller ball pens using the gel inks. I like the way that they write and don't get sore in my hands after a long period of writing.

I love the Parker gel refills, but my local retailers don't carry them any longer.

[DCDesigns]

Hey Bradley, I make pens out of exotic burl-woods and ebonies. I turn them on my wood lathe, its a great hobby. The pens I make have either cross or parker internals, but there are a vast array of different types of turned pens one can make/buy (and equally as many refills you can buy).

The refill is what its all about, you can have a gorgeous pen with crap refills, and it will write like crap. By the same token, a crap pen with a high quality refill will write like a dream. If you are really into finding yourself your favorite writing implement, I suggest finding a nice pen you like the feel of, then matching it with a high quality refill.

If you were considering a higher quality pen, a turned wood pen might be a good way to go. Us wood turners can make them to fit any hand shape, and out of a vast array of materials. Here is one I just finished tonight (some beautiful Amboyna Burl)

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Message me if you would like more information. If you have access to a wood lathe, it might be a fun project! Ive been turning these for a couple years, its still just as much fun! Good luck with your writing implement search!

[Bradley]

:0 how much does something like that run for? :rolleyes:

[DCDesigns]

Hey, PM sent. I dont wanna break any rules :rolleyes: . Most of the time I just make them for gifts. Turned pens in general will range from $20 - $300+ depending on the type of pen/wood/wood turner. Also you want to be aware of the level of skill of the wood turner + what type of finish they put on the pen. Since a pen is going to be such a high use item, with sweaty hands, and constant friction, not just any type of wood finish will work (and not all turners are aware of this)

I use nothing but CA (super glue) to finish my pens. It is by far a superior finish when it comes to something that has to last. I sand it all the way up to Micro Mesh 12,000 grit, and it takes a mirror polish that will last for years. It is probably one of the more dificult finishing processes, but it really delivers. Its water proof, and very shock/scratch resistant. I used to use Automotive Clear coat, but CA far surpasses it for shine and durability.

Dont buy anything that has been finished with a friction polish... It wont last 10 minutes, and if the turner is using this, its a good sign they dont know what they are doing.

[Bradley]

I replied, if I'm going to get this kind of pen, I'd rather give my business to a fellow forum member :)

[DCDesigns]

Gotcha, good to hear! Im happy to make any :spyder: fan his perfect pen. Any business I get for my pens typically ends up feeding my steel addiction anyways...