Dominik's Pens
Updated : March 19, 2004
A writing instrument is a rather personal choice. Some of us collect them from checkout lanes and counters, while others use whatever their employer feels is cost-effective. Few of us put a lot of thought into what's in our hand while writing. Sometimes writing is a simple "get it done" act. Other times, it is an intensely personal connection to our friends, family, or those we care about.
Nearly everyone writes. These pens, however, are not for "nearly everyone."
They are hand-crafted with considerable skill and care by me. There's no kid down the block who does these for me - there's no factory in Taiwan that I import them from. I start with blocks of material (usually wood), and cut, drill, and shape them, before installing the pieces that change a block of wood or plastic into a fine writing instrument.
Simply put, they are not "cheap". They are well-crafted, carefully built, and carefully assembled. If I wouldn't show it to my father, I won't sell it to you.
Every single pen or pencil sold here can be refilled - usually for only a few dollars - by buying refills at office supply or better stationery stores. They use Cross™, Shaeffer™ and other high-quality refills, so that the output of the pen is equal to that of the look. After all, your pen may be on that paper for only a few seconds - the ink should last a lifetime.
Each one of these pens is unique. Due to the nature of the medium (wood and some acrylics), each blank is different, and therefore the final instrument is, as well. The most variable of woods are the burls, which vary in grain, composition, and color. Dyed burls control this somewhat, but variations will always exist.
Below is a pricing table which gives you an idea of what woods I work in and what models of pens I have done or can do.
Notes
- All pens are one-piece units except for the Rollerball and Convertible pens.
- The slimline and cigar pens extend the actual writing point by twisting.
- Slimline pens disassemble (for refill) simply by pulling them apart.
- Cigar pens unscrew.
- The rollerball and convertible pens have caps which screw on both ends of the pen.
- The slimline pencil has a refill under the brass cap opposite the writing end. The standard slimline pencil uses .7 mm leads.
- The cigar pencil advances the leads using a twist motion. The top portion of the pen (opposite the writing end) can be removed for access to the eraser.
- The convertible pen/pencil is just that - a fountain-type pen which comes with a pencil cartridge as well.
- Each pen will come with a card explaining a little about the wood and note the type of refill needed - along with disassembly instructions, if needed.
Options
Fixed Cost Options;
- A "presentation" package option is available. A walnut, maple, or rosewood box to put the pen or pens in, and an engraved plaque on the top, with up to four lines of text. This is available for $50, plus the cost of the pen(s) or pencil(s) (maximum of two pens or pencils in this box).
- If you prefer an "unusually shaped" pen, this is also available. For some "Unusual" examples, click here. If you have a specific design, I would need to see it, along with precise (or nearly so) measurements. Please remember that all designs must be circular when viewed from the pen tip, and certain minimum and maximum dimensions must be maintained. This is available for an additional $25 per pen on any pen above.
- For those that prefer a personalized pen, I can have one line of text laser-engraved and filled in the body of the pen. Please contact me for fill colors and availability. This is not available with Acrylic or standard slimline pens, only with larger slimlines (see below) and other pens. This is available for an additional $20 per pen.
- I can also have the engraving done without fill. Please note that some letters may be subject to chipping without the fill. This is not available with Acrylic or standard slimline pens, only with larger slimlines (see below) and other pens. This is available for $15 per pen.
- I can "ditch the clip" and create a "quill" pen with a straight-side cigar-style body running the entire length. The shape is similar to a cigar pen, without the hardware or pocket clip. This can be done for an additional $10 in any Slimline pen.
- Fountain Pens (with the nib and ink reservoir) are available. In body style and construction, they look very much like the Rollerball pens. They are available for an additional $10.
- Most pen hardware is gold-toned. Brushed silver or black enamel fittings are available for most pens for an additional $5. Please contact me for a quote.
- Gel ink refills for the Rollerball-style pen are available in green, blue, red, and black for an additional $5 each.
- Some people prefer a larger body to hold, but smaller clip area. For $5, I can "enlarge" the standard slimline pen to nearly a cigar-sized pen near the tip. This makes for an easier pen to hold for those who prefer the feel of a cigar pen, but like the price or look of a slim-line.
Variable Cost Options;
- Other presentation options (besides the one noted above) are available. I can do everything from inexpensive (but nice) leatherette boxes to glass and wood display cases with drawers.
- I can do "glue-up" blanks - these could range anywhere from a single accent stripe to "patchwork" blocks of a variety of different woods in a "crazy-quilt" look. Contact me for a quote.
- Exotic woods are typically imported from Australia, South America, Africa, and elsewhere. If you want multiple pieces out of the same wood, I might be able to get a break on the material price. Contact me (see below) for a quote.
- If you've got something different in mind for clips or bands, please let me know - I can get some rather unique clips (fishing poles, baseball bats, tennis racquets), and some bands with artwork on them. Let me know if you're interested, and I'll work up a quote.
- Desk sets and stands are available, as are other presentation options.
- Packaging ranges from a plastic tube (standard on slimline) or clear-top box (standard on other models) to display cases designed to show off the pens.
- Other desk accessories are available - letter openers, magnifying glasses, and penlights.
- Yes, I can do spinning tops, wine (and other bottle) stoppers, corkscrews, and even yoyos.
If you have a large order, please contact me and I'll do my best to get you the best deal I can.
Now, the standard disclaimers.
- None of these pens, nor any I'll ever make, are "perfect". Part of that is the nature of the medium - wood is variable, and some woods (like burls) are terribly difficult to work. Voids, knots, and all the rest make it interesting - to say the least.
- I have a good eye for wood. I also have a good eye for what will work in a particular pen style. I do not have X-ray vision. Some woods, notably burl, contain voids and gaps which can hold all manner of unusual things - including dead bugs. For that reason, I carefully brush clean and seal any voids I find using Cycroanalate glue (SuperGlue) before finishing.
- These pens are made out of wood and brass, primarily. If you regularly do Buddy Rich imitations on your desk with your pens, please do so with a cheaper instrument. For the most part these woods are quite strong - I'm more concerned about the look of your desk when you're done with that 12 minute drum solo than with the condition of the pen, but wood can be broken.
- Some wood dust, notably cocobolo, can cause allergic reactions in people. For that reason, I'm careful to rinse and blow-clean each pen before assembly. The wax and polymer coatings I use will keep any dust that clings to the finished pen barrel from releasing.
- I will NEVER ship a pen or pencil I haven't written with at least once - no point in sending you a non-functioning pen or pencil, right?
- For that matter, if I can do better on a pen, I will. I will not send out anything less than my best. If it means I've got a boatload of pens around here (unlikely, I'm good at what I do), so be it. There's always Christmas, and the relatives aren't nearly as critical as I am.
- Unless otherwise noted (or special ordered), all pens come with black ink.
Shipping will be part of the total I'll send you - unless I hear otherwise, I will assume first class postal delivery is acceptable. FedEx or UPS is available for an additional charge (and yes, I'll send you the tracking information - I like to watch them travel as well).
With all of that said, the order process (at this point in time) is pretty simple, really.
Shoot me an e-mail at John_Dominik@hotmail.com and we'll work out the details. For most orders, I'll insist on payment up front. For some more expensive pens or larger orders, I'll require at least half up front and half upon completion.
