Most pen collectors love collecting vintage fountain pens. Nothing beats finding that special pen on the internet or at a garage sale or swap meet. The one you have been looking for to make your collection truly unique and gain the notice of your fellow collectors. What really makes that special pen valuable is the fact that it is the only one of its kind or very few of them were made. If this desire to have unique items in your collection is what drives you then you should really consider one-of-a-kind handmade pens.
Handmade pens offer a quality unique writing experience. It is very difficult to replicate the exact shape and pattern of a handmade pen because each pen maker is different in their style and method and chosen material. This makes each one truly unique and one of a kind. It is no wonder why so many look to extend their traditional pen collection with a handcrafted pen to have something that no one else can replicate.
Large manufacturers of pens usually produce a run of pens that look similar if not exactly the same. It is not cost effective for them to consider the design of each pen individually and produce only one. When the larger pen makers do produce a limited run or an individual pen the price is usually out of reach for most collectors. In order to get something limited that is truly unique one needs to look at the individual pen maker. Individual pen makers buy materials in such small quantities that no two pens will look alike.
There are so many choices of woods, acrylics, and other unique materials that the options are endless. Some make pens that include materials like Abalone Shell, snakeskin, carbon fiber, polymer clay, and other unique materials. You can even find vintage materials like bakelite, cebloplast, and casein. When looking for an individual pen maker be sure to look at their options and ask about ordering a custom pen made from the material of your choice. Most pen makers know where to get the materials you are looking for even if they are hard to find.
When selecting a handcrafted pen maker it is important to make sure you choose the right one. When looking for a pen maker be sure to look first at the quality and finish of their work. Make sure that the pens they display are turned correctly. Look at where the material meets the pen component. Make sure that the pen is turned down to the right dimensions to match the metal component of the pen. Having the pen over or under turned will cause you to feel where the component meets the material as you use the pen and will not be comfortable. Also look at the finish on the pen. Make sure that there are no visible scratches or tooling marks in the finish. Whether a satin or gloss finish there should be no circular scratch rings around the pen showing in the finish. Ask the pen maker about the final step they use to finish their pens. Most often buffing is the best choice for removing even the finest of imperfections in a finish.
Next look at any options they offer for customization. The whole point of going to an individual pen maker instead of buying from a large manufacturer is that they will make you what you want with the material that you want. Take a look at what they have on display and notice if any of the materials you have been looking for have been turned by that pen maker before. Some materials are difficult to machine and may take some experience before being able to master making the pen. Be sure that the pen maker you choose will at least let you see a photo of the finished pen before paying the complete purchase price.
Finally if purchasing from an individual pen maker over the internet make sure you consider their prices and policies. Look for someone that stands behind the work that they do. Make sure that they have a return policy on their site that provides you reasonable time to inspect their work and return it if not completely satisfied. Look for someone that has a wide selection and looks like they have a lot of experience behind them. The person that offers the cheapest pen on the internet may not always be the best person to rely on for quality. But you should also make sure the prices seem fair for the quality of materials offered. Most sites offer reviews from past customer who have purchased handmade pens. Be sure to look at these reviews to see what others are saying.
Pen collecting is a great hobby and a lot of fun. Whether your interest is in fountain pens, roller balls, or ballpoints, handmade pens by individual pen makers can offer a unique edition to any collection. Finding the right pen maker is not difficult as long as you carefully consider your choice and select one that offers great quality and is easy to work with.
Looking to Expand your collection of fine writing instruments? Visit an individual pen maker today. You will be glad you did.
