Musk Ox and Ebonite

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Brooks803

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It's been a while since I've posted anything. I finished this one not to long ago and wanted to share. The material is Musk Ox horn cast in coppery bronze alumilite and black ebonite. To pull it all together I used a bronze clip and bands (made by Mike Redburn). I'm really happy with how it all came out. Lots of time went into sealing the horn (no CA). That way it won't stain from ink. The nib is a #6 Jowo - 14k that's been modified by Mike Masuyama for added flex. The top side of the nib was also ground for upside down writing.
 

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Brooks803

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Sep 13, 2009
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Thanks Chuck! The polish on the ebonite is really easy. I use 4 grits of sandpaper and a buffer. Start with 400, 600, 800, 1000. I use a little EEE paste wax on each grit. Then buff with tripoli and white diamond. Quick and easy!
 

D.Oliver

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Superb. Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less from you! You'll have to forgive my ignorance, but what is upside down writing?
 

SteveG

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Dec 21, 2009
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Eugene, Oregon 97404
Jonathon, in my view your pen is superb in every respect, with emphasis on the uniqueness of the materials. Those materials do come together in a balanced way, contributing to the whole...every part seems to compliment the others. That is hard to achieve to the extent that you have with this writing instrument. I especially appreciate the treat awaiting, but hidden, until the cap is removed to reveal the front end. WOW!!

One question: will the bronze parts keep that beautifully polished and shiny look, or is it going to gradually transform to the dark patina typical of bronze sculpture?

Oh, and BTW...did I tell you the pen is nice? :biggrin:
 

Brooks803

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Sep 13, 2009
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Location
Aiken, South Carolina
Superb. Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less from you! You'll have to forgive my ignorance, but what is upside down writing?

Beautiful!!:wink:

Same question as Derek too..:confused:

Thanks Derick & Steven! Basically the top part of the nib has been ground so that you have a smooth writing surface if you were to write with the pen upside down. This way there are two different line variations. You have a XXF with added flex when writing like normal, and then a F stub when writing upside down.

Musk ox has been on my to do list for some time. Still don't have any horn yet. After seeing yours I need to bring it back to the forefront of my memory.

Exquisite pen

Thanks Phil! I might know a guy with blanks if you ever get to that point :wink:. They aren't cheap though!


Jonathon, in my view your pen is superb in every respect, with emphasis on the uniqueness of the materials. Those materials do come together in a balanced way, contributing to the whole...every part seems to compliment the others. That is hard to achieve to the extent that you have with this writing instrument. I especially appreciate the treat awaiting, but hidden, until the cap is removed to reveal the front end. WOW!!

One question: will the bronze parts keep that beautifully polished and shiny look, or is it going to gradually transform to the dark patina typical of bronze sculpture?

Oh, and BTW...did I tell you the pen is nice? :biggrin:

Thanks Steve! That means a lot. I put a lot of work into this one and am very proud of it. To answer your question. My customer wanted the bronze to develop a patina so yes, it will get there over time. Otherwise it could be kept shiny with something like a sunshine cloth. Or, I could have clear coated it like I did with the musk ox to leave that variable out of the equation.
 
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