San Quentin Prison Hospital

[elkhorn]

Here are two photos of the same pen, which was made from wood from the San Quentin Prison Hospital. I intended to make a Liberty pen, but the blank literally blew apart while drilling it. I had enough left - just enough - to make a bolt action pen. Probably more appropriate given the source of the wood.

As in my first post tonight, I need your help in deciding which of the two pictures shows off the pen best: the one on the plain black granite tile, or the one balanced on the two lava rocks.

Thanks for your indulgence and patience.

Your comments are appreciated.

 

[Sataro]

Very nice looking pen! Easy choice for me--use the granite tile. The lava rock is distracting, it takes away from your pen.

 

[elkhorn]

Thanks, Billy. Good observation.

 

[Marko50]

I'm with Billy on this one.
…another unique one, John. Great job!

 

[Cmiles1985]

I vote plain granite. Nice looking pen you've made there.

 

[southernclay]

The same, black granite. Cool pen, big Cash fan, was listening to 25 minutes to go just yesterday from live at San Quentin

 

[Jim15]

Good looking pen. I'm for the plain black.

 

[BSea]

Ok, I'll give a vote for the lava rock. But just use 1 piece so the pen sits at an angle.

Wood with a story is always cool. :good:

 

[Band Saw Box]

Another awesome pen John, you sure find some great wood. I would go with just the granite.

 

[walshjp17]

Lava rock is my choice with, as Bob noted, just a single piece at the cap end. IMO, there is more light in the lava rock photo to show off the details.

 

[avbill]

plain background

 

[rd_ab_penman]

Neither.
Too dark.
A lighter background with no distracting props will show off the timber more.

Les

 

[elkhorn]

Thanks, everyone. I guess I'm leaning towards the plain background as well. I'll try the pen with just one lava rock and see how it looks.

Les, I've been trying to find just the right shade of granite for a reflective surface for those pens that require a lighter background, but still have not found just the right piece yet.

Have a great day, everyone!