.45 Caliber Pen by Berea Hardwoods
- Thread starter butchf18a
- Start date
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
butchf18a
Member
this is frustrating. every time I try to complete this review it says I'm not logged in and my post is erased.
butchf18a
Member
Berea has done it again with another quality kit. Available in two finishes, Antique Brass and Antique Copper. The Brass has no gold, effectively eliminating the wear issues associated with gold. Both finishes have a proprietary coating to improve wear and durability.
Opening the bags of the various components I was immediately struck with the quality of materials, details and workmanship. The knurled upper barrel very closely replicates the real weapon. The clip is substantial. Not the normal press formed variety, but a solid cast unit. The nib is a dead on match to the real round. Weapons enthusiasts will appreciate the attention to detail found in this kit.
I chose a rich looking cocobolo blank for the lower barrels. After scuffing the brass I glued the tubes in using 5-min epoxy which is the recommended procedure. Other methods will work, yet after 20 years of making pens I've never had one fail using epoxy.
Turning the barrels is quick and straight forward. From the time I put the mandrel/blank on the lathe until finished, ready to assemble blank, was under 2 (two) min. There is little room for creativity on the lower barrel, but it doesn't need any, the pen speaks for itself. I did take time to verify that the decorative lower ring would slip easily over the barrel. If it doesn't the completed pen will be non-functional.
Opening the bags of the various components I was immediately struck with the quality of materials, details and workmanship. The knurled upper barrel very closely replicates the real weapon. The clip is substantial. Not the normal press formed variety, but a solid cast unit. The nib is a dead on match to the real round. Weapons enthusiasts will appreciate the attention to detail found in this kit.
I chose a rich looking cocobolo blank for the lower barrels. After scuffing the brass I glued the tubes in using 5-min epoxy which is the recommended procedure. Other methods will work, yet after 20 years of making pens I've never had one fail using epoxy.
Turning the barrels is quick and straight forward. From the time I put the mandrel/blank on the lathe until finished, ready to assemble blank, was under 2 (two) min. There is little room for creativity on the lower barrel, but it doesn't need any, the pen speaks for itself. I did take time to verify that the decorative lower ring would slip easily over the barrel. If it doesn't the completed pen will be non-functional.
Last edited:
butchf18a
Member
Assembly was very straight forward. Berea provides a very detailed set of instructions. At first glance they would appear onerous, they are not. Berea seems to have made the most sincere effort to cover the details and potential pitfalls by providing clear guidance as well as options. An experienced pen turner will be able to assemble this pen with only a brief review of the instructions. I was able to assemble the pen in couple minutes without the aid of the instructions.
One area of note is the lower decorative ring. It is not a press fit as it fits over the outside of the upper barrel assembly. A small drop of adhesive is necessary to secure this piece. I used red Loctite. DO NOT USE CA!!! CA will destroy the finish on the ring and upper barrel.
The plunge/click mechanism is solid and operates smoothly. In the hand the pen has a solid yet not heavy feel to it. Well balanced it is a pleasure to write with. I handed one to my 6'3" brother in law, he liked how it felt in his hand and the way the Parker in-fill wrote. He also walked off with it.
The $13.50 single unit price initially appears high, it is not! When considering the quality of materials and design, compared to other "bullet" pens, it is quite reasonable. These will easily command a $50.00 selling price. Kit and blank (you can get at least two perhaps three from one blank) there is perhaps a $15.00 total investment. Which equates to a more than reasonable profit margin in excess of 300%
Overall 5 stars, A+ rating, well done Berea.
One area of note is the lower decorative ring. It is not a press fit as it fits over the outside of the upper barrel assembly. A small drop of adhesive is necessary to secure this piece. I used red Loctite. DO NOT USE CA!!! CA will destroy the finish on the ring and upper barrel.
The plunge/click mechanism is solid and operates smoothly. In the hand the pen has a solid yet not heavy feel to it. Well balanced it is a pleasure to write with. I handed one to my 6'3" brother in law, he liked how it felt in his hand and the way the Parker in-fill wrote. He also walked off with it.
The $13.50 single unit price initially appears high, it is not! When considering the quality of materials and design, compared to other "bullet" pens, it is quite reasonable. These will easily command a $50.00 selling price. Kit and blank (you can get at least two perhaps three from one blank) there is perhaps a $15.00 total investment. Which equates to a more than reasonable profit margin in excess of 300%
Overall 5 stars, A+ rating, well done Berea.
butchf18a
Member
Edward Cypher
Member
Thanks for the review. Nice blank. Kit looks different with the 45 bullet casing nib.