Marquee Pen

[kovalcik]

I want to make a showpiece pen for my pen stock. The kind you put under glass and talk about in hushed tones. It looks incredible and has a price tag to match.

What is your marquee pen? What kit, finish, and blank do you use? If you have a couple models feel free to give them both. I am particularly interested in wood versions since that is 90% of what I sell, but would like to hear about both wood and non-wood versions.

 

[mrcook4570]

This is part of what separates one from all of the other pen makers at a given show, so don't be surprised if you do not get very many responses.

 

[GoodTurns]

I've posted it before, so....

http://www.penturners.org/forum/f13/scrimshaw-ivory-pens-108847/

for wood pens (also displayed in the locked glass case), I show George Washington Chestnut, Thomas Jefferson Poplar and Huanghuali.

 

[1080Wayne]

You have a lot of local history to draw upon , if you are marketing close to home . Jon`s ideas are good . The Washington and Jefferson woods would widen the appeal , although I would bet that you could find showier pieces of chestnut and poplar locally . That is a contrast that could be made .

You can be sure that 99.99% of potential customers will never have heard of huanghali - and probably 99.9% of them would prefer to buy a pen made from the red oak that they played under as a kid . I`m absolutely certain that you can find a gorgeous piece of red oak .

Maybe you could secure rights to the first board removed during demolition of your old Town hall ???

 

[firewhatfire]

I gotta couple of segmented ones that hold peoples attention.

 

[walshjp17]

My Irish Bog Oak/Celticus Jr. combo are a big hit with my customers.

http://www.penturners.org/forum/f13/celticus-irish-bog-oak-112396/

 

[kovalcik]

This is part of what separates one from all of the other pen makers at a given show, so don't be surprised if you do not get very many responses.

Not looking for state secrets here, just general terms.

ie. Titanium Majestic FP with a nice burl blank

Or Chrome Slimline with a blank cut out of a 2x4 from Lowes spray painted green

No more than someone looking at the pen at your booth or on your website would see. If the details of your #1 pen are that confidential, give up your #2 or 3. Just looking to get a couple of general ideas, not looking to copy anyone (though anyone is free to copy the slimline example from above).

 

[Buzzzz4]

I have 4 to choose from. A Huanghuali Emporer, closed end cherry pit fountain pen with suspended pit, Damascus Steel Emporer and anything with watch parts. I display them in a stand up glass cabinet with shelves and a light shining down onto them.