Panache- To buy or not to buy

[Mapster]

I only have majestics in the rollerball category and was looking for something that might be a little less expensive. Always thought the Panache was very cool, but not sure if it is practical. All advice welcome. I think the large bottom might be a problem being just larger than my 3/4" barrel trimmer. It sure would look good with some m3 though!

Marshall

 

[KenV]

I have made several of them and have a small run in process. They are a desk or drawer pen (too large for a purse pen according to my manager). They do allow some options for shaping, especially on the cap end. They show off both wood and acrylics well. Be sure to use a jumbo sized blank, but they are easy to do.

Two of this run are snakewood that has not cracked yet. I think the thicker pens tend to be less crack prone in ebony and snakewood.

These work well with stabalized blanks for out of ordinary looks - think of curly mango and the like.

This is a pen for drama -- and they are not one that people are universally attracted to. Plan high end.

 

[Mapster]

Thanks Ken. I thought they might be hard to make, but I guessed wrong. Do you know if they are or would be a good seller?

 

[Mark]

I've selected the Zen for my value priced RB. I've never tried a Panache. Might be something to look into. Enjoy..

 

[Russianwolf]

(too large for a purse pen according to my manager). .

My wife disagrees. Here's her Purse pen.

ExoticBlanks Bubblegum on a Platinum Panache.

 

[KenV]

Mike -- we obviously have different managers -- with different purse styles. That is why I cited the source --

I think your picture makes the point that this can be a dramatic pen that makes a statement.

This is not a strong demand pen --- but I have it as a high end- high value pen.

Plan on use of a disk sanding jig or similar for this pen as one end is too large for a normal 3/4 pen mill, and the other large end does better with disk sander than with a mill. Other than that, this is a simple pen or can involve as much decoration as you want.

Take a look at these by Ed Davidson "YoYoSpin" for some ideas on shape opportunities

http://www.penturners.org/photos/index.php?n=4671

 

[Jim in Oakville]

I've selected the Zen for my value priced RB. I've never tried a Panache. Might be something to look into. Enjoy..

Ditto, Zens sell really well for me as my low RB $ pen at craft sales. I amn going to try a Zen with a Parker refill too, cutting it down to length.

 

[penfancy]

http://www.penturners.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=32052&d=1278087607
Looks like a tube of lip stick or the shape of mascara. That bubble gum blank is by far what most of the ladies want. Good lookin' pen!

 

[mick]

They sell well for me ...if I keep quite a few on display. I try to keep 8-12 when we're doing shows. I get down to 2-3 and it seems they aren't noticed, but then I've noticed the same about anything when you get down to just a couple.
Another thing I do is make the cap diameter the same as the base. This seems to give it more balance. IMO turning bushing to bushing leaves the cap looking out of proportion. YMMV

 

[TellicoTurning]

I've made only 3 of the Panache... they are good looking pens, but didn't move well for me... I carried the 3 I made for several months before they finally did sell... personally, I don't think I'll do any more.

Haven't tried the Zen yet, but like the looks of it it... maybe this fall.