Budget kit recommendations

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CaptainJane

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Sep 25, 2014
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Bayou Vista, Texas
Hello all.

I am a new pen making enthusiast, and having a great time.

I would like to make about 20 pens for a sailing event in June to give to volunteers. I would like to keep costs fairly low - in the neighborhood of $12 for kit and blank each. I will pay all costs out of my own pocket.

Could everyone please offer kit suggestions as to what kit people like in that price range, including what plating people like best. Single tube would be good, but not a priority.

I know that what I like, and what everyone else likes - can be 2 entirely different things.

Thank you all in advance. I enjoy looking at the IAP Forum daily, visiting the Library, and seeing what others are doing.

JBS
 
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wyone

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Jul 16, 2014
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15314 Grasslands, Parker, CO 80134
I did something similar for 12 people my wife works with around Christmas. I bought 12 gunmetal stylus type pens from Beartooth Woods. Shipping was great, and there was a price break on that quantity. I used 12 different woods, that I already had, so that each pen was different, but the same. :) The quality of the kits was great, and I had no issues at all with them.

This was the kit I used, and they were $4.95 for the pen kits I think.

http://www.beartoothwoods.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3761&1

The wood I had was low cost, so I think you could easily stay within your budget.

They all LOVED them!
 
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Sylvanite

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Hillsborough, North Carolina, USA.
Being an avid sailor myself, I look forward to seeing what you come up with. I'd go for chrome plating, and if you want a single barrel pen, then any of the Sierra style would work. I made a bunch of belaying pin shaped slimlines for a regatta some years back. The cost outlay was small, but it was time consuming.

Good luck,
Eric
 

Brian G

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Jul 2, 2013
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Bloomington, MN
I know these Nautical Twist are above your budget, but they sure fit the theme. If you order 25, you'll have five extra to sell to non-volunteers.

I'm not a sailor, but I suspect there are a few with some extra doubloons rattling around in their pocket. "Oooh, CaptainJane, those are so cool! Where can I get one?" "Why, I made them myself! I have extras." "Neat, how much?" "Oh, how does $XXX sound?" "Great, here you go! Can you make more? I have a few friends that would love something like this."

:biggrin:

I'll trade some teak for something cool from Texas. :)
 
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TonyL

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I like the CSUSA patriot with a nautical themed acrylic blank. You decide what colors make it a nautical theme.
 

mark james

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Sep 6, 2012
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Medina, Ohio
I know these Nautical Twist are above your budget, but they sure fit the theme. If you order 25, you'll have five extra to sell to non-volunteers.

I'm not a sailor, but I suspect there are a few with some extra doubloons rattling around in their pocket. "Oooh, CaptainJane, those are so cool! Where can I get one?" "Why, I made them myself! I have extras." "Neat, how much?" "Oh, how does $XXX sound?" "Great, here you go! Can you make more? I have a few friends that would love something like this."

:biggrin:

I'll trade some teak for something cool from Texas. :)

I agree with Brian. I have used the kit and was happy with the feel - fairly beefy and has some weight. Since you want 20, you'll get a small price break, and if you wait for a sale/coupons, it might get close to your price range.

Have Fun!

Dan also has a nice thought... Go to a boat repair shop and ask for some scraps (maybe promise a... Nautical pen and for $15 you'll get the wood for blanks for free).
 

toddlajoie

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Feeding Hills MA
It's a 2 barrel pen, but for cost/class/value factor, it's hard to beat the chrome/satin chrome cigar hybrid (i.e. no black enamel parts) for around $6... $5.50 at your Qty of 25...

Find it here...

You can get a piece of Ipe decking from a decent lumber store/mill which may be a good bit cheaper than Teak, and IMO looks just as good...
 
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Cmiles1985

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Nov 12, 2013
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Aransas Pass, TX
Check out the LeRoi Royale (Smitty's Pen Works). He's got them on close out right now: $30 for six kits and free shipping. Single barrel, they look nice and will have you well below budget. The platings will be different (2 of each-gunmetal, gold TN, rhodium per set), but then everyone really gets something different but the same.
 
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