ivieli
Member
My first attempt in making a pen to fit a Sailor King of Pens nib. The pen blank is called Earth Magic from the Carolina Pen Company. Thoughts?
First Fountain Pen Critique
- Thread starter ivieli
- Start date
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jalbert
Member
For a first fountain pen, that's a very good attempt. Incorporating a more difficult to use KOP nib is commendable, and a nice departure from the standard Jowo and bock nibs. You did a nice finishing job as well. Although flush cap, clipless pens are not my preference, the proportions look good, and the barrel step does not look unreasonably large. I especially like that you did not cut a recess or gutter behind the cap threads. That completely blows a nice transition from section, to threads, to body, and has become an unfortunate trend in penmaking.
Some things I would recommend:
-seat your nib unit all the way. It bothers me to see the housing of the unit protruding from the section.
-consider moving the barrel step back a few mm, as it moves the step away from your thumb and fingers when you are gripping the pen.
-grab a nylon dremel brush to clean up your threads with. That with a bit of polishing compound does a nice job cleaning the threads.
Good work! Keep it up
Some things I would recommend:
-seat your nib unit all the way. It bothers me to see the housing of the unit protruding from the section.
-consider moving the barrel step back a few mm, as it moves the step away from your thumb and fingers when you are gripping the pen.
-grab a nylon dremel brush to clean up your threads with. That with a bit of polishing compound does a nice job cleaning the threads.
Good work! Keep it up
Darrin
Member
Everything he said above applies, and I personally would have rounded the cap a little more at the top.
Other than that, this is a stunning first pen and you should be proud!
Well done!
Other than that, this is a stunning first pen and you should be proud!
Well done!
ivieli
Member
Thank you for your feedback, I will follow your suggestions.
FGarbrecht
Member
Very nice pen. There are circumferential tool (or sanding) marks visible on barrel and cap; I would spend some more time getting rid of them to achieve a perfect finish.
darrin1200
Member
That's an incredible first go. The shape and proportions look bang on. What tap did you use for the King of Pen nib.
I look forward to seeing what you put into the "Kitless Contest" next month.
I look forward to seeing what you put into the "Kitless Contest" next month.
ivieli
Member
The tap was for a Bock 380 housing, M10x0.5
darrin1200
Member
So its a Bock housing with the King of Pen swapped into it?
jalbert
Member
Flexible nib factory makes them specific for kop nibs and feeds
flexiblenib.com
B8KOPE Bock 380 Housing for Sailor King of Pen
The B8KOPE housing allows use of Sailor King of Pen fountain pen nibs in pens that use a non-converter Bock #8 housing such as the Conid Kingsize that use Bock 380 nib assemblies. DOES NOT FIT SAIL…
flexiblenib.com
ivieli
Member
A special Bock housing for the KOP nib as listed by jalbert.
ivieli
Member
No issues with the old pen, just wanted a new home for the nib.
darrin1200
Member
Ahhh. That explains much.Flexible nib factory makes them specific for kop nibs and feeds
B8KOPE Bock 380 Housing for Sailor King of Pen
The B8KOPE housing allows use of Sailor King of Pen fountain pen nibs in pens that use a non-converter Bock #8 housing such as the Conid Kingsize that use Bock 380 nib assemblies. DOES NOT FIT SAIL…
I have seen that site before. I was thinking of trying they're specialty feed for a Zebra G calligraphy nib.
Displaced Canadian
Member
I would say well done. The top of the threads does need a bit more polishing. I use a toothbrush, after all even threads have to brush their teeth.