Multiple factors for me:
I come from an extended family of tradespeople, artists, musicians, etc; and my Dad was a Master Electrician on a repair ship in the Pacific theater of WWII. Upon return from the War, he instilled in us children the central and critically important idea that "the brain is wired up to the hands - use these gifts". He rightly and regularly bemoaned the loss of American vocational schools. Dad was a fine gemstone faceter, and always found the beauty in the rough gemstone material (and people).
My Mom was a capable goldsmith.
I often make and modify my own musical instruments - mostly recorders in the beginning, later more complex things - and learned metal smithing and casting to fashion instrument keys in my teens.
Henry David Thoreau's Dad was a pencil maker and encouraged Thoreau to make his own writing instruments - and when I learned this little biographical detail 1+ years ago, it "flipped the switch" in the direction of pen making.
From cuneiform writing on clay through hieroglyphics, ink wells and dip pens in school, cartridge fountain pens, ballpoints, and texting, there remains a passion for making marks at the busy intersection of thought, brain-hand linkage, self-expression, communication, archival documentation, art, craft, enhanced by use of handmade uniquely capable writing implements.
Better yet, and thanks to the generous spirit of this forum, techniques can be shared instantly.
That's my little story and I'm sticking to it.
Happy Monday to All - Bob