dragon's lair

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
See more from nappy155

nappy155

Member
Joined
May 25, 2011
Messages
223
Location
Philadelphia
dragon's lair
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2266.jpg
    IMG_2266.jpg
    87.2 KB · Views: 430
  • IMG_2287.jpg
    IMG_2287.jpg
    114.5 KB · Views: 356
  • IMG_2280.jpg
    IMG_2280.jpg
    136.9 KB · Views: 374
  • IMG_2282.jpg
    IMG_2282.jpg
    141.5 KB · Views: 356
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad

mark james

IAP Collection, Curator
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
12,720
Location
Medina, Ohio
Hi Steven:

Is it possible to pop out the stock finial and do a custom to match the blanks used? I assume this will be ava soon...

Nice!
 

magpens

Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2011
Messages
15,913
Location
Canada
Nice kit idea .... but .... there is a casting mark (line) on the nib .... kinda spoils it for what will likely be a $18+ kit
 
Last edited:

magier412

Member
Joined
Feb 6, 2013
Messages
219
Location
Seattle, WA
Hi Steven.

I agree with Mal on the casting mark...dunno if that's just because it's a prototype or what, but the mold needs a bit of cleanup maybe...

I'd also like to be able to put different cabochons in the finial - as a metalsmith, I might be able to do it successfully enough, but there would be concerns about stressing the metal (I'm assuming it's a lightweight alloy of some kind and the prongs may be brittle).

Also, I think that the dragon clip looks a bit out of scale compared to the details of the pen. And the casting is a bit "muddy" in the detail as well (may also be because of prototype?). I'd rather see something a bit bolder/bigger in scale there (dragon head only or arm/claw) or better detail in the clip. As is, it looks a bit cheap compared to the rest of the kit and detracts from the pen overall. The dragon looks more chinese than medieval...which is more what "I think" you are going for (but I could be wrong)...

All of this would be tempered of course on the cost of the kit, but I would expect it wouldn't be on the under $10 side of the scale. :)

Sorry if this oversteps...but I was so excited to think there's a dragon pen, and then disappointed...and as always...just my opinion too.

Hope you take it as it's offered...helpful and thoughtful...and totally ok if you don't give a rat's behind. ;)
 
Last edited:

nappy155

Member
Joined
May 25, 2011
Messages
223
Location
Philadelphia
Hi Steven.

I agree with Mal on the casting mark...dunno if that's just because it's a prototype or what, but the mold needs a bit of cleanup maybe...

I'd also like to be able to put different cabochons in the finial - as a metalsmith, I might be able to do it successfully enough, but there would be concerns about stressing the metal (I'm assuming it's a lightweight alloy of some kind and the prongs may be brittle).

Also, I think that the dragon clip looks a bit out of scale compared to the details of the pen. And the casting is a bit "muddy" in the detail as well (may also be because of prototype?). I'd rather see something a bit bolder/bigger in scale there (dragon head only or arm/claw) or better detail in the clip. As is, it looks a bit cheap compared to the rest of the kit and detracts from the pen overall. The dragon looks more chinese than medieval...which is more what "I think" you are going for (but I could be wrong)...

All of this would be tempered of course on the cost of the kit, but I would expect it wouldn't be on the under $10 side of the scale. :)

Sorry if this oversteps...but I was so excited to think there's a dragon pen, and then disappointed...and as always...just my opinion too.

Hope you take it as it's offered...helpful and thoughtful...and totally ok if you don't give a rat's behind. ;)

i'm sure the cast will be better this is a prototype...i agree with the scales much too big...i wanted them smaller but i was out voted...i always thought it was a bit over-the-top..i am a lover of balanced design and personally i think it misses...the clip was the start...it is a based off of a Menuki which is a sort of ornament that under the wrapping of a samurai sword handle...

i don't know the price but i would think it will hit the $15 range...

thank you for your thoughts..i wish the company would listen more to the public, but they don't...
 

vakmere

Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2014
Messages
594
Location
Philly
I agree with all of the above. This is a good idea but as with most of the PSI gimmick pens the attention to detail could be better for the price they will be asking. Although a prototype, the overall fit looks ragged even with a well turned and matched blank. It also looks uncomfortable to write with, unbalanced and heavy in the hand, and the refill barely makes it out of the front end. I'll pass on this one for now.
 
Last edited:

magpens

Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2011
Messages
15,913
Location
Canada
I would have thought that you, as THE senior designer, would have more say.


Hi Steven.

I agree with Mal on the casting mark...dunno if that's just because it's a prototype or what, but the mold needs a bit of cleanup maybe...

I'd also like to be able to put different cabochons in the finial - as a metalsmith, I might be able to do it successfully enough, but there would be concerns about stressing the metal (I'm assuming it's a lightweight alloy of some kind and the prongs may be brittle).

Also, I think that the dragon clip looks a bit out of scale compared to the details of the pen. And the casting is a bit "muddy" in the detail as well (may also be because of prototype?). I'd rather see something a bit bolder/bigger in scale there (dragon head only or arm/claw) or better detail in the clip. As is, it looks a bit cheap compared to the rest of the kit and detracts from the pen overall. The dragon looks more chinese than medieval...which is more what "I think" you are going for (but I could be wrong)...

All of this would be tempered of course on the cost of the kit, but I would expect it wouldn't be on the under $10 side of the scale. :)

Sorry if this oversteps...but I was so excited to think there's a dragon pen, and then disappointed...and as always...just my opinion too.

Hope you take it as it's offered...helpful and thoughtful...and totally ok if you don't give a rat's behind. ;)

i'm sure the cast will be better this is a prototype...i agree with the scales much too big...i wanted them smaller but i was out voted...i always thought it was a bit over-the-top..i am a lover of balanced design and personally i think it misses...the clip was the start...it is a based off of a Menuki which is a sort of ornament that under the wrapping of a samurai sword handle...

i don't know the price but i would think it will hit the $15 range...

thank you for your thoughts..i wish the company would listen more to the public, but they don't...
 

nappy155

Member
Joined
May 25, 2011
Messages
223
Location
Philadelphia
I would have thought that you, as THE senior designer, would have more say.


Hi Steven.

I agree with Mal on the casting mark...dunno if that's just because it's a prototype or what, but the mold needs a bit of cleanup maybe...

I'd also like to be able to put different cabochons in the finial - as a metalsmith, I might be able to do it successfully enough, but there would be concerns about stressing the metal (I'm assuming it's a lightweight alloy of some kind and the prongs may be brittle).

Also, I think that the dragon clip looks a bit out of scale compared to the details of the pen. And the casting is a bit "muddy" in the detail as well (may also be because of prototype?). I'd rather see something a bit bolder/bigger in scale there (dragon head only or arm/claw) or better detail in the clip. As is, it looks a bit cheap compared to the rest of the kit and detracts from the pen overall. The dragon looks more chinese than medieval...which is more what "I think" you are going for (but I could be wrong)...

All of this would be tempered of course on the cost of the kit, but I would expect it wouldn't be on the under $10 side of the scale. :)

Sorry if this oversteps...but I was so excited to think there's a dragon pen, and then disappointed...and as always...just my opinion too.

Hope you take it as it's offered...helpful and thoughtful...and totally ok if you don't give a rat's behind. ;)

i'm sure the cast will be better this is a prototype...i agree with the scales much too big...i wanted them smaller but i was out voted...i always thought it was a bit over-the-top..i am a lover of balanced design and personally i think it misses...the clip was the start...it is a based off of a Menuki which is a sort of ornament that under the wrapping of a samurai sword handle...

i don't know the price but i would think it will hit the $15 range...

thank you for your thoughts..i wish the company would listen more to the public, but they don't...


I am the senior graphic designer/photpgrapher...when it comes pen designs i really have no say....we could all b against something and it wouldn't matter if the owners wants to do it...he does it...
 

PenPal

Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2006
Messages
2,708
Location
Canberra, A.C.T., Australia.
Heck talk about shoot the messenger all I see is possibilities thanks for showing I spend my life not jumping to conclusions enjoying others work what a crock assuming weights (not defined) etc and ad finitum.

I once developed pens made from ReBar comments were rife too heavy bla bla in fact I drillled out the bar used brass sleeves for repeatable refilling etc why in heavens name would a manufacturer say yes you can pop out the jewel in the top I figure what goes in could be removed half the fun is making things individual.

Now the real acid test is in a customers hand these will sell freely I predict only dealing with this company has been difficult in the past however there are numerous resellers allowed after a waiting period who believe in real service to overseas customers.

Not a rant but observations I wish you all success in your endeavours.

I love the kit and possibilities Thankyou for showing.

Kind regards Peter.
 

nappy155

Member
Joined
May 25, 2011
Messages
223
Location
Philadelphia
Heck talk about shoot the messenger all I see is possibilities thanks for showing I spend my life not jumping to conclusions enjoying others work what a crock assuming weights (not defined) etc and ad finitum.

I once developed pens made from ReBar comments were rife too heavy bla bla in fact I drillled out the bar used brass sleeves for repeatable refilling etc why in heavens name would a manufacturer say yes you can pop out the jewel in the top I figure what goes in could be removed half the fun is making things individual.

Now the real acid test is in a customers hand these will sell freely I predict only dealing with this company has been difficult in the past however there are numerous resellers allowed after a waiting period who believe in real service to overseas customers.

Not a rant but observations I wish you all success in your endeavours.

I love the kit and possibilities Thankyou for showing.

Kind regards Peter.

thx for your post...i have a pretty thick skin...plus i just work here

what i don't understand is the fact that most people make pens to sell...so not personally liking a particular pen and therefore not buying it to make and sell seems counter intuitive to me....i have a small state in a beer distributor...i hate Coors Light beer...but i will sell it to you...

of course region does count...a cowboy themed pen probably wouldn't do well in New England...i get that...

but if turning pens is income for you..i would at least throw it at the wall and see if it sticks...
 
Top Bottom