My first clip

[NGLJ]

I realize that the "to clip" or "not to clip" debate might be endless! To be honest, I am not sure myself. So, I figured that I would try using a clip, and discover the challenges involved. The nib/section is from Turners Warehouse, and the clip is a Beaufort, via Turners Warehouse. The material is Pearlux from William Wood-Write. The finials are ebonite. It could be just me but I found it quite a challenge because you are now constrained by the dimensions of the clip. I decided to size the cap to be the same as the outer dimension of the clip ring because I like slimmer pens. That might not have been the best choice because any slight mistake in turning the cap might cause an issue, and indeed it did. It wasn't a disaster but could be better. On reflection I should have chosen a clip with a smaller ring diameter, and buried it in the cap - next time. All in all it was a good learning experience, and despite the clip and cap finial not being perfect, I am reasonably happy with the result.

 

[Jim15]

Beautiful work.

 

[Penultimate]

Nicely done. You could say you left the ring proud of the cap surface on purpose. It's a design element.

 

[NGLJ]

Nicely done. You could say you left the ring proud of the cap surface on purpose. It's a design element.

Good idea. All mistakes are undocumented features!

 

[darrin1200]

Nice job Graham.
You have discovered the exact reason why I moved to making my own clips. It's a lot more work, but it's also quite satisfying.
It's also another rabbit hole. LOL

 

[Mortalis]

I like that you chose black. It doesnt stand out and say, "HEY!, look at me not the pen".

 

[leehljp]

Excellent work! Excellent!

 

[NGLJ]

Nice job Graham.
You have discovered the exact reason why I moved to making my own clips. It's a lot more work, but it's also quite satisfying.
It's also another rabbit hole. LOL

It doesn't take long to discover that there are lots of "rabbit holes" to fall down . I guess we are cursed with the "curiosity gene".

 

[mark james]

Very nice finished pen.

 

[SteveJ]

Looks real nice. If you don't draw attention to the clip I doubt most people would notice!

 

[sorcerertd]

The pen and the clip both look great. It blends well with that blank. Also, if someone doesn't like the clip, just call it a roll-stop. See, problem solved.

 

[Mike]

I like it. Beautiful work.

Mike

 

[NGLJ]

Having now kind of "graduated" to "kitless" pens, but still very long way to go compared to the amazing creations that I see here, I took a look at the first pen that I made about 3 years ago, I think. Time tends to have less meaning in retirement, and the memory constantly plays tricks on you! My reaction was, "did I really make that piece of cr.......". The upside is that at least I have come a long way since then . I have to attribute a lot of my progress to the wonderful people here at IAP!

I now find myself, like many I suspect, asking myself the question, "how much kit vs kitless". Having crossed the pen makers "dessert", I don't see myself going back. This prompted me to check how many kits that I have. No surprise, I have way more than I thought. So, my current activity is making most of my kits to reduce inventory. Made about 40 so far, but still 30 to go . Some lucky people are getting a nice pen. I already have some favored recipients in mind. I will continue to buy kits, but only single barrel.