1st pen is a Snakewood / Katalox mix, maybe not a marriage made in heaven, but it will do. The second pen is Desert Ironwood - one of my personal favorites.
Just down the street in Picktown. The Snakewood was a short leftover so I'd thought I'd give it a try (it's horribly expensive) Maybe one day I'll split this couple up and give them new halves.
Looking good on the pens. Two tones aren't my favorite either, but I have been there. You have to sometime go with what you have. I think your execution was good on both. Welcome!
Welcome Tom, from far west Kentucky, to the addiction, sometimes referred to as the vortex. Be sure to give the library a good bit of time. The link is at the top of the page. You will find an article called Library Index. This covers tutorials on about anything pen making you can think of. You will also notice that there are articles listed by year. Much good info there as well. When these fail to answer your questions, by all means post it here. I have never seen one go unanswered very long. You might also want to give this thread a good look. It has some very good info for the beginning pen turner; http://content.penturners.org/articles/2009/Getting_started_in_penturning.pdf. Grab some wood, make some shavings and have fun all the while being safe.
Your pens show great promise. Overall, your fit and finish are very good. As so many others have stated, the cap on the DIW is distracting. Otherwise you have two very good pens, congratulations.
Charles
Real nice work, I like the Snake wood bottom, the cap not so much, but I do understand, I'm saving a Snakewood short for a Elegant Beauty, The DI is beautiful, nice grain.
And welcome from West Tennessee!!