I would like to know just what a kitless pen is
What is a kitless pen
- Thread starter Band Saw Box
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Harley2001
Member
A pen you make without a kit.
Robert111
Member
I would describe a "kitless" pen as one that is not made on brass tubes, or any tubes for that matter. Of course, no manufactured pieces are used except a clip and a nib assembly (usually).
Most kitless pens are fountain pens, but a few are ballpoints or rollerballs. Some call them "custom" feeling that the term kitless does not communicate accurately or sufficiently the essential nature of such a pen.
Most kitless pens are fountain pens, but a few are ballpoints or rollerballs. Some call them "custom" feeling that the term kitless does not communicate accurately or sufficiently the essential nature of such a pen.
And "a custom pen" covers using parts of a donor kit without using all of it. Kitless can mean different things to different people.
its_virgil
Member
I don't think brass tubes need to be omitted to make a kitless pen. Just my opinion. Other terms used when making a pen using some kit parts and or changing the looks of a kit such as a recessed clip or closed end can be called a custom pen or a modified "Whatever" pen. If we make all of the parts of a pen ourself then assemble it couldn't that be considered a "kit" pen? We make the parts instead of purchasing them.:biggrin: I also agree that kit less means different things to different people. Not trying to start an argument…just thinking out loud.
Do a good turn daily!
Don
Do a good turn daily!
Don
A kit pen involves purchasing all the necessary materials (usually less blank(s)) along with instructions on how to turn and assemble. Although there were predecessors, the term kitless started to be used regularly on this forum about 5 or 6 years ago when some of us bought taps and dies, started to make our own designs and figured out how to assemble and manufacture all or most of the parts. Usually these were beyond just modified kits.
navycop
Member
Good question Dan.. I always thought of a kitless as kind of Frankenstien monster. Different pieces and parts from other kits. This clearifies it a little.
Ok that make's it a little clearer. I guess it something I'll have to add to my list of thing I want to try.
I would classify it as one where you are the maker who does all the design, machine work, and fitting of everything but the actual nib and feed (fountain) or refill and click mechanism (ball point or RB) instead of assembling premachined parts already designed to fit together by someone else and producing a standard type of product.
Going a step farther and making your own nib and feed or click mechanism and clip if you use one should give the distinction of a sole author made pen and not just a kitless (in the most basic form, I suppose a feather quill could be called that, but primitive may be a better designation for that level of sole authorship).
Going a step farther and making your own nib and feed or click mechanism and clip if you use one should give the distinction of a sole author made pen and not just a kitless (in the most basic form, I suppose a feather quill could be called that, but primitive may be a better designation for that level of sole authorship).
Essentially 'kitless' is whatever you want it to be. The discussion as to what is "kitless" has been going on for several years with a half-dozen or so different ideas about what it should be.
Consider this... Cartridge pens were once 'kitless' you gathered the parts, figured out how to get them to go together and did what you needed to do to make the pen - you can still do that, but now you can also buy "kits". So when you have one in your hands it could either made from a kit, or not.
Consider this... Cartridge pens were once 'kitless' you gathered the parts, figured out how to get them to go together and did what you needed to do to make the pen - you can still do that, but now you can also buy "kits". So when you have one in your hands it could either made from a kit, or not.
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edstreet
Member
'kitless' is like saying
drivers ed teacherless vehicle
gasless oven
gasless water heater
gasolineless car
training wheel-less bicycle
learner permitless driver
drivers ed teacherless vehicle
gasless oven
gasless water heater
gasolineless car
training wheel-less bicycle
learner permitless driver
Got one of those --- even though my house is served with natural gas, the idiot who built the house installed an electric range and didn't include a gas line to hook up a gas range.:biggrin:
I've had one of those a time or two over the last 60 years or so - perhaps not totally gasolineless but enough so that I couldn't make it go anyplace.