A little about the products: Firstly, this is a comparatively new concept (within the last 15 years or so), and what is nice about it is that it links a touch of nostalgia with a little modern technology.
- All my pens are individual and unique items.
- I usually personalise each pen with a suitable certificate which accompanies the item. This will identify the person’s Christian name, the type of wood from which it is made, and also identify the type of pen with brief instructions.
- Pens are usually made to order only but I do sometimes sell pens that have built up in 'stock'.
- There are about 40 different woods I use for making pens, some like to specify what wood they would like – I try to oblige.
- Not all woods are particularly suitable, and whilst I am a craft orientated person, I am continually surprised!
- Pens made are priced on the degree of difficulty in dealing with the characteristics of the wood used.
- Each pen is unique due to the basic characteristics of the wood concerned i.e. different grain, rotten wood, half rotten (which we call ‘spalted’), dead wood, green wood, knotty wood etc., the list is endless. Some of the craft processes in dealing with certain conditions cause for much time to be expended in making the item. The challenge I make is to make beautiful writing instruments.
- Mostly, I make Fountain Pens, and often for presentation occasions. Prices for these models start from around £30 and a quotation can be given. Some of the more intricate knotty woods can be £100 or more.
- My pens make excellent presents.
‘Faults’ are often encountered in the making, if the wood has some special meaning or is particularly appealing, the ‘fault’ is ‘frozen’. Whilst it may often be clearly apparent, it is not detrimental and will be part of the instrument’s character.
Best wishes,
John Hayward Lucas.