Show Us Your Oblique Penholders!

[Estefa]

I also received a beautiful new custom design penholder from Brian – here is it:

 

 

I think it is wonderful! I wanted it to look a little "baroque".

 

Sorry for the not so great picture quality (iPhone pics)!

 

Stefanie

[Scribe_Not]

Most people, at least the the ones that aren't generally on this forum, might be somewhat apprehensive about receiving a heavily taped parcel in the post containing what was enclosed below.

 

I too was somewhat taken back when at first I felt the package containing what seemed to be 2 pipes about 10 inches long. Lo and behold, nothing ticking, no recognizable circuit board diodes or doodads… and out slides an penned envelope addressed to me.

 

 

Now I can breathe a sigh of relief… it is at long last, the parcel traveling from the land of my heritage, the home of Cajun Cuisine delights and mouthwatering spices.

 

Three sisters of highly figured tiger stripe Maple, each having a little different length, weight and girth… but the balance is dead-on all three.

Hence, they shall be named, Melissa, Priscilla, and Pussywilla! And not to forget the Holly Snow White in the foreground.

 

 

Brian, thank you my friend. You have once again exceeded my expectations!

Edited November 12, 2013 by Scribe_Not

[hzsimms]

Most people, at least the the ones that aren't generally on this forum, might be somewhat apprehensive about receiving a heavily taped parcel in the post containing what was enclosed below.

 

I too was somewhat taken back when at first I felt the package containing what seemed to be 2 pipes about 10 inches long. Lo and behold, nothing ticking, no recognizable circuit board diodes or doodads… and out slides an penned envelope addressed to me.

 

Image 6.jpg

 

Now I can breathe a sigh of relief… it is at long last, the parcel traveling from the land of my heritage, the home of Cajun Cuisine delights and mouthwatering spices.

 

Three sisters of highly figured tiger stripe Maple, each having a little different length, weight and girth… but the balance is dead-on all three.

Hence, they shall be named, Melissa, Priscilla, and Pussywilla! And not to forget the Holly Snow White in the foreground.

 

Image 4.jpg

 

Brian, thank you my friend. You have once again exceeded my expectations!

 

Very, very nice! Those are gorgeous!

[hzsimms]

Just finished this up yesterday. If pens have a personality, this one is pure evil! It drew blood (more than once) and was utterly uncooperative in every possible way. If it were a child, it would be in permanent time out.

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/null_zpsd9dcb82f.jpg

 

It's made of bubinga wood, which is generally pretty docile. Guess I got a recalcitrant batch.

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/null_zpsa264fe1e.jpg

 

Hope you like it (even if it does have an attitude problem).

 

Howard

[MusinkMan]

Another beauty, Brian.......they just keep coming!

 

Ken

Why thank you Ken! I appreciate you saying that!

[MusinkMan]

Most people, at least the the ones that aren't generally on this forum, might be somewhat apprehensive about receiving a heavily taped parcel in the post containing what was enclosed below.

 

I too was somewhat taken back when at first I felt the package containing what seemed to be 2 pipes about 10 inches long. Lo and behold, nothing ticking, no recognizable circuit board diodes or doodads… and out slides an penned envelope addressed to me.

 

Image 6.jpg

 

Now I can breathe a sigh of relief… it is at long last, the parcel traveling from the land of my heritage, the home of Cajun Cuisine delights and mouthwatering spices.

 

Three sisters of highly figured tiger stripe Maple, each having a little different length, weight and girth… but the balance is dead-on all three.

Hence, they shall be named, Melissa, Priscilla, and Pussywilla! And not to forget the Holly Snow White in the foreground.

 

Image 4.jpg

 

Brian, thank you my friend. You have once again exceeded my expectations!

Why thank you Doug! Thanks for showing them off here, I appreciate it. I'm gladddddd you liked them.

Those are some interesting names you got there! hahaha

[MusinkMan]

I also received a beautiful new custom design penholder from Brian – here is it:

 

Cembalo-pen-2.jpgCembalo-pen-1.jpg

 

I think it is wonderful! I wanted it to look a little "baroque".

 

Sorry for the not so great picture quality (iPhone pics)!

 

Stefanie

Hi Sefanie!!! Man, it sure takes a while for things to arrive in Germany. But I'm glad it finally made it! Looking at that beautiful red calligraphy, it's obvious that you know what to do with that pen! Beautiful writing. I received your letter along with the gouache and iron gall. That was so nice of you...your calligraphy in the letter was just amazing. I wrote ya back...don't know how long it will take for my letter to arrive though. Hopefully any day now.

[MusinkMan]

Just finished this up yesterday. If pens have a personality, this one is pure evil! It drew blood (more than once) and was utterly uncooperative in every possible way. If it were a child, it would be in permanent time out.

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/null_zpsd9dcb82f.jpg

 

It's made of bubinga wood, which is generally pretty docile. Guess I got a recalcitrant batch.

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/null_zpsa264fe1e.jpg

 

Hope you like it (even if it does have an attitude problem).

 

Howard

Nice work there Howard!!!! You see, you made that pen angry by grinding it's tail! hahaha So it bit you!

Seriously, that's one skinny little tail! I bet that thing was jump-roping all over the place. So easy for them to snap under the torque of the lathe when they get that thin. Nice job...takes considerable skill and patience to go that thin. Bubinga you say? Be careful with her...she's likely very fragile being so thin.

[Estefa]

Hi Sefanie!!! Man, it sure takes a while for things to arrive in Germany. But I'm glad it finally made it! Looking at that beautiful red calligraphy, it's obvious that you know what to do with that pen! Beautiful writing. I received your letter along with the gouache and iron gall. That was so nice of you...your calligraphy in the letter was just amazing. I wrote ya back...don't know how long it will take for my letter to arrive though. Hopefully any day now.

 

Hi Brian – your letter did arrive – I wrote you an E-mail yesterday! I'll PM you – check it if you have time

 

Glad that you like my script, there's still alot to do … but I am working on it.

 

Stefanie

[hzsimms]

Be careful with her...she's likely very fragile being so thin.

 

Yeah, she's hidden away from all children and dogs!

[hzsimms]

Finally got a chance to work on my version of the Excelsior holder (thanks for the info Dominic!). Here are the first couple I finished up today. Both of these are slightly oversize as compared to the original.

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/iPhone-20131116-094000875_zpsb63de8e0.jpg

 

This one is Yucatan Rosewood.

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/IMG_2878_zpsf5c941f0.jpg

 

Same pen after wrapping the grip area (lousy picture, I know). The wrap is waxed Irish linen.

 

http://i1349.photobucket.com/albums/p743/hzsimms/iPhone-20131116-110504708_zpscb56f431.jpg

 

This one is Bocote with a little paua shell inlay (sorry, got carried away!).

 

I have to say, based on my limited experience thus far, these things are really comfortable to write with. They're sort of like the PIA hourglass on mild steroids. I think I may try to flatten out the top of the next one I do for a finger rest, a la Del Tysdal.

 

Hope you enjoy,

Howard

[thang1thang2]

I'm loving the last one, especially with the insert.

 

I also saw on Nick D'Aquanno's facebook page the holder that Brian made for him. He posted a glowing review of it, with pictures on his facebook page and tagged Dr. Vitolo, and just about every other master penman I've seen. Looks like you hit the big time

 

http://i.imgur.com/dbhpV2l.jpg

 

Isn't that gorgeous?

[MusinkMan]

I'm loving the last one, especially with the insert.

 

I also saw on Nick D'Aquanno's facebook page the holder that Brian made for him. He posted a glowing review of it, with pictures on his facebook page and tagged Dr. Vitolo, and just about every other master penman I've seen. Looks like you hit the big time

 

http://i.imgur.com/dbhpV2l.jpg

 

Isn't that gorgeous?

Thanks for posting that, Thang1Thang2.

Nick had purchased one of my pens, and he liked it a lot, so he emailed me. He said that he is a big fan of the Harry Potter books, and asked if I could make a pen in the style of Dumbledor's wizard staff. He wanted it made of Elder wood (not the easiest thing to find), and wanted it to have a carved, "ancient" appearance. Luckily, I found someone selling some Elderwood (not box elder, but REAL Elder). It still had the tree bark on one side of it, and was completely kiln dried, so I snagged it. Not only lathe work, but a bit of carving, and applying various wood stains to get that "ancient ground-in filth" look, and slicked it up with a little clear and a lot of finishing wax. Trying to give it that "worn slick with age" look. It was a bit of a task, but I was on a mission. LOL! I set up the flange for a Spencerian #1 per Nick's request.

 

Now I gotta get some stock made! My poor little Etsy store is bare, Christmas is approaching...and I still have 2 custom orders to fill. Luckily I do have 2 new pens that only need to be flanged...then I can post them on Etsy tomorrow. Anyway...thanks again, Thang1! Really appreciate the words!

[dhnz]

I also saw on Nick D'Aquanno's facebook page the holder that Brian made for him. He posted a glowing review of it …

 

Do you have the URL of the review? I couldn't find it.

 

Thanks,

[thang1thang2]

 

Do you have the URL of the review? I couldn't find it.

 

Thanks,

 

It's on his personal profile on Facebook. If you're not friends with him (or someone he tagged) you won't be able to see it. I copied the message here (and anonymized it) due to the fact that it's harmless in nature. I'm more than willing to delete the image if need be.

 

http://i.imgur.com/H3z1gmH.png

[MusinkMan]

Oh man, all of this notoriety is making me blush! LOL I appreciate all those words of encouragement.

Yesterday I received a phone call from a certain Dr. Joe Vitolo, who placed a custom order with me. Anybody ever heard of him? hahaha

Yikes, I hope I do a good job on that one! He's really a cool guy, and we must have talked pens and ink and penmanship for 45 minutes or so.

And guitars...he happens to be an avid guitar player like me!

 

Did you guys know that he doesn't take any money for anything he does regarding Iampeth...or the developement of the PIA holder...or the 5/8 Century holder design?

He does all of that because he enjoys it and loves the art of the pointed pen. I was really impressed with that fact.

 

Anyway, if you guys are interested, I'll post a photo of the "Joe Vitolo Custom Pen" when it is completed.

I must admit, I'm getting quite excited!!!!

[Scribe_Not]

Pretty cool Brian!

 

 

(OMG… he's going to be just impossible to live with now.)

[MusinkMan]

Pretty cool Brian!

 

 

(OMG… he's going to be just impossible to live with now.)

hahaha! That's what my wife said too! hahahaah

[smk]

Brian - this recognition is quite well deserved. You started with great enthusiasm and have only progressed from there. I will not be surprised if your holders become collectible some day.

 

I am lucky I have one of the 'early ones' :-)

 

Salman

[Scribe_Not]

Brian - this recognition is quite well deserved. You started with great enthusiasm and have only progressed from there. I will not be surprised if your holders become collectible some day.

 

I am lucky I have one of the 'early ones' :-)

 

Salman

 

Amen on the notoriety.

 

BTW SMK… How's the Mayor making out these days?