Kanto Pen-Tinkerers/repairers?

[MercianScribe]

Not a question about Japanese pens, but a question about Japan. Please excuse me if this is in the wrong section.

 

Does anyone know of any professional pen services, or gifted amateurs, for pen modifications or repairs in the Kanto district?

 

I don't mind experimenting with regrinding or frankenpen conversions with dirt-cheap Jinhaos and Baoers myself, and wouldn't mind learning repair basics, but as that will be an as-and-when venture and I'm usually ludicrously busy, if anyone knows of anyone who can do such things (preferably a mom-and-pop rather than a department store or something) the information would be appreciated.

[stan]

For those not knowing, Kanto refers to the general area where Tokyo is located.

 

What do you want to do? If for a cheapo Chinese pen, go to a hardware store and get whatever you need.

 

If seeking to do a major modification to a decent quality (expensive) pen, there are options. Visit any of the several pen makers and small shops in the Tokyo area and solicit their opinion and assistance. If you are very serious expect to shell out serious Yen.

 

You may also try one of the many gifted amateur and professional fountain pen servicers here in the States. If you are contemplating something exotic or 'nice' the extra cost of shipping and overseas communication will not break your budget.

[Algester]

check this link out http://estilofilos.blogspot.com

he has some access to some more exotic pens according to previous posts and Kanto area... is huge though, where in the Greater Kanto area are you specific about... unless as what stan says if your willing out to chuck out the yen to travel

if we think of Tokyo

Ebo-ya and Kawakubo is the tip of the iceberg, I havent dug deeply enough in Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tochigi, Kanagawa, and Ibaraki prefectures

Edited October 4, 2016 by Algester

[MercianScribe]

Thanks for the link, Algester, I'm sure that will give me some ideas.

 

Stan: mostly just trawling for options. But as I said, I'll be happy to do some amateur grinding myself when I can make time, but it would be nice to have access to any good resources for anything from nib grinding, through sac replacement, lever replacement, to all round tuning of any of the secondhand (vintage?!) stock I might get. I would expect to pay serious yen for serious work, but I was wondering more if anyone knew of anything like one of the ubiquitous mom n pop bike repair shops, where I could just drop something off with pleasantries and pick it up at a later date.

 

I know a couple of seriously skilled artisans, so I'll ask them if they know anyone in the pen renovation business. If it yields any interesting results I'll pop it back up on here.

[stan]

It comes down to your time and your money.

You can have custom makie work done by people here or in Japan.

You can go to Wajima and have chinkin too.

Like color? Many gifted artists can paint pictures on your pen.

A uniquely customized nib. Visit Mottishaw.

Gold-plate. Go for it.

Mont-Blanc sells diamond encrusted Mont-Blancs.

I know a dentist who inserts diamonds in people teeth.

Rubies. Sapphires. Opals, Pearls. No problem.

 

It is not that difficult to make your dream come true.

[MercianScribe]

Unless my dream is to find a simple pen maintenence store, it seems!

😆

[Algester]

if it's basic pen maintenance tweaking and what not and your in Japan (Pen clinics will be the way to go, Sailor is the most prominent of the bunch), as for repair depends on what kind of repair is needed but hmmm, in Tokyo would be Euro-box, if it's in Gunma Prefecture then a former employee with Sailor (he just retired but still does nib work) then somewhere with in the branches of Joyful-Honda (I'm just not sure which specific store) will be a good place to drop

for the rest of unpublished info getting hooked with pen clubs is a good start or getting into the pen expos

Edited October 13, 2016 by Algester

[MercianScribe]

Euro-box... I'll check it out, thank you.

As for what kind, right now, I'm about to attempt my first sac replacement, but on a 70-year old pen that won't open (or rather, opened halfway, and now won't move either way...!), so who knows what could happen?!

[stan]

Sac replacement made easy.

 

Lever filler.

 

Use hair dryer over barrel. Hot air will cause it to expand just enough.

You can get the section off with pliers. Somehow separate the pliers themselves from the section. Otherwise it will scratch or damage the section. This is the easy way. They hard way is to continually rock the section out. Heat the barrel - try turning and rocking the section out. Continue doing until section is free. Be careful not to bend the section too much or the barrel will break.

 

Squeeze filler.

 

It will help to see exactly what you have. Assuming standard squeeze filler. The metal cover is installed with a friction fit. Grab the cover so you do not damage it and twist. It will come free. Now you need to clean it out and remove the sac remnants from the nipple at the rear of the section.

 

Good luck.

[Tinjapan]

Sac replacement is easy! Freeing a stuck section, not as easy.

 

Eurobox can do a variety of repairs provided he has the parts. He can replace sacs and do some amazing, to me, nib repairs. I brought in a vintage pen I got cheap with the nib twisted into a double helix and he was able to straighten it out and it writes!

He can not replace clips, however. or at least for the pens I have needing clips.

 

I believe Pen Cluster also does repairs. I know Kawakubo does but will not mention him as he so busy repairing pens by other makers that he does not have time to assemble his own line of pens, which I am wanting to buy.

 

There is a pen club that meets monthly, I think that I am told has many experienced amatuers that can do nib work.

 

I too am wanting to learn. Who knows, maybe years down the road I will be able to help you out.