A classical challenge to pen turners

**plantagenon** · 22nd August 2012, 09:02 PM

This thread is authorised by Neil (Ubeaut)

Have you ever thought about designing a truly classical pen?

This is your opportunity to do it for the benefit of members of this Forum.

Many of the pen kits available are ok in terms of the shape of the design of the cap and barrel but a lot is lacking in the shape and thickness of the ‘Section’ (or grip). It is thin in a lot of instances, eg, the Sedona. Some designs are also a bit gaudy in terms of the ‘clip’, the’ blind cap’ on the top of the cap and the ‘ring’ on the bottom of the cap. Although they compliment a lot of blanks, the finished product doesn’t end up with a classic or distinguished look like a Waterman, Parker, Mont Blanc or Sailor, etc.

Therefore, the concept is that a classical design kit be developed specially for members of the WW Forum (Australia) and be provided to members (in multiple numbers) at cost price plus postage. No profit will be made.

With that in mind interested members should submit designs for a classical fountain pen and pen set. It may be that the grip can also lend itself to turning, such as the streamline so the full pen is either timber or acrylic. However, this is simply a suggestion. There are no boundaries but you would need to design the entire product including clip, blind cap, ring in the centre (if any), inscribed symbols to identify it, etc. Unfortunately, snow flakes have been taken by Mont Blanc

Post your design (a drawing and description) on this thread before 30 September 2012 and the most popular pen elected by members will be developed into a prototype for further costing.

The only prize is naming rights and the knowledge that your pen may be sold widely to members for their use and their possible profit.

Following the development of a prototype the feasibility of having the kit mass produced will be the next stage. Obviously, the kit would need to be made overseas to reduce costs. It if can be done, the pen kit will be offered on the Forum, or through any dealer who offers services at no cost, to any member who wants to buy kits at cost price plus postage.

This is an opportunity to develop a unique classical pen kit for Forum members.

This is a non-profit making venture and a one off project. Therefore, conditions apply that the winning designer agrees that his/her entry can be used to develop a pen kit and that the winner will not receive any expenses, costs or royalties for or from the design or the pen kit or hold any ownership rights or other interests in the design or the pen kit. If you want to make money out of a design or kit don't submit an entry on here.

**_fly_** · 22nd August 2012, 09:50 PM

Its a bit rough that they don't own they're own design.
They could still own it but by submitting it as an entry it allows WWF unconditional use of the design.
But at least they still own the design.

**benupton** · 22nd August 2012, 10:29 PM

Hi,
If a design is chosen I would be happy to use my contact to have the kit made so long as it is no cost to me and is included in the kit price. The minimum run is 1000 kits thought. Let me know.

Thanks Ben

**plantagenon** · 23rd August 2012, 08:13 AM

Thanks Ben. That may save a lot of research.

**plantagenon** · 23rd August 2012, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by _fly_

Its a bit rough that they don't own they're own design.
They could still own it but by submitting it as an entry it allows WWF unconditional use of the design.
But at least they still own the design.

Fly

The simple reason for not owning a design is the question of when ownership of the design would be handed back to the designer. Would it be after the first run of pen kits or the second run or the third? If it is handed back after the first run and demand from members was such that a second run was needed, then simply, the designer would be entitled to royalties thus raising the price of the pen to the detriment of members.

Anyway this is nothing more than an idea posed to members for comment and judging by the response so far everyone is happy to continue with the commercially available pen kits. If that is to be the case - then so be it.

**benupton** · 29th August 2012, 11:26 PM

Thought I would revive this thread, anyone brewing up some ideas?

**gawdelpus** · 30th August 2012, 08:41 AM

Probably easier to make small differences such as initialled centre bands and clips

Cheers ~ John

**sturina** · 30th August 2012, 10:43 AM

Only just seen this post. I think it is a great idea, will put my thinking cap on.

**plantagenon** · 30th August 2012, 09:29 PM

It's open until 30th September. If no interest is expressed by then it will go the way of a lot of other ideas people have had. If a good design is developed it will probably be a reality. I am working on a design and will post it, but I don't want ownership rights to it other than to say it will be for forum members and not for someone to use for personal gain.

**Pariss** · 30th August 2012, 11:12 PM

Well, here is a unique & 100% natural enviro friendly design Greg. I really don't need the design rights returned eh. I'll name it, 'Mont Nugget'

**plantagenon** · 31st August 2012, 09:29 AM

I can see that will be a winner Steve.

Very innovative although a bit hard to turn on a lathe. Are you sure you designed it? I would hate you to receive a huge writ for breach of copyright.

**dai sensei** · 31st August 2012, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by Pariss

Looks like that stuff I turned a while back

At least I stabilized it and turned it, looks like with that one it has been just slapped on

**benupton** · 25th October 2012, 10:23 PM

Hey Guys,

Has this had any more ideas

, I like the idea but it does not seem to have gone anywhere

**plantagenon** · 26th October 2012, 05:35 PM

No interest shown so I will give it away. Someone else can try again later if they want to.

Thread: A classical challenge to pen turners

Thread Tools

Search Thread

A classical challenge to pen turners

Similar Threads

Progress on Classical

Restoration 26years+ old classical.

Bridge Glue In on the Classical

Building a Classical Guitar

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions