* Note to any recent or potential backers... a small 'dock' part was added as purchase option.  The details are in update #17... sorry for any confusion.  Thanks!

The Start

There have been many successful pen projects on Kickstarter...  I have been a fan and supporter of several of those.  For me, the attraction to these is to own something custom or unique in today's mass produced world.  While the custom pens are great, I use a pencil quite a bit so I decided to try my first project and design a very unique aluminum housing for the classic 'sharp' style mechanical pencil.  For starters, I will utilize an excellent, high quality, proven mechanism with lead options of 0.5, 0.7, or 0.9mm.  The rear cap removes to expose an eraser, the eraser removes to provide access to the lead chamber.

The Design

Most machined writing instruments are typically turned cylinders  with constant or slightly tapered end profiles.  I wanted to fully utilize the capabilities of CNC machining with a more unusual shape.  After experimenting with various cross sections, I decided on a hexagonal cross section.  I prototyped several versions making adjustments and refinements along the way.

I iterated a good bit on the side profile to include a 'dip' in the finger area.  The dip provides a nice look and provides a good feel and grip without resorting to ridges, rubber, etc.  Additionally, towards the grip area, the hexagonal cross-section blends to a circular cross-section, giving a nice look and further enhancing feel.

Becoming SPOKE

Combining the hexagonal cross section with the nicely curved profile produced a nice pencil, but the final unique touch was to experiment with cutting slots completely through the body.  These slots give the sides a 'spoke like' appearance... exposing the internal pencil mechanism body which provides a nice contrast to the aluminum.  The slots completed the design and the name 'SPOKE' seemed like a very good fit.  

As the body is machined from solid 6061 Aluminum, even with the spokes, the pencil remains substantial and robust feeling.

The Manufacture

The design is complete.  There's still some work to be done on the final finishing specifications, the prototypes shown are all painted, not the final annodized versions.  With your help, I can move forward and make SPOKE pencils a reality.  Your pledges will allow me to finalize the finishes and have quantities needed to produce these pencils at an affordable cost.  

The Rewards

Included in the rewards are various finish options for Spoke and multiple quantity packages (I may add some finish options depending on how demand goes),

Thanks for reviewing my project.  The complete reward listing is displayed to the right.  I hope you'll consider supporting SPOKE mechanical pencils. Thanks!