Allegory's second handcrafted collection features reclaimed woods, modern design, the much loved Hi-Tec-C, and customization.
Allegory is proud to present: The Precision Collection
This project has closed but the Precision Collection and Allegory's other writing instruments are available from our website. You can also keep in touch with us on Facebook.
Announcements
TV Feature We just had our first TV appearance on WCIU in Chicago!
Production has begun! We will be able to ship about 200 rewards in time for the holidays. This will be available on special request. There are several still available, but it is filling up fast.
We hit our goal in just under three days, and have posted a bunch of great stretch goals in our second update. Almost 1/3 of our original collection backers have backed us again. This community is amazing.
Gourmet Pens: "I'm drooling over these"
TheEcoChic: "A truly unique handcrafted piece of art."
We were excited to to be featured on an episode of: Hey Kickstart This
What we do
We handcraft writing instruments from reclaimed, ancient, and historical woods in our Chicago studio. We got our start on Kickstarter, so now we release all our new products here first to give Kickstarters early access, discounts, and to stay in touch with the community that gave us our start.
Here's a quick look at what you need to know about us:
- Our motto: Pens with a legacy, so you can leave yours. All our writing instruments are made with woods that have a story which is intended to connect with your story, so that you have something personally meaningful right out of the box.
- All the woods we use are reclaimed or salvaged, none are fresh cut lumber.
- We plant a tree through The National Forest Foundation for every 10 pens we sell.
- All the refills in our pens are popular models that are readily available from multiple sources.
- Each pen comes with an insert that explains the stories behind the woods.
- We are die-hard believers that carrying well-made, personally meaningful objects with you on a daily basis can make your day better.
The Collection
The Precision Collection features reclaimed woods and a wide variety of customization options.*
The Hi-Tec-C refill is the centerpiece of the collection. It's a Japanese-made micro-rollerball that is widely loved for its precision and smooth writing experience. Not everyone prefers a fine point though, so we have many options.
Now let's take a look at the models:
The Mini
Rescued Wild Black Cherry
The Cherry tree is an icon of the American South. Cherry wood is among the most premium choices for flooring and furniture. Fortunately, these trees are so plentiful in the Southeast that they are often removed during landscaping projects. Our partner rescues these beauties from the chipper, kiln dries them, and creates usable lumber.
The Click
Antique Walnut
Reclaimed from barns and warehouses, Antique Walnut is old growth timber that is a remnant of the great forests that once covered almost all of North America. Walnut's deep chocolate color, swirling grain, and subtle flame-like color variations make it very sought-after among woodworkers and furniture makers.
Bethlehem Olivewood
Throughout Israel there are olive groves that have grown for over 2,000 years. These trees saw Rome come to the area, and eventually fall. They saw much of Biblical history unfold; and they still stand today to bear witness to the trials faced by the region. These trees are highly protected, those who maintain them gather branch trimmings and deadfall and make them available to tourists and woodworkers. The dense, high contrast grain of Bethlehem Olivewood makes it ideal for small woodworking applications, its beauty and history are equally incredible
The Cap
Jakarta
The high volume of trade goods that come into the west coast of the US from Asian ports has created an entire market around reclaiming and reusing shipping containers. Jakarta is a blend of Asian tropical hardwoods that have been reclaimed from wood shipping crates that have made the journey across the Pacific. Its rich tones seem to retain echos of the journey, and one can't help but wonder what a particular plank helped carry across the ocean.
Antique Maple
Reclaimed from barns and warehouses, Antique Maple is old growth timber that is a remnant of the great forests that once covered almost all of North America. Antique maple combines honey and tawny blond hues with nearly translucent grain. Very reactive to light, antique maple has a unique shimmer and provides wonderful contrast when paired with darker woods.
Tell me more!
You can see a gallery of Precision Collection images on our facebook page. Feel free to post any product questions on our wall for a quick response.
How We Got Our Start
Wow. Even several months later I'm still amazed at the strength and focus of the Kickstarter community. What a great way to create real relationships and conversations between entrepreneurs and their potential markets! The fact that one website can tell you if your project is viable, provide you with funding to execute it, AND introduce you to some of the coolest, most supportive people on the planet to root for you through the hard times will NEVER stop blowing my mind.
It is never easy building a dream. That is what makes them so valuable. We had our share of challenges, both expected and unexpected, but we ended up with a foothold to a great future and a bunch of really happy backers. Here's a link to our first project. Our website has more information about the original collection, limited editions, and our custom commissioned work.
Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
Having completed a Kickstarter project already, we have learned many of these lessons the hard way. We've learned that while we can control our own time, effort, and dedication - we can't control that for our vendors. This time around we have built several external delays into the planning process, and made investments in equipment so that we have to outsource less.
We have also made several tweaks to our crafting process that will allow us to take more steps before the Kickstarter funding arrives, ideally allowing us to complete much of the work by the time the campaign ends.
On our previous project we also had the challenge of fulfilling the rewards while building our business infrastructure from the ground up. This time around we have people and processes to rely on that will help us focus on fulfillment.
FAQ
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Yes, let us know that you need yours for a holiday gift and we will do our best to help. We currently plan to ship about 200 rewards by the holidays.
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The Hi-Tech-C is a micro rollerball. There really isn't anything like it. For how fine the point is, it is remarkably smooth. It is important to note though - this is an acquired tasted. People who like the bold lines and heavy ink flow in most popular American pens are prone to not like the feel of the Hi-Tec-C. If you really like a fine point and precision, it is the best out there, but some would call it a scratchy writing experience. Choose carefully.
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Mini - Yep, just buy a compatible refill.
Click - No, the modifications to the hardware to support different tips are permanent. Each of the pens does support a handful of different ink types though.
Cap - Conversion kits are available for purchase, but you can't just swap a refill. The rollerball is a standard size though, and many options are available.
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The fountain pen nib is German-made and fashioned from iridium, and it's about .7 mm thick. The flow is a touch heavier than average. The Cap fountain pen comes with a Waterman cartridge, but also includes a screw-piston filler so you can use an ink of your choice.
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For reference, a Normal Bic pen is about 6'' long with the cap on.
Cap is 6.5" with cap posted on back as if you were writing and is 5.5" when closed. It is about 1.6 oz.
Click ballpoint and pencil are 5.75" long and Click with Hi-Tec-C is 6'' long. Click is 1.2 oz.
Mini is 4'' with stylus and 3.5'' without. Mini is .5 oz.
412
Backers
$42,947
pledged of $19,500 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Oct 27, 2012 -
Nov 28, 2012
- 2 created · 8 backed
- Chad Schumacher 702 friends
- Website: allegorypens.com
Pledge $10 or more
1 backer
A thank you card with a piece of raw ancient wood attached. Your choice of 50,000 year old Ancient Kauri or 5,000 year old Bog Oak. Read their stories at www.allegorypens.com/woods.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Add $8 to ship outside the USPledge $30 or more
45 backers All gone!
The Mini ・Made to your specifications. Our first backers get an even sweeter deal.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Add $12 to ship outside the USPledge $35 or more
54 backers
The Mini ・Made to your specifications.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Add $12 to ship outside the USPledge $60 or more
50 backers All gone!
The Click ・Made to your specifications. Our first backers get an even sweeter deal.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Add $12 to ship outside the USPledge $65 or more
64 backers
The Click ・Made to your specifications.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Add $12 to ship outside the USPledge $80 or more
50 backers All gone!
The Cap ・Made to your specifications. Our first backers get an even sweeter deal.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Add $12 to ship outside the USPledge $80 or more
10 backers All gone!
Holiday weekend reward special. One Click and one Mini with Holiday shipping. Great deal!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Add $12 to ship outside the USPledge $90 or more
41 backers
The Cap ・Made to your specifications.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Add $12 to ship outside the USPledge $130 or more
10 backers All gone!
Holiday weekend reward special. One Click and one Cap with Holiday shipping. Great deal!
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Add $12 to ship outside the USPledge $135 or more
34 backers
The Click Set ・Customize your own pen/pencil set, choose two Clicks with any options you want. Upgraded wood gift box included free.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Add $12 to ship outside the USPledge $140 or more
4 backers Limited (16 of 20 left)
Limited Edition: Aficionado Revolucion ・Made with mahogany from the Cuban Revolution. See www.allegorypens.com/revolucion for the whole story.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Add $12 to ship outside the USPledge $185 or more
13 backers
Precision Collection ・One Mini, one Click, and one Cap; all made to your specifications.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Add $15 to ship outside the USPledge $190 or more
5 backers
Custom Commissioned Writing Instrument ・One of our craftsman will consult with you and create a pen that captures your story. We will select woods from our private stock that symbolize the places, events, and interests that define you. The hardware, writing style, and shape will be made to your specifications. We can also use materials that you provide in this process, such as a piece of wood left from the building of your new home, or from an old family cabin.
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Add $12 to ship outside the USPledge $250 or more
9 backers Limited (11 of 20 left)
Special Edition Precision Collection ・One Cap, one Click, and one Mini in a wood box with a hand signed and numbered certificate identifying your Precision Collection as one of the first to be issued.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Add $15 to ship outside the USPledge $325 or more
1 backer
The Original Collection ・One of each of our Original Collection pens at the Kickstarter-only price - includes the Troubadour, the Mogul, the Aficionado, the Dynamo, and the Dignitary. Check www.allegorypens.com to learn more about these pens.
Estimated delivery: Feb 2013Add $15 to ship outside the USPledge $355 or more
4 backers Limited (9 of 13 left)
Special Edition Precision Collection and Founders' Club Membership. Our Founders' Club is a very small group which receives pre-market access to our Limited Editions.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Add $15 to ship outside the USPledge $900 or more
3 backers Limited (2 of 5 left)
Special Edition Precision Collection, Original Collection, Limited Edition: Aficionado Revolucion, Custom Commission, and Founders Club Membership.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Add $18 to ship outside the USPledge $1,500 or more
1 backer Limited (1 of 2 left)
Special Edition Precision Collection, Original Collection, Limited Edition: Aficionado Revolucion, Custom Commission, Founders Club Membership, and a day of pen-making lessons in our Chicago-area studio. (Transportation and lodging not provided).
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Add $18 to ship outside the US
