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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on January 8.
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LIMITED NUMBER- 1 RENDER K aluminum pen shipped to you, anywhere. There is only a few of these available, so act fast.
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1 RENDER K aluminum pen shipped in the US, (International orders add $10).
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1 RENDER K brass pen shipped in the US, (International orders add $10).
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#1 COMBO- One RENDER K aluminum pen and one RENDER K brass pen, shipped in the US. (International orders add $10).
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3 RENDER K aluminum pens shipped in the US, (International orders add $10).
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#2 COMBO- Two RENDER K aluminum pens and two RENDER K brass pens, shipped in the US. (International orders add $10).
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#3 COMBO- Three RENDER K aluminum pens and three RENDER K brass pens, shipped in the US. (International orders add $10).
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We make it... Out of metal.
At KarasKustoms, we do one thing; manufacture high quality, hand crafted products, and, we do it here in the USA. Since the beginning, our goal has been to use our collective experiences to bring unique, trendsetting products to market. We have backgrounds in everything from machining, tool and die work, fabrication, automotive repair and restoration, to product design and development. These skill sets allow us to find a market need and to make a quality, well designed product to fill that need. Because we make what we sell, we are able to control everything from product development to manufacturing, and do it all under one roof. We love what we do, and we hope it shows.
It's not that I fling my pen while writing. But when I'm moving my pen around in my hands or whatever while not writing, sometimes it comes off. Like I said, it's an amazing pen body. It's a minor gripe, and yes, if it would have messed up the pen by doing something to fix that problem, I'd rather have it this way.
And yeah, there's no one that's borrowing this pen. It's now in my journal that I protect wholeheartedly. I'd probably die protecting the journal, so I don't think it's going anywhere. Also, I can't wait to engrave the pen clip.
@Eli, I am not sure how much you move your arm around or fling your pen about while writing but I haven't had any issues with the cap on the back.
Design wise there was conversation about the pen cap on the back but it would be counter to an integral part of the thought behind the design. You wouldn't be careless with the pen or with lending it out.
After a few days of using the pen, here's my updated thoughts:
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I love everything about this pen. The clip, the threading, how you can't pull the cap off, making it where you really can't lose the cap (which happens every now and then), the feel of the pen body, and the weight.
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Here's my one gripe: I said it before the funding ended, but I hate that I can't get the cap to stay on the pen while writing. I thought Karas was going to attempt a way to fix it (because I think somewhere they said they may), but it just sits there. It stays on a little, but it's come off almost every time I've used it. It just doesn't stay on that well.
So, anyone know of a way to snap it to the pen while writing? I really would have been happy with some sort of magnet, but I don't know what to do. I really like to write with the cap on, so I can keep track of it. I mean, the cap screws on the tip, so you won't be able to lose it. But it's extremely easy to lose while writing.
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Don't get me wrong, I'm going to support any future Kickstarter project (as long as it's something I can use (I can't use an iPhone case because I don't have one), but is there anyway possible to fix this issue?
Every time I look at the pens I can appreciate the quality machining that went into them. :)
Cheers,
So glad you guys like the pens! It's been a whole lot of work, but it definitely has been worth it.
I am thoroughly impressed with this product! Not too light, not too heavy and I love the fine machined finish it has.
I like how the cap fits on the back end and give the finish it is unlikely it will show any scratches! But since it will be my edc pen and in the shop and everywhere else, scratches and dents give it character!
Just got my $40 pledge order in :D
I live in NYC. Seeing as how this was sent First Class, I probably would've gotten it yesterday if it was a holiday lol.
First impressions:
- Wow, lighter than I thought it'd be.
- The finish is more raw/rough than I expected it to be. Getting used to it though. Starting to like it
- The threads are freaking loud and squeaky. I applied some synthetic grease I use on my bike to the threads.
- I want to put the cap on the end of the pen but right now I'm so paranoid about scratching it by doing that haha.
got the pens today here in toronto. the clip is awesome, it clasps the fabric really tightly so you won't lose your pen when your hands are sliding in and out of your pant pockets.
The squeak is just the hardness of the anodize and the threads settling in. It should go away fairly quickly.
Love the pen. Stopped the squeak with a just a little WD-40.
@Benedict- Your package may be delayed in customs. We shipped all the $30 pledge levels on the same day, at the same time. Unless your shipping address was incorrect, it should be there soon.
My pen still isn't here yet. Pledged a $30 pen together with a friend who lives about 30 mins away from me. Yet, he's gotten his pen while I haven't. Help here Karas Kustoms?
Ebay has Hi-Tec C refills, lots of sizes & colours too.
@KarasKustoms: if you EVER start another kickstarter project, PLEASE make a post on the Render K updates page! I think I speak for all of us when I say, we want to support your future endeavors, and watch any future projects unfold as this one did.
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You've got one future customer here, and if you continue to run your business the way you ran this kikstarter, then I'll be loyal for life!
My main pen for everything just became a Render K :).
FYI, the Brass one does not squeak (the Al stops squeaking after used a little). Also, the Brass version is more "grippy" for those that sometimes get sweaty palms. Great pens!
My sentiment exactly Charlie. That's really all that needs to be said. I received mine today (thank God, since I would have had to waited until Tuesday), and I can't believe how happy I am with it. I didn't like the way it squeaked when I twisted the parts, but hey, it's all metal, so whatever. That's just me hating loud squeaks.
Like others have said, it's light, but the right amount of lightness. The clip is fantastic and sturdy, I love how it twists on, so the cap can't come off accidentally, and the look is amazing.
I for sure will be looking out for other Karas Kustoms products in the future. And I hope you use Kickstarter for other products as well.
Great job guys. Simply a great job all around.
This shit is a work of art. Now I just wonder when my Pen Type-A will come...
Just received my aluminum pen. Wow, I'm just amazed on how perfect this pen really is. Well balanced but very lightweight. One pen to rule them all. Thank you, KarasKustoms. You set the benchmark for what every other Kickstarter project here should shrive for.
Love my Pens!
Amazing, it actually came. Very fine.
For the next iteration:
larger diameter body entrance so other refills can be used
allow reversal into the cap
as I suggested some time ago, suggest ball bearings for spacing
My best,
Len Schloff
Thanks Sherif. Much appreciated!
Gianmarc: You might find some 0.4 black and blues at your nearest Staples - except they're called G-Tec-C4 in North America, not Hi-Tec-C. (I'm in Canada as well).
nm, I got some of the 0.25mm for now until the 0.5mm are not back ordered :)
Amazon and Jetpens are sold out haha
Anyone have a link to an online purchase for the hi-tec-c refills? I mistakenly thought my local staples would carry something compatible, so I tried the pilot G2 which doesn't quite fit properly.
Received my pens today. They're great, but I just had to write more about them. Bit of a detailed review here: http://edcforums.com/threads/long-ish-review-of-the-aluminum-render-k-pen.95792/
Thanks KarasKustoms! Pens were very much worth the wait.
Just got my pens!!! Very impressed. Unique feel, design and quality. I especially like the brass version.
Thank you KK!
Cheers,
My pen just arrive today. Everything is perfect. Need to find a good old pen to go inside. Thanks.
@Art - jetpens.com has a pretty big variety of the hi-tech-c pens, if you want to give them a try.
My first day with my pens (#1 Combo) I bought a whole set of HiTec C pens as stock for my new pens and they are just as good as mentioned. I'm true fan of the choice KaraKustoms went with for the design and default pen refill type. I can't wait to put a few miles on my bras pen which should start to look well worn in no time :-) great work the the KK team for all their efforts and to a hugely successful future!
@Art, if you don't want to buy via amazon, and they have a good 3 pack deal there, Staples sometimes has the G-Tec in.
I received my #3 combo yesterday and promptly loaded a pair of pens (brass and aluminum) up with Hi-Tec-C fills. The fills fit perfectly, easy to extract, and have a great steampunk look to them, not to mention that they also are quite rugged looking and should tolerate rough going well. The brass pen has some noticeable heft to it but feels well balanced in my hand. The aluminum pen is very lightweight and similarly feels well balanced. Fit and form are excellent.
Congratulations to Bill and the KarasKustoms Krew on bringing this project to fruition.
Thank you very much!
Wonderful! Thanks for this nice Pen!
http://distilleryimage8.instagram.com/8cdcab42a4df11e181bd12313817987b_7.jpg
Oh, and for those wondering, it was orange ink. My fingers are nice and red. :)
Just for anyone who hasn't yet done this, and now can be brighter than me, G2 != G-Tec-C. Same company, but you're asking for trouble. First indication this won't work is how snugly the refill fits. Once in, do not pull on it by hand. Go get a pair of plyers and stand outside. G2 pen refill: 1, my fingers and t-shirt: 0. No hard feelings, but I think I'll stick to the Parker refills I bought to try ...
I think my confusion was due to the fact that between the local Target and nearby Office Max, "G2" was the only thing I found remotely close, and figured I could at least give it a try. I couldn't find any Pilot "G" or "Hi" "Tec-C" brand pens or refills. No idea if they're universally scarce, but if you can't find them anywhere else try the online artist supply store "Dick Blick". They seem to have "G-Tech-C" pens, under pens then gel pens. (they used to have refills, but I don't see them anymore).
Anyway, I'm not angry, the pen is great, the ink will come off eventually, I'm not t-shirt deficient, and "Now [I] know!" :P
haha. Very true Jeff! Sometimes they are nuts for no reason. ;)
@Gianmarc. Remember, the pens have to get through Canada Customs. They can be pretty sloooooow some times. :)
Picked it up from my box. Like the pens. Actually enjoy the subtle texture. On the brass barrel, just where it starts to taper there is a tiny ridge. It isn't visible to the eye, can only feel it with your finger and only for about a quarter of the circumference. Very trivial.
Everything fits together well. After using the brass for a bit, you pick up the aluminum and your immediate reaction is "This is too light". Sort amuses me. Anyway, quite happy with it. Thanks for laboring to get them all out.
Quite happy with my purchases.
@ Ben Ling- All international orders have been sent via USPS International Priority Flat Rate mail. The USPS tells us it can take 10-14 business days for packages to arrive, longer if it gets delayed in customs.
I got one of each and these are AWESOME!. The brass pen is a freakin sherman tank, I love it! I personally am not big on the fine point ink cartridges so I opted for the Parker refills. I was hoping the rollerball would fit but only the ballpoint ink cartridge fits. I got over it pretty quick. I also replaced my flat head screws with a phillips head black oxide finished stainless steel screw....lookin good!
Sherif: Thanks! I backed combo 1. Was just curious when I might see mine :). Also can't wait.
Gianmarc: Still waiting (3-alum level backer, which just shipped on Friday). Of course, it doesn't help that Monday was Victoria Day and has no postal service :@. But can't wait! :D
I pledged $30 for a Render K.
Should I have received the pen now?
Anyone in Canada get theirs yet? :)
What value is put on the package? I pledged the $40 level and don't want to pay 10€ tax (standard amount)... Everything below 25$ would be fine :) (and after all if you just put the value of the raw starting materials you aren't cheating either!)
Thanks for all the kind words everyone! Glad that you are enjoying your pens.
Got my set of three yesterday! Dad and brother finally got their Christmas presents, they both love them. I really like the look, feel, and weight to the pen, I've been using the Hi-Tec-C in cheap plastic bodies for a few months, but the quality of this pen really improves the experience.
My only complaint is a minor one, I wish the grip section was slightly knurled for grip. But aesthetically, a smooth grip looks much better, plus, I don't think the aluminum is thick enough in that portion for knurling anyway.
The clip gives a nice contrasting color, and considering the thickness of it, I have absolutely no fears of it breaking or losing it's spring.
Thank you Karas for a truly top-notch product, I know this is a pen that will be passed on to my children someday. I look forward to seeing what new products and innovations you guys continue to bring to the market.
I don't see how someone can go from 'taking a few (crappy) pens from the bank' to funding three aluminum pens made for a completely different pen than a bank would have, but congrats for making the jump to a bad-ass pen.
I'm thinking that the $40 level will be the last to ship, sadly. But I'm waiting patiently.
I rushed home from work today to find my three aluminum pens in the mailbox. I don't know if I've ever purchased a pen of any sort before this pen; I usually just grab a few from the bank when I'm there. I could not be more pleased with the pens. I bought some hi-tec-c refills that have been sitting on my desk for months now, and it turns out they are as awesome as everyone said. My only regret is that I didn't get a brass pen, but that's easily remedied once the Kickstarter orders are filled. Thank you to Karas for making my first KickStarter experience a perfect ten!
Just got mine today also. These are fantastic pens. As someone who destroys pen clips, I love how thick these clips are. For all intents and purposes, I'm pretty sure this pen is indestructible.