About this project
Tactile Turn Gist - Simple fountain pens that really work.
$129,796
997
The best part about fountain pens is the fact that they are so customizable. This line of fountain pens takes that to a whole new level by allowing you to choose from many different materials that come together in a magnificent design that works well. All pens have the same dimensions, but you get to choose what materials suit your style best. Eight of the best materials known to man make a total of 19 different models you can choose from.
Shown below are the different models separated by the materials used to make them.
Polycarbonate is an amazing material and the version being used in these pens is reinforced with fiberglass. It is known by a few trade names like Makrolon or Lexan depending on manufacturer. It is very light weight, and has much better impact resistance than almost any other plastic.
360 Brass accents and solid brass adds beautiful detail. Brass will gain patina over time so these pens will have character that shows how you use them. Brass is quite dense, so the more brass you have the heavier the pen will be.
145 Copper is the most reactive and also heaviest of the materials used in these pens. It will patina quickly and dramatically or is easily polished if you'd rather keep it shiny. Copper is the densest of the materials used, so the more copper used the heavier the pen will be.
954 Bronze is an incredibly tough material that holds up really well to hard use much like stainless steel and titanium, but it also gains patina with use.
316L Stainless Steel is the most corrosion resistant of all alloys of stainless steel. It is nearly just as hard to work with as titanium, but that makes it also hold up really well to daily use. An alloy of stainless steel that is much easier to work with would have been an easy choice, but the added toughness of 316L is worth the extra effort. Don't compare these pens to any other stainless steel pen because the others will just disappoint you.
6AL-4V Titanium. Tough. Light weight. The perfect combination for a daily carry item. If you want a lighter weight alternative to stainless steel or bronze, titanium is what you want.
702 Zirconium is just a super cool material all around. It is similar in appearance to titanium until it is heated up. After heating it turns a really dark gray color that has a beautiful shine. That dark gray is an oxide layer that is very hard and can withstand quite a bit of abuse. It is also extremely dangerous to machine and is prone to starting fires (see the Tactile Turn Instagram feed).
Damascus Steel is awe inspiring. It is entrancing. You'll find yourself entranced in the pattern. Damascus steel can be made in many different patterns, but this one is perfect for a pen.
The light weight of the titanium with the beautiful pattern of the Damascus steel make for the most exotic versions of these pens.
If you look at the reward options to the right you can see the weight of each model below the reward description. This weight includes a nib and a converter but does not have ink.
If you want to add an extra grip to change out on your pen you can add the above amount to your pledge.
After the Kickstarter campaign is over you can choose from Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, and Broad nibs made from steel, titanium ($39 upgrade) and 14K gold ($79 upgrade). You can also choose a 1.1mm stub nib in steel. Nibs are #6 made by Peter Bock, a well known name for quality nib units.
This is one of the really cool features of these pens. Never has a fountain pen use true acme threads and it makes no sense. They are MUCH stronger than traditional threads and they make perfect sense for a fountain pen that is meant to be used every day no matter what you put it through. They locate much better than standard threads and when you put the cap on your pen it will feel amazing every single time. They also have flat peaks instead of sharp peaks so they feel much better on your hand.
The clips are made from 301 spring tempered stainless steel and then they are coated with a PVD (physical vapor deposition) coating called DLC (diamond like carbon) that is incredibly hard and wear resistant. The glossy look matches all of the materials and provides amazing contrast.
Each pen comes with a piston converter so you can fill it with whatever ink you choose. They will also work with any ink cartridge that uses the international standard.
If you want to add extra pens or other items to your pledge add the cost of that item and you save by not having to add any extra shipping cost.
Extra nib's are $9 for steel nibs, $49 for titanium, and $89 for 14K gold. That gives you a whole new nib/feed unit. The upgrade prices mentioned above for $39 and $79 mean you don't want the steel one and you are upgrading to titanium or 14K gold for the extra pledge amount.
Extra piston converters are $4 each.
Risks and challenges
As with any manufacturing project, there is a risk of delays in a few areas, but they all have contingency plans that should minimize delays.'
Material supply - I have several suppliers for all materials except Damascus steel, but I have gotten assurance from them they have plenty in stock and available in the size I need.
Machinery breakdown - currently all maintence is on schedule and I have a service company close to my shop in case something goes wrong I can get it fixed quickly.
Packaging - The order for the packaging has been made and so far it is on schedule for December delivery.
Tooling - All necessary specialty tools have been determined and suppliers for them is nailed down.
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Funding period
- (31 days)