Types of pen
Fountain pens
A fountain pen is a traditional writing instrument that uses a nib to distribute ink onto paper. Unlike ballpoint pens or rollerball pens, fountain pens rely on capillary action to draw ink from a reservoir within the pen and onto the paper as the user writes. They typically have a refillable ink reservoir, allowing users to either refill the pen with bottled ink or use disposable ink cartridges.
Fountain pens are often favored for their smooth writing experience, customization options, and the variety of inks available to users.
Mawa uses mostly these fountain pen hardware designs: Cyclone, Algonquin, Atrax, Baron and Juniors. Ink cartridges and bottled ink can be purchased in a common office supply store.
Rollerball pens
A rollerball pen is a type of writing instrument that uses water-based liquid or gel ink instead of the thicker, oil-based ink found in ballpoint pens. Similar in design to ballpoint pens, rollerball pens have a ball at the tip that rotates as it moves across the paper, dispensing ink onto the surface. However, because rollerball pens use liquid or gel ink, they typically provide a smoother and more fluid writing experience compared to traditional ballpoint pens.
Rollerball pens are known for producing finer lines and are often favored for their ease of writing and vibrant ink colors.
Mawa uses mostly these rollerball pen hardware designs: Cyclone, Algonquin, Atrax, Baron and Juniors. Rollerball refills can be purchased in a common office supply store.
Ballpoint pens
A ballpoint pen is a type of pen that uses a small rotating metal ball to dispense ink onto paper as it is moved across the writing surface. The ink used in ballpoint pens is typically oil-based and viscous, allowing it to be stored in a reservoir within the pen without drying out. When the ball at the tip of the pen rolls across the paper, it transfers ink from the reservoir onto the surface, leaving a mark.
Ballpoint pens are known for their durability, reliability, and ability to write on a variety of surfaces. They are widely popular for everyday writing tasks due to their convenience, long-lasting ink supply, and resistance to smudging.
Mawa uses mostly these ballpoint pen hardware designs: Sirocco, Sierra, Maple Leaf, Curtis and Corporate. Ballpoint refills can be purchased in a common office supply store.
Slimline pens
A slimline pen is a type of writing instrument characterized by its sleek and slender design. Typically, slimline pens have a narrow barrel and a relatively small diameter, giving them a lightweight and comfortable feel in the hand. They often feature a simple twist mechanism or cap for retracting the pen tip and are commonly used for everyday writing tasks.
Slimline pens are favored for their minimalist and elegant appearance, making them popular choices for gifts, promotional items, and personal use. Slimline pens are versatile and practical writing tools suitable for various occasions and settings.
Mawa uses mostly these slimline pen hardware designs: Streamline, Fancy Slimline. Slimline refills can be purchased in a common office supply store.
How are the pens crafted
The majority of pens are crafted from stabilized burls, which are knotty growths found on trees. These burls, with a combination of soft and hard wood and grains going in various directions, give figured patterns highly prized in fine woodworking. Stabilizing these burls is crucial for woodturning, involving soaking the wood with resin. The stabilized wood can retain its natural colors or be dyed, even in multiple hues.
Following stabilization, a brass tube is inserted into a drilled hole, and the blank is turned into a desired shape and thickness, typically around 1-2 mm. After meticulous sanding, the pen tube undergoes 8-10 coats of CA glue, followed by wet sanding through grits from 600 to 12.000. Afterwards, the pen tubes are polished to achieve high sheen.
Finally, the turned wooden tubes and the metal pen kits are assembled.
My journey to pen making
Thank you for visiting my store and expressing interest in my creations!
Growing up, I spent cherished moments alongside my grandpa in his wood workshop. Whether we were assembling wooden toys or crafting bird feeders, our time was filled with laughter and playful banter about who held the title of the “weakest link” in our work chain. Despite being assigned small and safe tasks, in my eyes, I felt like an experienced woodworker at heart…
While my professional path led me to other endeavors for a time, a few years ago, I rediscovered my deep-seated passion for woodworking. The allure of the natural scent of wood and the innate desire to craft aesthetically pleasing and functional items reignited within me. Exploring the realm of exotic woods and wood burls has become a perpetual fascination, with each piece of wood I work with captivating me with its beauty and uniqueness.
My craftsmanship is dedicated to crafting pens, bottle stoppers and openers, and keepsake and jewelry boxes.
Every product I offer is marked by its distinctiveness, either owing to the unique qualities of the materials used, such as burls and stabilized wood, or because they are crafted in small, carefully curated batches, especially in the case of segmented and laminated pieces. I take pride in the individuality and limited production of each creation, making them special and unique for those who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship involved.
Once again, thank you for your interest in my work, and I hope you find something special that resonates with you