I have a "51" flighter that is a great writer and finds it's way into my pocket with great regularity. Nice wet fine to fine/medium smooth nib. Rock solid reliable, etc...

I got a good deal on it as it has been used and used well. There are two noticeable dings and numerous light mars on the finish. But the cap band and clip are in very good condition and it still works like a charm.

I've been thinking about some restoration. I know that Richard (and perhaps others) can refinish matte lustralloy caps, but the finish on a flighter is a little different. Are there any craftsmen (here or elsewhere) who remove dings and clean up the finish on stainless flighters? What kinds of things can be done and what is the ballpark cost for some of these kinds of repairs (or refer me to the appropriate website and I can look at their pricing if published).

I'm not really unhappy with it the way it is, but if I can clean it up in stages it might be worth doing!

thanks!

Phil

Here is a link to the man you want to talk to....
Daniel Kirchheimer He is the metal restoration guru

Hi Phil,

Try Daniel Kirchheimer, I've seen the result of some of his work on caps or perhaps I should say I didn't see the result of some of his work it was that good.

Whether he does refinishing a la 51 Flighter the best thing would be to e-mail him, he posts on FPN, Daniel K is his ID I think, I'd provide a link but I'm still learning about these machines and have only got to page 2 so far.

Cheers, John

Phil,

First name that springs to mind (for very good reason) is Daniel Kircheimerwho did a superb job with a seriously battered "51" silver cap for me :-

Daniel

Also I'm not so sure Richard couldn't do the job (it would be worth a quick mail to check)

I've no commercial connections whatever with either gentlemen - other than that I am an extremely satisfied customer of both.

Regards,
Ruaidhrí

Griz and Oxonian - thanks for the reference. I checked out his site and his work is indeed impressive.

I'll drop him an email.

Thanks!

Please let us know what he says. I have a first year 51 Flighter that, although it is in pretty good condition, could use some touching up.

BTW, do any of you think it would be ok to use some stainless steel polish on a Flighter?

Inkdesigner

Brief bump here.

HesNot, have you heard anything yet?

Inkdesigner

Inkdesigner,

I think that metal polish would take out the brushed effect, so I would leave it be.

Now don't laugh, but WD40 wiped over the surface and then given a light polish off with a soft cloth can do wonders

(And you wonder where I got my alter ego?) :doh:

Jim

PS When you gonna do a review of that Ti from Ralph P? With Pictures

Jim,

As soon as I can get a better lens in. I don't have a macro lens yet, but am working on it. I haven't done any reviews before, so I am sure it will not be anywhere near as good as the legendary Southpaw reviews.

Inkdesigner

inkdesigner - I haven't heard back from him but admittedly wasn't able to send an email until late. I'll let you know when I hear from him.

Now maybe I'll apply a bit of WD40 to my flighter to see what happens!

I got a very quick and nice reply from Daniel this morning. I'm sending him some pictures to give him an idea of the condition but he quoted a fair ballpark price and indicated that he has done a number of "51" flighter restorations (although none are pictured on his site).

inkdesigner - if you're interested in a "51" restoration he appears to be more than competent for the task!