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Those who have been keeping track of my reviews (not to mention my compulsive accumulatory tendencies) will know that I have a bit of a soft-spot for the custom. Sick of the mass-produced homogeneity of modern consumer products, I'm much more liable to give an unknown artisan a chance than purchase another pen from one of the big brands. So when I caught a whiff of C.E. Levi pens, it was really only a matter of time before I pulled the trigger. C.E. Levi is actually Cameron Lewis, a genial (at least via eMail) Canuck with a rather unusual predilection for pens. While it is not unusual for 'boutique' manufacturers to source bits and pieces from outside manufacturers, almost everything that Cameron uses is produced in-house. Moth to a flame and all that… Skimming the website, all his creations are variations on a theme: simple, cylindrical pens, incorporating a button-filler at one end, and a vintage nib at the other. As I'm wary of very heavy pens, the mammoth Colossus was immediately out, which left the Nox by process of elimination. I'll admit to being deeply curious about the Colossus (especially the idea of the material's evolution over time), but I would have to handle one before making a commitment - something that simply won't happen without some great charity from Cameron. But anyway, I'm a big fan of ebonite, so I hardly feel short-changed. $50 deposit paid, six months waited, the pen arrived. No ornate box, no frills, just the little cylinder slipping from the bubble-wrap. Some of the photos are Cameron's own, some are mine: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/10310998133_bf6856a1b8_c.jpg My wife handled it before I did. She proceeded to "ooh" and "aah" as she unscrewed the cap and the blind cap, rolling each part in her fingers. This pen is sensory overload, it really is. There is no plastic whatsoever, and the fit and finish is immaculate. The ebonite is perfectly smooth and expertly polished - not to a flat, glossy sheen, but not dull or rough either. All the parts that move or screw are solid brass, so beautifully machined with little grooves and dips as wonderfully frivolous embellishments, not least the perfectly-set filler button which functions with a satisfyingly firm yet oiled action. There is a lot of love in this pen. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/10310868426_8208c76ece_c.jpg http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/10308340216_ab30ac95fa_c.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/10308270414_ff3155444f_c.jpg http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/10308341696_d1df78f278_c.jpg I had asked for a very fine nib, and the size 5 Shaeffer FeatherTouch nib is pretty much bang-on a modern European EF. It is smooth and stiff and neither glassy nor toothy. It writes very similar to my Platinum Izumo Fine - one of my favourite go-to nibs - and leaves a steady, unbroken and confident line. The integration into the section is perfect, and I've had no leaks. I'm not sure where the feed is from (I assume it's modern), but it is more than up to the challenge. I love vintage nibs but I'm not a big fan of vintage fragility; this pen is the best of both worlds. Absolutely lovely, really. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/10308339276_d1d7cff3a9_c.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7314/10308319135_8213ffdc16_c.jpg Is there anything I don't like? Well yes: the size. This is my, rather than the pen's, fault: I didn't pay enough attention to the dimensions on Cameron's site. My thoughts were more "don't like metal, want ebonite" and that was that. When first unpacked I was surprised by its diminutive delicateness, and that surprise really hasn't diminished. I've used it extensively in the last month and, although the balance is perfect, I find that as the Nox is about the width of a Pelikan M400, but the length of an M600, and because the cap doesn't post, it feels a bit short in my hand and my fingers become a bit cramped. Personal preference entirely... Top to bottom: Omas 360 Lucens LE, C.E. Levi Nox, Hakase Buffalo Horn http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3812/10308323045_cab27b7496_c.jpg Now to the biggest surprise: the price. The retail of this pen is $500. At that price, I would say it is very good value. The quality of the craftsmanship, the rarity of the filling system, the fitting of the vintage nib; it all suddenly makes an M800 seem very very expensive. However, Cameron was kind enough to only charge me $350 on the condition that I write a warts-and-all review here on FPN. And that makes this pen the bargain of the century, in my opinion. My wife apparently, thought the same: "What's that?" "Nothing." "Don't lie. It's another pen isn't it. For God's sake, don't you have enough already?" "Not really." "Well, show it to me then." *studies it - see above* "So how much was this then?" "$350." "Don't lie." "I'm not lying." "Shakran! Lier!" "Really, I'm not lying!" "Well I'm not talking to you till you tell me the truth." One invoice presented and marital bliss was restored, but it just goes to show: this could (and perhaps should) be a much much more expensive pen. Cameron, if you are reading this: thank you for the wonderful pen, and I would love to discuss the possibility of an oversized Nox!

On my last thread where I can be seen having a struggle choosing between pens, the Pilot Custom 74 was brought up. Up until this point, I had believed that it only came in demonstrator models... Until I actually googled it. I see LOTS of reviews showing the pen in a Non Demo design. But I can not find one seller that actually sells a non demo model (Except amazon sadly) Has anyone found any sellers or personally own a non demo 74? ~Phil

I am looking for some help regarding Pilot replacement nibs. I have a 742 custom I got with the FA #10 nib. I really liked the nib and I was going to have it sent off to grind it down to a finer point. I left it wrapped up on my desk ready to box up and ship out after work. But before I go back home someone apparently mistook it for trash and out with the garbage it went. I have been trying to find out if it is possible to buy a replacement nib only or not. So far it seems I would have to buy a whole new pen. Any info would be great, or anyone that might have an FA nib they care to sell. Thanks.

http://www.iguanasell-pics.com/photos/logos/fpn_logo_45_45.png See all our items @ FPN Pilot Namiki Custom 823 Demonstrator Fountain Pen - AmberBrand New in Box - Warranty by authorised Dealer - Free Shipping CHARACTERISTICS: Brand Namiki Description Pilot Fountain pen Nib 14K/585 solid gold Finish resin and gold trims Closure System Screw On Filling System Vacuum Piston Filler Dimensions (capped/uncapped) 14,8cm (5.8") /13,2cm (5.2") Line Custom 823 Reference 60556 Special features: This is yet another example of how Pilot Namiki pens are able to combine innovation and style.A rare color such as amber has been chosen to give life to this fantastic demonstrator pen.The inside working of the ink deposit and the vacuum piston filler are clearly visible to the user.This pen is finished in transparent resin and gold plated trims, and has a delicately carved 14K solid gold nib.The pen includes a Pilot ink-well and comes in a large Pilot presentation box. CONDITIONS:The item is brand new in original box and comes with all papers and warranty stamped at the moment of the purchase by authorised dealerPrice: 285€ / $370 Payment Methods: PayPalCredit cardGoogle CheckoutMoney Order (We have Bank accounts in the US as well as in Europe)Cash on Delivery (Euro Countries) Free Expedited Shipping (UPS or Fedex) to the US, Canada and European Union. Other countries, $18 (shared shipping costs) ABOUT US: We are an international company with more than three (3) years of experience in e-commerce, duly registered in the US and Europe. We are present on the most important Marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon, ecommerce sites: shopping.com, yahoo shopping... and our own website You can take a look at our eBay feedback here or read the opinions of other forum members: 1 , 2, or 3 CONTACT:To contact us, just write us a pm, orsend us an email to info@iguanasell.com http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C955/Pilot-Namiki-Custom-823-Demonstrator-Fountain-Pen-Amber-60556-1.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C955/Pilot-Namiki-Custom-823-Demonstrator-Fountain-Pen-Amber-60556-2.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C955/Pilot-Namiki-Custom-823-Demonstrator-Fountain-Pen-Amber-60556-3.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C955/Pilot-Namiki-Custom-823-Demonstrator-Fountain-Pen-Amber-60556-4.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C955/Pilot-Namiki-Custom-823-Demonstrator-Fountain-Pen-Amber-60556-5.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C955/Pilot-Namiki-Custom-823-Demonstrator-Fountain-Pen-Amber-60556-6.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C955/Pilot-Namiki-Custom-823-Demonstrator-Fountain-Pen-Amber-60556-7.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C955/Pilot-Namiki-Custom-823-Demonstrator-Fountain-Pen-Amber-60556-8.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C955/Pilot-Namiki-Custom-823-Demonstrator-Fountain-Pen-Amber-60556-9.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C955/Pilot-Namiki-Custom-823-Demonstrator-Fountain-Pen-Amber-60556-10.jpg CONDITIONS:The item is brand new in original box and comes with all papers and warranty stamped at the moment of the purchase by authorised dealerPrice: 285€ / $370 Payment Methods: PayPalCredit cardGoogle CheckoutMoney Order (We have Bank accounts in the US as well as in Europe)Cash on Delivery (Euro Countries) Free Expedited Shipping (UPS or Fedex) to the US, Canada and European Union. Other countries, $18 (shared shipping costs) ABOUT US: We are an international company with more than three (3) years of experience in e-commerce, duly registered in the US and Europe. We are present on the most important Marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon, ecommerce sites: shopping.com, yahoo shopping... and our own website You can take a look at our eBay feedback here or read the opinions of other forum members: 1 , 2, or 3 CONTACT:To contact us, just write us a pm, orsend us an email to info@iguanasell.com More Namiki pens on our website Thanks for looking!----------------------------- Website: www.iguanasell.comJoin our newsletter for special promotions and news http://static.anuncios.ebay.es/images/dailydeals/dm/icon_facebook_24.png Follow us on Facebookhttp://static.anuncios.ebay.es/images/dailydeals/dm/icon_twitter_24.png Follow us on Twitter: @Iguana_sell

http://www.pensbylyleross.com/gallatin-4-blue-and-orange-swirl-converter-fountain-pen.html Just polished this one up today. This is a large sized (14mm cap threads) Gallatin made from Alumilite resin. I used three colors of resin - the base is dark mica blue with light blue and orange swirled in. I pearled them all up just enough that the pen moves and grooves in the light, but it isn't a sparkling distraction. I used a polished steel #6 JoWo nib and matching clip for the photos. Anybody think a two-tone nib and gold plated clip in the same style would look better? I have them, just didn't think about it until now. Anyway, on to the photos. These were taken in a light box using "natural light" bulbs. I'll answer any questions, would love any critiques/feedback/suggestions. Thanks, Lyle http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/2200592_orig.jpg?114 http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/3245613_orig.jpg?149 http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/2507654_orig.jpg http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/4157648_orig.jpg http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/4886969_orig.jpg

ive been looking at many 'small" shops that produce pens i stumbled upon Laniers Pens, the selections of pens there are gorgeous, wood, stone and some precious stuff. I think everyone should check it out sometime also anyone have experience with the company? i am considering buying one of the wood pens there http://www.lanierpens.com/Default.asp

http://www.pensbylyleross.com/1/post...tted-pens.html I finally did something that I've wanted to do for a while now - a spotted pen. The original was always going to be a dalmatian pattern - white with black spots. I started it before the ladybug, but a little mishap down at the brewery delayed the dalmatian, and the ladybug was finished first. The ladybug was suggested by ethernautrix at a pen posse gathering a few weeks ago, and I thought the colors would be perfect for a pen. I'm very happy with how it turned out! The first one isn't perfect, but I am confident that the next one (after the dalmatian at least - more learning opportunities with that one http://fpgeeks.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png ) will be. I'm very happy to add these to my roster. Next up will be more colors, and a drop shadow idea that I have. It should be really cool... if it works http://fpgeeks.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png There's also a video at the link above, and a few more photos, but the photos posted below are probably the best of the bunch.. Thanks for looking! http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/1538997_orig.jpg?168 http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/1148999_orig.jpg Lyle

http://www.pensbylyleross.com/1/post/2013/10/richland-4-redwood-burl-fountain-pen.html Lots of woodwork going on around here lately it seems. Here is my latest - redwood burl fountain pen that I just finally got a chance to finish up last night. This is a large sized Richland model, but carries a small #5 EF JoWo nib. Burl woods can be pretty touchy, but the results are definitely worth the effort in the end. Questions/Comments/Critiques welcome as always. Thanks for looking http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/4595596_orig.jpg?151 http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/9572977_orig.jpg http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/1789923_orig.jpg

I've finally, after WAY too long, just finished up a prototype ballpoint pen. Originally, this was going to be the ballpoint match for a set with the fountain pen shown below that I made last year, but I was too focused on making the mechanism work, and not focused enough on other things, so the finial end is too slim to accommodate a clip. Nonetheless, I'm quite pleased with how it feels and writes. So, long story short, I can now make ball pens as one-offs, or as part of a matching set with a fountain pen. This is a finial twist to advance the refill, and the nose cone unscrews to swap ink. I should have taken a picture of that I guess Here are the photos, and a link to the pen's personal page: http://www.pensbylyleross.com/ballpoint-1---orange-and-black-resin.html http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/335502_orig.jpg?427 http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/2431497_orig.jpg?129 http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/5688099_orig.jpg?136 And the fountain pen it is modeled after: http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/7422197_orig.jpg (wow, horrible color in this photo . I'm better with the camera now )

After posting my 'True Bamboo' pen recently, I had a number of people requesting a darker version. So, here by request is darker version of the pen, using another bamboo fly fishing rod making technique... http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd231/kcavers/Custom%20Pens/Custom%20Fountain%20Pens/Designer%20Fountain%20Pens/IMG_8591_zps247748f5.jpg?t=1378259684 In the last two posts, I mentioned the thread-wrap technique commonly used in fly fishing rod construction (especially bamboo 'cane' rods), here I used another technique used in their production. 'Flaming' is a process used to carmelize and lightly char the outside of a bamboo culm before it is split into strips and planed to size to make a fly fishing rod. It gives the bamboo a nice, darkened appearance, and a bit of colour texture. Here I have used that technique on a small culm that I wanted to use for a pen. After flaming the culm, I took off the outer layers with a bit of steel wool, then sealed the pen inside and out with a good soak of low viscosity CA. http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd231/kcavers/Custom%20Pens/Custom%20Fountain%20Pens/Designer%20Fountain%20Pens/IMG_8595_zps6a7b8141.jpg?t=1378259686 http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd231/kcavers/Custom%20Pens/Custom%20Fountain%20Pens/Designer%20Fountain%20Pens/IMG_8602_zps7cec803b.jpg?t=1378259688 As I think I mentioned in my last post, for the thread wraps on blonde, or pale cane, spring green is a popular choice, while on flamed cane one often sees darker colours such as the garnet thread I have used here. http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd231/kcavers/Custom%20Pens/Custom%20Fountain%20Pens/Designer%20Fountain%20Pens/IMG_8618_zps3e0729fd.jpg?t=1378259694 The end jewels on my last Bamboo pen were a bit too prominent for my taste, so on this pen I decided to make them simple, flat, and out of ruby flake acrylic to match the thread wraps - and am reasonably pleased with the result. The nib section, as well as the threaded parts of the cap and barrel, I made from black acrylic. http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd231/kcavers/Custom%20Pens/Custom%20Fountain%20Pens/Designer%20Fountain%20Pens/IMG_8609_zpsb6a8e67a.jpg?t=1378259692 Here is a group shot of the last three bamboo pens that I made - the flamed cane, the blonde cane, and the pen made of bamboo 'wood': http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd231/kcavers/Custom%20Pens/Custom%20Fountain%20Pens/Designer%20Fountain%20Pens/IMG_8622_zps46748c87.jpg?t=1378259701 Thanks for looking - comments and critique welcome. Ken

I don't know what to call this resin. It is sort of a dark mica blue with very light turquoise swirls and slightly pearly light and dark brown chunks. It reminds me of the celluloid found on some old Waterman Patricians that I've seen. I really like it, but it is a bear to make. This is a bulb filler, my favorite filling system to make. I've got a full writeup on my website if you care to look: http://www.pensbylyleross.com/richland-2.html I liked the material so much that I decided on a smaller ink window than I normally like on a bulb filler. I did a little plumbing inside to keep ink capacity fairly high, though I haven't measured it. You can see a tube that serves as an extra ink reservoir in the last photo. I also beveled the seam between the ink window and the barrel sleeve just a bit, which should help to avoid sharp edges as the resin wears over time. Large sized Richland (14mm cap threads) #6 JoWo nib And some photos. I'll answer any questions. Thanks for looking. Lyle http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/2380072_orig.jpg?171 http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/5951539_orig.jpg?119 http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/7200777_orig.jpg http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/1913592_orig.jpg?197I really need some black sacs for these

My latest is a four color standard sized Gallatin. http://www.pensbylyleross.com/gallatin-5---four-color-swirl-blues-green-white.html This is the second pen to be given as a retirement/going away gift. The resin is a swirl of light blue as the main color with darker blue, light green and white. They are all slightly pearly, but not much. Just enough to move a little when the light shifts. 12mm cap threads, #5 JoWo nib all smoothed and ready for action! Thanks for looking! I'm happy to answer any questions, hear any comments or suggestions. Lyle http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/1528666_orig.jpg?102 http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/383063_orig.jpg?116 http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/4821625_orig.jpg http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/8374569_orig.jpg

I finally took this pen off of the planning board and made it. It is a large sized Richland made from redwood lace burl and black resin. This is a retirement/going away gift for somebody at work. This isn't my favorite wood by far, but as redwood trees are part of what this area of the country is known for, I thought this would be a meaningful material for this pen. I look forward to getting back to my resin The wood has some mineral staining on the barrel, which is either a positive or a negative depending on preference. I wrote this up on my blog if you care to read a bit about how it is made. I'm also happy to answer any questions here. Comments/critiques also welcome as always. 14mm triple start cap threads #6 JoWo nib http://www.pensbylyleross.com/richland-3---redwood-lace-burl.html http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/1030864_orig.jpg?77 http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/1551211_orig.jpg?123 http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/1146933_orig.jpg

My first question is about the metal Elabo pen from pilot, about its construct. Can any owners confirm or deny that the grip section (the section that holds the feed and nib) is indeed made of metal? I am pretty sure the barrel itself and the cap are metal but I'm confused about the grip because it has a different colour to the barrel on the coloured versions of the pen. The second question could be a bit more tricky: would it be possible to transplant the nib-feed system of a #10 Pilot FA nib (from a Heritage 912, Custom 742, for example) into the Elabo? I understand the feed pops out on both of these pens, and through analysing photos of both these feeds, they were rather close in diameter. This would be desirable to use both the flex in the FA nib and the heft the metal body the Elabo has to offer. Any tinkerers who own both these pens I would greatly appreciate a test of this hypothesis

I think this is where this post belongs . This is my first completed bulb filler. It took a bit of trial and error to get the bulb filling system to work, but it fills up like a champ now. I don't know how much ink this thing holds, but it is a lot. It takes about 14 squeezes of the bulb to fill it up completely. The body of the pen isn't perfect, but this was sort of a "get it done" pen for me to use. I think this may end up being my favorite filling system. It's fun to use, and I think it looks cool too . It's made from Alumilite resin that I poured myself. Medium JoWo nib. It's a big pen - 14mm cap threads (triple start), 135mm long uncapped, 147mm capped. http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/4201526_orig.jpg http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/2748028_orig.jpg http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/7551900_orig.jpg Private Reserve Black Cherry - about 3/4 filled probably http://www.pensbylyleross.com/uploads/1/2/6/0/12608908/3374510_orig.jpg Blog entry about the pen: