Wahl-Eversharp Pen Company Lives!

[Wahlnut]

Been gone a few days...Here are some answers to some of the recent posts and questions:

 

1) There are 2 box styles: One of them is a beautiful Black "Piano" Laquer shown below with brass swing hinges. The other is a sportier "50's automobile motif...

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/wahlnut/Image9_zpsda16bfeb.jpg

 

 

Interesting idea about multiple pen storage in the box, I will see about a liner tray that can hold multi pens as an added accessory at no more cost.

 

2) Almost every new pen is available in a Roller Ball Version at a price well below the Fountain Pen price.

 

3) Re future models. First thanks for all the input. The Dorics are slated for 2014 or so. All the ideas being tossed in here are very valuable to me. Obviously that far out I don't have any absolutely set ideas about sect girth, Oversized versions, or the exact plastics. The Dorics are "shaved" pens so the plastics are infinite. But whatever plastics we use, some will hark back to the Classics materials and other will go forward with more modern (but never kooky) plastics that carry on the Art Deco idea with integrity.

 

4. Ceramic Nibs....That one caused a stir. They are actually ceramic coated nibs that offer glass smooth writing, and flex.

 

5. I am starting a new thread with more information about the new line...because threads 3 pages deep are a pain to sort through.

 

6. Please keep you suggestions and wish list coming. That is the only way we can get you what you want.

Edited January 13, 2013 by Wahlnut

[Michael A]

Glass smooth writing and flex. I will definitely line up for that.

[tandaina]

I don't have ROOM to display pens in their boxes! I have a couple boxes that hold 12 pens each. These are stacked. Someday I'll get a nice glass topped pen chest. Until then...

[Harlequin]

I don't have ROOM to display pens in their boxes! I have a couple boxes that hold 12 pens each. These are stacked. Someday I'll get a nice glass topped pen chest. Until then...

 

Exactly. Even at 3 or 4 pens to a box (if it could be reused, as the new TWSBI Eco box should be able to do), that's still simply not very space effective compared to a decorative case that stores 12-16 or more. Personally, of the pen I do have, I also tend to use them a lot more than I keep them in a box, so for me the look of the box is not really a factor. But YMMV.

[Wahlnut]

Well, we are nothing if not responsive...the benefits of smaller size company. I am now arranging for the manufacture of a tray insert for the box that would allow for 3 pens to be housed in one box! I am told it could be available in about 45 days so not with the first batch of boxes.

 

Hows that for service?

Syd

[Harlequin]

LOL! You should make sure that only W-E pens (new or old) would fit! Maybe an "auto eject" feature for non W-E pens? ^_~

[Esterfella]

The return of W-E would be great, indeed. I own a Skyline, in blue, with gold trim, and a stunning flat top gold seal FP/Pencil set, in black and white, and both are great. I really hope they bring back the larger scale sized Dorics for those of us who are not so into dainty pens. Can't wait!

[Mags]

It is nice seeing ideas being acted on by a responsive company....great efforts. Thank you.

[Wahlnut]

About Boxes. The pens come in boxes for many reasons. Protection, pride of presentation, long term storage, etc etc. for pens I use I still keep all original boxes papers etc and store them in a safe place. Today's comestible may be tomorrow's collectible if not from the outset and having all the bits and pieces becomes important. Heck I know people who collect bus sell just the boxes! Anyway we just feel a qualty pen deserves a proper box.

Thanks for all the input.

[tenney]

Syd, I'm thrilled that someone as dedicated as you to W-E is doing this. It's great to see that you have a vision of where you want to go. Feel free to read and hear people's comments, but don't be swayed from YOUR vision! (and I know that you won't)

 

Harlequin -- while I might really want Montblanc to sell some pens in the sub $100 range, they have chosen their market. TWSBI and others do to. And W-E will have THEIR market. Not everyone's market / price point will suit you or "everyone" and that's life.

[Harlequin]

I don't think anyone insinuated that every pen maker has to fit everyone's price point. Thats just an outright fallacy you are trying to attribute to me. I sincerely hope Syd does well with his revived Wahl-Eversharp, especially since it is mostly his blood, sweat, and tears I'm willing to bet that even got it to this point.

 

If he really thinks that the new W-E will best be position by serving only the segment of the market that is peopled by pen snobs, that is the best thing for W-E to do. It may be a numbers thing, as is often the case with a small producers. I wish him luck regardless. But I still stand by my statements and opinions. Too bad that my view doesn't seem to be acceptable to some of the people in this thread, it seems.

 

 

[Wahlnut]

Speaking as a moderator on the FPN, I certainly don't want to see anyone's opinion being discounted, nor anyone taking offense to one opinion or another especially over a point of view on "Price Point" especially because our price point was not arbitrary, nor chosen here to stroke an ego, nor to merely create a status symbol.

 

As anyone who has done a business plan can attest, in this case the pens sort of choose their own price point from a pure quality versus cost standpoint. You set a goal for quality, add up all the costs involved, to say nothing of the time and effort, and a reasonable profit margin and you see where you are. Then you compare the quality of the product you intend to make to other products in the market to be sure there is a competitive value that some segment of the market would recognize and support at the price necessary to make, at the hoped for volume you might sell, and there you are.

 

Syd

[iamchum]

Harlequin, I think what Syd is doing is really admirable, especially having the courage to revive such a storied brand. of course, with a small company he is able to be mobile and responsive to his key demographic, which happens to encompass many of us here at FPNand we should be grateful that he sees us as important enough to consult. However, as a small company there is a limit to what they can do and who they can service. Likely their range will expand in the future based on demand and market feedback, however, for now really focusing on "getting it right" is a smart business decision and provides the foundation for future expansion. like they say, "Rome was not built in a day" (substitute Rome for a pen manufacturer such as Parker).

Edited January 16, 2013 by iamchum

[iamchum]

By the way, Syd, that box looks amazing, classy and understated. I hope all of the other paraphernalia takes this route in design.

[Esterfella]

+1. Well-stated.

 

 

Very good news, I welcome the addition of WE's hopefully not Conway Stewart/Onoto pricing.

 

Hope there will be a rebirth of Doric/Flattops and adjustable #7 nibs. Bexley also made similar pens from the past, I wonder how will the new models differentiate from Bexley.

 

When will the site be online so we can browse the catalog?

[Esterfella]

Speaking as a moderator on the FPN, I certainly don't want to see anyone's opinion being discounted, nor anyone taking offense to one opinion or another especially over a point of view on "Price Point" especially because our price point was not arbitrary, nor chosen here to stroke an ego, nor to merely create a status symbol.

 

As anyone who has done a business plan can attest, in this case the pens sort of choose their own price point from a pure quality versus cost standpoint. You set a goal for quality, add up all the costs involved, to say nothing of the time and effort, and a reasonable profit margin and you see where you are. Then you compare the quality of the product you intend to make to other products in the market to be sure there is a competitive value that some segment of the market would recognize and support at the price necessary to make, at the hoped for volume you might sell, and there you are.

 

Syd

 

 

I agree with Syd's analysis. Like many others on this Network, I have a range of pens, from vintage to modern, and from inexpensive to expensive and in some stupid cases, overpriced. When I look to add a pen to my arsenal, I am guided by "value." I want to get quality for the given price point, and at times will pay up to get quality over something that I don't trust or that seems cheap or pedestrian. Once a pen passes that value test, it has to speak to me aesthetically. Then, but of equal importance, it must have solid mechanics, a smooth nib and perfect flow. I'm sure I'm not alone in my list of attributes. If all of those stars align, I'll buy the pen. As a result, I own everything from TWSBIs to Montblancs and Viscontis and everything in between. I did not buy a new MB 149 because I found it to be overpriced and felt like I was paying for the brand image rather than the pen; however, I gladly bought an excellent condition used one and very much enjoy it. Again, it's all about value. I don't know where the pricing will ultimately come out with the rebooted W-E line, but I would think that something in line with the pricing of Edison and Bexley pens would be about right - certainly not more than those.

 

Lastly, for what it's worth, count me among the folks who could care less about the box; while I actually do keep my pen boxes, I would rather save $10.00 on the price of the pen and receive it in a basic box, then be over-charged for a box that might look pretty but does not add to the writing experience.

 

I am looking forward to the relaunch. In fact, Syd, as a founding member of the Big Apple Pen Club, a NYC-metro area pen club, I'll email you separately about presenting at one of our monthly meetings - I think you'd enjoy it and I know that our members would. Look for an email from me on that subject.

 

This is a good development for the hobby in general, I feel. Let's hope that W-E produces a pen of value and prices it accordingly and so that it becomes an attractive buy for pen users, as opposed to an object for pen collectors.

 

Marc.

[Esterfella]

I'd like to see the re-boot feature a range of filling systems, including not just the blah cartridge/converter, but also, minimally, a piston-filler, and possibly a bulb filler, vac filler, plunger filler, lever filler and/or pneumatic filler, to give the pens some pizzaz. Nothing irks me more than seeing overpriced pens that lean on brand image and yet utilize the pedestrain C/C filling system. The C/C system has its place and is user friendly, but don't charge a premium for it; have that be at the economy end of the scale. Thanks.

[Harlequin]

Speaking as a moderator on the FPN, I certainly don't want to see anyone's opinion being discounted, nor anyone taking offense to one opinion or another especially over a point of view on "Price Point" especially because our price point was not arbitrary, nor chosen here to stroke an ego, nor to merely create a status symbol.

 

As anyone who has done a business plan can attest, in this case the pens sort of choose their own price point from a pure quality versus cost standpoint. You set a goal for quality, add up all the costs involved, to say nothing of the time and effort, and a reasonable profit margin and you see where you are. Then you compare the quality of the product you intend to make to other products in the market to be sure there is a competitive value that some segment of the market would recognize and support at the price necessary to make, at the hoped for volume you might sell, and there you are.

 

Syd

 

Harlequin, I think what Syd is doing is really admirable, especially having the courage to revive such a storied brand. of course, with a small company he is able to be mobile and responsive to his key demographic, which happens to encompass many of us here at FPNand we should be grateful that he sees us as important enough to consult. However, as a small company there is a limit to what they can do and who they can service. Likely their range will expand in the future based on demand and market feedback, however, for now really focusing on "getting it right" is a smart business decision and provides the foundation for future expansion. like they say, "Rome was not built in a day" (substitute Rome for a pen manufacturer such as Parker).

 

I agree 100% and I understand the price point. I hope that at no time did it seem like I was insinuating that Syd was deliberately choosing to keep the price point high (I really tried to explain my point of view regarding that). I really DO hope that the new W-E thrives. But I also do really think it would be in their best interests to try to do as much as they can to attract new buyers to the line, seeing as how iconic W-E was, I would hate to see them relegated to a niche again (beyond the entire FP niche anyway, lol) due purely to price point. Clearly, the first few models have to be at the price that is necessary to mean they stay in business, but beyond that, when the new pens start getting comments and turning heads, I would hope the W-E comes out with a model that is priced in a more friendly way.

 

I want to reiterate and stress again that I have no problems with the reality of the situation, I hope Syd doesn't think I did. My issues were with the pen snobs who seem to take offense at the very notion that a pen maker should make models of varying price points in order to attract fans from all income levels. Apparently , according to many replies in this thread, to conceive that W-E should even consider having a sub $150 pen is just heresy! It's that attitude I find incredibly distasteful.

 

Lastly, +1 to Esterfella's thoughts re: filling mechs- eventually at any rate.

Edited January 16, 2013 by Harlequin

[eugene williams]

This is great! Being both a skyline owner and an industrial designer (student) I would love to see a hotshot designer collaboration! A la Henrey Dreyfuss!

[Bo Bo Olson]

Sooner or later, some one is going to sell his new Wahl-Eversharp, and a good box will make a difference in it's sales price.

A good box gives the impression of quality...even if the box is kicked under the bed with all the others.

 

It is not a good idea to cheap out on the box, in that is part of the 'first impression'.