Episode 17 With Logan of Little Hollow Customs

In this episode, Logan Merrill from Little Hollow Customs shares his journey into the world of pen making, discussing his creative process, the technology he employs, and the community of makers he engages with. He highlights the importance of functional art, the evolution of his pen designs, and the impact of 3D printing on his work. Logan also shares insights into his future projects and innovations in the pen-making space.

Show Links
https://littlehollowcustoms.com
https://www.instagram.com/littlehollowcustoms/
https://www.carolinapencompany.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mikes_metalworking/
https://papajstudio.com

Takeaways
Logan Merrill is an outside-of-the-box thinker who enjoys functional art.He started making pens as a challenge after moving and setting up a new workshop.Logan’s first fountain pen was made in May 2023, a year after he began with kits.He emphasizes the importance of repeatability in pen design for customer satisfaction.The CNC machine has significantly improved his production capabilities and safety in the workshop.Logan’s 3D printing experience predates his pen-making journey and has become a valuable asset.He created a folding pen stand to save space at pen shows, which has gained popularity among other makers.Logan is experimenting with hybrid pens that combine metal and resin for better balance and usability.He is exploring new materials like gem bronze and Shibuichi for his pen designs.Logan’s future projects include a rollerball option for his pens, expanding their versatility.

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Listen on Apple Podcasts here.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dwrdnet-stationery-feed/id1805639149

Listen on Spotify here.
https://open.spotify.com/show/7KlOjBio6WHLS5Ll5d0HeS?si=Nhjki-b3RySCPa9wYkQ9Cw

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Ink Swatching Nib Holders: A Game Changer for Ink Lovers

Today we’re exploring two exceptional dip nib holders from Amarillo Stationery and The Pen Addict, both expertly crafted by River City Pen Company. These beautifully turned pieces showcase the collaboration between quality manufacturers – the Amarillo blank was created by Pens by Pasquale while The Pen Addict blank comes from Turnt Pen Co.

In this video, I’ll be pairing these holders with a premium stainless Kakimori dip nib and putting them through their paces with some stunning Lamy Crystal Inks. You’ll see detailed swatching examples that demonstrate the performance and writing characteristics of this combination.
Whether you’re new to dip pens or looking to expand your collection, these holders represent excellent craftsmanship and functionality. I’ll cover the build quality, ergonomics, and how they perform with different ink viscosities.

Be on the lookout for when the Amarillo Stationery nibs are released soon at https://www.amarillostationery.com

You can get a Pen Addict nib holder here: https://www.penaddict.com/shop/the-inkthrower

Thanks to @_erickgama_ and @ThePenAddictChannel for releasing these great products.

⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Amarillo Stationery holder overview
03:15 The Pen Addict holder details
05:00 Kakimori nib installation
06:45 Lamy Crystal Ink swatching
10:30 Writing samples and comparison
12:15 Final thoughts and recommendations

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Episode 16 With Matthew Chen of Matthew’s Nibworks

In this episode, Matthew Chen, a renowned nib grinder, shares his journey into the world of fountain pens and nib grinding. He discusses his early experiences with pens, the evolution of his craft, and the unique techniques he learned from masters like Nagahara. Matthew also delves into his passion for photography, the quirky trend of placing pens in food, and the busy life of a nib grinder attending numerous pen shows. He emphasizes the importance of customer interaction and the personalized service he offers, including mail-in nib services.

Show Links

https://www.mattsnibworks.com

https://www.instagram.com/pactagon/

Takeaways

• Matthew Chen is a nib grinder known for his specialty grinds.
• He started using fountain pens in 2015 and quickly became interested in nib work.
• Matthew learned from nib grinding masters, including Nagahara.
• He enjoys photography and often captures moments at pen shows.
• The trend of placing pens in food started as a humorous meme.
• Matthew travels extensively for pen shows, attending around 20 events a year.
• He emphasizes the importance of customer interaction at shows.
• Mail-in nib services are available for those unable to attend shows.
• Matthew prefers a steady and manageable business approach.
• He values continuous improvement in his craft.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matthew Chen and His Work

12:01 The Journey into Nib Grinding

23:47 Understanding Nib Grinds and Customer Experience

24:13 Understanding Nib Grinds and Writing Styles

26:38 Choosing the Right Nib Size for Grinds

29:28 Nib Quality and Tuning Challenges

32:09 The Art of Photography and Nib Grinding

37:25 The Trend of Pens in Food

39:14 Matthew’s Busy Pen Show Schedule

43:58 Future Plans for Matthew’s Nibworks