Karas Kustoms Render K - "Raw Bar-Stock"

Pretty soon after the Render K was produced, Karas Kustoms made a few special runs of different materials and finishes to test the waters.  The Delrin version has been given quite a bit exposure here on The Clicky Post, but there is one called the raw-bar stock version that hasn't been seen too much. 

Bill Karas was kind enough to provide me this pen to have and review, and I think this thing is absolutely cool!  

What makes this pen interesting is that it is made from the same bar-stock of aluminum as the regular Render K, but the barrel of the pen received no machining or taper.  The inner parts of the pen, grip, and threading are machined, but the barrel is left the same diameter (just about 1/2") as when it came to Karas as the raw "rods" of aluminum that they load into the machine.   The outside is rough, and even still contains the marks from when it was moved through the chuck of the lathe.  

Since the pen hasn't been tapered that means it retained more material and weight which makes it a bit heftier than the polished version.  If feels super solid in your hand. 

Like the other Render Ks, this one also takes the Hi Tec C or the Parker style refills (and Schmidt Easy Flow).  With a spacer, it will also take the Fisher Space Pen refill which I think is personally a dynamite combo with this sturdy beast. 

Now, for the good news.  There are still some of these left if anyone was interested.  They aren't listed on Karas' site, but they made a post awhile ago on their blog about these as well as the Delrins.  

These may not be right for everyone, but they sure would make a really cool raw, industrial gift for someone that would appreciate the unfinished look and feel these carry.  (or for yourself to enjoy...)

Thanks Bill! 

 

Karas Kustoms Special Givaway - WINNER!!!

The giveaway for the special Karas Kustoms Render K was a complete success!  We had 195 unique entries and thanks to everyone for signing up. 

Render K Groove.JPG

And the winner is:

Joe!

Congrats!  I'll be sending out an email to you to get your address details so I can send you out your cool new Render K.

In Joe's comment about his favorite pen, he said:

"My silver bullet Fisher Space Pen: small, sleek and beautiful"

Thanks again everyone for joining the giveaway!  I actually have slated to do a couple of really cool giveaways this month on the blog and on my Instagram feed (follow if you aren't already to hear about it).  Stay tuned! 

 

 

 

Bas & Lokes "Reynolds" Handmade Leather Pen Case

There are a couple of things that I get really, really excited about.  Pens (obviously) and leather goods.  In the pen category, primarily pens with a machined metal barrel or that bare the name rOtring. 

With leather goods, I love handmade wares of artisans that make their livelihood from the trade.  Although I myself make handmade goods, mine are more of a hobby to help pay for new items to review on the blog (thank you all!), but there are others that do it for a living.  I've said it before; I love small business.

I was given the privilege and opportunity of making an exchange with a talented artist that calls Australia home; Bas from Bas & Lokes.  Outside of making beautiful leather goods, Bas is such an approachable and kind person that seems to really love what she does as well as the people she does it for.  Even in simply exchanging emails with her, I can honestly say that I doubt I've ever felt more appreciated as a person than in "speaking" with her.  She says some of her greatest joys are making people happy through her work.  Such an outstanding artist and person to boot!    

I received my package from Bas and she had her wares all bundled up nicely; classy! 

Such posh packaging! (recent Instagram post)

Such posh packaging! (recent Instagram post)

Bas was kind enough to send me a few of her wares and I wanted to talk specifically about her "Reynolds" single pen case.  I requested the Saddle Tan finish which has a rich reddish brown dye and is simply stunning.  The case just looks and feels so great!  

Really, I wonder if there is a more stylish way to carry a single pen.  You've invested in a beautiful pen that you want to protect; an incredible handmade leather case for it is definitely appropriate and recommended! 

Now, you can buy a cheaper leather case on Amazon or eBay for sure, but expect to get something made with a thinner material that carries a much lower quality than these. 

One thing I really love about her work is how thick the leather is.  She doesn't skimp and hand selects the best pieces for her wares.  This case feels so hearty, sturdy and well made (and smells amazing).  The case has a nice broad flap that tucks into a ring of leather about a third of the way down to keep your pen covered, secured, and protected when carrying in your bag, purse, or pocket.  

Bas herself is extremely fond of her Karas Kustoms Render K (and new Bolt) and even graces her product images with it.  The case has a large enough sleeve to fit a Render K of course, but I've tested mine with a variety of other pens for size: Lamy 2000 rollerball, Lamy Safari fountain pen, rOtring 600 fountain pen, and a Retro 51 Tornado.  I don't yet own anything on the super high end, but know that it will cradle your Pelikans, Montblancs, Edisons, or other precious beauties just fine.  If you have anything that is REALLY large, you might run into trouble.  

I've been oogling Bas' work for awhile and again feel so privileged to have been able to share my works with her and to receive some of her beautiful pieces.  Please, give her wares a look if you're in need of some quality leather goods.