An Idea - The "Small Business Showcase" on The Clicky Post

November 16, 2013

A theme that has come up on The Clicky Post since it's inception is the idea that I love small business and I love manufactured goods, particularly of the handmade variety.

There are quite a few small businesses that have been "showcased" here on The Clicky Post and I wanted to provide a recap on some of them for you all (click header for past review):

Doane Paper Goods -

One of my favorite paper brands ever. Owned and operated by the man himself, Chad Doane, creator of the now iconic blue grid+lines. One of my go-to products of his is the Large Idea Journal.

Karas Kustoms -

A local favorite of mine. Creators and machinists of awesome metal pens and products like the Render K, Bolt, and Retrakt. They are a small machine shop that not only does pens, but also cool machined Apple product cases.

One Star Leather Goods -

Owned and operated by a one man show, Keegan. Creator of exquisite yet highly functional leather products. One of my favorite products is his wallet/notebook cover called the Park Sloper Sr.

Bas & Lokes - Leather Makers

Hailing from Australia, this duo (with the help of their dog Soda), create beautiful leather goods that are chic and elegant. Really top notch stuff. Shown right is the "Reynolds" pen case.

So, the idea is, I'd like to provide a place on The Clicky Post for small businesses like these to receive some review and exposure if they'd like. There will be some "rules" so-to-speak, but I'd love to do about a review or two per month showcasing a new small business I've met.

Now, not every small business is a good fit for The Clicky Post audience and not everyone will be selected for showcase, but that doesn't mean if you're interested that you shouldn't reach out to me. I'd love to discuss your thoughts on it.

The "Rules/Guidelines" -

- needs to be an existing business (Kickstarter projects may find their way to The Clicky Post from time to time, but not in the Small Business Showcase)

- preferably handmade products/goods that fit the general theme of the blog and audience: pen, paper, "writing", or every day carry related

- can choose to provide samples for review or giveaway on the blog

- the actual owner(s) of the small business contact me (sorry, referrals and links to cool stuff are appreciated, but not for this unfortunately.) :)

If you are interested, please shoot me an email through the Contact page with the subject "Small Business Showcase" and tell me a bit about yourself and your business. Provide links to products, images, etc and I'll get back to you about my thoughts too. I think it will be fun.

rOtring Lambda Rollerball (Odd, but Cool) - Pen Review

November 13, 2013

Lambda? Who's ever heard of a rOtring Lambda? Well, for starters, up until about a month or two ago I hadn't either. I'd seen a few listings for them so I referred to Gabe, my rOtring expert pal, and he was even skeptical at first if they were legit as even HE'D never seen them.

Review of the rare and odd black rOtring Lambda rollerball.

I was watching a listing on eBay for a two-piece Lambda rollerball and ballpoint set that ended up going for $180... I'm all about rOtrings (now), but I didn't think that I would be dropping that kind of dough on a non-600 variety.

Patience worked out I suppose because I stumbled upon a Buy It Now listing for up to 5 Lambda rollerballs shipping from Germany (even the listing was in all German) that were NOS for only $35 US each. Done. I checked back within a couple of hours and they were all gone. I thought that $35 was a fair price to take a chance on this mysterious rOtring model...

I don't know a ton about the Lambda models history, but I know they came in a ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain pen version and they run about 10 years after the 600. This would put them in the early 90's I believe, but I also read that these were sold as promotional items by rOtring wherein your company could get their name marked on the side. Wouldn't that be cool? Your OWN line of rOtring pens...sort of. Crazy that this pen might be 20 or 30 years old already and nobody really knows about it.

The Lambda is very different than the 600 and Newton series. It shares some knurling at the top, bottom, and grip section with the 600 as well as the o-ring at the end to help hold on the cap when posted. The barrel is metal underneath I think, but the outer shell is made of a rubberized material that makes the entire barrel grippy. The entire pen is in a matte black. Ok, this is probably the pen that Batman would use for real.

...but no red ring... Although, right below the knurling on the cap is a "notch" that could fit a bright red o-ring if I wanted to get crazy.

The barrel is pretty substantial, but not overly heavy. I think the rubber "skin" helps cut down on the weight, but I wouldn't consider the pen too light. It is actually a really comfortable balance and very enjoyable to write with.

I received a rOtring brand rollerball gel refill with it (which is likely discontinued), but I really like it. It lays down a nice solid line, is smooth, and doesn't skip. Curse the day when it runs out as I'm sure I'll have to switch refills. I prefer blue ink anyway.

In the 600 and Newton fountain and rollerball pens, the hexagonal cap has some interlocking "teeth" if you will (see rollerball review), but the Lambda, being round, just pops on and off with a pressure fit. Since the barrel is round, rOtring didn't need to go through the trouble of making any interesting cap/barrel connections...or they just hadn't thought of how awesome it would be yet.

I'm really glad I found this pen and I think I'll get a lot of enjoyment out of it's use as it really is a comfortable writer.

If anyone has more info about the Lambda, please feel free to share! I did find this rOtring 600 Visual Guide that is incredible that talks a little about them. It also taught me that I've likely been exchanging the 600 series and Newton series names incorrectly (sorry to any die-hards; still learning) which is a pretty common mistake so it seems. Give that guide a look if you feel you can control yourself from then scouring the internet to buy more expensive rOtrings... I'm a lost cause I'm afraid.

The Pen Project - New Black Model - WINNER!

November 10, 2013

We had a super successful run with the giveaway of the limited black edition of The Pen Project with over 200 entries! Thanks to all that participated and thanks Ian for sponsoring the giveaway!

And the winner is:

Aaron!

Congrats! I'll be sending out an email to you to get your address details so I can send you out your nifty new pen!

Thanks again to all that entered!

Reminder of 25% Discount Offer at schondsgn.com:

There is still time to take advantage of the awesome discount Ian is offering through tomorrow, November 10th! Pick up a few of these for holiday gifts (or for yourself...)!

Visit his store to place an order and at checkout, use the promo code: clickypost25

Thanks again, Ian!