Antler in velvet Cartridge pen

[Doug B]

I was given some Mule Deer antlers that were still "in the velvet", meaning they were not completely finished growing and had the soft tissue still on the antler when the deer was harvested.

That "velvet" is very soft and beautiful at first, but dries out quickly and then is not very attractive. But, I was interested to see if the antler coloring would be any different. Well, it is, and I really like it! This just might be my favorite antler pen ever made except that I forgot to put some pick guard between the antler and the Bloodwood. That would have made it a little nicer. I sure won't forget to do that on the next one!



I intentionally use a picture that was too big so you can click on it to see a bigger version of it. I think I like being able to do that with a pic...what do you all think about intentionally posting a bigger pic? Like it? Hate it? Don't care one way or the other?

[rdabpenman]

Antler looks great Doug.
I prefer an actual rifle cartridge and bullet nib over the PSI kits.

Les

[Doug B]

Thanks Les. I know what you mean about the looks of a real cartridge, but these kits have a few advantages. I just wish they came with copper colored nibs.

I recently got a couple of the twist pens and they have the copper nib - I need to try and get them made up to see if I like them.

[maverick31]

pen looks awesome, doug. I hear axis deer is almost pure white. I supposedly have a budy trying to line some up for me. we will see if he ever comes through.

[sawduster]

Very nice pen, as is always the case with your work, Doug.

I intentionally use a picture that was too big so you can click on it to see a bigger version of it. I think I like being able to do that with a pic...what do you all think about intentionally posting a bigger pic? Like it? Hate it? Don't care one way or the other?

That original size (800 X 600) is not bad at all. It's the ones that are originally like 3 screen sizes wide that take a while to load. ;D

[Doug B]

Mav, I think I'm going to have to try some Axis deer antler. I have seen them for sale somewhere (PSI maybe?) and so I'm going to order some soon to try out.

Jerry, thanks for the feedback. I know that dial up issues with big pics is a PITA, so I wanted to check with everyone to see if posting the bigger pics was a problem.

[maverick31]

let me know how the axis deer works out. When I least expect it someone will show up with some for me to make them a pen I saw some on the internet somewhere for like 7 or 8 bucks a pound but I can't rember where either. If I find the site I will let you know.

[sdb777]

Okay Doug....what is this 'pick guard' thing your talking about? Like guitar pick?



Scott (got a bucket of those) B

[Doug B]

Thanks Mav. I know I've seen the Axis anters at one of my regular places I buy stuff from, but I don't mind finding the best price I can get.

Scott - pick guard is the stuff that protects the guitar below the strings so that the pick does not damage the wood. Best place I have found to buy it is from Grizzly (yes, THAT Grizzly ). I buy the big square sheets and cut 3/4" squares from them and keep them in baggies where they are handy. I bought the black/white/black, the white/black/white, the solid white, and the cream colored sheets. Here is a link: grizzly.com/products/Pick-Guard-Blank-3-Ply-White-Black-White/H6391

And using pick guard is just a nice way to dress up a pen blank or to make a nice transition from one material to another. Here is a good example of pick guard used in an antler pencil to create a home made center band. I used 4 pieces of pick guard and a small piece of Bloodwood. BWB pick guard next to solid cream color pick guard next to the Bloodwood on both sides.

[carlcivi]

I like the large pic, looks good. About the kit nib, IMHO i think the kit nib is the right way to do them. You are making a cartridge into a pen, not a pen into a cartridge. I once said in a post that i wish i could make the bullit into the nib and someone jumped all over me, and said that is not the way to go. Is name was EAGLE. Carl

[Doug B]

I hear you Carl. And I remember that too. Eagle never was shy about expressing his opinion was he? ;D

I have to admit that as a shooter and hunter I like the looks of the real thing, but like you say, it may not be the best thing to use for pen components.

For me, the solution is probably going to be that for pens to sell I will continue using the kits, but for my own personal pen and for gifts to fellow hunters I still want to make a few of the pens using real cartridges and bullets.