Boxelder Burl Letter Opener

[Doug B]

I have made one other of these letter openers but did not get a picture of it before it sold. I really like this particular kit and it matches both a Euro pen kit and the Classic Twist.

I had not tried a letter opener before because I had not seen anything but gold finish. When I saw these in Gunmetal I decided to give them a try and I'm glad I did.



The first letter opener I made sold as part of a set of matching Pine Cone Classic Twist pen and letter opener. This one has a matching Classic Twist pen to go with it.

[Joe Lyddon]

That's REALLY COOL!

Nice going!

Where did you get a Letter Opener kit?

[Doug B]

Thanks Joe!

I got it from CSUSA and I lied It is actually the Black Titanium finish not Gunmetal. They look pretty much the same. Here is a link: www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Projects___Desk_Accessories___European_Letter_Opener___euro_letter_opener?Args=

[Ruffnek]

That's purdy, Doug. I don't care much for Euro pens but I like that oval cap on the letter olpener. I like that kit, too.

When I first got my lathe there was a letter opener kit included with it...the gold one. I put a Dogwood handle on it and it's still around here somewhere. Turned out pretty nice, too.

[Doug B]

Thanks Cody!

I don't care much for the Euro pens either, but the rounded cap seems to look fine on the Letter Opener. I wanted to get the Americana style instead, but only the Euro style had the Black Ti finish and it looked like it might still go OK with a Classic Twist pen.

I was afraid that a letter opener is going to need a really tough finish if it gets used much. If you ever run into your gold one, let me know how the finish has held up, if you don't mind.

[TDHofstetter]

I've got a question now... I've seen letter opener kits (got a couple, in fact) that were really flimsy & easy to bend - suitable only for the softest touch. The one you show there looks a lot more robust, as if it's built nearly like a dagger. Is it really as heavy & tough as it looks?

[sachbvn]

Nov 9, 2009 18:58:19 GMT -6 Doug B said:

I had not tried a letter opener before because I had not seen anything but gold finish. When I saw these in Gunmetal I decided to give them a try and I'm glad I did.

No kidding - why does everyone make gold EVERYTHING, but not so much in silver, nickel, brushed silver, etc.... ?

I RARELY like gold.... do that many people actually like it?

I love that letter opener! Nice job - I sure have something to work towards in the finishing department.... THAT is gorgeous!


Zac

[Doug B]

Nov 9, 2009 19:43:23 GMT -6 TDHofstetter said:

I've got a question now... I've seen letter opener kits (got a couple, in fact) that were really flimsy & easy to bend - suitable only for the softest touch. The one you show there looks a lot more robust, as if it's built nearly like a dagger. Is it really as heavy & tough as it looks?

Yes Tim, this one is really a good design. The blade is threaded and screws into a connector that is pressed into a 7mm tube that runs full length of the handle. An added benefit is that the blade can be easily replaced if necessary. And it is very sturdy...like you said, it is built just like a dagger.

[Doug B]

Nov 9, 2009 19:46:13 GMT -6 sachbvn said:

No kidding - why does everyone make gold EVERYTHING, but not so much in silver, nickel, brushed silver, etc.... ?

I RARELY like gold.... do that many people actually like it?

I love that letter opener! Nice job - I sure have something to work towards in the finishing department.... THAT is gorgeous!

Zac

Thanks Zac!

Gold seems to be very much the most popular plating. I really don't care for the gold plating for pens all that much either. That's too bad too because gold is usually the least expensive plating, and most of the fun stuff to make only comes in gold. I was real happy to find this particular letter opener in this plating.

[Ruffnek]

I found that letter opener, Doug. It actually looks a lot better than the pic. There are some small scratches on it but the plating has stayed intact. Not bad for 5 years old.

Someone over at IAP commented recently that early on, the gold plating was poorly done and deteriorated quickly, giving it a bad rep. However, now, it seems to be of much higher quality.

This was from one of the pen sellers who said he had never had a gold plated pen returned because of wear.

[Doug B]

Hey, that looks exactly like the kit I used! Looks like maybe the gold holds up better than it used to. I know they now have some platings that are supposed to be better that they call "upgrade gold" or 10k gold.

Thanks for the pic Cody!

[boodrow]

Nice one Doug! I like the colors
Boodrow

[glenmore]

Really nice Doug. Have agree with Zac I do like gold but there is so much more platting out there to choose from. Especially when it comes to pens and these pen knives gives more of a selection between the woods to compliment the projects at hand.

[Doug B]

Thanks Boodrow!

And thanks Glenmore! You must have been typing at the same time I was

Hey everyone, I found a very similar letter opener over at Penn State and when you order from Woodturningz the cost is only $9.10 per letter opener That is quite reasonable if you ask me.

I ordered a couple to see if I like them as well as the one from CSUSA.

Here is what the PSI one looks like: www.pennstateind.com/store/PKMONTLOBT.html

[lexrex]

very nice doug!

[autobodyman]

Nov 9, 2009 19:46:13 GMT -6 sachbvn said:

Nov 9, 2009 18:58:19 GMT -6 Doug B said:

I had not tried a letter opener before because I had not seen anything but gold finish. When I saw these in Gunmetal I decided to give them a try and I'm glad I did.

No kidding - why does everyone make gold EVERYTHING, but not so much in silver, nickel, brushed silver, etc.... ?

I RARELY like gold.... do that many people actually like it?

I love that letter opener! Nice job - I sure have something to work towards in the finishing department.... THAT is gorgeous!

Zac

Zac,
I prefer the gold or titanium plating. Maybe it's being a bodyman but I see a lot of chrome and very little gold plate so the chrome/silver seems cheap by comparison. I've seen to much plastic chrome peel. Also real silver (not that they plate much with real silver) tarnishes. I made the mistake of getting my bathroom fixtures in bright brass (tarnishes) next time I go with chrome and have them triple gold plated.

~Mike

[Joe Lyddon]

Hi Mike!

Welcome Aboard!

Don't forget the Introduction section. ;D

Good to see you!

[Doug B]

Mike, I really like the Black Titanium finishes for pens. A lot of the gold is cheap plating, but there is a Gold Titanium finish that is supposed to hold up real well and is gold colored. If you like gold, that might be a good finish to choose.

[Beezlebub]

Nov 15, 2009 21:14:13 GMT -6 Doug B said:

Mike, I really like the Black Titanium finishes for pens. A lot of the gold is cheap plating, but there is a Gold Titanium finish that is supposed to hold up real well and is gold colored. If you like gold, that might be a good finish to choose.

I only use gold/black titanium kits for any pens I have for sale, I'm uncomfortable offering cheap finishes for sale as I guarantee the pen for life.

[Doug B]

I hear you. I agree that you should use a premium plating if you are asking a premium price. I have seen some finishes that are awful after some hard use.