“Tortoise Shell” Handmade Calligraphy Pen (straight pen holder)

First off, this pen is not authentic tortoise shell, it is faux tortoise shell (the long handle part).  It is actually solid acrylic that is made to look like tortoise shell (and it is a quite convincing replica).  Now this is acrylic resin…it will never discolor or take on that “greenish/yellowish” tint that happens with many transparent resins.  This one will remain looking as you see in the photo.  The black “foot” of the pen is also acrylic, so this pen is very durable.  for the “inserts” of my straight pens (the part that holds the nib in place), I use only stainless steel inserts…so they will not rust.  However, your nibs are not stainless steel, and they can rust and adhere to the insert within the pen…so do use a bit of care with your wet or “dirty” nibs.  Ink also can get in there, and “glue” your nib to the insides of the pen.  (Yikes!  That can be a very difficult situation!). Anyway…back to this pen…I have always had an affinity for “tortoise shell”…I love the look of it.  Very classy and stylish; and I believe it looks really great on this pen!  I haven’t seen a “tortoise shell” pen motif before, so this is quite unique!  I’ll betcha no one else owns or has even seen a pen like this!  🙂

This is a straight holder, not an oblique.  Straight holders are great in so many ways…they are so versatile!  They can readily handle straight pen duties, and broad-edge duties with ease.  (Not the case with an oblique holder).  I use straight holders primarily for my broad-edge calligraphy, but honestly, I’ve been experimenting with them, using a pointed flexible nib…and I really like it!  I find them easy wield when writing copperplate styles, and this super light weight REALLY makes them fun!  It gives a new “sense of freedom” in my penmanship.  

Every calligrapher should have at least one decent straight pen holder in his/her arsenal, and this one would be a great choice!!!

Unique Oblique Custom Pens are meticulously handmade writing instruments. They are finely crafted, pro-caliber calligraphy pens. This pen will easily and happily handle the rigors of the professional calligrapher. As with all of my handmade calligraphy pens, this one is coated with my super hardshell clear coat (12 coats on this pen). This finish is crystal clear, super hard, will never become sticky or gummy, and is almost impossible to stain. If ink or gouache dries on this finish, you can wipe it off with a damp rag, or for stubborn cases, you can literally scrape it off with your fingernail.

This pen will ship to you in a premium presentation/storage case.