The Process of Making a Wooden Pen
― From a single tree to a writing tool ―
Wood Time Factory's wooden pens are not just an assembly of off-the-shelf parts.
Each pen is born from a single piece of natural wood, with careful, gradual crafting.
1. Crafting begins with selecting the wood
First, we select the wood.
Color, grain, hardness, aroma.
Even with the same species, the character of each piece of natural wood varies, which is both its charm and its challenge.
"What will this wood look like as a pen?"
We imagine this as we select each piece.
2. Cutting out the pen's blank with a band saw
The selected wood is cut into approximately 2cm square blanks using a band saw.
These small square pieces will soon transform into wooden pens.
3. Drilling and gluing the brass tube
Next, a hole is drilled in the center of the blank, and a brass tube is inserted and glued.
Although this part is not visible, it is a very important step that affects the strength of the wooden body.
We proceed carefully to avoid putting too much stress on the wood or causing misalignment or distortion.
4. Squaring the ends with a barrel trimmer
Once the adhesive has fully cured, the ends of the wood are squared with a barrel trimmer.
This step significantly impacts the beauty of the final finish.
"Never skimp on preparation."
This is something we always keep in mind when making wooden pens.
5. Shaping on a wood lathe
Now, finally, it's time for the lathe work.
The wood is mounted on a wood lathe, and its shape is gradually formed by carving it down in 0.1mm increments.
Even a slight difference in the curve can significantly alter the grip and overall impression.
Relying on the feel transmitted from the cutting tool to our hands, we concentrate as we carve.
6. Sanding to perfect the feel
Once the shape is determined, the next step is sanding.
We polish in stages, from coarse to fine grit, to bring out the natural smoothness of the wood.
This step determines the "pleasantness to the touch at first contact."
7. Assembling the metal fittings, nearing completion
Finally, the pen's metal fittings are assembled, and a single wooden pen is complete.
Up to this point, every step has required careful attention and unwavering focus.
Each wooden pen created in this way is a unique item.
Even from the same tree species, no two pens will ever have the exact same appearance.
And the true completion is yet to come.
Once in the customer's hands, its color and luster will change, and its texture will deepen over time and with use.
This is ageing unique to the customer.
A Wood Time Factory wooden pen is not
"complete the moment it's bought," but rather
"a tool that grows as it's used."
We will continue to dedicate time and effort to each piece,
working with wood to create pens.