From the hands of a surgeon with the heart of an artist
Phil Sladek turns fountain pens and rollerballs on a lathe in San Marcos, Texas. One at a time, from hardwoods out of North and South America, Africa and the Middle East.
A hobby that got out of hand
What started out as a hobby has become a passion. Every pen has a character of its own, because every one is cut from a different piece of hardwood, and they make a statement people notice. Some carry inlays of sterling silver, contrasting wood or crushed stone.
I am still a practicing surgeon, and that still comes first. The pens are made in the hours around it, which is why each one gets as long as it needs.
Made to be used
Fountain pens evoke a pleasure the computer age mislaid. They are made to be used, not just admired. Yours may take some getting used to, but once it has, I don't think you'll reach for another kind of pen.
Left-handed? Fountain pens are difficult for lefties, since the ink needs the nib drawn across the paper rather than pushed. Don't despair: every style is also made as a rollerball, which flows more smoothly than a ballpoint.
Three models
Artisan
22K gold. The cap snaps onto the back of the pen while you write, so it carries and writes easily every day.
from $199
Gentleman's
A larger desk pen with a smooth twist cap that does not post to the back. Rhodium-platinum or 22K gold.
from $219
Americana
Rhodium-platinum fountain pen, and the model I build custom silver inlay work into.
from $229
Looking after it
Don't leave the pen uncapped for any length of time while it isn't in use, or the nib will dry out. If the pen lives on your desk rather than in a shirt pocket or a purse, I've found it stores better lying down than standing up.
Ink
Since I use my own fountain pen daily, I prefer the short cartridge, because a spare fits in the barrel behind it; when the ink runs out, usually within a fortnight, the next one is already there. Short cartridges have become hard to find lately, so your pen is supplied with the long type, which lasts twice as long and is sold at any office supply store.
Tell me which wood, and I'll tell you how soon.
There is no shopping cart. Write or call, say which model and wood you have in mind, and I'll reply with the final cost and a delivery time.