Why I Make Pens (and Why You Might Care)

Let’s be honest — in a world full of smartphones, digital notes, and AI everything, choosing a pen feels... almost rebellious. But that’s kind of the point.

I started Pen & Ink not to compete with the latest tech, but to create something that slows things down. Something you can hold, admire, and use — not just once, but every day. Not tucked in a drawer. Not “too nice” to use. Just a really good pen that fits your hand and your life.

It started with the feel of the thing.

The first time I turned a pen on a lathe, it wasn’t about art or business. It was about the feel. The grain of the wood. The way a curve takes shape. The satisfaction of sanding something until it’s smooth enough to catch light.

And then watching someone pick it up — and smile.

That moment? That’s the magic.

These pens are about you, not me.

Sure, I make them. But these pens are yours. They’re for the person in back-to-back meetings who still jots notes on paper. For the journaler who likes how ink glides across a page. For the student, the gift-giver, the list-maker, the sketcher, the thinker.

I want every Pen & Ink pen to be something you actually use — and maybe get asked about when someone notices it in your hand. Because the best pens aren’t just smooth to write with. They’re conversation starters. Desk staples. A small but satisfying part of your day.

Why you might care.

Because I’m not chasing perfection — I’m chasing something personal.

When I make a pen, it’s not about racing to the finish or hitting the perfect curve with machine-like precision. It’s about the journey. It’s about slowing down, taking my time, and letting the material guide the shape. It’s about coaxing out the character of the wood — the grain, the color shifts, the little surprises hiding beneath the surface — and turning it into something that feels meant to be in your hand.

That’s what sets Pen & Ink apart. These aren’t just pens. They’re one-of-a-kind writing companions, crafted with care, not churned out by the dozen. I’m not just trying to impress you — I genuinely want you to be wowed. I want you to pick it up, turn it over, and smile before you even start writing.

So... why do I make pens?

Because the process keeps me grounded. And because when you find the right pen — one that feels right, looks right, and writes like a dream — it turns even the smallest scribble into something satisfying.

Thanks for being here. Really.

— Mike
Maker | Ink-Stained Hands | Pen & Ink