My latest commission is to make a three pen case to carry Danitrio Genkai fountain pens.
Starting with flat sheet Kydex I made a new wooden form to produce the Kydex for the pen slots.
After forming the Kydex I needed a new form for the leather outer I found a length of oak from the last large pen box I made. Which was exactly the right dimensions I only needed to round over the corners and sand it a little.
This is the perfect size.
Regular readers will know that wet veg tanned leather will form around a mould and when dry will hold the shape.
I usually have a wooden two part mould to form the leather but this is a size I have not used before so I moulded the leather by hand. This takes time.
Time to test fit the inner and decide how much suede will be seen about 6 mm usually looks right.
As I can now stamp text into the leather I personalised the strap.
The front panel has been trimmed to size and you can now see the red suede peeping out. I know some people will say why do you use so much suede. My simple answer is because it looks right if I stopped the suede the line will show through the leather over time.
At this point I started to apply the dye for this case Mahogany dye was chosen this is one of my favourites. My own phone cover has been mahogany for many years. this one is 18 months old.
This dye looks best when it has light and dark areas this allows the red tones to show through. Once the dye has been applied I apply some Carnauba wax which helps to even out the colour rubbing harder in some areas should thin out the dye well that is the idea. We will all see when the case is dry if my plan has worked.
I freely admit I almost forgot the pen rest for this case I made two one from sapele a red wood similar to mahogany. And a second from oak which spent a couple of hours in my ebonising solution (white vinegar and steel wool) this solution works with the tannin in the oak and turns an ebony colour.
The colour will lighten as the dye dries and the true colour will become visible.
As the leather dries out you can see the colour and its different shades.
Dry fitting the back panel with the insert.
Pieces glued together.
I was asked to use red thread for this case so I chose Lin Cable
As I had chosen a fine thread I used a pricking iron to mark the holes at 8 stitches per inch.
There is around 9 mm of leather and suede to stitch through so I regretted putting the holes so close together.
Stitching finished there is a lot of stitching there.
I usually get to this point before I stitch the upper part but I did it again at least this time it is straight and I don’t have to start over.
I live on the North East Coast of England we do get sunshine it just does not feel like we get much of it. So when we do I like to get out there and take my pictures. So here you go the edges are still in need of finishing no fancy stuff leather dye bees wax and elbow grease.
This case is made to protect three Danitrio Genkai fountain pens unfortunately I don’t have any I do have one Danitrio you will have to engage your imagination for the rest.
I don’t have anything to add Job Done.
Just when you think you don’t have anything to add you do.
I made this case for a Father and Daughter team who have a website called Pen opulence and they were kind enough to send me some images of the case in use.
Pen Opulence specialise in vintage and one off pens which they describe as everyday art and I am very happy to supply my cases to them.