New at Kickstarter: Render K

The Render K is the latest machined pen to hit Kickstarter, built to take advantage of the world-famous Pilot Hi-Tec-C refill. I have been lucky to be able to test drive a prototype of the Render K for the last few days, so let me explain a few differences this pen has over previous Kickstarter projects.

The Render K is manufactured in the US by KarasKustoms. I have chatted with Dan from KarasKustoms via email several times and he made it clear: the guy selling you the pen is the same guy manufacturing it in his shop in Mesa, Arizona. This is one of the reasons I was able to get an early prototype.

The Kickstarter page is full of details, drawings, and videos of the Render K for you to check out, but let me tell you what sets it apart. First of all, the design is portable. I backed both the Pen Type-A and PHX-1 projects and can’t wait to get both of those pens. The thing is, neither one is going to leave the house with me. The Render K is based around a standard pen design. Standard length, standard weight - hey look - a pen clip! Toss it in your shirt or pants pocket and you are ready to go.

Another unique feature is the ability to swap out the Pilot Hi-Tec-C refill for a Parker compatible refill. KarasKustoms provides a spacer and a spring to make this happen, giving you more flexibility and choice in your ink.

I have been really happy with my prototype so far. I included a few pictures so you can see it for yourself. Dan made it perfectly clear that the pen I have is not in its final production state, so keep that in mind when looking at the photos. My untrained eye is hard pressed to find any flaws.

Thanks to Dan and KarasKustoms for giving me an early look, and don’t forget to check out the Render K project on Kickstarter.

New at Kickstarter: The X-Pen

Kickstarter projects surrounding the Pilot Hi-Tec-C refill have been coming fast and furious, and the X-Pen is the latest to land on everyone's favorite funding website. Where the Pen Type-A and PHX-1 pens use stainless steel for the barrel, the X-Pen uses a machined carbon fiber tube, and it looks great.

As of right now, the X-Pen is designed to be a desk pen, with two different acrylic base options. I spoke on the phone last night with Kyle Kinghorn, who is running this project, and he is working on the pricing for a capped version of this pen and hopes to have the details added to the Kickstarter page in a few days.

The project video is fantastic, so be sure to watch it above. And if you want to read more about the Pilot Hi-Tec-C and why so many people are customizing it, check out the details on the recently updated JetPens Pilot Hi-Tec-C page.

New at Kickstarter: PHX-1 Design Tool Set

Did you miss out on the Pen Type-A Kickstarter project? If so, the recently released PHX-1 Design Tool Set might be right up your alley.

This is more than a pen - it is a complete design tool. The stainless steel body works with both Pilot Hi-Tec-C refills AND Uni-Ball Signo DX (UM-151) refills. It also contains an integrated hobby knife (works great with X-ACTO blades), and comes in a sustainable bamboo case topped by a custom designed seven measurement ruler.

There are a few early backer slots still open to get the PHX-1 for $40 including shipping. Once those are filled, the standard backer rate for one pen including shipping is $50. Be sure to check out all of the details and video on the PHX-1 Design Tool Set Kickstarter page.