Today, let’s take a look at two of the most popular pen styles in the world; the slimline and the cigar. These twist pens are the workhorses of the pen world, and the core of most pen makers arsenal.
The slim is one of the oldest models out there, and perhaps the most versatile. No joke, books have been written on ways to modify the slimline pen. It is usually the starter kit for anyone getting into pen making, due to its low price and classic design. The cigar has been around nearly as long, but isn’t as conducive to modification. While the slim has many variants; the Funline, the Trimline, the Comfort Pen… the cigar has fewer, but allows for more intriguing finish combinations.
The Profiles:
Thin, light and nimble, the slim fits easily into a pocket or checkbook. When turned to a straight profile, it is really no larger than one of the plastic freebies you get at the bank or dry cleaner. Most pen makers choose to give these a thicker, curved profile, meeting at both ends and the center band, known as a “wasp waist”. You can find these with a crazy amount of exaggerated designs, with enough coves and peaks to resemble a chair leg. At Anglewood Penworks, I choose to keep to more of a classic design, because that says quality, rather than hobbyist.
The cigar keeps to a pretty basic shape across the board, allowing the finish and material to sell the pen. This thick, yet surprisingly light pen is preferred by those with arthritis, or larger hands. Men seem to prefer this pen, as it boasts a definite masculine look. It also fills out a pen box nicely, making it a favorite for gift-giving.
The canvas:
The slim, due to its lack of width, doesn’t allow as much grain variation or swirl, if an acrylic. It is also shorter than the cigar, which is a hindrance if you have an amazing blank and want to show it off. Therefore, many use the cigar for unique or historic wood or special acrylics.
Thin, light and nimble, the slim fits easily into a pocket or checkbook. When turned to a straight profile, it is really no larger than one of the plastic freebies you get at the bank or dry cleaner. Most pen makers choose to give these a thicker, curved profile, meeting at both ends and the center band, known as a “wasp waist”. You can find these with a crazy amount of exaggerated designs, with enough coves and peaks to resemble a chair leg. At Anglewood Penworks, I choose to keep to more of a classic design, because that says quality, rather than hobbyist.
The cigar keeps to a pretty basic shape across the board, allowing the finish and material to sell the pen. This thick, yet surprisingly light pen is preferred by those with arthritis, or larger hands. Men seem to prefer this pen, as it boasts a definite masculine look. It also fills out a pen box nicely, making it a favorite for gift-giving.
The canvas:
The slim, due to its lack of width, doesn’t allow as much grain variation or swirl, if an acrylic. It is also shorter than the cigar, which is a hindrance if you have an amazing blank and want to show it off. Therefore, many use the cigar for unique or historic wood or special acrylics.
The hardware:
Both pens come in a variety of hardware finishes. Gold, chrome, antique copper and brass are just some of the metals available on both pens. However, the ever-versatile slim is also offered in colors, such as red, green and blue, allowing for even further customization. The cigar has multiple-metal finishes, and a fancy “ultra” model, with all-metal fittings and a fancier clip. There are a number of custom clips for the slim, while the cigar is mostly limited to the flat design.
The slim uses a single-twist mechanism, a proven design that does the job admirably. The cigar uses a double-twist design, that allows the pen to be twisted in either direction, to extend and retract the tip. The slim uses a Cross style refill, a most basic cartridge, but buyers can opt to have one filled with high quality ink, such as Private Reserve. The cigar uses a Parker style refill, with many high quality inks offered in this larger cartridge design, including gel inks. Both refill easily, and basic refills are widely available.
Both pens come in a variety of hardware finishes. Gold, chrome, antique copper and brass are just some of the metals available on both pens. However, the ever-versatile slim is also offered in colors, such as red, green and blue, allowing for even further customization. The cigar has multiple-metal finishes, and a fancy “ultra” model, with all-metal fittings and a fancier clip. There are a number of custom clips for the slim, while the cigar is mostly limited to the flat design.
The slim uses a single-twist mechanism, a proven design that does the job admirably. The cigar uses a double-twist design, that allows the pen to be twisted in either direction, to extend and retract the tip. The slim uses a Cross style refill, a most basic cartridge, but buyers can opt to have one filled with high quality ink, such as Private Reserve. The cigar uses a Parker style refill, with many high quality inks offered in this larger cartridge design, including gel inks. Both refill easily, and basic refills are widely available.
The bottom line:
For a truly custom pen, the slim might be what you’re looking for. For classy, affordable gift-giving, the cigar is your answer. Either way, you will receive a good quality writing instrument that should last for years.
For a truly custom pen, the slim might be what you’re looking for. For classy, affordable gift-giving, the cigar is your answer. Either way, you will receive a good quality writing instrument that should last for years.
Anglewood Penworks has both styles in stock, sporting historic and unique woods. See the current selection for yourself in our Etsy shop:
www.etsy.com/shop/anglewoodpenworks
www.etsy.com/shop/anglewoodpenworks