Karas Kustoms
| Karas Kustoms | |
|---|---|
| |
| Founded: | |
| Founder: | Bill Karas |
| Headquarters: | Mesa, AZ |
| Key People: | Dan Bishop, Paul Bennett |
| Products: | Writing instruments, Pen Stands |
| Website: | http://karaskustoms.com/ |
Karas Kustoms is a machine shop in Mesa, AZ. Originally machining hot rod parts, but in 2011 they created a Kickstarter for the Render K, a machined pen that takes multiple different refills. Since then they've introduced several different pens, including some special/limited edition models.
Pens
INK
The INK is the largest pen available from Karas. It is a machined pen, available in aluminum, brass, or copper. The aluminum comes either raw, or anodized in several colors, and can also be stonewashed. The brass and copper models are left raw to patina as it ages. There is also the option of getting the INK in either clipped or clippless versions. The INK is available as a fountain pen, using Bock #6 nibs, or as a rollerball compatible with Pilot G2 cartridges or Parker ballpoint refills. The grip is interchangable between the fountain pen and rollerball models, and is available a few different finishes/materials.
K Series
The K series pens are compact machined pens, available as the Fountain K, the fountain pen, or the Render K, the rollerball. It comes in three sizes, the standard, the mini, which is a short, pocket sized pen, or the Bar Stock, which is similar to the standard model, but the barrel is not tapered down. Like the INK, it is available in aluminum, brass, and copper. The Barstock version is also available in other materials, Delrin, and Phenolic(Micarta) have both been used. The Fountain K uses a Bock #5 nib, and the rollerball version takes Pilot G2 cartridges or Parker ballpoint refills, although the mini version only fits the Parker style refills.
Pen Holders
Karas has worked with Mike Dudek of Dudek Modern Goods and introduced a machimed version of the Cube. The Cube is machined out of a solid block of either aluminum or brass, and delrin inserts are pressed into the metal to protect your pens from rubbing against the pen holes. Originally the Cube was available as only a 9 pen holder, but recently they've introduced a 6 pen/business card holder, and a 3 pen and notebook holder.