American Pens handmade by my son and I. We are earning our way to the National Jamboree in 2017. Made from American Woods or Acrylics.
Hello Kickstarter! My name is Brad McKee, and I own an online shop called B&L WoodCrafts, LLC. I work with lots of unique materials including American and Rare Woods, Whiskey barrels and acrylics. I turn them into amazing, handmade works of art!! Each item is handmade by me in my woodshop in Elgin, South Carolina.
I started my business about 3 years ago and now my son has gotten more interested in earning a few extra dollars. I thought it would be great if he and I could work together in this latest project. I am teaching him to assemble the pens to earn money for his trip to the Boy Scout National Jamboree in 2017. He is only 11 years old now, but he wants to help pay his way to this once-in-a-lifetime event. Our ultimate goal is to earn over $3000 from this project so both of can go to the National Jamboree. The current goal is set at $1000, which will pay for a good portion of the trip. We also will have stretch goals of $3000 and beyond.
My Kickstarter project is making quality custom pens from American grown wood. I have done Kickstarter projects in the past, but now my son wants to get involved to earn money towards his Boy Scout National Jamboree in 2017. The National Jamboree happens only once every four years in the mountains of West Virginia. Both my son and I have the opportunity to attend this event in 2017, so I wanted him to earn his way. The types of pens and woods were selected b yhim for the project. He has seen me make 1000s of pens over the past 3 years and now it is his turn to help with his own project.
Each item is handmade and make unique gifts for anyone. The pens are great conversation starters for your business, and wonderful pens to use every day. And with the delivery date of September, will make amazing Birthday or Christmas Gifts! Great for a person who is hard to shop for.
I will be doing all of the lathe work and my son will assist with the assembly, packaging and shipping.
Each pen starts life as a piece of Wood. The wood then is cut down to small pieces so I can use them to turn the pen. After turning each item, I sand it to a 12,000 grit to get a incredibly smooth finish. I complete the process by using a combination of a special type of glue and Shellac to preserve the wood with a long-lasting, durable finish. Each pen is hand assembled and inspected to ensure a top quality product just for you.
KEY CHAIN
The Key Chain is a great small reward that has a secret compartment to hide toothpicks, paper money, reminder notes, etc. The entire Key Chain is about 3 inches long and comes in 24k Gold, Brushed satin or Chrome plate. You also can choose a wood or acrylic.
SLIMLINE PEN
The Slimline Pen is a great basic pen that accepts Cross style refills. You have a choice of 24k gold, Gun metal, Black Enamel, or Chrome. You also have a choice of American wood.
BULLET PEN
The Bullet Pen comes with the premium rifle clip and is available in Gold, Chrome or Gun Metal finish. The pen will make an excellent gift for a hunting or shooting enthusiast. The Pen uses a Parker™ style ball point refill and uses a high grade double twist mechanism.
BOLT ACTION PEN
The Bolt Action Pen has a replica 30 Caliber rifle clip and a bolt action handle that smoothly advances and retracts the ink refill. There is a replica Rose Gold bullet primer cap on the pen end. The tip is a replica rose gold 30 caliber cartridge tip. The finish comes in your choice of Gun Metal, Chrome or Black Enamel. You also have a choice of American wood.
VERTEX PEN
The Vertex Pen comes in either Rollerball or Fountain style. It comes in either Gun Metal, Chrome or Brushed Satin plated design This pen has unique magnetic cap. The cap easily posts magnetically onto the nib and back of the pen without the use of threads.
EAGLE PEN
This exquisitely Eagle Pen comes in three finishes, Chrome, Antique Brass, or Antique Pewter. The pen end also includes Doric column influenced designs as well as a striking bald eagle which is a symbol of both our great country and Scouting. Finally, the pen clip and elements on the pen end and tip feature detailed, intricately designed scrollwork. Uses a Parker style refill.
PATRIOTIC PEN
The Patriotic Pen comes in three different finishes: Antique Brass, Antique Pewter or Antique Copper.
The Bolt action, Statue of Liberty Flag pen features the Statue of Liberty and “God Bless America” stamped on the cap end. The pen clip features a cast Bald eagle with a red, white and blue American Flag. The pen comes in three choices of finishes, Antique Brass, Antique Pewter or Antique Copper. You also have a choice of American woods.
The Bolt action, Bald Eagle Insignia pen features a Bald Eagle intricately etched on the tip and “God Bless America” stamped on the cap end. The pen clip features a cast Bald Eagle with a red, white and blue American Flag. The pen comes in three choices of finishes: Antique Brass, Antique Pewter or Antique Copper. You also have a choice of American wood.
The Bolt action, Salute the Troops pen features a saluting serviceman etched on the tip and “Salute the Troops” stamped on the cap end. The pen clip features a cast Bald eagle with a red, white and blue American Flag. The pen comes in three choices of finishes: Antique Brass, Antique Pewter or Antique Copper. You also have a choice of American wood.
GEARSHIFT PEN
The Gearshift pen is an great pen for any car enthusiast. The design is based on a five-speed H pattern shifter. The cap features a car tire with a hubcap style at the end of the pen. The pen uses a Parker style refill.
The Wood comes from American grown trees, some of which my son and I have harvested ourselves. The wood ranges from White Oak, Eastern Red Cedar, Walnut, and Cherry. The woods then are cut down to size so I can use them to turn down the pens and stylus.
I own and operate B&L Woodcrafts, so I am the only person who is crafting the pens and styluses. Only one of the risk involved with that could be excessive participation causing a larger than expected number of items to create. I have a solid plan to complete 150+ pens per week, and I have an option to temporary hire some friends and family if needed so I can get the product out as quickly as possible before the deadline