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Crowdfunding Smash: This Crazy-Ass Japanese Pen That You Dip in Ink, Like a Quill
The Drillog Dip Pen
Japan is a country known for embracing both cutting-edge technology and old-school tradition, so I shouldn't be surprised that this Drillog Dip Pen is made in Japan. I am surprised, however, that it's done so well on Kickstarter—I didn't think demand would be this high.
The Drillog has a removable metal nib that's been CNC-machined, and the pen body holds no ink; instead you're meant to dip the nib in ink, quill-style. The ink is suspended in the spiral channels and apparently funnels down to the point in a smooth and controlled manner.
I know what you're thinking: Who the heck wants this? Artists, apparently, judging by the video:
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I admit it looks kind of fun to use. I'm just wondering how many shirtsleeves I'd ruin in the process.
Check out some of the crazy-ass body styles they offer:
At press time the Drillog was nearly 500% funded, with $78,012 in pledges on a $16,379 goal, and 41 days left to pledge. All of this despite the price: The least-expensive barrel alone starts at $129 and the nib is another $120, purchased separately. If you get them as a set, the starting price is $194, and the numbers climb with different body styles. That machined pen rest is another $20.
That being said, this isn't the first time something weird, expensive and apparently well-made from Japan has done well in the marketplace.
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Comments
I feel like the machined texture on the nib is exactly the grip my fingers would be looking for when writing; I'm afraid I'd constantly have ink all over my fingers.
It's just a sturdier version of a glass dip pen. Yes, I am drooling over the pen as it's less likely to get chipped if ever I drop it, but it's not that revolutionary. Stop treating it as this 'weird', 'crazy-ass' thing lol, the concept of a nib having grooves to draw up ink is old as balls
I love the look of this, but the ergonomics of manipulating a heavy metal pen with a grip so far up the barrel seem tricky.
I have one of these in my desk. My wife gave it to me maybe fifteen years ago. It was blown from glass, and cost about $12. It writes very nicely, but inevitably gets ink all over your fingertips. I'm amazed by the things I see on crowdfunding sites which have been around forever. Very often what's presented as innovative design seems more like an excuse for bored people to spend money.
It's not what I'd ever use a dip pen for but I can see the appeal of being able to switch colors quickly in something that also boasts Rapidograph precision.