The Constant Scribe
My Favorite Things: Jake Weidmann Pen
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 8:32AM Jake Weidmann is not only an amazing young calligrapher and artist, he also creates the most beautiful pens!
Several months ago, I was drooling over Jake's custom pens, coveting one and thinking that they would be out of my price range, but I decided to contact him anyway just to see. (nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?) I shot him an email and was very honest and upfront about what I could afford to spend and what I needed in a pen. Jake answered back right away and after we went back and forth a few times sharing information and preferences, he gave me a more than reasonable price for my pen.
I asked him to make me a simple pen in a common wood--any wood would do. I have severe arthritis in my thumb joint and what I was looking for was a fat pen that would open up my grip and allow me to work longer and more comfortably. I had been using a 5/8" century oblique staff for the past year or so and it helped but my arthritis was getting worse and I needed something bigger.
When my pen arrived, I was totally blown away with how beautiful it is! It is made of rosewood and is perfectly balanced and feels so comfortable in my hand. As you can see from the pictures, it is significantly bigger than the Ziller staff or the 5/8" Century Oblique. And by opening up my grip, the pressure is taken off the base of my thumb--eureka! Less pain! I have worked as much as 9 hours in a day and experienced only normal stiffness and soreness that you would expect from that long a day.
As you can tell, I love my pen and I have to say I adore Jake, too. What a kind young man! Everything about our transaction was warm and professional. I thoroughly recommend Jake's spectacular work!!
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Reader Comments (1)
Your Jake pen is beautiful!!!! I had seen his pens at IAMPETH in Nashville and figured I'd never be able to afford one. How nice to know he was willing to work within your budget. I too prefer a pen with a thicker neck, but I don't really like the stubbiness of the "carrot" pens. Your pen looks like a winner! :)