It has been a while since I have posted some vintage bullet pencils so I found a stash and have started to clean them up. There are some really nice pencils in this batch including Paul Jones Whiskey, Depend On Paul Jones, the Whiskey with the Zest of the West. I wonder when a tag line insisting you depend on whiskey fell out of fashion?
Each bullet pencil includes a Palomino Blackwing 602 pencil stub and a new eraser crimped into the metal body. They are sanitized and polished up a bit though I leave some patina for character.
Don't confuse these with our Twist Bullet Pencil Kickstarter that will be available later this year. However, why not dip into a little Americana while you wait for the latest version.
Refill packs are also available for those wanting to try some different pencils and they are already cut down and sharpened with a long point for your bullet pencil. Most are from the Palomino line however there are a couple pencils that might not be on your radar.
A few months ago I found myself with a couple extra copper beads. Nothing fancy so I threw them on some paracord and fidgeted with them for a while. Finding them strangely relaxing and fun, I started asking around for other options and learned they were called begleri or worry beads and that they have been around for a long time. Traditionally they were a strand of 2 or more beads used in the same manner as prayer beads but without the religious significance, and were a common Greek activity to pass time.
Bronze, Brass and Copper
So, naturally I found someone (new shop contributor Patrick Ober) to make some high end beads to my specifications and I am pleased with the results. Using brass, bronze and copper, we have created a beautiful set of beads perfect for those that fidget and for those that like to perform tricks. Cut grooves on the bead exterior accept standard O-Rings to protect both the bead and the random surfaces they whack against. Each set will be strung on 550 paracord with decorative knot ends and are available with a Longbowcinchbags pouch for transportation and storage. Wether you are a beginner or pro, you will find these premium balls addictivly fun to play with. Look for them soon in the new metal shop section along with other fine pieces from Patrick Ober.
Thanks to the support of over 300 backers we reached and exceeded all of our stretch goals! I've supported kickstarter campaigns before and I always get a bit uncomfortable at how sappy they are when the drive is funded... But now I know the feeling. Time to get sappy, When I was growing up all I ever wanted to be was an inventor. I idolized Albert Eistein (I know hes not an inventor), and swore one day my doodles would materialize and be appreciated. Now, I know I didn't invent the bullet pencil nor did I change the aesthetics much. But I am proud to have the original drawing next to the finished piece and I feel I fulfilled a life long dream. And the journey has just begun!
Without Jon at Metal Shop CT none of this would have happened. The work he put into this project further proves his passion to make quality metal pieces. The design elements he implemented were spot on with our original intention and his attention to detail will ensure an enduring product. Thanks Jon, your hard work has not gone unnoticed.
Second, Thanks to the Field Nuts and Erasables Groups on Facebook for their excitement and comments. Their help was instrumental in providing a bullet pencil that is as versatile as it is simple. To all of the blogs, sites and individuals having faith in our project it means the world to us and we promise to not disappoint.
In closing, Thanks to everyone for their support and stay tuned for whats next.
