Handmade pens by Jason Cohn
I have been making pens for about two years from my home in Portland, Maine. For the most part, I am a self taught woodworker. I've always had an interest in woodworking and in pens, so when I discovered that I could do the two together... well, I just couldn't resist. I read a couple of books, bought myself a lathe and the obsession had begun! Each pen has its own uniqueness and beauty. Wood is by far my favorite medium. There is beauty and elegance in wood that cannot be reproduced outside of nature. I hope that you derive as much enjoyment from these pens as I have from creating them. ~ Jason Cohn
Visit our Maine Made collection page to find out what handmade pens by Jason Cohn are available in store for sale.
Emperor |
Twist ballpoint |
Rollerball |
Wood |
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About some of the woods, materials and finishes
Amboyna Burl: Amboyna is the name of a burl from a tree that grows in Asia. It is used as interior accents for some luxury automobiles.
Box Elder Burl: Box elder is a species of maple. Burls from box elder are easily dyed and are often stabilized with resin.
York Gum Burl: York gum is a species of eucalyptus from Australia.
Cherry Burl: Black cherry is a common hardwood in eastern North America. Burls on black cherry trees are common. I harvest cherry burls right here in Maine and Vermont.
Snakeskin: Snakeskins are glued to a brass tube, and then cast in clear acrylic. The acrylic is wet sanded and buffed to achieve that glassy look. The acrylic protects the skin and acts to magnify the scales.
Resin/Wood: I cast a polyurethane resin with wood to create a wood/resin hybrid. Using this technique, I can reclaim wood that would otherwise be unusable and combine the beauty of the wood and the resin.
CA Finish: I apply several layers of CA glue (super glue) to the pen, then wet sand it smooth, then buff it. It is very scratch resistant and polishes to a mirror like shine.
Danish Oil: I use Danish oil to enhance the grain of the wood while retaining the feel of the wood.
Buffed Finish: I simply buff the surface of the acrylic, giving it a brilliant shine.