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1 FEB '12

Leather Neck Loop Pen Slot
Now back in stock in limited supply in the classic black leather. We'll add this one soon in other leather options, and/or fabric. Lots of leather in the pipeline - if we can keep up production with demand. 

Neck Loop Pen Slot

Received the new 40 Panther caps
In from Houston factory. Oh man they look good (double and triple color rings). The 40 Panther might be revitalized as our favorite FP in house....


11 JAN '12

Come see us at upcoming Pen Shows
We will be displaying the entire Franklin-Christoph line of pens and leather at the upcoming Philadelphia Pen Show on January 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Also at the Los Angeles Pen Show on February 18th and 19th. We'll have plenty of stock to sell at both shows, including a new item or three.

Connect here for more information:  Philly Pen Show   LA Pen Show

See a preliminary review video of our new 20 Pen Case from our client Dan of FPGeeks.com
Our new 20 and 40 pen cases are now available. Take a look at a preliminary review of the 20 pen here. Full review to come.
20 Pen Video Review


16 DEC '11

New Boot Brown/Black Zippered Pen Cases
With a more traditional pen case design utilizing flex bands in rows of ten, we offer these 20 pen and 40 pen cases in our popular boot leather. Each slot securely holds pens large and small. Zippered Pen Case Page

New Boot Black now in the P6 and P13 pen cases
The boot brown has been so popular, we decided to develop a boot black as well. First introduced on our notebook covers, the boot black compliments very well with the boot brown. It doesn't mark up quite as readily, but it is the same "distressed" and thick leather as the boot brown.
Penvelope Six Page
Lucky 13 Page

New Model 19 Fountain Pens now w/ Cherry Ice bands
Now with a slightly thinner diameter, better threads, new clip and the exciting new Cherry Ice acrylic bands. Rollerballs in the new version will follow soon. Check the Stock Room for periodic listings of the original 19.
New Model 19 Fountain Pens


12 DEC '11

New Model 19 in final stages of production
Our Model "1901" has received a makeover. Don't worry it still has the same qualities, only now made fully in our US shop we've made a few improvements. Slightly thinner diameter, better threads, new clip, and.... an additional color. Stay tuned for release announcement in the coming days.

New 20 and 40 pen coming
Will be listed for sale by December 17th. Cutting it close to the holidays, but still good for some last minute gifting. Traditional cases with wide bands to hold pens - in our flagship boot brown/black combination.

Model 33 Abditus out of stock
A late surge in sales on the interesting Model 33 has caught us out of stock on this pen as of today. We'll put it in line for production in the shop, but may be late January before we have more, as the Argentium Silver clips have to be cast.


26 OCT '11

New Franklin-Christoph 18K Nib
We have a new 18K nib that resembles our HP Steel nib in shape. It is solid 18K gold, rhodium plating. The engraving brings the yellow gold within the diamond out in relief. Available now on the 33 Abditus, and soon on the 02 Intrinsic and the 40 Panther.


21 OCT '11

The New Model 29 Lacquer Pens now available
Very similar to the 29 Diamondline, in four lacquer color combinations. The M-14 has always been a pace setter, but we expect the M-29 to challenge for the crown. You'll see our system on various OEM projects around the world, but only here can you get the F-C model at direct pricing. Model 29 Lacquer Page

With the new M-29 we announce the CRS, cartridge roller system.
Have  you ever had the need to write with a rollerball, but still wanted to be able to use the plethora of fountain pen inks available? Do you prefer rollerballs, but wish there was more ink selections to choose from? We have the solution, where you can use FP cartridges or a converter with your rollerball - in our CRS pens. Now available with the Models 14, 27, and 29. We'll add it to more soon.
Visit the CRS page for more info.


18 OCT '11

The New Model 25 "Eclipse" is setting records
We had fun designing this pen, and for the first time we underestimated early sales, not once, but twice. We make these acrylic pens in relatively smaller batches in our facility in Houston, and are now on our fourth production run already. It's an interesting pen to say the least. Check out the Model 25 here.


29 July '11

Remember to come see us at the DC Pen Show
We'll be there as usual, with our entire line, including our new  Model 33 Abditus, Model 25 Eclipse, Model 22 Fides, and the M-29 series, as well as new leather products. Visit PenCentral.com for more information about the DC Show.


27 June '11

Announcing the Model 33 "Abditus"
As our own US CNC production ramps up, we're able to offer more designs and options to the acrylic high end portion of our line. The 33 is a special design, whereby the barrel is completely hidden within the cap when capped. Abditus is Latin for hidden secret - and we think apropos as a nickname for this interesting pen. See the Model 33 here.
 

Our Houston production facility now up and running
Changing currents in both currency and the need for faster design to production cycles has led us to do more and more US production in the last few years. We're happy to announce we now have a special new facility set up in Houston, TX - headed by Dan Symonds. Dan brings many years of specialized knowledge, not only of pen making and machinery but in designing unique CNC and milling machines both massive and small for many specialized manufacturers in different fields.  We're fortunate to partner with him for our own production over the past year and especially now in this new facility. Most of the newer high end acrylic models will come out of this facility, including the 33 Abditus, among others. We'll post pictures from Houston soon.

Stock Room Alert - Tree Ring Pens
Listed on Page One of  The Stock Room, the first batch got picked up in a couple of days before we even issued a Stock Room Alert. Hold history in your hand with one of these incredible pens, just a few on hand. Enter The Stock Room


11 June '11

Argentium Silver Clips now available on 02
The Model 02 has been a blowout success, even without offering a clip. Now, we're proud to offer a new clip design with the 02, with a proprietary circle spring loaded design function. Argentium Silver is still sterling silver, but won't tarnish. This is achieved by pulling most of the copper our of it and adding other metals to the alloy. It not only won't tarnish in the same way, but is also harder and more durable - perfect for a clip. See the Model 02 page.

Raleigh Show a success
The 8th annual Raleigh Pen Show was another success, with steady traffic on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It was great to see many of our clients. As usual, we held a drawing for a $100 online gift certificate, and would like to announce that David Chen of Durham, NC was our winner.


5 May '11

The Penvelope Six returns!
Our most popular leather piece ever, even more than the Lucky 13 - has now returned to our lineup. We took a little extra time and sourced some really high quality leather, including our flagship Boot Brown. The cloth is always tricky, but we found a very interesting Brick Red firm cloth that contrasts nicely with the leather colors. Instead of just two, we now have four leather options - Croc Print Brown, Boot Brown, Classic Black and Burgundy. Note, the burgundy version comes with a black cloth instead of the brick red. Great item to store and transport your pens - check out the Penvelope Six.


15 APR '11

Specialty Nibs gaining in popularity
We've been selling customized specialty nibs for some years now. Most of you may not know that we've always used Japanese nibmaster  Michael Masuyama for all of our custom nib work. Michael is gaining now in worldwide fame, so we thought no better time than to start associating ourselves more clearly with him!

We also put more detailed explanations of the different types of customized nibs Mr. Masuyama does for us on our Specialty Nibs page, including that our italics are essentially cursive italics, as we have them customized. Every nib being hand ground can be slightly different however, but we strive to offer a consistent feel so our clients can know what to expect. For more information, please visit the Specialty Nib Page.


17 MAR '11

Poetry Contest Winners Announcement coming
The winners have been selected for our 2010 Poetry Contest. Our judges are working to research to confirm eligibility and work out publishing details. Winners will be directly notified no later than Monday, March 21st, and the poems published on Tuesday, March 22nd. Stay tuned !


10 MAR '11

The Model 17 retired
One of our most elegant pens, the Model 17  is now sold out and retired. We enjoyed this pen, as do many lucky owners, but we won't be making any more just like we did that one. Not to worry, there will be similar models to the 17 coming down the pipeline.

The Model 29 Diamondline is a changin'
In similar news, the Model 29 Diamondline fountain pen is sold out. We are re-designing a couple of fine points on this edition, and plan a re-launch of the 29 Diamondline some time this summer. There are still a handful of pieces left in RB/BP/MP right now.

Pen Shows
Good to see many of our clients in Los Angeles, in our first US Pen Show of the year last month. Sales were brisk, and the fine pen market looks to be stabilized. Next up for us is the Atlanta Pen Show, then the Raleigh Pen Show.


4 MAR '11

The Stock Room Loaded with more than ever.
We expanded The Stock Room to 46 slots, and included over $20,000 worth of individual products for sale. Between turning over salesman's samples, shop demos, used pens, and a lot of Ferrari products of the same we've accumulated over the years, we'll be loading this up periodically for much of 2011. Visit The Stock Room.


7 Feb '11

Model 02 Intrinsic is nominated for the PenWorld 2011 Reader's Choice awards for "Easy Writer."
People are noticing the unique design and quality writing experience of our 02 Intrinsic pens already. The "Easy Writer" category represents the pen with the best writing experience - which we feel after all, is precisely the point - no pun intended.... The deep posting, well balanced pen is sculpted for an optimized writing experience. Particularly with our new High Performance Steel nibs. If you are a subscriber to PenWorld, we hope you'll vote for us in this category. If you are interested in subscribing, visit PenWorld here.


4 Feb '11

The Frankfurt Paperworld Show
Just back from the Frankfurt Germany Paperworld 2011 show, where we displayed the Franklin-Christoph brand this year. It was good to see many of our international partners, and to make new contacts. Many of our partners and prospective partners were excited to see our newer fine pens, including the prototypes of the Model 22 "Stockton" ballpoint, the Model 33 "Abditus" fountain pen, and the Model 50 "Domnus" fountain pen and rollerball. Both of these models will be released to the market within the next 60 Days.

New Clip Update
We are making progress on our new argentium silver spring loaded clip system. The spring system is ready to go in the new Model 40 "Panther," and Model 02 "Intrinsic" [not to mention the coming Model 33 "Abditus" and Model 50 "Domnus" FPs].

However, after a test casting of 96 clips, we've decided to increase the size of the clip, so we've re-drawn the CAD file again, and are close to doing another casting. After that, just a little polishing, and our new clips will be good to go. These things take time to get just right, but we think we'll have something to offer that nobody else can.


30 Dec '10

Model 40 Pocket Emerald Green
We had some time after Christmas, so slipped in production of this little beauty - the Pocket 40 in solid emerald green: Pocket 40


15 Dec '10

Model 14 decked out in Sapphires.
Our monster seller, the M-14 magnet pen is now available in Classic Black with 4 sapphires in the clip. They Swarovski sapphires (real not crystal). Well priced - check them out: Model 14 Sapphire

Poetry Contest.
D0n't miss our poetry contest! The deadline is Dec. 31st. $2500 in cash and prizes available. Poetry Contest


9 Dec '10

About Nibs
Recently the question was asked of me (Laila) about the flexibility of our nibs in gold versus steel, and in specialty nibs versus regular. I referred this to Scott who answered the question in detail, so I thought it worth providing here:

"It is a bit of a misnomer that gold nibs are more "flexible" than steel. The bounce back that creates "flex" isn't what is really happening. Gold nibs are softer (generally speaking), so they more easily spread the tines with the same pressure that might not with a steel nib. What this does is create a natural line definition with the twists and turns, ups and downs of the handwriting motion, so that more ink is put out in some spots, and less in others. This definition is more prevalent with extra-fine, and fine nibs, because with low pressure the line is very fine, while with more pressure the line becomes thicker. This is why many people like vintage gold fine tipped nibs, because the gold they used in the old days was very thin, so this "softness" was very pronounced. Today it is more subtle, but still there. They don't make nibs that thin any more because they were prone to bend and break without a polished touch, so to speak. 
 

So when you look at the medium and broad italics or stubs, the shape of the tip is already creating this definition for you. The softness of gold can pronounce definition a little further, but I'd say it makes the difference between gold and steel a bit overrated, particularly in these italics and stubs. Also note that the definition is different in a soft XF, or F nib than in an italic or stub. In italics and stubs, the down strokes are thick, and the sidestrokes are thin. This gives the handwriting a very consistent, organized look. When you get definition from the tines spreading the thick and thin spots are found at the difference in pressure points of the handwriting, so are spread out within each letter. It gives it more of a "flared script" look, if you will. Remember too though that this kind of thing is always subject to someone's personal handwriting. Some press too hard for soft fine nibs at all, and some not hard enough to create definition. Printing generally a lot less than cursive, and so on. 
 
Of course, gold nibs also offer intrinsic value in the material, and cache' with the fountain pens. Functionally though, in most nibs, steel and gold are very close. At least as long as you are dealing with a high quality steel nib, such as the ones we use on our pens. Our new high performance steel nibs in particular, are very close to gold in this regard."  [he is speaking of our new large steel nib, now found on the 02 Intrinsic, and soon to be on the new 40 Panther. Pictured to the right with the Old English F within the diamond shape.  Also, we have similar new smaller steel nibs coming that will fit the Models 14, and 40 Pocket - so stay tuned for those, although the Schmidt nibs we use now are also "high performance" steel, just in a different design]
 

6 Dec '10

Model 59 is back!
Many of you may remember the popular Model 59 pen. The one that speaks for itself and has a lot to say. Well, he's back and better than ever. In a black chrome finish, with three first evers for Franklin-Christoph. First pen with Sapphires, first pen with yellow gold plating, and first pen with matte chrome in the finish. Very special IPO Pricing going on right now - click on the photo to access the 59 page:


We are shipping out a large volume every day and there is still plenty of time to get your F-C gifts for the Holidays!

Model 40 "Panther" - a new look.
The 40 has received a makeover, and we're adding a touch of color to our black and creme pens. This version will get the new clip soon (not much longer, we promise) so the "New Panther" is in the clipless version right now. Check it out by clicking on the photo:


1 Dec '10

Named our new special edition M-14
We held a contest on a chat board and out of hundreds of entries we chose "Moonshadow Purple" for our latest special edition color on the M-14.
Model 14 Edition


23 Nov '10

Coming Soon - a re-appearance of an old friend (pen model).
A new iteration of a very interesting pen character. In the house now, but announced very soon....

Retired the Model 17 "Paradox" FP today
We're always a touch sad when we retire a model. The 17 was a very good one for us, and a very elegant piece. It was the third in a line of "Paradox" designs, behind the 08 ballpoint and pencil, and the still available 09 Clutch Pencil. This design was very expensive for us to make in this form, but we'll be doing some similar designs featuring a "Paradox" like motif in the coming years. A few Model 17 Rollerballs are still available now.

Added new #12 Franklin-Christoph fountain pen steel nib for sale
Currently fits the Model 02 "Intrinsic," and will fit the new version of the 40 "Panther" as well as most future larger size pen models we will be unveiling in 2011.

Nibs Page


17 Nov '10

New F-C Pen Model 04 Necklace Pen now available
Now up online, the Model 04 Necklace pen in colored lacquer or sterling with sapphire. 04 Lacquer  04 Sterling


3 Nov '10

New F-C Pen Models to Columbus Show
We've just finished production on some pens that have sapphires, and another model that is a necklace pen.... We'll have them at the Ohio Pen Show this weekend if you can make that show. Otherwise, we'll have up online sometime in the next 10 days.


21 Oct '10

New Special Edition Purple in the Model 14 -
Been wanting to do another purple pen for a long time. In the classic M-14, we have a solid purple's purple now available as of today:  Model 14 Page.


19 Oct '10

Intrinsic is hot -
Orders have poured in for the new Model 02 Intrinsic without clip, and we've found ourselves sold out of the original production run of everything except Black/Emerald rollerballs, which as of today we have only 3 left of those. For those of you planning a purchase of this pen, we should have the next batch ready by November 10th, and the clipped versions by Dec. 1st at the latest. We do have the second run of the Model 40 "Pocket" available now -  LJ


14 Oct '10

Piper Premium 5.6mm Metallic Lead
Our Piper division is at it again with cool new 5.6mm leads that fit all the Franklin-Christoph Sketcher pencils. Check those out on the Piper Premium Leads page.

The Stock Room adds Gisi Limited Edition fountain pens.
Through our contacts in the business, we've acquired 4 or 5 of each of these interesting, artisan limited edition pens. Extremely rare, yet we still make room to price them low. Check out everything new at The Stock Room.


7 Oct '10

Piper Empire Rollerballs
Our Piper OEM division recently made a run of the Empire in a rollerball version, so we made a couple hundred extra just for our direct sales Piper liquidation. Listed at #s 29-32 here in the four usual colors: Piper Pens page

Look for more and more interesting stuff  to come between now and the end of the year.


1 Oct '10

4th Annual Franklin-Christoph Poetry Contest Launches
Here we go for a fourth year. We've been blessed to have Lauren Taylor volunteer her time to help us manage the contest entries this year, so there is a new email address and new rules for submissions. Once again $2500 in cash and prizes!
Check that out here: Franklin-Christoph 2010 Poetry Contest

 


29 Sept '10

Model 02 "Intrinsic"
A few days ago we quietly slipped on the new Model 02 Intrinsic fountain pens and rollerballs. These are the clip-less versions, and I say quietly, because they are already getting snapped up, and we have smallish quantities available in the first batch. This is the special design with the mid taper for a deeply posting cap. We're also using colored finials and sections now in maroon and emerald green. Check out the solid emerald green pens as well - something special.
Visit that page here: Model 02 Intrinsic


 

Model 40 "Pocket"
Same deal as the Intrinsic above. Have limited quantities, selling briskly already. Clipped version to come later in the year as well.
Visit that page here:
Model 40 Pocket

 


22 Sept '10

Piper Premium Ink returns!
Years ago we made Piper Premium Ink in various gel refills, but somehow it got lost in the shuffle of taking Franklin-Christoph worldwide. Now we are proud to re-introduce our very own Piper Premium Ink refills!


12 Aug '10

DC Show:
We're off to the Washington DC Pen Show. Visit us there on Saturday the 14th, or Sunday the 15th. For more info, go here:
DC Pen Show.


5 Aug '10

Model 27 now ready:
We've already seen surprising popularity in the first out from the Chrome Series. Get IPO pricing for a short time and check out the new look of black chrome. Stay tuned for Model 26 in the near future. Model 27 Product Page

Next week, Scott is heading off to the DC show, Aug 13-15th so look for him there if you are attending. For more information on that, go here: DC Pen Show


1 July '10

Contest running, office closing:
Please note our office will be closed for the holidays from July 2nd through July 7th. We'll re-open on Thursday July 8th. We will have email coverage during this time if anyone has any business that needs attention. 

For the contest via market survey that is currently running, we will have results and announce the two winners from the drawing within a couple of weeks from now. Hope everyone is enjoying the summer !  -Scott

Note: Still getting to compiling stats. Will be next week July 20th or so before we announce the winners of the contest and share the info.


1 Jun '10

Raleigh Pen Show this weekend:
Come visit us and see our entire line at the Raleigh Pen Show this weekend. For more information on location, etc, visit RaleighPenShow.com


18 May '10

Update:
Penvelope Six now for sale and flying out the door at opening bell price of only $59.10. Penvelope Six Page


13 May '10

Penvelope Six:
Has finished production and is in flight to our headquarters. Standby for availability. The Models 26 and 27 are almost complete. Just some engraving work, and we'll have those up and going around June 1st.


6 May '10

The Model 06 Sketcher launch:
Well, we all guessed that the Hypersonic Purple would be the hot color, but it turns out so far the Shadow Green Pearl is outpacing it by 2 to 1. I still expect the purple to challenge for supremacy over time, but the green is beautiful, so I understand. Any readers who would like to submit drawings you've made with your Sketcher, we'd love to see them. Model 06 Sketcher

Our Pricing:
I was recently discussing with someone how our company differs so vastly on the issue of pricing. We have an in depth strategy, that we think works much better for those who get to know us. The gist of it is that we start the prices the lowest they will ever be for an opening bell price. Then they go to their normal market price. Along the way they may step up slightly over time, but whether they do or not, the point is that there is never a better time to buy than now. We sometimes miss a potential client here or there who only wants to buy something with a more visible discount, however most understand that our direct pricing is always a discount, and you don't have to wait for a closeout sale at the end of a run, which only serves to discount the least popular pieces still around anyway. Our way, you can get the best and premium stuff at the lowest price up front. Speaking of - the Model 06 is on opening bell pricing right now....


13 APR '10

The Six Shooter Penvelope:
This is a feedback driven design from fans of the Lucky 13 Penvelope. The Lucky 13 being as large as it is, is useful for collector storage and transport, sales reps, dealers, etc, and being as unique and well made as it is, greatly exceeded our sales projections. But many of you have told us that you'd like a smaller version for every day use. Well - we've just seen the first samples of the Penvelope Six Slot version come off the line, and they are very nice. Identical in design to the Lucky 13, the Six will just have 6 of the same size slots. Price to be determined....

Atlanta Show a success:
I (Scott) enjoyed meeting many of our clients again at the Atlanta Pen Show. Sales varied across the models, but the 05 Sketcher was particularly popular again. Bodes well for the Model 06 Sketcher coming in weeks....

Two new F-C Models under $75 coming:
We've settled the final design on two new models which will be what we call part of the Chrome Series. We are using black and silver chrome on very well made pens in fountain, rollerball, and ballpoint, which we will be able to offer direct at the $49-69 range. Most of the production on these pens is already done, so we expect to have them around July 1st or so. Stay tuned.


5 APR '10

Piper Combo Green FP/BPs:
One of our most popular Piper pens is now in stock for a brief time. We had a little over run batch of a couple dozen. It is an interesting pen, very versatile with a ballpoint and fountain pen in one. High quality lacquer and gold plating. Would sell for $120-130 at a store, but we have them on the Piper liquidation program at $29.00 each. Piper Pen Page.

Atlanta Pen Show:
Come see us at the Atlanta Pen show this weekend, the 10th and 11th. For more information, visit the Atlanta Pen Show site.


25 MAR '10

Model 06 Sketcher:
Today we received the acrylic barrel prototypes for the new 5.6mm sketchers. We are going to use a longer and thicker frame than the Model 05 versions, so we are going to call these the Model 06. We are selecting acrylic colors over the next couple of days. This version will not only be acrylic, but will be clip free, and will have a much lower price point, somewhere in the $60ish range. I know our long held Sketcher enthusiasts will be excited about this, as are we! Look for inventory to be available for sale within a month or two.


16 MAR '10

2009 Poetry Contest Winners:
We published the 2009 contest winners today in our poetry book. There were so many amazing poems that we don't know how our judges could choose. The contest was free, and we gave away $2500 in cash and prizes. View the winners here: Franklin-Christoph Poetry Book.


25 FEB '10

Andi Newton Model 40 Short Story:
Today we've published a haunting, interesting, and very special short story by one of our clients Andi Newton. It includes a Model 40 Panther as one of the key players in the story. Andi is a freelance writer, editor, and 3D graphic artist from Greensboro, NC. Take a chance to read here when you can:
"Intellectual Property"


23 FEB '10

Model 40s arrive:
Yesterday we received the Model 40 Panther pens, with clips. The clip design and function held us up quite a while on this one, so we are very happy to have them. Since moving this production from Germany to the USA, we've had some bumps along the way, but I think now we've achieved our best functioning spring loaded clip ever. It seems simple, but it's harder than you might think, getting the shape of the clip, spring tension, interior cap specs, clip stability, etc just right. I think it'll be worth the wait. I promptly took a black FP and threw a simple steel nib in it, and at home did a couple of Sudoku puzzles without error. Then feeling cocky, I hammed up the third one, and went back to using pencil.... We'll be photographing the 40 more over the next couple of days and getting it up online here:
Model 40 Panther


16 FEB '10

LA Show:
Just back from Los Angeles. The show was busy as usual, but our sales really spiked up this year. Hopefully a sign that the market for fine writing is improving. The performance yellow M-14 sold more units than any other, further showing the intelligence of Mrs. Franklin in selecting the color. While working the table, I settled a custom pen project for an international distributor. Gotta love the iPhone, and modern communication. Now back to work here in the office -  SCF


3 FEB '10

New Piper:
We've just added a .7mm Mechanical Pencil option to the Piper Trillium, all rhodium writing instrument.
Piper Page Link


26 JAN '10

Philly Show:
I've just returned (Scott) from the Philadelphia Pen Show this past weekend, where we displayed Franklin-Christoph once again. The new colors on the M-14 were quite well received, and I think we may have set a record for selling our Piper liquidation pens (same as you can find here on our site for $29). The show was well attended and it was good to see many of our clients there to visit with face to face. We are now contemplating our next color for the M-14. Hmmm....

New Design:
While at the show, I designed our next Select Series - in my imagination at least - fountain pen. [It will get in line behind the Model 02 pen, and should be available for sale at some point this year.] I'll be putting the wheels in motion to start the new project in just a few days. Speaking of the Model 02 FP, we are hoping to have a prototype available for viewing at the upcoming LA Pen Show on Feb. 11th-14th. Final production should follow soon after. Perhaps by the first of April. If you are interested in attending the LA Pen Show, check here for more information: http://www.lapenshow.com/

Model 05 Marches On:
Also in the works as of this month, is a new version of the Model 05 Sketcher. This will likely start with a clip-less version, in colorful acrylics, and a lower price point that the one available now. Stay tuned for more on that. Back soon with more info as we go -  SCF

Poetry Contest News:
For those of you waiting to hear the results of our poetry contest, it appears we have once again overwhelmed our outside judges, and they've asked for an extension. We are still receiving "first cuts" and the announcement for our Grand Prize winner, and 10 Merit Award winners has been pushed one month to March 15, The Ides of March. One day we'll get this down to a science, but hey the contest is free, and we're a small staff and the university judges are doing this on their own time ! We almost hit 3,000 entries this year.


7 JAN '10

Select Series:
We've just added the Model 40 "Panther" in the clipless (is that a word?) version to our online sales lineup. The Model 40 is part of what we are now classifying as the
Select Series. These are special writing instruments that will only be found here at Franklin-Christoph.com.  LJ


5 JAN '10

Hello! We closed out the year of 2009 with a good December. Thank you all for your continued patronage. We are expecting many exciting and new Franklin-Christoph products and events this year.

Most of our pens are this way of course, but we do wholesale some of the models to distributors internationally, and an occasional retailer or catalog company within the US. The Select Series are to be reserved strictly for direct sale, which is the main way we can keep prices low. Look for the 40 Panther to have a clip option, and a ballpoint option soon. Hopefully.

Shipping gifts to others for you:
This holiday season we experienced a lot more business for sending out multiple gifts, with holiday notes from you, our clients, to your clients, friends and loved ones. We are going to build this aspect of our business this year, with available note cards, and simplify the process so that we can keep your billing information on file, and make gift giving as simple as sending us an email with a name and address of the recipient. Send us an email if you are interested in setting up this program for you.

An effort to be green:
In the last couple of months, we've begun going around our office building and the neighboring businesses and retrieving their newspapers for packing material. This helps cut down on the number of peanuts and bubble wrap we use to fill in the open spaces of packages. We are always committed to securely packed shipments, protecting our precious items while in transit to you, but the supplemental newspapers are cost efficient and green, and besides you have the additional benefit of enjoying the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, or the local News and Observer.

New designs in the Select Series:
We are close to perfecting the clip for the Model 40, so the long delayed new addition to what we will call the Select Series will be available very soon. We'd hoped to have this one ready long ago, but "we will serve no pen, before it's time." ;-)  The next edition of the Select Series is what we'll call the Model 10 or "Ten". The pen has been designed, and production will begin soon. Think large....

Saying goodbye:
We figured one decade was long enough for our fabled first edition - the Model 01 "IPO," fountain pen. The final production run was completed early last year, and our IPO was retired on the last day of 2009. For those of you who have one - keep it, as a rare first edition writing instrument for Franklin-Christoph.

New site design:
We view our website as a fluid process of growth and improvement that never ends. We strive for ways to maintain simplicity and ease of use, while offering you content and at the same time communicating to you what Franklin-Christoph is and stands for. This first quarter we will be re-making much of our site which will implement some of the feedback we received from our request recently. Something we've already done, is we have changed our primary font from Nyala, to Georgia, in an effort to be compatible with the most browsers and computers. Georgia ranked very high on the compatibility list, and has a touch of elegance to it.

Poetry Contest:
We are awaiting "first cut" information from our 2009 Poetry Contest. We should have that from our judges within a couple of weeks, so stay tuned. Again, we experienced a new record, and pushed the boundaries of our capabilities for handling entries. Stay tuned ! 

Check in here often, this blog is another new feature we've added, so you can always come here for news of what we're up to.   SCF


31 DEC '09
Sniff, sniff, retired the Model 01 IPO today....


20 OCT '09

Thank you so much gang for your contest participation, saying hello, and the feedback. We've learned a few things about how we can improve and re-enforced others.

Economic challenges:
We hear a lot about how many people are dealing with the challenges of this economic situation, as we are, and we are working to get some interesting offers to you this gift giving season. Lot's to come, but for starters,
we are giving away two Piper Trillium ballpoints for free with a purchase of any Franklin-Christoph Model 29 Colorband ballpoint or pencil. (limit 2 per F-C pen purchased) See that here.
We also have more offerings in attractive price points coming in a few weeks, and more in 2010. Wish we could get them sooner, but the pipeline for production takes time. We will have more special sales like the Piper Trillium sale coming in the next few weeks. (now expired)

Contest Selection Methods:
Nobody mentioned this, but I thought I'd explain how we manage the contests. Once we close the contest and all the entries are in, we look at the email box they are forwarded to, and get a total number of entries. We cross check for multiple email or name entries and remove those. Then we use a random number generator and get a number within the total amount. Each number then has an equal chance. If say, #741 is selected, we look at entry 741, and there is our winner.

Web design:
We will be doing a new version of our website, published early next year, so while we will continue a similar look, many things should be new and improved. Your feedback has been valuable to us, so thank you!

New products very close:
We will be having a new yellow color on the Model 14 rare earth magnet pens coming in November, so keep a lookout for that. In about two weeks we will have a new Lucky 13 Penvelope in a really cool "rugged" brown leather (that match my boots, ha). The black version has been really well received, and the original production is nearly sold out. We'll receive a new batch of those too in two weeks, with a couple of tweaks to the design.

Creative Arts:
Many of you mentioned you liked our photography section, and that too will be high on our list to expand. We enjoy supporting the creative arts here, and will continue this trend. We hope it creates a more interesting environment here, and it a big reason why I enjoy working here so much. Well, that and I love the pens so much! Our becoming famous Poetry Contest is still open for 2009 entries until Nov. 30th, so you poets remember to enter up to two poems before then. Poetry Contest Page.

Twitter and Facebook:
Don't forget to sign up for our tweets! We are enjoying tweeting several times a week, and will have free pen drawings there as well. Also remember to become a fan on Facebook, and interact with us, post on our wall, and enter special contests. See below for Twitter and Facebook. We all take turns doing these and it is really fun to reach out and interact with all of you.

The Model 40 Panther...
Haven't released it yet outside of a few pieces at pen shows, hopefully that will be coming very soon. Our striving for perfection is holding us up, but the 40 will continue our IPO style tradition of elegant simplicity in fine writing. There will be a long and short version and a capped ballpoint version. The 40 is almost completely US made, which is a first from our usual German and Italian parts production.

Well, that's all I can think of for now. We need your business and we are ready to provide top service to you.

Love and happiness -

Laila


 

Go to our Stock Room to find special pens for sale, including calligraphy supplies, Piper Pens, Settelaghi, Sailor and more.

Visit Franklin-Christoph Page One to see our featured line of writing instruments and accessories.

Remember the Lucky 13 Penvelope for your favorite collector (including yourself) this gift buying season.

Enjoy our other offerings such as our Photography section and our Poetry Book.

Join us on Twitter and Facebook for interaction and special additional fine pen giveaways.

Twitter.com/PiperFC

 Franklin-Christoph Writing Instruments

If you accessed us through Facebook or Twitter, you can also join up for our Special Client List for insider sales, giveaways, etc:
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