Most of what I've done is just because I want to. I enjoy working with my hands and pen turning gives me the opportunity to make something that is somewhat useful out of some pretty exotic (and pricey) woods. Right now, being in college, I only make pens when I head home for any given weekend or holiday. Between school, mountain biking, and trying to surf here on the central coast of California, I don't think I need more distractions down at school!

As for the pens I've shown here, most of them take Parker style ball point or gel refills. I just received some materials so I can make a couple types of roller balls and fountain pens. The thing with fountain pens is that they get pretty expensive, though.