Drewnem Pisane (Wood Written) - Behind the scene - How a fountain pen is made. Part 10. Micarta

The production of fountain pens is inextricably linked to the materials we use. Although we try to do everything ourselves, we often use new materials, including synthetic ones. Some of them are not available at home due to the technological process. Then we buy ready-made blanks/blocks, which are then converted into pens. Each material is slightly different visually and to the touch, so it is worth getting to know them.

Part 10. Micarta

This interesting resin laminate was invented by George Westinghouse in 1910. The basis is natural (cotton, canvas or jute) or synthetic fabric, which is embedded in resins. The presence of fabric in micarta makes it extremely resistant to mechanical damage, cracking and crumbling. Its resistance to water and extreme temperatures makes it non-shrinkable, which additionally protects it against cracking. In addition to fabric, you can use paper, fiberglass or carbon fiber for micarta. Production is not complicated, but requires specialized equipment because lamination is performed under enormous pressure to extract air from the material and replace it with resin. Appropriate pressing of the material in resin and the use of dyes allows you to achieve very interesting effects. Micarta is typically used to produce knife handles. We choose micarta with an interesting pattern for our pens, but we must ensure that the block, apart from being beautiful and durable, is easy to process and can be polished. Fountain pens with an uneven surface or flakes would not be attractive. Our experience has shown that not all micarta is equally good.