Historical Woods teams up with world-famous knife and pen maker, David Broadwell

Horse Pen Woodgrain hard rubber, titanium trim. engraving by Brian Hochstrat

The Collaboration
William Jewell has been working diligently to create a series of fine-writing instruments that are completely handmade using his prized historic wood. Although he has extensive professional woodworking talent, Jewell's experience does not include the creation of metal parts needed to bring these pen designs and ideas to fruition. Jewell sought out the talents of a master metal smith who could provide the needed metal parts, such as nib sections, center bands, caps, clips, etcetera.

Museum Quality Knife & Pen Maker
During his extensive research, Jewell was delighted to find Mr. David Broadwell for this collaboration. David's incredible talents, imagination and extensive appreciation for history make him the perfect artist to work with Historical Woods of America in the creation of a new line of completely handmade fine writing instruments and desk accessories. A series of collector's knives will also be added in the near future.Wood and Steel Curly koa barrel sleeve over black acrylic, damascus steel cap sleeve with acrylic inner cap, acrylic blind cap and section, and a damascus steel clip

Historic Wood
The first series of fountain pens will be a limited edition using wood from trees planted by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and White Oak that was standing at Ash Lawn-Highland, James Monroe's home, long before he built his house in Charlottesville, Virginia. Sketches and final details are being worked out, and production will begin soon.

A Pen for Each President
A pen will be created in honor of each of these presidents, using their respective wood, in a design that highlights their most notable achievements. David will be doing all the metal parts; William will be creating wood barrels and caps and assembling the pens.

Small Desk Knife Carved damascus steel blade, fire blued steel guard, and curly koa handle.Biography - David Broadwell
David Broadwell made his first knife in 1981, but his career really began years before when he was a little boy slaying dragons and evil knights with his father's Masonic sword. And while he made his first fountain pen in 2001, his fascination with writing instruments goes back to his elementary school years when he wrote with two Sheaffer school pens. "Both knives and pens are useful tools that go back to the most ancient times in one form or another, and they have been made in the simplest of forms and the most ornate. They have been, and still are, used for great evil and great good."

Broadwell creates his knives and pens in a small studio using manual tools, a belt grinder and engine lathe primarily. He believes that using his hands gives character to his creations, and prefers to leave the computer in his office and away from his machinery. His knives are considered art and for the most part are kept in collections, but all are made so that they would function well if ever used, and he "test drives" every pen he makes so that he is certain that they write properly. Most of his pens are used regularly by their owners. Broadwell's work is in collections around the world.

Pen and Knife Set Knife: Damascus steel blade and titanium handles. Pen: Acrylic inner barrel, cap section, blind cap, and cap top. Cap sleeve is damascus steel; barrel sleeve and clip are titanium.Broadwell lives with his family in Wichita Falls, Texas, and has been at his profession full time since 1989. He is active in his church with children's ministries, and his community by supporting local charities. When he can get away from the studio he enjoys fly fishing and camping, and along with his wife has been a competitive pistol shooter. His preferred method of transportation is a Harley Davidson Sportster.

"I am looking forward to working with Bill Jewell and helping to create writing instruments and knives with his historical wood. It will present me with new challenges and a new direction in my career."

These are just a few samples of his work.  For more info, visit David Broadwell Studios.