My name is Richard Horner. I am from Rimersburg Pennsylvania and have been working with wood since I graduated from Union High School in 1979. Over the next 20 years I grew in my knowledge and passion for wood working and soon had mastered every machine in the shop at my furniture job. After a 12 year hiatus from carpentry, I bought a small lathe to revive my wood working passions. After a rather hefty investment and time I was set to create. Little did I know that this would become an addicting hobby that would help me get through some tough times ahead.
In Sept 2008 after 25 years of untreated acid reflux, I was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer. October of that year I went into the hospital for an Esophagostomy, where the esophagus is removed and stomach reattached to replace the esophagus. This event changed my life forever. After 4 months of semi recovering I was ready for Chemo. But after a Cat and PET scan more cancer was found in my lymph nodes. I had another surgery to remove one cancerous lymph node. Chemo started a month later and so did its side effects. But on days when I was able to walk to the shop I would turn pens and other little items. Along with prayer and turning I got through the chemo and I have been cancer free since June 2009. We have a saying around here that through Prayer and Pens I defeated cancer.
My Family and I have started campaigns to promote awareness of Esophageal Cancer and are making strides to impact other people who are going through the same challenges that I have faced with my history with cancer.
Thank you for visiting my website. Please take a look at my hand-crafted pens and read more about the production making process and how I turn a rough piece of wood, acrylic, or jawbone into a beautiful piece of art.
Learn More About My Pens
Materials
Pen types range from fountain, rollerball, or ballpoint. Each pen is hand-turned by me using the finest quality materials in order to obtain the highest level of craftsmanship in the end product. These pen options allow for a purchase that fits the user, whether it is for personal use or for a gift for someone special. Feel free to explore the site to find the handmade pens that suit your needs. I can make just about any form of pen from the options below. This list is not exhaustive, I can make pens from almost anything… or at least try!
Pen Types
Ballpoint
Ballpoint pens utilize a small rotating ball bearing to dispense ink as it is moved across paper. The ink is typically oil-based and dries quickly.
Fountain
Ballpoint pens utilize a small rotating ball bearing to dispense ink as it is moved across paper. The ink is typically oil-based and dries quickly.
Rollerball
Rollerball pens use a tiny ball to apply water-based ink onto paper, combining the convenience of a ballpoint pen with the fluidity of a fountain pen.
Pen Styles
Bolt Action
Similar to a “clicky” pen, bolt-action pens feature a stylish bolt-like mechanism to extend and retract the tip of the pen, providing a unique and tactile experience.
Junior Gentleman
Junior Gentleman style pens have an attractive, classic look. A traditional pen of generous weight and width, perfect for the writer who likes a heavier pen.
Twist
Twist pens feature a retractable mechanism activated by twisting the barrel, offering a convenient and secure way to protect the pen tip when not in use.Rollerball pens use a tiny ball to apply water-based ink onto paper, combining the convenience of a ballpoint pen with the fluidity of a fountain pen.
Pen Materials
Woods
Birch (USA, Canada)
Bethlehem Olive (Israel)
Black Palm (India)
Black Walnut (USA, Canada)
Bloodwood (South America)
Bocote (Central America)
Bog Oak (Ireland)
Buckeye Burl (USA)
Canary Wood (Central America)
Cedar (USA)
Chechen (Mexico)
Cherry (USA, Brazil)
Claro Walnut (USA)
Cocobolo (Central America)
Ebony (Laos)
Eucalyptus (Australia)
Goncalo Alves (South America)
Ipe (Brazil)
Jack Daniels Whiskey Barrel (USA)
Kingwood (Brazil)
Koa (Hawaii)
Lacewood (Central America)
Mahogany (Honduras)
Mallee Burl (Australia)
Maple (USA, Canada)
Masha Curly Birch (Sweden)
Mesquite (USA)
Narra (Philippines)
Osage Orange (USA)
Padauk (West Africa)
Pecan (USA, Mexico)
Purpleheart (Central America)
Redheart (Central America)
Red Oak (USA)
Redwood Burl (USA)
Rosewood (Honduras, Bolivia)
Teak (India)
Thuya Burl (North Africa)
Tulipwood (Brazil)
White Oak (USA)
Yellowheart (Central America)
Zebrawood (Africa)
Acrylicsand Resins
Acrylester
Corian
Mica pearl
Polyester resin
Other Materials
Alligator Jawbone
Ammunition casings
Bird feathers
Corn cobs
Deer antler
Elk antler
Pine cones
Rattlesnake skinTwist pens feature a retractable mechanism activated by twisting the barrel, offering a convenient and secure way to protect the pen tip when not in use.Rollerball pens use a tiny ball to apply water-based ink onto paper, combining the convenience of a ballpoint pen with the fluidity of a fountain pen.
