Tern is a compact pocket fountain pen individually machined from solid brass in the Thorn Mill workshop in İznik, Türkiye.
The design began with the idea of creating a simple, uninterrupted cylindrical form. When closed, the cap and body share the same diameter, creating a clean silhouette. The straight-knurled center section adds a distinctive mechanical character while providing a secure grip.
One of Tern’s defining design features is the Thread Cover Ring (TCR) system.
When the pen is closed, the TCR covers the threads at the rear of the body, completing the cylindrical profile. When the cap is screwed onto the rear for writing, the TCR can be removed and transferred to the front, where it covers the exposed cap threads.
This allows Tern to maintain a clean, finished appearance both when closed and while in use.
At just 103 mm (4.06 in) long when closed, Tern is designed to be genuinely pocket-sized. Its slim 11 mm (0.43 in) diameter keeps the closed form compact, while posting the cap transforms it into a comfortable full-length writing instrument.
Tern uses standard international short ink cartridges, making refills easy to find without requiring a proprietary cartridge system.
Each Tern is individually hand-turned, threaded, knurled, fitted and finished on a manual lathe. It is not made from a commercial pen kit.
The solid brass is left uncoated, allowing the surface to gradually develop a natural patina through handling and use. Over time, each pen takes on its own individual character.
Specifications
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Material: Solid brass
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Closed length: 103 mm / 4.06 in
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Diameter: 11 mm / 0.43 in
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Nib: Kaweco fountain pen nib
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Ink: Standard international short ink cartridge
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Threaded cap
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Removable Thread Cover Ring (TCR)
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Postable screw-on cap
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Straight-knurled center section
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Clipless design
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Uncoated natural brass
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Individually machined and assembled
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Hand-turned on a manual lathe
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No commercial pen kit used
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Handcrafted in İznik, Türkiye
As each Tern is individually machined and finished, subtle variations may occur from one piece to another. These are part of the character of a genuinely small-batch, handmade object.
Tern is made individually and in limited quantities.
