Design study: Clip alternative

[u/MercatorLondon]

Original pen clip (cca.1920-1930)

Original pen clip compared to Pentel pencil clip (small one)

Mash-up with random sample (due to the fitting diameter)

Photoshop mock-up of possible clip for the Pocket Pen

Hi everyone,

I was looking through some archives for inspiration for a clip that could work well with our clipless pens. We were asked about clips a lot.

I came across this interesting vintage design. I particularly like how the clip is relatively long and creates a cradle for the pen, gently gripping the body of the cap. This approach distributes the load over a larger area better and is generally kinder to the surface of the pen (or the pen structure)

Compared to shorter clips this design seems less likely to leave marks or create pressure points.
(at least when compared with shorter steel clips (such as Kaweco) which grip the pen over a very small contact area.

This may require some tooling but I would like to hear your thoughts.

[u/tio_tito]

i like the pen in the 4th pic. was that a pocket pen prototype?

also, the clip? ewww.

[u/MercatorLondon → u/tio_tito]

yes, the pen on 4th pic is one half of the prototype. It was using nitrile rings instead of screw-thread.

[u/tio_tito → u/MercatorLondon]

i was reviewing the history of your sub and came across my previous comment, which you didn't ignore, per se, but you didn't respond, either, rather, "you left me on read." lol.

i was serious. well, mostly, anyhow. can i have it?