Well, I was planning blog content for the next couple of months and I realized that I had never written about one of my primary tools for pen (and pencil) storage: Mike Dudek’s handmade wooden pen stands. You may also know Mike from his blog, The Clicky Post, but if you've not had the opportunity to check out his creations over at Dudek Modern Goods, do so now. I’ve owned a few of Mike’s pieces over the years, but my most recent acquisition, The Divide, is by far my favorite.
Pens, Pencils, and Notebooks, Together!
The Divide holds up to six pencils on one side, six pens on the other, with a slot in the middle for pocket notebooks and/or index cards. For me, the Divide serves as the "dock" that holds whatever primary writing tools I'm using at the moment. It's a larger pen stand, measuring H 2.5" x W 5.25 " x D 3", and exact details, such as the diameter of the pen slots, are customizable. For example, if you favor larger fountain pens, Mike can drill the holes a bit wider. Here, I have three larger-gauge holes that can fit fountain pens as big as the Pelikan M800, Montblanc 146, or Visconti Homo Sapiens. The other three spots on the pen side are designed to hold slimmer pens like the Parker Sonnet or Pilot Metropolitan. For pencils, the Divide can keep three "Jumbos" and three standard pencils sharpened and ready to go.
Like all of Mike’s other products, the Divide is handmade from solid walnut, “finished with a smooth satin poly finish,” and branded with the Dudek Modern Goods logo on the bottom. These pen stands are versatile and classy looking, and probably receive the most compliments of any item I keep on my desk.
Of course, my standard Dudek "Cube" has special meaning, since I won it in the raffle at last year's Atlanta Pen Show!
How to Order
If you’re interested in adding one of Mike’s pen stands to your collection - and every true pen/pencil addict should own one of these, IMHO - head on over to Dudek Modern Goods and place your order now. Each of Mike’s handmade pen stands is made to order, so turnaround time may take up to 3-5 weeks. The Divide runs $65 + shipping, with other models ranging from $45 for the standard “Cube,” all the way up to $99 for the “Workspace.” Given that these are classic pieces that will last forever, Mike's prices are a bargain.
Disclaimer: Mike Dudek is a friend of mine and sponsor of the blog, and he provided me with the Divide featured in this review free of charge. That said, I was a customer of Mike’s long before I knew him personally, and have always recommended his work.