Karas Kustoms Render K G2

Loadout for Three Weeks In South America

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South America Load Out

In a few days I am heading out for a three week trip to South America.  I am still keeping it relatively light by bringing just one fountain pen, a Chocolate Brown Pilot Vanishing Point with an “ItaliFine” nib by Richard Binder.  The ItaliFine gives you two points on one nib, a regular fine and a 0.9mm italic.  I am also bringing Hermes’ new Ebony (brown) ink cartridges.  The color is exclusive to Hermes; made for use with their (Pilot-produced) Nautilus fountain pen, and luckily these cartridges are compatible with the Vanishing Point.  I am carrying the Vanishing Point in a black leather Kingsley pen pouch.

My primary notebook is going to be a #12 FantasticPaper Color notebook from Germany (review to come).  I have my pack list and travel checklist in a blue floral Word. Notebook and I am carrying my travel documents in a Midori Traverler’s Notebook.  I have a Karas Kustoms Render K with a Pilot G2 refill in TN pen loop.

Finally, the three non-pen-related items are a Vostok Amphibian automatic watch, a 35mm Olympus XA2 camera and a Rimowa Topas Sport Trunk.

 

I am planning to continue posting about once a week.  I have some interesting reviews coming up so please stay tuned.

Danitrio Hakkaku
Danitrio Hakkaku
Hard Rubber Ohashido
Hard Rubber Ohashido
Old style faceted Namiki VP with a Pendleton Brown Butter Line Stub nib
Old style faceted Namiki VP with a Pendleton Brown Butter Line Stub nib

Karas Kustoms Render K Pilot G2 Pen Review

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Karas Kustoms Render K G2 Pen

In the last few years a lot of interesting pens have come to the market via Kickstarter and one of the most appealing pens launched is the Render K by Karas Kustoms.  I am a bit late to the game on this one but nonetheless it remains a simple and beautiful pen that is worthy of your attention.

The Render K is an American-made pen crafted out of solid aluminum.  The original (Kickstarter launched) Render K utilizes Parker-style refills that provides customers with an enormous range of refill options.  The Render K G2 is designed to take the ultra popular Pilot G2 refill.  Without modification I have been able to use Montblanc rollerball and fineliner refills in the the Render K G2.

Karas Kustoms Render K G2 Pen

The pen is sold without a refill because the manufacturer want’s you to choose the refill that suits you best.  The pen comes with a piece of plastic tubing that is designed to be cut to accommodate other refills that maybe a bit too short for the Render K G2 unmodified.

The Render K’s metal body and knurling on the top of the cap reminds me of the Retro 51 Tornado Lincoln Copper fountain pen I reviewed earlier this year.  The Render K’s minimalistic design is very attractive; there is no ugly branding or unnecessary fluff to clutter the design…it’s pure function.

Karas Kustoms Render K G2 Pen

Capped the pen measures just over 5″ long and weighs 34.4 grams with a Pilot G2 refill installed.

Karas Kustoms Render K G2 Pen

On many pens I find the clip to be a weak point; I have bent dozens of them by clipping them to my pants pocket or notebook.  The stiff stainless steel clip on the Render K is ultra strong and because it is secured by two exposed screws it can be easily replaced if you happen to damage it.

Karas Kustoms Render K G2 Pen

I have been using the Render K for a couple of days now and it’s a strangely satisfying pen. Screwing the cap onto the body reminds me of screwing a nut on to a bolt; the feel is very similar and I love it.

Karas Kustoms Render K G2 Pen

I am also quite fond of how tight the cap fits on to the body when fully screwed on…it’s lovely.

Karas Kustoms Render K G2 Pen

The standard aluminum Render K G2 sells for $45 and comes in various colors.  The Render K G2 is also made in solid brass for $65 and solid copper for $95.  Overall I am impressed by this pen, it’s enjoyable to use and built to last.  It’s not cheap but for a high quality piece of American craftsmanship, it’s not hard to justify the price.

Karas Kustoms Render K G2 Pen

Please note: this pen was provided to me at no charge by Karas Kustoms for purposes of review. 

Here are some great reviews of the Render K (original and G2):

(I have no affiliation with the sites linked below)

Clicky Post – Karas Kustoms G2 Render K – Pen Review

The Well-Appointed Desk – Render K, I think I love you.

Gourmet Pens – Review: Render K Aluminum Custom Machined Pen