FAQ
Your Burning Questions
ANSWERED
The ever-expanding portion of the Karas world where we attempt to answer the most pertinent questions concerning our brand, products, manufacturing, pricing, shipping, and other “frequently asked questions”. We previously relied on the “short & sweet” model of FAQ, but as time has gone on we’ve had to continue to grow this section of our site to ensure we keep our friends, customers, and patrons as informed as possible. Expect this page to continue to change as we add more process, finishes, materials, and product types. The most important questions are featured here, though we continue to get asked hundreds, if not thoughts, of additional questions every year. If you have a question, you can email it to info@karaskustoms.com.
Q. How do you pronounce Karas?
A. It’s pronounced care-us
Q. Who is Kara?
A. The shop is named after the owner, Bill Karas, there is no “Kara”.
Q. Where are your products made?
A. All of our products are designed and manufactured by us in Mesa, Arizona.
Q. Do you make other products besides pens?
A. Pens make up the majority of our machined, retail products though we do make pen holders and mechanical pencils as well as some other desktop accessories and everyday carry items.
Q. I have something I want made, can you do it?
A. We may be able to help you with production work, but not small jobs. Please contact us for details if you have questions.
Q. Are you looking for dealers for your products?
A. At this time we are re-evaluating our wholesale partnership program which is currently on pause. However, you can email inquiries to info@karaskustoms.com to be added to a list of potential wholesale partners should this program be relaunched.
Q. The color of my pen looks slightly different than the photos on your website, is that normal?
A. Because everyone’s monitor displays color differently, we cannot guarantee that your pen will look exactly like what is seen on screen. We try to make the photos as close to the original colors as possible, so allow for some color variation when choosing your pen. Anodize colors vary from batch to batch though our anodizer attempts to match previous batches, this is not always possible. We attempt to update our photos when dramatically different colors are received so the photos will match as closely as possible to the current stock items.
Q. Will the color wear off of my pen?
A. Our aluminum pens feature anodize and Cerakote finishes. Although these are extremely durable, it is possible to wear through the finish. Carrying your pen in your pocket with items like keys and coins will wear out the finish. Threaded portions of the pen will eventually show wear under normal use.
Q. What is the anodized finish, is it paint?
A. The anodized finish on our products is an oxide layer formed on the surface of the aluminum parts using an electrochemical process. The color that you see is actually part of the surface of the material and will not wash or peel off like paint.
Q. What is Cerakote?
A. Cerakote is a temperature-cured, spray-on ceramic coating that is used in a variety of industries including automotive, defense, outdoors, and sports. While Cerakote has been tested and rated at the highest levels of hardness, corrosion resistance, flexibility, and heat; it is not nearly as durable as anodize. Like all coatings, Cerakote can and will naturally wear when carried against objects of a similar or greater hardness than the Cerakote. Cerakote can chip or crack if dropped onto hard surfaces.
Q. What refills do your pens take?
A. Our pens fit different refills depending on the model. Compatible refills are listed in the product description of each pen.
Q. Do your pens come with ink cartridges installed?
A. Yes they do! Each pen comes with a refill so that you can start writing immediately. We do also sell several refills separately if you need an extra or want to try something new.
Q. The brass, bronze, copper, and titanium versions of your pens come in a “raw” finish, what does this mean?
A. Many of the the brass, bronze, and copper pens are polished to a high shine before they are shipped out. There is no protective finish applied to the pens, so they will age and darken over time and with use. You can leave the natural surface patina or maintain the high polish using standard metal polishing methods. Neither method will effect the usability of the pen. The other raw finish is our tumbled raw finish, available on brass, bronze, copper, and titanium. This finish is a force wearing of the surface layer of the pen by using a large mechanical tumbler and ceramic media. This finish provides a more “utilitarian” look and hides minor scuffs and scratches better.
Q. I noticed small flaws on the surface of my pen, is that normal?
A. Because of the manufacturing processes we use to make our pens, small imperfections can occasionally show up on the finished products, this is normal. Contact us if you have any questions about your pens.
Q. How do I clean my pen?
A. Wipe down the metal pens with a clean, damp cloth. A small amount of mild detergent or alcohol may be used as well. Only use soap and water on your resin pens. Avoid abrasives or cleaners with caustic ingredients.
Q. Your pens are made of metal, aren’t they heavy?
A. Most of our pens come standard in three versions, typically aluminum, brass and copper. The aluminum is lightest and the copper and brass are about 3 times as heavy as the aluminum. If you like lightweight pens, aluminum is your best bet. While heavier than plastic, our aluminum pens are actually lighter than most people think. Accurate weights are listed on the purchase page for each pen.
Q. What materials are your pens made from?
A. Our standard pens are made from aluminum, brass, copper, and now titanium. Some of our fountain pens are made from acrylic, or other plastics. We have also added bronze and titanium to some of our pens, though bronze is a limited release option.
Q. I accidentally damaged my pen, can you fix it?
A. We can fix some damage. Email us with photos and your questions about the repair. If it is determined we can repair the pen, you will be responsible for shipping costs.
Q. I want to modify or alter my pen, can I do this myself?
A. Modifications not made by us that result in loss of function or other damage voids the warranty and lifetime service guarantee. Modifications include, but are not limited to: surface treatment removal or addition, clip alteration, screw alteration, addition of paint, anodizing titanium parts, electroplating, engraving, re-machining, or any alteration that significantly changes the look or function of the item.
Q. Can you make me a pen with a different shape?
A. No, we only offer our pens in our standard designs.
Q. Do you recommend specific ink for fountain pens?
A. We do not recommend specific inks or brands of ink for use with our fountain pens. The ink does need to be fountain pen ink as opposed to India ink or other liquid inks, as those inks are not designed and developed for safe use with fountain pens. We do NOT recommend inks that contain “glitter” or inks branded as “shimmer” inks, even those in which the maker advertises them as “safe for fountain pens”. Use of these inks in our fountain pens will void the warranty and exchange policy on the nib and could void the warranty on the pen itself. If you are unsure of the ink you are using please use our contact form and ask us if your preferred ink is safe with your pen.
Q. Can I put a Bock nib on a non Karas Pen?
A. Yes, our nibs will directly fit into several other brands by threading in the nib unit into the other pen. We do not keep a list of competitors that also use the Bock nib, you can seek out advice on the Fountain Pen Network Forum. Attempting to pull the nib and feed from one of our Bock nib units and placing it onto another manufacturers pen that does not accept the Bock nib unit is not advised. This type of behavior is against our policy and you are warned to perform at your own risk, we will not accept any returns or exchanges on nibs that have been used in this manner.
Q. What is your nib exchange policy and warranty?
A. We accept nib exchanges with 30 days of purchase for U.S. customers and 60 days of purchase for international customers. The customer must ensure the nib being returned has been cleaned thoroughly and ship the nib back to us using our service request form found below. Customers are liable for nib exchange postage. Damage done to the nib will void any exchange. Bock does not warranty their nibs, and we do not provide a warranty for items we do not manufacture. We do test all of our nibs when they are assembled to ensure they function correctly. We then clean them before shipping them.
Q. Should my nib write immediately out of the box?
A. Yes, with some caveats. We now test all of the nibs prior to installing them on a pen to ensure they write correctly. They are tested with a filled converter using our Karas Pen Co inks made by Papier Plume. They are flushed with water before shipping to remove any ink residue. Therefore they should work when you receive them, however, in some circumstances nibs can need further tuning or smoothing to work properly. In the event your writing angle is such that the pen is at a much greater angle than 45 degrees (specifically between 60 and 90 degrees) you may encounter some ink flow and smoothness issues. We test the nibs at angles between 40 and 60 degrees which is a relatively standard writing angle. Also you can run into flow issues with certain types of inks as well as certain cartridges. If you are experiencing issues, please complete a contact form so we can help troubleshoot your pen.
Q. What sizes of lead insert can I choose from?
A. We use Schmidt DSM 2007, thread-in metal inserts which are available in 0.5mm and 0.7mm.
Q. Can I use other types of mechanical pencil lead?
A. Absolutely. You can use any 0.5mm or 0.7mm lead you prefer to write with. Simply unscrew the upper body from lower grip, remove the plastic plug from the internal lead insert, put desired lead in the insert, replace plastic plug, and screw the pencil back together.
Q. Can I adapt my Retraktable to accept a pen refill?
A. Unfortunately, due to the internal machining for the lead insert, the Retraktable cannot accommodate any type of pen refill. Alternatively, you cannot adapt a Retrakt rollerball to accept the pencil insert.
Q. Does the Retraktable have an eraser?
A. Based on feedback from our test subjects, we decided not to include an “on-board” eraser. We were advised that most “on-board” erasers are pointless, hard to use, and often lost. Instead, each Retraktable ships with a Pentel Hi-Polymer eraser so you can erase to your heart’s content.
Q. How will my order ship?
A. Our free domestic shipping will be shipped via USPS Ground Advantage. Other domestic shipping methods are available for purchase and include USPS Priority, FedEx OneRate 2-day, FedEx Overnight. International orders may ship either via USPS or FedEx depending on current shipping factors in the destination country.
Q. Do you ship internationally?
A. Yes, we do ship internationally. Buyers are responsible for any customs or import fees associated with the order (including VAT). Payment for these fees are due upon receipt of the package. We will not falsify customs forms to make it cheaper to import items, it is illegal and we just won’t do it. We have expanded our International shipping services to include live-rate shipping via FedEx, as well as other options and may expand them further as time goes on.
Q. How long does it take for my order to ship?
A. Most orders are processed within 3 business days, though at times due to higher volumes of orders it can take up to 5 days to ship. After orders are processed, they are then shipped. Orders shipped within the continental United States usually arrive in 2-3 business days once the order is processed. Delivery times for International orders vary based on the selected service and your location.
Q. Can I track my package after it ships?
A. All domestic orders automatically include tracking information. International orders are trackable based on the shipping service chosen at checkout. International flat rate shipping is not trackable. Applicable tracking information will be emailed to the buyer after the order is processed and has been shipped. The package can then be tracked through the applicable shipping service.
Q. Can I get free shipping?
A. We now offer free domestic shipping on ALL orders and have priced our discount International shipping prices to $20.00 USD.