Some pieces of wood refuse to give up their secrets easily, and this was one of the toughest I've ever turned. But sometimes, once you get it turned, I realize that it was simply protecting its inner beauty just because it was so incredible. That was the case with this piece of afzelia burl, a rare species from Southeast Asia.

I picked up this dark piece of wood on a whim, not really knowing what I'd find once I started turning it. At first, it seemed nondescript, but then its lovely burl-like patterns began to show themselves. Paired with bright copper fittings, the result is a warm, brown ballpoint with a fascinating subtle grain. In short, it's exactly the kind of pen that keeps me search for new woods and combinations.

This Perfect Fit is the first pen I've ever turned in Jobillo, but it certainly won't be my last. This Central American exotic has a dark heartwood with streaks of contrasting warm tones. And of course, the Perfect Fit is my personal favorite, when it comes to ballpoints.

I love this wood -- a warm color with dramatic grains that really call attention to a ballpoint. I'm going to start making more ballpoints in Bocote, but for now, this is the only one I have.

When I want a no-fuss, hardworking pen, this is the one I reach for. It opens with a solid "click" and writes like a dream. It uses the Parker T-Ball Jotter refill, which is available in fine, medium or gel.

When I want a no-fuss, hardworking pen, this is the one I reach for. It opens with a solid "click" and writes like a dream. It uses the Parker T-Ball Jotter refill, which is available in fine, medium or gel.

This is a pen you won't see available from many pen makers, but it's one of my favorites. The center band is gorgeous, the fittings and platings are very high quality, and the lines are sleek and graceful.