In a world that moves faster every day, there’s something grounding — even luxurious — about the deliberate act of putting pen to paper. A fine pen is more than a tool; it’s an extension of the hand and mind, a quiet companion to ideas. With that philosophy in mind, we’re proud to introduce the Mizunara Motor — a signature collaboration between Gelsey Pen Company and MizunaraCraft.
Handcrafted by master penmaker Andrew Gelsey, the Mizunara Motor pairs two remarkable materials: MotorCity Agate (also known as Fordite) and Japanese Mizunara Oak. One is born from Detroit's golden era of automotive manufacturing. The other, from the ancient forests of Japan — a favorite of revered whiskey distillers. Together, they form a pen unlike any other.
A Cap with a Past: The Legacy of Fordite
At the top of the pen sits a striking, polished cap made from Fordite, a rare and vibrant byproduct of Detroit’s automotive past. Layer upon layer of enamel overspray, built up over years on factory walls and equipment, eventually hardened into stone-like blocks — now known as MotorCity Agate.
These layers were never meant to be seen. But when cut and polished, they reveal hypnotic bands of color: electric blues, candy reds, muscle-car silvers. Each piece is completely unique. And each one carries the spirit of American craftsmanship, repurposed and reimagined.
The Body: Japanese Mizunara, Distilled into Form
In contrast to the industrial origins of the cap, the lower half of the pen is turned from Mizunara Oak, a rare wood found only in Japan. Beloved by whisky makers for its complex grain and aromatic qualities, Mizunara is notoriously difficult to work with — but rewards the patient artisan with unmatched beauty and depth.
Every cut, curve, and polish in the Mizunara Motor is done by hand. The wood’s grain is subtle yet expressive, shifting from pale straw to deep gold with use and time. For collectors and connoisseurs, Mizunara is more than material — it's a symbol of patience, aging, and craft. Its inclusion in this pen makes it especially meaningful for Japanese whisky lovers and those who appreciate rare natural materials.
Antique Brass: A Perfect Counterbalance
Uniting the two ends of the pen is a base and internal mechanism finished in Antique Brass — a warm, aged metal that complements both the earthy tone of the wood and the vivid geometry of the Fordite. The result is a pen that feels as good as it looks: substantial in the hand, perfectly weighted, and effortlessly balanced.
This is not a desk accessory to be admired from afar. It’s built for use, designed to grow more beautiful with time as the brass gains a natural patina and the Mizunara develops its own unique character.
A Gift with Meaning
While the Mizunara Motor is a versatile everyday writer, it also makes a deeply personal and symbolic gift. It’s perfect for:
-
Japanese whisky enthusiasts, who will immediately recognize the rarity and reverence of Mizunara oak
-
Design aficionados and auto lovers, drawn to the one-of-a-kind story and color of Fordite
-
Writers, thinkers, and collectors, seeking tools with substance and soul
Each pen comes with a certificate of authenticity and is packaged in a handcrafted box — a keepsake in its own right.
A Pen with a Story to Tell
The Mizunara Motor is more than just a beautiful object. It’s a meeting of cultures, disciplines, and histories. Detroit steel and Japanese oak. Precision and patience. Color and texture. Utility and art.
Crafted in small batches and available exclusively through Gelsey Pen Company in collaboration with MizunaraCraft, this pen isn’t just made to last — it’s made to live, evolve, and tell stories for years to come.
Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it for yourself, the Mizunara Motor is the kind of object that turns everyday writing into something intentional — and unforgettable.