Testimonials
My testimonials page is not here for me to brag about how good I am - It's here as type of "seal of approval". It's a compilation of people all saying: "this guy does good work!" It's here so that you know who you are dealing with, and what quality of work you can expect from me.
December 19th, 2011 - Sheaffer Snorkel restoration
"Hi Tyler,
Just wanted to let you know that I got the Snorkels last week, and they're working great! They fill up nice and smooth, and write very well. The black Clipper writes a touch more smoothly than the blue Statesman, though I suspect that's because it has a larger nib. I'm very satisfied and will keep you in mind for future repairs.
Thanks for your hard work and fast turnaround! "
- Sean C.
December 16th, 2011 - Various stub and cursive italic re-grinds
"Hey Tyler, my pens arrived yesterday, and I spent a little time writing with each of them last night. Wow, they are great...you did a terrific job. They are wonderful! Smooth and with great line variation. Only problem I have is figuring out which to use next. I think my two favorites are the blue cobalt Balance II and the cobalt Legacy.
Hope you have a good holiday and get into your new home soon."
- Doug B.
November 30th, 2011 - Waterman nib tuning and Vacumatic restoration
"Hi Tyler,
Pens arrived in the mail today and I had a chance to try them out. Well done! The nib work on the Waterman is outstanding. The pen flows much better, and I can now achieve much better shading when flexing. And it's much smoother! The Parker was also nicely done. The barrel clarity you were able to get is just great. I don't know what they looked like new, but I would imagine very much like mine does, and it certainly didn't before. I know replacing a diaphragm is probably routine for you, but the pen works wonderfully now and I am happy to finally be able to use it. These are the only vintage pens I own, but am totally amazed at what you were able to do with them. Assuming I need any new repairs in the future, I know where to go. Thank you!"
- Trevor B.
November 28th, 2011 - XXF re-grind to a Swan full-flex nib
"Hy Tyler,
I received the Mabie Todd back from you today & wanted to let you know I'm just blown away. The quality of your work on the replacement nib is just outstanding. It takes exceptional skill to get an xxf regrind as smooth as you managed. I appreciate your speed as well in getting it back to me so soon. I will be sending you a 1920 Waterman soon for the same regrind.
Best regards "
- Steve H.
November 17th, 2011 - Nib smoothing for 16 pens
"Greetings Tyler and thank you very much for making my pens a joy to use. Until now they have not been very smooth, and their flow was not what I wanted. Overall, they were very unsatisfying. After all, I bought them as I wished to enjoy using them but they were not a pleasure to write with.
Now, however, they are excellent!
I am finding the joy of writing that should have always been there, thanks to your high level of craftsmanship.
For a very small fee you have added value to the pens, which far exceeds their monetary worth.
Thank you again and I wish you all the best with your business.
Best regards, "
- Stephen H.
November 9th, 2011 - 1.0mm stub grind to a Pelikan M200 BB nib
"Hi Tyler,
I received the nib today and it's great!! Thanks so much. :-) "
- Haley P.
November 9th, 2011 - Nib Tuning, Cross Century
"Hi Tyler,
Just dipped it into some Eel Red to try it out, and it now writes so smoothly. :) Perfect for taking notes. Thanks for a fine job. "
- Fred M.
September 19th, 2011 - TWSBI 540 B stub re-grind, Sheaffer Balance nib tuning, and Vacmuatic restoration
"Hi Tyler,
I got the pens this morning! Thanks so much for your excellent, fast, and affordable work. The TWSBI stub is amazing--one of the most fun-to-write-with nibs in my collection. I've spent hours today grading assignments with the Sheaffer Balance and have seen no evidence of the weird flow problems that it had before you worked on it. And, finally, I'm thrilled to have my favorite "51" back in working order.
All the best,"
- Ron G.
September 19th, 2011 - Parker Sonnet nib tuning
"Got the pen back about 15 minutes ago and loaded it up with ink (BSB...) Even with this creepy ink, it no longer creeps. Nib is completely smooth and just amazing. even though it was tuned for my Fiancee, who is a righty, I might reclaim it, being a lefty. Thanks a bunch. If I ever need another nib tweaked, a pen is going your way."
- Ryan B.
September 13th, 2011 - Nib burnishing/bend removal
"Tyler:
Laban was fine. Beautiful job on the nib, true craftsmanship. Sorry about not getting back to you, I have been preoccupied with some community involvement. The nib looks better than new :) . I appreciate it."
- David Z.
September 8th, 2011 - M cursive italic re-grinds to 3 Pilot Vanishing Point nibs
"Oh my goodness, Tyler, these nibs are divine. You did a stupendous job, and rest assured, I have a few more pens headed your way."
- Marcea O.
September 3rd, 2011
"Hello Tyler.
The pens arrived yesterday (Friday), but it's been a busy weekend and I finally got a chance to open the package (everything was nicely packed and arrived safely) and try the pens. Went for the TWSBI first because it is my only pen with a custom Broad CI nib. Wow. Big difference from a standard fine or medium nib and I really like it. Filled with Noodler's Blue, it will be my check writing pen. Great job on the Rotring nib. Nice flow with Pelikan Brilliant Black and it is now a pleasure to write with.
Thanks again for the good work and the fast turnaround.
Regards,"
- Fred M.
8/24/2011 - Re-grinding of two improperly done cursive italic nibs
"Hi Tyler, I got them today and it is huge improvement from where they were. I believe they will be keepers and your work surpassed my expectations, given what you had to do.
Thanks again for your efforts,"
- David S.
8/22/2011 - Various cursive italic regrinds to four nibs
"Hi, Tyler--
It's the first day of classes here at college, and while I am never thrilled to see another summer end, this year, thanks to you, I have lots and lots of options for grading papers and taking notes during lectures.
Now that I have had several weeks to experiment with your handiwork, I write to thank you very much. I tend to prefer fine and extra-fine nibs, so I naturally gravitated toward the medium cursive-italics you ground for me. And they are indeed lovely--fine, with subtle variation, and incredibly smooth. I have one in my briefcase right now. But the broad CIs might bring me over to the big side--even greater line variation and even more smoothness; I keep looking for excuses to ink up one of those and enjoy the ride.
The German nibs you ground sell for $15 each at isellpens.com. As round nibs, they are perfectly serviceable. But add your reasonably priced grinding, and they are a superb bargain. If other customers ask you about the possibility of custom-ground steel nibs, I will be glad to sing their praises. With money tight and with the price of gold reaching new records constantly, these are a terrific budget option.
Thank you again, Tyler! You can bet that I will be back in touch with more work later. In the meantime, best wishes for success in your business."
- R. I.
8/22/2011 - 2 Pilot Vanishing point fine nibs, reground to cursive italics
"Hi Tyler, got the nibs today, they are great, popping 3 more in the mail to you tomorrow. These are all my mediums."
- Marcea O.
8/22/2011 - Esterbrook 9556 fine, tuned to the "Tyler Dahl standard" of smoothness and flow
"Hi Tyler,
Just wanted to let you know that the nib has arrived. As soon as it came, I swapped out my old nib for this new one, inked the pen up and wrote. Let me tell you that the nib is amazing! It's super smooth and has a touch of feedback to help me control the pen. Your prices are more than reasonable, and your service was great! I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for nib work. Great job!
Best Wishes,"
- Anand P.
8/19/2011 - Pelikan M605 Medium nib, reground to a true XF
"Hey Tyler,
I received my pen (Pelikan M605 Solid Blue) in the mail today. I am very happy with the flow and line size. Thanks, again."
- Jeff N.
8/8/2011 - Sailor Sapporo, nib smoothing
"Hey Tyler. Great job on my Sapporo! It's smoother than ever. Just the way I like it. Thanks for the incredibly speedy turnaround. I may have another pen for you soon.
Best Regards,"
- Stuart S.
8/1/2011
"Tyler:
Sorry I didn't get back to you last week. The pens arrived on Thursday and I've had a chance to dip test them all. They're great.
Thanks for doing such wonderful work. You've worked on three batches of vintage pens for me including parker 51 vacs, parker vacs, Sheaffer, Conklin, Waterman, Swan and Wahl Eversharp. You've done it all in about a month: impressive considering that includes three shipments from me, three back to me from you with no overlap (I didn't send a new shipment until I got the previous one). In all, I think the pens spent less time in your shop than they did in the mail. You kept me informed about progress and did exactly the work needed and you did it beautifully.
I've had a numberof pens restored by more than a few people over the last 30+ years. I've never seen quicker turn around and great communication combined with high quality work in general vintage pen restoration. (Your customer service is in the same class as Greg Minuskin)
I'll be sending my pens to you in the future. I'm happy to recommend you to the fountain pen community."
- Ross G.
7/20/2011
"Tyler--
WOW! What a difference! You are a genius. The Phileas Red pen is fine and spidery and lays down my red ink for a line as smooth as spiders silk!
The Phileas Grey is sporty, has a nice flair and while still broad, not bothersome like it was before.
And the Bulow writes as good as any of my “good” pens, and it cost me only $20 and your fix.
Amazing. I am VERY happy. Don’t see the fixed crack in my Phileas Grey at all.
I will definitely send the Pelican, which writes like a goose quill in comparison; and since you were kind enough to offer to look at that Falcon, (soaping did no good) I’d be fool not to have it working as well as these three favorite pens of mine (now)!
I may have had my doubts when you told me of the problem, but I’m here to testify! You are a miracle worker! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Best Wishes,
Your Happy Customer,"
- Jim B.
"Tyler:
The pens arrived yesterday. I've been having fun playing with them. Great work!
I'm putting another package of pens together for you. I'll get it in the mail this afternoon or tomorrow morning.
Thanks"
- Ross G.
"I finally loaded the Parker Duofold with Noodler's Midway Blue and I am loving it. I brought it to work today and it will be put through the paces of a work day. So far, awesome job getting that Duofold Junior back in the race!
I tried the Waterman Harley with Diamine Asa Blue last night and the line variation is very nice. I am still learning to write with a broader/wetter nib so it is going to take some practice. Overall, I am very happy with my pens and thank you for taking the time to work on them for me.
Regards,"
- I. Romero
"Tyler,
I just received the pen. It looks beautiful and writes with ease. Thank you for a professional job start to finish."
- Jack M.
"Hey Tyler,
I received the copper J in the mail today, inked it up with some Pelikan 4001 Royal Blue I grabbed at an antique mall yesterday, and she writes beautifully! The pen is gorgeous as well. Thanks for a great writer and intro into Fountain Pens!!"
- Timothy N.
"Tyler,
The pen is great! I have been using it daily since I got it.
I'll check out the other sales you have."
- Doug
"Hi there again Tyler.
I recieved my Esterbrook today and whas very pleased with the looks and condition of the pen. Thanks again and best regards to you and your family."
- Magnus C.PS: "Let me know if you have some more pens for sale in the future"
"Hi,
Pen arrived in the mail today.
My first Esterbrook and it is wonderful.
Inked in with some MB Seasons Greetings.....really enjoy it.
Beautiful condition - thanks so much."
- James M.
"777,
The beautiful Red LJ arrived today. That was fast delivery! :)
I have equipped it with my favorite #9668 nib and some vintage Red Sheaffer's Skrip ink.
I'm happy! It was nice doing business with you. Now please, do not post anymore lovely Esties for sale, as I may not be able to resist!
Thank you.
Best Regards,"
- Kathleen M.
"777,
Just got the pen today, and it looks great! Just wanted to say thanks and that it has been nice doing business with you. Also, a nice touch with the note by mentioning the ink and pen it was written with.
Thanks again,"
- Tony
"Tyler, the pen arrived yesterday and I'm very pleased with it. It's an elegant little beauty, I would never have guessed that it was a vintage pen from the shine on it and the immaculate nib. The nib suits me very well. I loaded it with Diamine Prussian Blue and think the ink and pen match each other very well. Thanks again for a great job and a great pen! You're right - I'm already thinking about a blue Esterbrook...maybe a red....but for now I'm really happy with the grey. cheers,"
- Dorothea H.
"Tyler,
Thank you for the Pen- it arrived last night and after filling it with some proper blue ink….. it is like writing on silk- very smooth.
Thank you again and I look forward to future purchases when something comes across your table."
- Wil V.
"It's late my time (actually, early 2AM+). Before I go to sleep, I just had to ink this pen.
Oh boy, this nib is something. A 1mm left-foot oblique stub; and it really is a stub - but it's tipped for wear. Yet the nib is not rounded at the edges, like you see with a cursive-italic. It takes a bit of discipline to use, especially when going crazy on the page.
Flow is excellent yet well-behaved at all font sizes; whether it be fast-flourished script over half a page or block-caps at crossword-puzzle size.
The pen is writing NIB UP at-length, even as I lay in bed filling sheets with writing weirdness. It's like I have anti-gravity ink in the sac!
First-Ink for me with this one is Pilot/Namiki blue. A fairly saturated blue with nice shading. But the flow with this nib screams for inks with a bit more saturation. We'll move to more exotic inks later.
Nice job on this one Tyler. It is in the hands of someone who will appreciate and care for it.
Best Regards,"
- David R.
"The Esterbrook pen just arrived, the delay was due to the mailer being ripped open by accident (I'm hoping). But it's here, and it looks amazing. You did an incredible job on the section, that one scratch is barely noticeable and you got rid of the others completely.
Many thanks, this is a present for my brother who saw it and loved it."
- Diane B.
"OK, the pen, nibs and ink just got here. Even though I’m working on a huge, complicated matter for a client, I stopped everything to open the package ( you use tape the way I do when I wrap Christmas presents to try and irritate my boys at the difficulty :) ), look at the nibs, open the ink, unwrap (lastly) the pen, admire it, fill the pen, and write with it. Man oh man, what a wonderful job you have done. That is certainly one of the sweetest writing nibs I have ever used! and I have quite a few nice ones (what will I do with them now?). And the pen itself, it shines! Thank you!"
- David P.