I crafted this fountain pen from a piece of rare, aged African Sandalwood. It features an exceptionally fine texture with a deep, rich color that ranges from dark red to nearly black—a truly rare quality.
Please note that the hand holding the pen in the final photo belongs to my 4-year-old daughter, which makes the pen appear a bit large in scale!
Part of my XiaoZhuo series, this writing instrument combines simple natural wood elegance with thoughtful craftsmanship.
XiaoZhuo is SIMEICHU's compact pocket-size pen series. It is made as a refined writing tool: good-looking, distinctive, dependable in daily use, and enjoyable to hold.
It is short when capped and more comfortable when posted. Current natural wood models use a short cartridge-based writing system. Check the product options for the available fountain pen nib or Schmidt rollerball writing unit.
Camwood, also sold as African Sandalwood or Barwood, refers to Baphia nitida, a dense red hardwood from West Africa. In China, it is often known as Ketan or Côte d’Ivoire red sandalwood.
When freshly finished, the wood can appear bright red or warm reddish brown. As it oxidizes over time, the color gradually deepens into dark red, wine red, or a near-black burgundy tone like the pen shown here.
Its fine grain and smooth polish give the finished pen a quiet, restrained appearance. Unlike more dramatic rosewoods, Camwood is not about bold pattern; its beauty comes from color depth, density, and the way it darkens with age.
This edition is for writers who prefer a darker wooden pen with warmth beneath the surface: subtle, solid, and naturally deepening over time.
| Feature | Detail | Feature | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | XiaoZhuo | Series | Natural Wood |
| Material | Natural Wood with Brass Accents | Finish | Hand-polished, Natural High Gloss |
| Writing Options | Fountain Pen / Cartridge Rollerball | Ink Supply | Standard International Short Cartridge |
| Length — Capped | 100 mm / 3.9 in | Length — Posted | 123 mm / 4.8 in |
| Weight | Approx. 18 g |
Official Schmidt Cartridge-Rollerball-System
Currently available with the 0.7 mm TC ball only
TC ball made from durable tungsten carbide
Compatible with Schmidt FH 41 and FH 241 fountain pen units
Uses standard international short ink cartridges
The XiaoZhuo is designed to support two interchangeable Schmidt writing systems: an FH 241 fountain pen unit with a #5 stainless steel nib, or a Cartridge-Rollerball-System with a 0.7 mm TC ball.
Choose your preferred writing system when ordering. The writing unit selected at checkout is included with the pen.
Due to the XiaoZhuo’s compact length, it cannot accommodate a standard ink converter. Please use standard international short cartridges, or refill an empty cartridge with a syringe.
Use it often. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth after use. Store it at normal room temperature.
Avoid high heat, direct sun, cars, heaters, air-conditioner vents, extreme dryness, high humidity, alcohol, and harsh cleaners.
For shipping, returns, wood care, cartridges, and XiaoZhuo design notes, please see our FAQ.
