THE LOST ART OF FOUNTAIN PEN WRITING
Few people in the United States are ever exposed to fountain pens, but they stand as a tool that is especially useful for students.
Of course, in the day of technological convenience, it is strange to suggest putting an abnormal effort investing into what may seem to be an anachronistic tool. However, studies continue to support the suggestion that handwriting improves memory. And most importantly, it is still a good idea to brush up on the use of tactile writing, as opposed to typing.
But what, really, is a fountain pen? Simply, a pen that has a reservoir of ink, is refillable, and generally uses water-based inks as opposed to the oil-based inks that ballpoints use today.
Historically, the first pens were quill pens, which required an animal quill (feather) and a bottle of ink at the ready. The problem was that while the quill was the primary tool of nonverbal communication, it was inconvenient to carry both the ink bottle and the quill. This led to the invention of the fountain pen. Over time, the fountain pen became the standard that people would use until BiC introduced the BiC Cristal – one of the best-selling pens of all time.
Fountain pens are best known as the predecessor to the current ballpoint pens that most people know, and use, today. While most people might recognize the fountain pen as a “calligraphy pen,” it is technically incorrect to refer to a fountain pen as a calligraphy pen, as the nib (metallic writing tip found on all pens) of calligraphy pens are disposable, and don’t use water-based inks.
If fountain pens are so good, you might ask, why were they replaced?
In short, it is because fountain pens do have disadvantages. First, they are less than ideal for air travel as the rising air pressure causes the pen to leak. Second, because they are refillable, fountain pens are seldom designed to be disposable. This can cause problems if the user carrying one is prone to losing pens, and because they have higher upfront costs. Lastly, it is important to keep the cap in the pen when not using it, as the ink dries up even faster – especially compared to ballpoints.
While fountain pen advocates will say there are specific models designed to counter one of the three disadvantages, they are either expensive – even among fountain pens – and lack variety.
Of course, with the disadvantages also come other advantages.
While the upfront fountain pen costs are higher than ballpoint pens, inks for fountain pens are very affordable and downright cheap, especially if bought in bottles. A luxury bottle of fountain pen ink (example: Pilot Iroshizuku) costs 20 cents per refill, while a more affordable brand (example: Noodler’s Inks) costs almost 7 cents per refill. In contrast, a cartridge refill for Pilot G2s (No. 1-selling pen in the U.S.) costs $1.50 per refill – an 8 times difference between a luxury bottle of ink and a ballpoint cartridge.
There also is a wider variety of ink colors, from classic black and blue inks to exotic yellows. browns, and grays, all up to your discretion. In addition to colors, fountain pen inks can have special properties – from improved water resistance, inks with glitter, inks that shine only under UV light, to laserproof (Yes: laserproof!) qualities.
Lastly, fountain pens can accommodate many writing preferences. Do you prefer a finer, or broader, line? A smooth pen or a tactile pen? A large pen or a small pen? Fountain pens can accomodate all of those choices. And because fountain pens use water-based inks, even mid-priced fountain pens have a smoother flow than the most expensive ballpoints can achieve.
To summarize, I believe that most students would stand to benefit from what a fountain pen offers. Its long-term cost effectiveness and ability to match an individual’s writing preferences means that the experience of handwriting improves notably for those willing to commit the time to understanding how to use one.
If you are a student who does not fly regularly, are not prone to losing your items, and can remember to keep the cap on your pen when using it, then a fountain pen may be good choice for you, as the advantages are most likely useful for your lifestyle.
I grew up in Fort Madison, Iowa, home of the Sheaffer Pen manufacturer and have been using a fountain pen since 4th grade. I came to appreciate the quality of the Sheaffer White Dot line of pens and use nothing else. I own more than a couple dozen pen sets and the indestructible mechanical pencil.
My dad died in November. I recall watching scratching away on thick paper with his fountain pen for years. He only used ballpoint on occasion. Thinking about old school items – fountain pen like my dads on ebay – a Parker © 1952-am enjoying it immensely along with leather journal I bought. A writing teacher told us once writing with a pen seems to be better for him. All his books were written with a pen. There is a difference between typing on a key board and writing on paper – magic is there with the latter.
You can buy an Italic broad-edged nib or grind a chisel edge onto a pointed nib, and then you have a calligraphy fountain pen capable of producing thick and thin strokes. There are also pens with highly flexible nibs for script writing or pressure- weighted lettering.
I have an architect nib produced by Dan Smith at the Nibsmith. I prefer the architect nibs over the stub nibs because they’re more comfortable to me. But I think that stubs are more universal for most people. Personally, my dream nib is to get the broadest standard nib I can get. I remember Pelikan produced a triple broad nib which looked very satisfying to write. I hope that there’s even more broad nibs out there!
-Brad
Google Mike Masuyama.
He is a nib meister par excellence.
I love the experience of writing with a FP. Simple as that. Stopped when I was ruining too many shirts. No longer working so back with vengeance.
Would appreciate leads to the best online FP aficionados on the Net. TIA
I’ve been lucky not to have had messy shirts yet but I’ve always carried them in a pen case in my pocket or bag and I prefer shirts without pockets anyways. As for aficionados, you can always ask nibmeisters like Dan Smith at the Nibsmith or John Mottishaw at Nibs. Obviously, if you can convince Richard Binder to come out of retirement for you, you are one lucky son-of-a-gun. But I also suggest fountain specialty retailors like Gouletpens, Goldspot Pen, Jetpens (For Japanese pens) and Appelboom (High End).
Brad
It is pleasure writing in fountain pens writings Reflect your Personality.it gives pleasure,Happyness,Satisfaction etc writing in Fountain pens.
It’s Really Great in writing with Fountain pens.
Tnx
Just nice to know my obsession with fountain pens is not entirely unique. I’ve a Mark Twain Mont Blanc and some Jinhao pens with a few Cross fountain pens and an inexpensive Parker pen whose nib is among my favorites.
I recently explored the Fisher Space Pen cartridges and like them for their portability and reliability under a wider variety of conditions. I have one of those cartridges housed in a 1987 Parker Classic sterling silver ballpoint with its share of dings and scratches, but it very dear to me. My wife found it on eBay for an exceptional price and I’ve restored it to its original luster.
I still cannot give up the joyous experience of writing with fountain pens, however. Nothing compares and just watching the ink dry on the paper as one writes in the right light makes me very happy.
There’s no denying that a fountain pen has its disadvantages. I remember gifting a Fisher Space Pen to last year’s Editor-In-Chief because a journalist may go through unpredictable environments.
I’ve got a Cross Townsend fountain pen in fine but I hardly write with it since I prefer using broad nibs. I can totally relate to the drying of ink. It’s especially fun when you use paper like Tomoe River which brings the sheen out of a lot of inks.
How does the Montblanc Mark Twain write? I’ve always had an interest in the Meisterstuck collection but Montblanc is certainly famous for their special edition pens.
I’m a writer,and an internet search for something (I couldn’t tell you now what it was) led to reading articles about authors and screenwriters who write their first drafts by hand. That in turn led me to reading about fountain pens and their author fans. I even joined a subreddit about fountain pens. The more I read and researched, the more I wanted to buy one. Well, I now have some pens and ink purchased and waiting to ship. They are not expensive pens by any means: a set of four Jinhao pens for just north of three dollars each. But I’m looking forward to getting into the FP world, and I’m going to start writing some, if not all, of my first drafts with a fountain pen (the one I’m working on now I’m using a twelve-cent ballpoint). Thanks for the article. I enjoyed it.
Thanks David! I had a few Jinhao pens and in my experience and they served me well for the price. I’m unsure of what pens you purchased, but if it is compatible, I highly recommend switching the nibs with a #6 size nib from JoWo. Ironically, chances are that the nibs are more expensive than the pens themselves, but I find that the improved writing experience is totally worth it!
Also, consider purchasing a Pilot G2 when fountain pens are not appropriate. They’re extremely common and affordable but I never appreciated how well they write until I got into fountain pens.
Since my previous comment last January, I have purchased more fountain pens. I now have sixteen of them (it would be seventeen, but the Zebra FP refused to work properly). The Jinhaos i had mentioned before are 250s. I have some Wing Sung 3008s, four from tje 5-piece sampler form JetPens, and a Pilot Metropolitan. All of them have Fine or Extra Fine nibs. I have several Conklins and Watermans on various wishlists. I’m not falling deeper into the FP rabbit hole, I’m propelling myself deeper. I’ll be buying more pens and inks in the future.
A lot of people today are not romantic. There’s an air of romanticism about a fountain pen wit the perfect ink. There’s nothing romantic about a felt tip. rollerball or gel pen. Hey work as would a burnt twig. A fountain pen can be a sexy way of communication. Write a not to someone you love with a fountain pen shows you care. Using a Bic just barely does the job. A fountain pen shows so much more. Just don’t scribble.
Thanks John!
I think there’s romanticism in doing things the old fashioned way in general! Not too long ago, I wrote a letter with my Twsbi Eco (With a beautiful Diamine Apple Glory) to my aunt. It was the first she had been sent a handwritten letter in years and she kept it.
I’ve been thinking of trying a vintage Parker pen, alas I have not pulled the trigger yet! Although I still love my gel Pilot G2! It serves me faithfully when a fountain pen is not appropriate.
-Brad
Yes, elegant
I have used fountain pens my whole life. There is something elegant about writing with a well made fountain pen on good paper. My handwriting is much neater when using a fountain pen. I have quite a collection of pens from Jinhaos to Mont Blancs and a plethora of colored inks! It makes communicating much more interesting,
I have used fountain pens for half a decade now. I thoroughly enjoy experiencing the P.I.P trio (Pen, Ink, Paper) when I get the chance though Clairefontaine paper is a luxury for me. Never owned a Montblanc, since I’m saving up for a Pelikan M1000. The online fountain pen community is one of the best communities on the internet ever. So much positivity!
-Brad Le