A fountain pen is a classic writing instrument that has been around for centuries. It is stylish and can be used for various reasons. If you’re new to fountain pens, this post is for you! In this article, we will answer common questions on fountain pens. We will cover how to write with a fountain pen, how to hold a fountain pen, how to refill fountain pens and more!
A Brief History of Fountain Pen
The first known use of a pen was in ancient Egypt over 4,000 years ago. They were made from reeds or feathers and used ink stored in small pots or vases. The Egyptians would use them for writing on papyrus scrolls. The Romans also used pens, but they were made from metal or bone. Around the 11th century, quills were used for writing and remained in use until the 19th century, when fountain pens became popular.
Fountain pens are a type of pen that contains an internal reservoir of water-based liquid ink which is where it gets its name from. The first patent was issued to Lewis Waterman in 1884 for a fountain pen design that used a feed to keep the ink constantly flowing. Fountain pens have been around for over 130 years and remain popular today because of their classic styling and the unique way they write.
How to Write with a Fountain Pen?
Fountain pens are easy to use, but there are some things you should know before getting started.
It is essential to know how to hold a fountain pen since holding it the right way will make your writing more comfortable and reduce stress on the hands.
1. Holding It Right: The Proper Way to Hold A Fountain Pen
The proper way of holding a fountain pen is with index (pointing) finger, middle finger, and ring finger. The thumb should be placed on the other side of the pen barrel.
Some people find it more comfortable to hold the pen between their thumb and first two fingers. Experiment with both ways to see which feels better for you.
2. Gripping It Tight: How Not to Hold a Fountain Pen
Do not hold the pen too tight – this can lead to fatigue and cramping in your fingers. Also, do not smother it with your palm or lean on it while writing; this could damage the nib or feed (the part of the pen that holds ink).
3. Writing Style: The way you write matters
Be careful when writing with a fountain pen. The way you write matters. Do not write too hard because this could damage the nib or feed of the pen (the part that holds ink).
Do not scratch your paper while writing – use light pressure instead; otherwise, it might ruin your handwriting and make it harder to read what was written on such a delicate surface as paper.
4. The Right Angle: How to Hold a Fountain Pen for Best Results
Ideally, it would help if you held the pen at an angle of about 30 degrees when writing. This will help the ink flow smoothly and prevent blotching or smudging.
How to Refill Fountain Pens?
Fountain pens can be refilled with bottled fountain pen ink using various refill methods. The three most popular ways to fill up your fountain pen are via an eyedropper, manually with a syringe, or by removing the reservoir altogether and filling it with the help of an ink bottle.
Eyedroppers are glass bottles that come with rubber stoppers at their end. The eyedropper is inserted into the ink bottle, and then the rubber stopper is removed, allowing you to suck up the desired amount of ink with the help of your mouth. Be careful not to get any air bubbles inside the pen as it can cause problems down the line.
The second method, which doesn’t require an eyedropper, uses a hypodermic syringe. A standard insulin syringe with a plastic Luer-lock tip is sufficient for this purpose. The needle should be filled with ink and then inserted into the pen’s reservoir. Then, by pulling back on the plunger slowly, you will be able to fill up your fountain pen.
The third and final method for refilling your fountain pen doesn’t require any special tools – you remove the reservoir from the barrel of the pen, fill it with ink, then put it back in place. Be careful not to get any ink on the threads of the reservoir or inside the barrel, as it can be challenging to clean.
How to Get a Fountain Pen Started?
Fountain pens have a reputation for being demanding and challenging to use. However, this is not always true. It’s usually easy to get started with your fountain pen once you know how the ink delivery system works, how to hold the pen correctly, and how much pressure should be applied when writing.
For example, You can write with a fountain pen or use it to draw.
You hold a fountain pen in your hand similarly to any other writing instrument, adjusting the angle of the nib to suit your style. As long as the ink is flowing and not being applied too heavily, there’s no right way or wrong way to hold one!
Types of Fountain Pen Ink
There are five basic types of fountain pen ink to choose from dye-based (water-soluble), pigment-based (water-resistant), carbon black, or iron gall inks. The most common type used today is dye-based.
1. Dye-based inks
Dye-based inks are the most common type of ink used today and come in various colors, including black, blue, and red. They have good flow characteristics when used with fountain pens and can be generally less expensive than other types of ink. Some brands include Waterman, Parker Quinkflow, and Sailor.
2. Pigment-based inks
Pigment-based inks are also available, usually in black ink. They are water-resistant and can be used in fountain pens with a permanent nib. These nibs are designed to provide good line variation when writing with a slightly flexible pen. However, pigment-based inks usually cost more than dye-based inks and can be harder to find. Some brands include Sheaffer Skrip and Rohrer & Klingner.
3. Iron gall ink
Iron gall ink is a traditional type of fountain pen ink that has been used for many years. It is made from iron salts and tannic acids and has excellent water resistance and archival properties. It is available in black and brown colors. However, iron gall ink can cause corrosion to metals, so it is not recommended for use with brass or copper pens. Some brands include Diamine Registrar’s Ink and Platinum Carbon Black.
4. Carbon black ink
Carbon black ink is a dye-based black ink commonly used in fountain pens. It has good water resistance and is available in various colors, including sepia, gray and blue. Some brands include Faber-Castell (Germany) and Private Reserve (USA).
There are also ‘specialty’ inks such as iron gall bulletproof or water-resistant inks that have been developed for use by professional writers and artists. However, some of these types of ink may be more expensive to purchase than dye-based inks and are not always readily available.
Water-based fountain pen ink is the most common type used today; however, there are also other types such as oil-based and permanent inks.
What to Consider for Buying Fountain Pen Ink?
When selecting a bottled fountain pen ink, it is essential to consider the following factors:
- The type of ink (dye-based, pigment-based, carbon black, or iron gall)
- The color of the ink
- The water-resistance of the ink
- Whether the ink is lightfast
- The price of the ink
Many brands of bottled fountain pen ink are available, and each comes in various colors. It is crucial to select an ink that will work well with the fountain pen you are using, has good water resistance, and is lightfast. Not all inks are created equal, so it is essential to do your research before purchasing.
What to Look for When You Purchase Fountain Pens?
When you are looking to purchase your very own fountain pen, it is vital that you keep in mind a few key factors. The following will help you determine what type of fountain pen best suits your needs:
1. Pen Body Material:
Fountain pens come in various materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. Consider which material would be most convenient for you when deciding which one to purchase.
2. Pen Tip Material:
You can choose from a wide array of pen tip materials, such as steel, gold, and titanium. Steel nibs are durable and easy to maintain, but they wear out faster than other materials. Gold is prized because it gives fountain pens their unique writing experience and smoothness, while titanium is excellent for people who have allergies to gold or nickel.
3. Nib Size:
When choosing a nib size, you should consider the purpose of your fountain pen. For example, you can choose from fine (F), which gives fine lines and details, but they take longer to dry, while broad (B) pens give thicker lines that are easier to see and dry faster.
4. Nib Shape:
There are various nib shapes that you can choose from, including round and oblique. Round nibs have rounded edges, while oblique ones feature angled tips to make it easier for left-handed people to write with them because they don’t smudge as much on the paper when held at an angle as right-handed pens do.
5. Pen Size:
Fountain pens come in different sizes, so you should choose one that fits comfortably in your hand. You can opt for extra small (XS) or large (L) if desired but know that smaller ones may be harder to hold and write with, while larger versions tend not to fit inside pockets easily.
6. Cap Design:
Fountain pen caps come in many different designs, including snap-on, screw-on, and slip-on models. You can choose from the following based on your preferences and needs: Snap caps have a button that you push down to open them – which means they are easy but not as secure to carry around; screw-on caps can be difficult to remove, but they are very secure and unlikely to fall off; slip-on caps are the most common type of cap and can be easily attached or removed.
7. Refillable:
Many fountain pens come with refillable ink cartridges, so you don’t have to worry about replacing the entire pen or running out of ink. If you want to refill your fountain pen from time, choose one that comes with a refillable cartridge.
8. Price Point:
Fountain pens can range in price from less than $50 up to the thousands depending on how fancy they are and what kind of materials they’re made of. It’s essential to set a budget before looking at any pens so you know what fits your needs while staying within that price range.
How to Make a Fountain Pen?
It might be fun to make a fountain pen all on your own. All you need is a pen barrel, ink cartridge, and some pliers.
- Use the pliers to remove the old ink cartridge from the pen barrel.
- Insert the new ink cartridge into the pen barrel.
- Secure it in place with the pliers.
That’s all there is to it! Your fountain pen is now ready to use.
Related Questions and Answers
Fountain pen ink is the liquid that fills fountain pens and should not be confused with drawing ink. Drawing inks are made from dye, while fountain pen ink is a suspension of pigment particles or stains in water. Some fountain pen companies also manufacture bottled drawing ink for dip pens and brushes. These are usually labeled as drawing inks or calligraphy inks.
Drawing ink should not be used with fountain pens because it is too thin and will flow through the fountain pen feed uncontrollably, causing leakage and stains. Drawing ink may also dry out inside a pen, clogging the nib. In addition, some drawing inks have corrosive properties that may damage pens. Drawing inks are also not lightfast, which will fade when exposed to light.
Many different bottled fountain pen ink brands are available today, and a vast array of colors from which to choose. In addition, professional writers and artists have developed many ‘specialty’ inks, such as iron-gall, bulletproof, or water-resistant. Some inks, such as the Sailor brand, are also scented in Japan.
Using colored pens is not allowed when writing checks. Instead, you need to use the color black.
You want the recipient to read what you wrote, so use a dark blue or black pen instead of red or pink. Some banks require that you only use ballpoint pens, and others will ask that you refrain from using gel ink pens. Never sign a blank check because it can be filled out for any amount and cashed or deposited by someone else.
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Conclusion
Fountain pens are a stylish and classical way to write. They come in many different models and can be refillable. It is crucial to find the right pen for your needs and preferences and understand how to write with it and hold it correctly. There are many different ways to write with a fountain pen, so experiment until you find the one that works best for you.
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