Nib Old
Fountain Pens and Tips for Shopping for One
Should you be a handwriting fan, you absolutely must buy a fountain pen. The fountain pen is a distinctive writing device that contains ink without the use of a cartridge, as a ballpoint pen does. Furthermore, fountain pens are beautiful, often handmade works that are often hailed as works of art. Fountain pens serve two purposes- they are attractive and they write well. Owning a high-end fountain pen has become a status symbol.
The fountain pen has become quite highly developed since its introduction in the middle of the 19th Century and still serves as a helpful tool to all kinds of writers even in today’s PC age. Several of the better-known makers of fountain pens are Parker, Mont Blanc, Sheaffer and Namiki. Prices can vary from just a few dollars to $50,000 or more limited-production collectors editions. Parker fountain pens, for example, come in a wide range of prices to appeal to both typical users and fountain pen collectors.
Even though fountain pens are very costly in comparison with other types of pens , many writers still prefer these pens because of the unique advantages that these pens offer. Unlike other pens, fountain pens do not need replacing. In fact, they improve with use. The more the pens are used, the better they become. Strokes turn out to be simpler and smoother over time. Since these pens come in various styles and makes, one can simply select the style of pen which his or her individual taste and writing style. Most of all, fountain pens reduce the tendency of writer’s cramps since the ink easily flows out onto the paper, allowing additional writing to be done without difficulty.
Here are a few things to consider when buying a fountain pen:
1. Size – Pick up a pen and hold it in your hand to check for comfort and an simple grip. If your hand is small you may want to select a pen with a smaller barrel for additional comfort.
2. Weight – If a pen feels heavy when you pick it up and feel it, you may wish to consider a smaller pen if you’re planning to write for an extended period of time. The extra weight could trigger strain and fatigue on your wrist and could cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
3. Nib – This is the point of the pen that does the actual work. Depending on personal preference, there are nibs for various composing styles and strokes. An oblique nib provides a thicker line on the downward stroke and is also good for left-handed writers. An italic or stub nib gives a slanted stroke and is usually utilized for calligraphy, instead of regular handwriting. You won’t be able to write as rapidly with an italic nib.
4. Ink Capacity – Some pens have an integrated piston enabling it to hold more ink than pens utilizing a cartridge or converter. Cartridges are fantastic for convenience, but are known for other problems, such as skipping or occasionally not properly dispensing ink.
5. Cost – Although you will find numerous fountain pens in a variety of shapes, sizes, designs and colors to match your personality, a pen doesn’t have to be expensive to be of high quality and to write well. If you find a cost that you’re comfortable with and compare pens in that price range, you will likely find a wonderful pen that will suit you and last for decades.
Anyone who enjoys “old school” writing will find writing with a fountain pen to be a different and rewarding experience. With some looking, you can find a wide assortment of pens in prices and styles to suit both the novice and the collector.
About the Author
©Copyright 2010 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to affiliate marketing.
Old School Lettering 101, Part 01 : Nib Sharpening/Sandpaper
|
|
CucinaPro 530 Cavatelli Maker $39.30 This traditional Cavatelli Maker will have you cranking out tons of these delicious little pasta shapes in no time. It makes traditional cavatelli and small and large gnocchi too! Comes with easy to follow instructions and recipes…. |
|
|
Paula Deen 2-Quart Enamel on Steel Teakettles I have always said the heart of the home is in the kitchen. No kitchen would be complete without a teakettle. You can spend hours upon hours with a good cup of tea and a cherished friend…. |
|
|
SET OF 6 SCHOTT ZWIESEL BUCKINGHAM 13.5 OZ WHISKEY WHISKY GLASSES NIB $108.99 SET OF 6 SCHOTT ZWIESEL BUCKINGHAM 13.5 OZ WHISKEY WHISKY GLASSES NIB Found in the world’s best hotels, bars and restaurants, Classico glasses are made from the choicest crystal by Schott Zwiesel. For sale in this listing we have a set of six fine Schott Zwiesel crystal Buckingham line 13.5 oz. Whiskey whisky tumblers glasses. These glasses are offered here at prices sharply reduced from normal r… |
|
|
Black Sabbath $4.55 No Description AvailableNo Track Information AvailableMedia Type: CDArtist: BLACK SABBATHTitle: BLACK SABBATHStreet Release Date: 04/26/1988… |
|
|
Hitachi C7SB2 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw $77.00 This new circular saw combines Hitachi’s rock-solid construction with a lightweight and ergonomic design. The saw has a powerful and smooth-running 15 amp motor with a replaceable carbon brush for long life and easy maintenance. The saw’s aluminum-alloy base bevels from 0 to 55 degrees, with positive stops at 0 and 45 degrees. Depth of cut and bevel adjustments are both tool-free operations. The h… |
|
|
The Letter 2 – 24W x 16H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Skinceuticals CE / C E Ferulic NIB – 6*5ml Sample / Travel Size $39.99 Product Description IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE COLOR OF YOUR C.E.FERULIC: When very fresh = recently manufactured, the C E Ferulic is a very clear liquid. It turns yellow with exposure to heat, light and air, so this does definitely NOT mean that the product is old or expired (unless it is very dark). The samples vials AND the full sized bottles all turn yellow and then even orange if you… |
|
|
Calligraphy and Illumination: Learn the Art of Beautiful Writing $4.48 Discover the art of beautiful writing as Cari Ferraro invites you into her artistic world and teaches you the timeless arts of calligraphy and illumination. In this book, Cari introduces you to this thriving art form by giving you a firm grounding in traditional styles of broad pen calligraphy, which will serve as a springboard for your own exploration of letterforms and expressive writing. She defines several historical alphabet styles that are made with the broad penùfrom the stately blackletter hand to the graceful italic style. And she provides the sequence and direction of each letter stroke, as well as helpful notes and the suggested nib type for each hand. Guiding you stroke by stroke through a variety of calligraphic hands, from the stately blackletter to the elegant italic, this book also provides step-by-step instruction on the centuries-old art of illumination. Inside, youÆll find all the information you need to embark on an exciting exploration of this elegant art form! |