Paper
You dried-wood-pulpy-goodness.
Patiently waiting for ink.
Will the ink smoothly address you;
evenly forming each letter, number, and annotation?
I have been in search of the perfect pen for as long as I can remember. Ballpoint, rollerball ink, and fountain pens have all been victims in my quest to find the Holy-Grail-of-writing instruments.
Lately, I have been looking back in the past, to find the present. I’m trying to capture that retro feel of the fountain pen. Hearkening back to my Catholic grade school education, there is a certain nostalgia that is difficult to describe. What the heck, I like using words – sometimes a lot of them – so let me give it a shot.
Great vintage fountain pen ad!
There is nothing like the feel of a solid, not-too-heavy, not-too-light, fountain pen. The weight perfectly balanced in the hand – the center of gravity matching the movement in your palm – and finally touching the paper. This “heft factor” is different for every user and one that must be felt and experienced before committing long-term to the pen (what is this a love affair, marriage? maybe!).
And then there’s the ink coming off of the nib (the point at the end). With no pressure, a fountain pen graces the page, like a gentle kiss from momma on that boo-boo when you skinned your knee. The result is a beautiful mixture of ink and paper. Old school-looking calligraphy, without all the fussiness.
Apparently, I’m not the only one who yearns for the days-of-yesteryear with these stylish implements. A quick search on Amazon yielded a slew (or should I say “slews”) of fountain pen results with a wide range of prices: From the Varsity disposable at $3.44 to the Graf von Faber-Castell Elemento Limited Edition fountain pen for a mere $1,495. I dare say that the fountain pen has gone hipster. I just wish it could correct my penmanship as well.
While I go online and order up a Moleskine and the Varsity disposable fountain pen (for testing, of course), feel free to talk amongst yourselves about your thoughts, feelings, and emotions surrounding the veritable fountain pen. I would love to hear what you have to say about it!
Hear Hear! There’s something almost ethereal about the perfect pen (especially a fountain pen with its delicious inky strokes)!
I know. I must get one this weekend! I can hardly wait.
Do share what you end up with! Pictures, I’m a fan of pictures. Well, with the exception of your poor van pushed into the house. Ouch!
What is it with pens? I am obsessed with finding THE perfect pen always . And when I find one that makes my handwriting look all the better, I find myself saying asking out loud, “Now why don’t they make pens like these all of the time??!” ha
First, your handwriting on your blog is fantastic! And b), why don’t they make them like that all the time when they are great pens, is right. I think the inks have gotten smoother, but there’s too much cost reduction in mfg and that breaks down the quality of the product. Perfect example is Greg’s LASCO shoe company. They have the utmost quality and integrity of their product. Which reminds me, I still must email you!!!
Maybe Greg should make pens next
He is seriously always thinking about other things to make… And YES! Email, indeed!
I too am a pen “geek” and love the fountain pen. I have been looking for the “Ferrari of pens”, as my father would say, for a while. Have you ever been to a pen convention? I must admit I have not gone this far yet but it does taunt my curiousity! Cool post! My dad likes Monte Blanc, they are a little heavy for me. I do love the old school charm. I just have to learn how to keep from getting ink all over my finger from writing with it.
Fellow pen fanatic: When you find the perfect pen, Gena, please let me know. There are pen conventions?? Wow, I hope there’s one close to us – I would go for sure. I’ve heard Monte Blanc’s are very good. I personally like kind of a heavier pen, so that might work well for me.
In terms of the ink, they now make fast drying inks for fountain pens that dry faster than ballpoints!
Ahhh,
Pen and Paper, a lost Art!
I have a inexpensive calligraphy pen I picked up in Italy. I have never used it. It looks cool though sitting on my bookshelf.
Okay, Lori, you need to pick it up and use it. It’s just sitting there screaming, “Lori, please write with me!”
Amazing how the right feel on a pen can actually make your penmanship go from trash to elegant~almost calligraphy style of writing. Let us know what you find mj…still looking for that magical pen since my penmanship is trashy right now.
Oh, also giving you the seven x seven award gift…it was supposed to be your Christmas gift but I slept through the holidays and finally woke up.
http://wp.me/p1RzUf-sW
Will keep you update, Sunshine.
Thank you so very much for the 7 x 7 Award!! You are far too kind. I will do my best to make you proud!
Mike- I’ve never given much thought to pens but I always know when I can’t stand one. When I left command, my 1SG gave me an engraved Sensa ballpoint pen and it is heavenly, I must admit.
The blasphemy – you have never given much thought to pens?? What kind of world are we living in? My wife, is the same way, though. She thinks I’m a little obsessed.
I love using a fountain pen. Until I remember the mess …
They’re supposed to be much better now than they used to be. Give one a try. The disposable ones are pretty cheap.
I too am on a constant search for the perfect pen but must confess that I’ve never tried the fountain pen much and the few times I do I never had much luck with them. Perhaps a sign that I am not that old after all? Or perhaps the converse, since fountain pens have gone hipster……
I am married to an architect, and they have a thing about pens. Some might call it a problem. I wish I could get MTM to like a fountain pen, because one would write consistently regardless of type. Instead, he is fixated on a model that has been discontinued, and we have to scrounge everywhere in the known world for remaining boxes of the things.
Your post has inspired me to try yet again to give the man a fountain pen. 
omg i love pens!!
Write On, eyeLaugh!! (pun intended, of course)
If I had the time left in life, I would seriously consider architecture. I’ve always loved it. And pens are one of their great tools. Loving pens is NEVER a problem!
You should get him to make the switch, Andra.
Oh My God, I LOVE pens! Like, it’s a weird obsession. And my handwriting is different, depending on which pen I use… but the best pen I have come across and will never use another is the Pilot “G-2″, with an ULTRA-FINE tip of .38! It is so scratchy, and perfection flows whenever I touch pen to paper.
But that fountain pen looks bad-ass. let us know how you like it!
I wish I could use ultra-fine. Being left-handed, I usually take the tip right through the paper. It is way too scratchy. So glad it works for you.
You must try a fountain pen, though.
You are a Zeitgeist man for sure. I love a great pen, it is like a relationship! As our world falls increasingly apart I think more and more people will begin to see the value in forming meaningful commitments to and with objects. I’ve heard of some protesting that their relationships to things should not be dismissed by the common notion that defines relationship as something only between conscious beings. It’s an interesting idea. This pen, the hipster pen, allows the individual to have a relationship with another time and place, and that means the object is only a conduit for the relationship. This is getting deep…I best make some eggs.
Okay, how do you make a comment on pens sound like writing genius?? I have much to learn, master. If you’ll pardon my ebonics – because I use it a lot – you words are like butta!!
Keep the comments coming, my writing fiend. I am not worthy!
I’ve lusted after several elegant and pricey pens. But, with my propensity to misplace things, I wind up returning to my very serviceable and inexpensive PhD (Papermate) pen. It is heftier and writes very well.
Best wishes on your quest, Michael. I hope you find the pen of your dreams at a price you’re willing to pay.
I have to admit, I used the PhD for a time. Liked it a lot. I’m into a weightier pen as well. I never lose a pen. I keep them till the ink runs out. Even disposables. Then I toss them.
Thank you for your thoughts about my quest – it is daunting! hehehe
Paper. You dried- woody -pulpy -goodness…I keep repeating that in my mind over and over. Gorgeous
I am addicted to pen and paper. Pens, because my parents had exquisite penmanship and paper, ever since I learned how to make my own. A fountain pen on hand made paper? Oh the deliciousness of it! I hope you find what you’re looking for.
Ooh, you make your own paper? That is so cool and not surprising coming from someone with such a creative mind. You must send me some. Maybe with some Exit Soap???
hehehe
I would love to find the perfect pen to make my handwriting look lovely. Alas, it will need to have spell check, too. So alas, it will have to be a Harry Potter quill for me
.
Great idea, Elyse. I like the HP quill idea. Maybe a bit messy, but VERY retro.
A fine Foray rolle rollerball has become my pen of choice with which to draw. Higher quality paper stops spreading and pen rolls smoothly. Whoever said that pen mightier than sword stuff despite the likes of Thomas Paine and such I’d rather have to fight with a sword. The pen ain’t effective if the guy’s a poor reader.
My left-handedness gets in the way too often with a good quality pen. I tried the Foray some time ago, but I tend to go through the paper sometimes. Glad it works for you – your drawings are great!
>And then there’s the ink coming off of the nib (the point at the end).
- When I read that, I realised that we live in an age where the meaning of ‘nib’ has to be defined. What’s next to be wiped out by the touch screens and the styli that now roam the earth?
I know exactly what a nib is (yaay!) because growing up, Dad’s Parker pen was one of his few personal belongings that was off limits to my curious, clumsy fingers. The nib, being delicate as it is, would change shape with the pressure of a different grip, he said. Dad used his Parker pen to write just a few important documents like personal mail and certain work related correspondence.
This post took me back in time, mj. I can even smell the ink in those little glass bottles in Dad’s study!
Kate
You are so right about having to define nib! That Parker pen is probably a collectors item now. And he was right about the nib changing when someone else uses the pen! Sounds like you need to get a fountain pen, yourself, Kate!
Nibs don’t actually change from writing with the pen, unless you press so hard as to bend the tines (the two sides of the nib with the slit between them) out of alignment. I have a 60 year old Parker Duofold that writes every bit as well as my newest Pelikans, and it was someone else’s pen for the first 59 years of its life. Unless you write on sandpaper, you will never wear out a fountain pen nib in your lifetime.
Ah, fantastic. Thanks for the clarification, Stefan. I was duped
in the info I read online!
It’s a common line to use as an excuse for not lending someone your pen (since it _can_ be damaged if abused).
That totally makes sense, Stefan. I’ll have to remember that!
You are certainly not alone in your love of, and search for the perfect pen. My husband and I both loves pens and have our favorites. I prefer a heavier pen, and I prefer them to be a bit chunky I do not care for skinny writing instruments, they make my hands cramp up after a short time. I think that having the right pen also makes a huge difference in not only the quality of your penmanship, but in the quality and quantity of your writing. If I have a good pen, I like the way my writing looks, I love the flow and feel of it and I am inclined to write more. If I have a crappy pen, that doesn’t write well and annoys me to no end I am not likely to write much.
I, too, prefer a chunkier pen. Skinny ones are hard to write with. You have a great way of saying what I said. I think you should have written this post! I feel exactly the same way about writing more with a good pen.
I’m with you a fatter pen barrel. My favorite barrel size is the Bic XXL. Unfortunately, its a ballpoint, which means the ink is a paste and does not write smoothly or look good on paper. The pen is also getting harder to find.
The other day, I traded my mailman a Pilot G2 for his Foray Onpoint (apparently, Foray is the house brand of Office Max or Office Depot). The barrel is nice and thick and extremely comfortable. It, too, is a ballpoint, but I’m going to try using the refill from my Pentel Vicuna, which is one of the smoothest ballpoints available.
By the way, Pelikan probably makes some of the thicker fountain pens you will find, but the pens are also kind of pricey….$200+.
You are a veritable trove of info, and I’m loving it!
I’ve heard the Foray is a good one. I’ll have to try it as well.
Pelikan would be great, but out of this guy’s price range!
Hope it helps.
Also, Tyler Dahl, a fountain pen restorer, recently wrote a three-part series for us on choosing the right fountain pen for first timers. It explains everything you need to know. http://www.tigerpens.co.uk/blog/first-time-buyers-guide-to-fountain-pens-part-i/
And feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions or want to do that guest post I mentioned above.
You may be preferring a chunkier pen because it’s easier to grip, as in death grip, which you need in order to make a ball point pen write. You don’t need to grip a fountain pen; you just need to hold it. I have a couple of fountain pens that are only 10mm (about 3/8″) in diameter (about the same diameter as the ultra-fine Sharpies, or a typical mechanical pencil) and they are perfectly comfortable to write with for hours on end.
I’m beginning to think you need to write an excellent and thorough post on all the aspects of fountain pens. I didn’t realize how much there is to learn.
I just prefer a thicker, weightier pen because it feels better in my hand…more…comforting?
I agree with you Tony. I just like how it feels in my hand. Thin barrel is like holding a toothpick for some reason.
It is funny how we all seem to share the same loving interest….the pen. I have only found one that fit me to a tee. It was perfect and improved my hand writing 100%. I did not even recognize some of the checks I had written. I thought one of my kids had written them. However, there was no why that could have happened, they were 8 and 10 at the time. Oh yes, it was that good.
Do you still have that pen, or at least remember what kind it was? What a joy to have one that met you where you were. That is my goal!
Anything retro is my FAVOURITE! Have fun finding you bestest ever writing instrument. Just dont go leaving it behind somewhere! Do share pics of your most best and most favourite when in fact you DO find it!
I’m starting out with a disposable before dropping more money on something a bit more. But will post up some pics.
I NEVER lose a pen. That’s how much I love pens!
The Pilot Varsity (or VPen in the UK) is a great one to experiment with. I’ve also been hearing really good things about the new disposable fountain pen from Bic, of all things, but haven’t yet tried it.
Thanks for the info, Tony. And for stopping by. I really appreciate your advice!
I know what you mean about writing with a fountain pen. However, fountain pens and Moleskines don’t mix unless you use a VERY dry ink (like Pelikan Blue Black, which is no longer available in North America). The paper in Moleskines is very cheap, and most fountain pen inks tend to feather and bleed horribly on it. If you want decent fountain pen friendly paper, get a Clairefontaine or Rhodia journal.
Great advice on the journal paper. Will definitely have to take that into consideration. The Rhodia looks like a very favorable one based on the Amazon reviews. Thanks again for your comment. Stop in any time.
I don’t know if it’s a notebook or a journal you’re looking for, but Rhodia makes nice versions of both. I think Clairefontaine only makes notebooks (but including hardbound ones). BTW, if you Google for “A Comparison of Fountain Pens, Inks, and Papers”, you’ll find my article where I tested a variety of pen, paper, and ink combinations (including Moleskine, Clairefontaine, and Rhodia).
Thanks for the article. I’m linking it here, in case anyone else is interested in reading it:
http://www.stefanv.com/pens/paper_tests.html
Very thorough job on your test of the paper. You made me a believer about not buying Moleskine for use with fountain pens.
You also have quite a nice collection of pens, my friend!
I actually want a fountain pen for a long time now. But I think my handwriting is too big and in all caps and my cursive is horrible. Hahaha But I still want one! Hahaha Maybe I’ll just use it for signing if I buy a really inexpensive one. Haha
Oh, you must get one! It will work great for your handwriting. I bet you would use it all the time. Start with an inexpensive Varsity disposable.
I don’t believe I’ve ever tried a real fountain pen!
My current favorite is the roller ball ink pen. In my younger days, I loved to write with a felt tip pen, though they weren’t very conducive to writing anything of any quantity.
OH! This brings back memories of calligraphy pens! I loved writing calligraphy! Probably wouldn’t remember how any more…
Okay, Terri, you most go back and try it again. Get the Varsity disposable and try it out.
I can’t write with roller balls, being left-handed. For some reason the ball catches on the paper and either doesn’t write all the time, or I tear the paper.
I’ve always liked felt tip pens – the way they look – but again, with the left hand, I always smear the ink.
Now you see why my quest has been so difficult!
Ah, the little struggles of life!
Some of the best pens for lefties are:
Stabilo EASYball or EASYgel…comes in both right and left handed models.
Uniball Jetstream…fast-drying ink much less likely to smear.
Sharpie Pen (not marker)…also fast-drying, plus plastic tip doesn’t catch the paper.
Also, Lamy and Pelikan both make fountain pens for lefties (including the Lamy Safari which has a left-handed nib option).
Don’t get too caught up trying to find a left-handed fountain pen. Fountain pens are about as handed as screwdrivers. The only reason it might matter on a Lamy or Pelikan is the molded finger grip (which I think is symmetrical on a Lamy). See Richard Binder’s article on lefty pens: http://www.richardspens.com/?page=ref/ttp/left.htm
Thanks again for your clarification, Stefan. Now you must write a post!
That’s a really interesting bit from Richard…and he is the guy who would know just about everything when it comes to nibs.
You all are way over this novice’s head, I’m afraid. But I did get my Lamy Safari with M nib from Amazon today, so I’m excited!
That is a beautiful pen Michael (referring to the first image)! And I can certainly appreciate your “affair” with the perfect pen.
When I need a new set of pens, it isn’t uncommon for me to walk up and down the pen aisle for 30+ minutes before I finally make my decision. The weight, color, grips, look, feel; they all have to be perfect!
Again, we must be brothers! My wife will rarely go into an office supply store for fear of me going down the pen aisle. Yeah, I’m there for long periods of time. I’ve had far too many pens to even give a rough count. Ah, the quest continues.
Makes me want to find a lovely sheet of stationary and write a letter by hand to someone important. I think that’s the difference between the e-mails – which seem so disposable – and that beautiful fountain pen scratched across a page in the hand of the writer. Lovely.
It has been a long time since I’ve seen a letter or thank you on the old, proper stationery.
I’m looking forward to getting my pen and paper and doing some old school writing!
You know, the Varsity disposables are okay, but for just a bit more, you can get a refillable pen, such as the Lamy Safari which is typically around $25. You can start with cartridges, and then later buy a converter to let you refill it from a bottle. The advantage of the Safari is you get to choose your nib size (XF, F, M, B, or italic), can easily change it later, and if you use bottled ink, there’s very little waste.
You hit the nail on the head – I’m planning on getting the Lamy Safari. I saw the reviews were excellent and the price is decent. What type of ink would you use with it? I like a smooth, thick line, but not too thick. I’m also left-handed. Do you think the medium nib would be too heavy, or should I go with an F nib?
BTW, thanks for all your info on this. Great stuff!
It sounds like you’d probably prefer a medium nib, but peoples’ definition of “thick line” tend to vary. If possible, see if you can try one out in a store. The pen’s line thickness depends on more than just the nib (unlike a gel pen, which is pretty consistent). More absorbent paper will result in a thicker line. Drier inks will result in a thinner line. Your best bet might be Lamy’s own Blue-Black (a traditional iron-gall blue-black, for now), which is quite dry.
Some lefties are what are termed “overwriters” or “underwriters”, meaning that the part of the hand that drags across the paper passes over or under the text, but it sounds like in your case, your hand passes right across the text. But then again, that might be because you’re used to pens (like ballpoints) that are held close to the vertical. A fountain pen should make an angle of about 45 degrees to the paper, which tends to move your hand out of the line of writing. Take a look at http://www.richardspens.com/?page=ref/ttp/sweetspot.htm (no affiliation other than having corresponded with Richard, and he’s tuned some pens for me).
You are a wealth of information. I ordered the medium nib and the Blue-Black Lamy’s. I look forward to getting the pen and trying it out. Thank you so much for your suggestions and help. I will dig more into the link as well.
The Lamy Safari is the No. 1 starter fountain pen that I recomend. However, you might want to give it a thorough flushing with cool water before filling and trying to use it. The Safaris occasionally ship with a little residue in them that makes the pen not feed properly. If you have any problems, there’s a good thread at the Fountain Pen Network that will help. http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/140132-skipping-trouble-with-lamy-safari/.
As far as a non-fountain pen, I highly recommend gel pens, particularly the Stabilo EASYgel, Zebra Sarasa, Pilot G2, Uniball Signo and various Mujis. Am also a big fan of the liquid ink Pentel EnerGel.
Sorry for dropping in but i completely agree with Tony i browse the pen isle for 30 plus minutes and i cant ever find a pen thats quite right for me the only two that i like are the pilot g-2 and the uniball signo but as i hate retractable pens (clicky tops) for the simple reason that they make a sound that drives me absolutely bonkers I am quite interested in trying my very first fountain pen are there any reccomendations on wich one would be good for me (im still in school so id be using it for very long periods of time)
PS. A good rule of thumb is that the nib/ink/paper combo you choose should make a line that is about 1/5 the height of a lowercase “o” in your handwriting. If you write large, you can write with a thicker line; if you write small, thinner is better.
I hear you. I’ve neve found a pen I lvoe yet, but we are talking about pens in my price range too. I love the feel of writing on paper. My kids think I’m crazy.
I’m checking out the Varsity disposable fountain pen – under $4. You should try one. Writes very smoothly.
Lorrelee, what pens have you tried? You don’t have to buy an $800 Mont Blanc like the one in the photo above to find a good fountain pen. There are excellent non-disposable pens in the $25 price range. As the price increases to around $100-$200 or so, the overall quality gets better, but they don’t necessarily write any better. Beyond $200 is just bling; an $800 Mont Blanc isn’t any better in quality or usability than a $200 Pelikan, Parker, Lamy, or Waterman.
I’ve tried crap. Tell me what nice pens you suggest for $25 and below. I’d love to check them out.
Well, I’d suggest the Lamy of course, but today I also just received a pen from Peyton Street Pens, a 1990s Sheaffer School Pen, new old stock. Actually, I received two, since I ordered one for a friend too. They only have them in fine, and they’re cartridge pens (each comes with three cartridges of black ink) but you can put in a Sheaffer converter if you want to use bottled ink. The price? $9 each + $4 shipping for the pair worked out to $11 each!
These pens are not Mont Blancs, and they’re not even Lamys, but they are quite good, writing smoothly and evenly. I’m going to do a mini-review on my blog in the near future if I get some time. Oh, it even worked in my Moleskine (with my own blue-black ink; I haven’t put one of the black Sheaffer cartridges in it yet), since it’s not an excessively wet-writing pen.
Again, no affiliation with the vendor, but this is the third time I’ve bought from them, and have always been pleased.
By the way, we have a pen blog in the UK…you ever want to do a guest post about your search for the perfect pen, we’d love to have you.
Wow, thanks Tony! I would be honored to do that. It has been a life-long obsession. However, I have nothing in the way of knowledge that you or Stefan have. It would be from the standpoint more of a fan, than an aficionado with any real knowledge.
That would be perfect.
Tony, can you shoot me your email and any particulars – length, what you want/don’t want, etc.? Thank you, my friend.
No problem. At the risk of sounding like a dummy, I couldn’t find your email on here. Help?
Here it is, Tony: mjmaker@gmail.com
I need to get me a fountain pen…
Oh, yeah, definitely!
Thanks for linking to this post, Trisha!