There’s something unique about writing with a fountain pen. Maybe it is the features of the pen- the inks, the nibs, the colors, and the styles. Or maybe it's because you feel like a considered writer, allowing your flourishes to gleam through!
But, if you are going out for the first time to buy a fountain pen, then it might be a quite daunting task to decide what to consider when buying a fountain pen- there are so many elements to consider and you can't avoid them at any cost.
So, in case you are a newbie and are confused about how to buy a perfect fountain pen, this guide will assist you to determine the points you need to consider.
Tips for Buying a Fountain Pen
The Nib Size:
Undoubtedly it's the most crucial element to consider while buying a fountain pen. The nib size of a fountain pen should be chosen properly as per your need. Because different nib sizes of fountain pens are meant for different purposes.
So, first, the purpose of usage should be clear to you. Generally, fountain pen nibs come in their standard sizes.
Not only in fountain pen but in all different types of pens, the tip plays a very essential role.
Your fountain pen nib will help in determining the width of the lines you draw and how much ink is required.
Someone with vigorous handwriting may only wish to buy a fountain pen with a broad nib, on the other hand, someone with a closed spaces writing or small writing style may want a buy a fountain pen with a fine nib.
A professionally trained seller at a pen store will assist you to find the right size of a fountain pen nib for your handwriting style.
Fountain Pen Material:
Ideally, a newbie should buy a pen that is not bulky or weighs more. Because lightweight pens ensure that your hand won't get hurt or tire while writing with a fountain pen.
However, you can switch later to pens made with precious metals only once you’ve become an expert and fluent in writing with fountain pen.
When you’ve become an expert in writing with these pens, then you can switch to the pens made with precious metals and brass.
Fountain Pen Ink:
When you purchase your first fountain pen, assure that the ink is preferably from the reputed international brands. Most of the people hardly give this a point but it's true that the fountain pen will only write well if it's filled with a good quality ink.
Usually, inks are made of dyes, water, solvents, and colors. Thus, when you purchase a pen make sure you tell the seller about how you are going to use it, as in, you are buying it for writing pages or you are going to use it just for scribbles.
Cartridge:
A cartridge is the pond of ink that you can take out of your fountain pen and change the ink. It’s entirety similar to how you would refill a ballpoint or a gel pen.
The perk of the cartridge is that they are easy to handle. When the ink in your pen gets emptied, you can simply fill it with the help of cartridge. The drawback of it is that it's too costly and it becomes hard to replace your cartridges again and again just to refill your pen with ink.
Paper Quality:
As you begin writing with your new pen, you must have observed something you had never really considered while using your gel pens or ballpoint pens and that’s the quality of paper you are writing on.
Soon, you will find that some papers worked best with your pen, while others make it scratchy or can cause ink to blot, bleed and feather.
So, before buying a fountain pen, try it on different papers. For this, you should know your purpose for buying a fountain pen.
For this, you can simply start reading some articles and blogs which paper is right to try with.
Maintenance:
This is one of the crucial parts of your writing experience with a fountain pen. Don't just buy and use the pen. Fountain pen needs some maintenance too. Proper maintenance will never lead to unnecessary ink leaking and blotting.
Some Perks of Buying a Fountain Pen
Endless Possibilities
Fountain pens are extremely customizable. You can choose between fine, extra-fine, medium, italic, bold, and stub nibs.
There are various fountain pens ranging from the ones for everyday use to executive use, and special pens for artists, visionaries and writers.
There’s a wide array of colors, nib sizes, styles, designs, as well as brands to choose from.
Eco-friendly Pens
Fountain pens do not need plastic refills in order to keep them working. They can be reused for a longer period. They are eco-friendly pen alternatives.
Smoother Writing Experience
If someone says, that writing is not easy with fountain pens, then just know one thing he or she may not know the proper way of using this pen.
Because smoother writing experience is one of the major perks of using fountain pen out there. It's not easy to explain until you try it on your own.
Endless Options for Nib Sizes
Not only ballpoint pens but also fountain pens can be purchased with varied nib styles and tip sizes.
It's the best to go with fine nib size as it allows you to write small and fine. However, this also depends on your writing work and paper quality.
Fountain pens are the best for italic, stubs and calligraphy writing. These are best for fancy-looking writings as they vary in the pen line width relying on the direction of your writing. Indeed they help you write creatively without knowing any special writing techniques.
Extremely Comfortable to Use
Writing does not necessarily be tough. Most of the people who use gel pens have to overgrip the hand again and again to write.
Fortunately, fountain pen eliminates this making writing easier for you than any other pens. Fountain pen rests easily in the writer’s hand. Generally, the tip of the nib is smaller as compared to the nib of a gel pen end and the pen's slickness, reduces friction.
Recognizable
Ever looked at a fountain pen and didn’t feel like getting it? It’d be unreasonable to look at a fountain pen and not recognizing it as your average pen. In a time, where you could tell the preference of a person by their phone covers, T-shirts etc., a fountain pen reflects you choose to do things differently. You have unique interests and you are rare and unique.
So, these are some useful tips and benefits of buying a fountain pen. Share it with others to let them know about it.
