The Pen is Mightier: How to Buy Your Next Great Fountain Pen
We suggest a fountain pen as your next premium purchase. Why? Because fountain pens can actually be used in everyday life. They’re great to look at, even sweeter to hold and, best of all, they add a sense of class to whatever you’re writing, whether it’s a credit card receipt or a thank you note (you do write thank you notes, don’t you?).
“People shouldn’t be intimidated to try a fountain pen,” explains Brad Dowdy of The Pen Addict blog and podcast (proof, perhaps, that there is a podcast about everything). “There are so many modern choices these days, companies are actually making them easier to use than even 30 years ago.” With Dowdy’s help, here’s what to look for when buying the perfect fountain pen.
Three Tips For Choosing Your Pen
1. Comfort’s paramount. Everyone holds their pen differently, and not all pen grips will feel as comfortable because they differ in size.
2. As obvious as it might seem, a pen has to write smoothly. Or, at least it has to write smoothly for the way you write. The solution is having the right nib for your style. General rule is stiff for people used to writing with ballpoints and who press down hard, flexible for those who draw, or write with a light touch.
3. Make sure your pen feels like a pen: it doesn’t rattle, it’s built solidly and feels like someone made it with the express purpose to last. You’ll know.
A Pen For Each Decade of Your Life
Old or New?
Old
Parker 51
When you imagine a fountain pen, you probably imagine the Parker 51 without knowing it. Shaped like a stretched cigar, the 51 had an innovative design with a hooded — almost hidden — nib and wrote exceedingly smoothly. Today? A classic.
New
Kaweco Sport Raw
With its hexagonal body, the Sport Raw looks like a spare part from a vintage Mercedes. Sleek, compact and constructed from heavy-duty metal, it would probably ooze class covered in motor oil.
If Money Was No Object
Want a pen that a Japanese master handmade, using lacquer, gold dust and countless hours of his life? Introducing the Namiki Maki-e. Now you just need to make sure whatever you write is worthy of the pen.
