4 ms·
A fountain pen. I grew up using pencils and ballpoint pens. I swore off fountain pens after some frustrating, messy experiences. In hindsight, I think I still
by Pitarou 13y ago
A fountain pen.
I grew up using pencils and ballpoint pens. I swore off fountain pens after some frustrating, messy experiences. In hindsight, I think I still lacked the fine motor skills necessary to get the best out of a fountain pen.
I took an interest again when I started working on a website selling fancy $2000 models, but the one I bought was less then $10. In my downtime I retrained my hand, and learned traditional copperplate-style handwriting.
Now, the simple act of signing my name is a completely different experience -- it feels like an act of craftsmanship.
But do buy a CHEAP one first. If you're used to writing with a ballpoint you'll be putting far too much pressure on the paper, and you'll probably ruin a nib or two before you get used to it.
- balac 13y agoI wrote with a fountain pen throughout secondary school and wouldn't mind giving them another try. Do you find that for quick note taking the ink dries fast enough?
- Pitarou 13y agoI've never had a problem, even when writing a 5-page composition in an A3 notebooks. But it's possible that the nibs and inks at my local stationery shop, here in Japan, are a little different to the ones where you are.
- falcolas 13y agoI recommend the Pilot Varsity. They are disposable fountain pens, with one of the best nibs on the market, even when compared to many other sub $100 refillable pens. Good enough that a lot of folks have modded them to become refillable. They do lay down a lot of ink, though, which will bleed through thin paper. However, with a decent notebook, you won't have any issues. Moleskine, unfortunately, is not a decent notebook in this regard. Bic has just started to release disposable fountain pens as well, and while the nib isn't as good as the Varsity, it's better than my $60 Schrade fountain pen's nib. It doesn't lay down as much ink as the Varsity. I have had some issues with drying times, but the ink is typically dry within a minute for my thickest ink blots. In short, there are some good quality, cheap and disposable fountain pens on the market right now.
- nachiketkumar 13y agoAgree with this- my handwriting has drastically declined in quality since my high school days, where I would still have to hand write all assignments, mostly with fountain pens. I use one now, but don't write stuff by hand very much on a daily basis. Which is kind of sad, because I agree- it is a an act of craftsmanship. To start with, I'd recommend buying one of the cheaper Lamy Safari pens with a Fine nib, a plunger (not refills) and some Noodlers black ink.
- crazygringo 13y agoExcept signing your name, or other contractual information, is the one thing you shouldn't do with a fountain pen because of the water-based ink it traditionally uses. Next time you sign a check with your fountain pen, take a damp sponge and see how easy it is to wipe the ink away... ;)
- johnatwork 13y agoA LAMY is around 35 bucks, and for me at least it writes better than a 300$ pen that I inherited.