Behind the Nib: The Ultimate Guide to Fountain Pens

In today’s digital age, handwriting and the physical art of communicating thoughts from mind to pen and paper have become less popular. On the other hand, people who prefer writing on paper still exist. If you’re one of these folks, you understand the significance of selecting and including the correct pen in your stationery.

Since fountain pens saw a steady growth in sales, this traditional pen type has remained a popular favourite. But, after you get past the novelty, are fountain pens any good?

Why Fountain Pen Is Better Than Ballpoint?

Fountain pens are more than just a stunning writing instrument; they’re also handy in everyday situations, enabling you to improve your handwriting experience. Because of the nature of flowing ink, you’ll avoid the horrible hand cramp that occurs when you tightly clutch a scratchy ballpoint pen.

The ballpoint pen may be less messy and easier to use, working better in less-than-ideal circumstances and suitable for taking fast notes and sketching. However, with its rich, flowing ink and beautiful swoop, a fountain pen is a timeless design with years of history. The fountain pen is more than just a valuable instrument; it’s a graceful, expressive tool that wonderfully embodies the romance of pen on paper.

When browsing for a fountain pen in Australia online, opt for a modern yet delightfully quaint option in your preferred style and colour. There are designer fountain pens, perfect as a gift for any wordsmith or calligrapher.

Benefits of Using a Fountain Pen

Finding the ideal fountain pen in Australia offers numerous benefits, as seen by decades of use, but here are a few reasons why they remain the most popular pen choice.

Sophistication

Contracts and norms are signed with fountain pens for a purpose. Fountain pens exude sophistication, flair, and class, creating a balance of beauty and functionality. They’re not only tools for writing, but also symbols of status and elegance. With their unique designs and intricate details, they combine both aesthetics and practicality.

Improved Writing Skills

Fountain pens enhance handwriting and increase the sensation of writing by hand. Because of the nature of flowing ink, you escape the horrible hand cramp that comes from tightly grasping a scratchy biro. Furthermore, the form of fountain pen barrels is optimised for a comfortable grip, allowing you to concentrate on your writing rather than worrying about hand fatigue or ink flow.

Personalised Design

Because handwriting is unique, why should the writing instrument be? A fountain pen gives you the freedom and flexibility to customise it to your precise needs. You may adjust the size and form of the nib tip depending on the style you want to write in, and the interchangeable ink cartridges let you choose whatever colour you want. Fountain pen nibs will also gradually meld to your preferred writing angle and pressure over time, allowing you to experience a pen tailored to your handwriting style.

Economical, Long-lasting and Eco-friendly

Fountain pens can be expensive, but many brands and styles fit various budgets. However, fountain pens can be an extremely cost-effective investment in the long run because of their refillable barrels.

Pen refills not only make fountain pens more affordable, but they also make them more eco-friendly! If you use glass bottled ink, you’ll avoid throwaway plastic cartridges in favour of a recyclable alternative.

You can use fountain pens for many years before the ink runs out, which isn’t the case with disposable pens. However, to get the most out of your fountain pen, you must take proper care of it.

Social Aspect

Fountain pen users, especially collectors, are frequently highly interested in fountain pens they see others using. Using a fountain pen may be a terrific ice breaker when meeting new people, and it can even lead to a very intriguing conversation based on a fascinating mutual interest.

What Are Fountain Pens Used For?

Fountain pens aren’t just for special occasions; they’re competent and versatile everyday writers. Fountain pens have numerous applications, ranging from calligraphy to journaling. Here are some of the best fountain pen uses that any pen lover will appreciate.

Daily Note-taking

Fountain pens are ideal for simple writing tasks such as taking notes. You won’t have to worry about hard starts or skipping as you pick up and put down your pen if you use a good fountain pen and ink combo. There’s no need for pressure or force when using a fountain pen, allowing you to write freely and effortlessly. Plus, with the variety of nib sizes available, you can customise your writing experience according to your preferences.

Writing Letters

Nothing beats receiving a lovely handwritten note or letter from someone you care about. Because of the design, fountain pens are good candidates for letter writing. You can write for extended lengths of time with very little pressure, and some pens have a big ink capacity that allows you to write for even more prolonged periods.

Journaling

Journaling, like letter writing, can take a long time. If you enjoy keeping a daily journal, the smooth and unadorned experience of writing with a fountain pen may be superior to ballpoint or rollerball options. With daily use, it can relieve hand cramps and enhance your handwriting.

Signing Documents

Signing documents with a fountain pen is easy – the trick here is to seek ink that is gentle enough for regular copy paper, commonly used for documents. To avoid feathering and bleed-through, use a finer nib while signing documents. Take note that fountain pens use liquid ink, so it’s important to give the ink enough time to dry before touching the paper. This may take a few seconds longer compared to using a ballpoint pen, but the end result is worth it.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is a popular way for people to start the fountain pen pastime. The diversity of fountain pen nibs available allows you to experiment with this activity, whether you choose a 0.5mm stub nib or another option. That’s ideal for cards and other writing and scrapbooking projects.

Drawing or Sketching

Sketching or drawing is a less popular application for fountain pens. While most commonly used for writing, they’re also great for drawing and sketching. If you want to create pencil-like strokes, use a finer nib and drier ink, but if you like some line variation and smudge in your drawings, use flexible nibs and wetter ink.

Writing an Essay

Essay writing is another activity that necessitates using a pen for longer. The comfort of using a fountain pen will save your hand from cramping while writing your essay. If you’re not using fountain pen-friendly paper, choose your nib and ink as you would when signing documents on copy paper.