As with everything, the range of fountain pens for sale include the affordable and the not so affordable. And while we all like to get our hands on a bargain, it can be tempting to go straight for the big brand names and stretch our budgets on order to get what we believe to be the best. There is no doubting, of course, the sense of sophistication and increased sense of worth that comes with a well made fountain pen. It is not just the appearance, it is also the balance of the implement, its weight and movement as letters and figures are written on pages or notecards. When it comes to pens, pencils and writing tools put to use by writers, such as a calligraphy pen for example, there is a uniquely personal aspect to the whole partnership. The user needs to feel comfortable with the pen in his or her grasp. Knowing what pen is the right pen, however, means being aware of several factors that make a quality fountain pen, and not all of them need to cost the earth. These relate to the size of the pen, the quality of its nib, and the ink retention capacity of the nib. Pen Size The size of a pen usually has very little to do with anything other than handling ability. It is commonly assumed that larger pens hold more ink, and therefore offer greater value with a longer lasting reserve. This is not actually true, as the refills for fountain pens tend to be around the same size anyway. The extra size of the pen is really only for aesthetic reasons, with designers always seeking to create more interesting and alluring pens. However, some people like the dainty and some the sleek, while others like their pens to make bold statements, but remember that big does not automatically mean bargain. Ink Retention In truth, we are talking about a minuscule difference between what one pen nib retains and another, but it comes into play when a user does not just write a note or two from time to time. Serious writers want to see their pen go as far as it can without being refilled, and it is only logical that the best retainers of ink will last the longest. Some brands can hold as much as twice the amount of others. The problem is that low retention will mean a fainter mark on the page, while a poorly designed nib could see too much ink used. Testing a fountain pen to see that there is no blotching on the page but a solid line drawn, no heavy start points to a line and no thick droplet forming at the end of the nib, is always a good idea. Again, brand names are not necessarily an indication of any of these. Quality of Nib Perhaps the most significant factor is the quality of the nib. It is, after all, the signature of a high quality fountain pen, the aspect that makes it stand out from all other forms. While cost is not necessarily a sign of quality, the chief investment in made by any designer is in the nib. Affordable fountain pens tend to have stainless steel nibs, but fountain pens for sale for hundreds of pounds upwards have nibs made of as much as 18ct gold. These golden nibs are the luxury range of the big brand names, but in terms of value they do not offer anything more than a well designed stainless steel nib does. Oblique and reverse oblique nibs are best for writing, whether letters, journals or on notecards, and are designed for writers who tend to tilt the pen to the left and right respectively. Look for fine, medium or broad nibs amongst the designs, but remember that the resulting quality of writing can be affected. Just as the right calligraphy pen for a particular writing style is necessary, a broad oblique nib in the hand of a writer who tilts the pen to the right will not provide the best results. However, keeping both tips to the nib square against the page always will, regardless of price or brand name. And if the feel and weight of the pen is just right, it will make the overall writing experience a pleasure.
Author Resource:-
Leah Williams writes articles for Mappamundi who supply a range of premium stationery products, including notecards, writing paper and journals. Many of Mappamundi's products have an historical influence and are great as gifts for aspiring writers, or anyone who has a fascination with the past. They also offer a range of fountain pens for sale, as well as a selection of other pens, ink, inkwells, and calligraphy pen sets, suitable for beginners to professionals.
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