A fountain pen is the perfect tool if you want to create striking calligraphy, uniform notes or you’re just a lover of all things luxe stationery. The smooth, even flow of a fountain pen is just incomparable, they are the ultimate piece of old-world sophistication and utility married into one nifty little pen. Now, when you’re on the hunt for your next fountain pen, there are a few measures to put in place to ensure that you end up with the right tool for you. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned pen pro, this is what you need to know before you click add to cart and put pen to paper…
What to look for when shopping for a fountain pen
Material
Your pen’s material makes a huge difference to its overall look, feel and impact, so it’s the first place to start when you’re doing your research. Both the grip and the body should be considered in order to find the very best model for you.
Body: Your pen’s material should largely depend on your planned use. Traditional metals used to craft fountain pens include brass, silver, copper and gold. These are all classically luxe finishes both in look and in feel. Due to their density, these metals should be saved for those who are using their pen from time to time, with it on display on your desk or worktop for everyone to admire. For the avid notetaker, student or obsessive scribbler, you should look to stainless steel or carbon fibre, these are less expensive and more functional due to their lightness.
Grip: The grip really dictates your writing experience. Stainless steel or copper is traditionally used on luxurious classic style pens however they can be found on more contemporary models. Metal grips are best for those who are writing occasionally throughout the day. If you’re writing a word a minute, a rubber grip will be more comfortable for your hand. Be sure to look for a dark-toned rubber to avoid a smudgy mess in the long run.
Nib
You might not expect a nib to make that much of a difference to your writing, but it actually is a massive determinate! The two most popular shapes for nibs are round, which creates a specific yet soft and even overall line, and squared or italic, which is perfect for calligraphy or more eccentric handwriting. As far as size goes, it’s best to choose based on the general size of your handwriting. If you have large writing, opt for a medium or broad nib. If your words veer on the smaller side, a fine or extra-fine nib will suit you better. For day to day writing, it’s best to stick to a medium or fine size nib to save on ink and keep your pages clear.
Cartridge
Your pen’s refilling system is an important consideration, especially if you’re planning on using a fountain pen on a day to day basis. The two most popular filling systems are cartridges and converters. An ink cartridge is where you simply replace the inner ink every time it runs out by twisting in a new cartridge. Converters use a piston and squeeze technique to refill a cartridge from a pot of ink every time it runs out, ready to twist back in and get writing again. Cartridges are the best option for those on the go, although, converters allow for more varied ink usage and they’re more environmentally friendly.
Follow these pointers and you’ll find yourself the perfect fountain pen for you! Australian fountain pens are beautifully made and will last you a long time, so they’re great to invest in if you’re looking for quality.