About Pens
Comments about pens, pen stores and buying a pen...
Fountain Pens
Fountain pens are an incredible invention. The pens work on two straight forward principles: capillary attraction and displacement.
The pen feed contains slots which are capillary conduits that allow ink to flow or to to remain static. The surface tension of the ink against the sides of the slots stops the ink from just flowing out of the pen. It is when the nib is pressed against the paper that the surface tension is broken and the inks in essence finds about conduit -- the paper. The paper in essence, with its absorption qualities, draws the ink out of the pen.
There is more than one slot in the feed. One is for the ink to flow from the pen, and the other is for air to be able to replace the ink in the reservoir. A channel allows a flow of air along with the breather hole in the nib, or in some cases, in the ink feed itself.
Great Stores
The "Great Pen Stores Page" has been a rewarding project. I enjoy the e-mail with comments on stores as well as pens themselves. It is great to know that others have found the information on great pen stores very helpful. The goal of the listing was to identify in any specific location stores that people have found the pen experience to be great. Arriving in a city and not knowing where to look for a store? Hopefully the web site makes that easier.
When people ask me what makes a pen store great I find that the responses from others are the same as my feelings. There is no single aspect but the cumulative experience of store atmosphere, product selection, knowledge and friendly staff and service both in the initial purchase and with any follow-up questions that may arise.
People Power
Yes the "power of the person" is impressive. No matter what lines of pens a store carries it is the staff that really count. We are all looking for a store with staff who are knowledgeable and patient. Staff willing to spend the time to help you make the right purchase. I receive regular e-mails commending stores where the option to try out various pens and nibs sizes made the difference. That takes me to one of the next criteria I look forward. Actually writing with the pen. After the initial "Do you like the look of this pen?" I expect a bottle of ink to be opened and the store to offer to dip the pen in the ink so I can write with it.
Selection
If there was just one good pen that would suit everyone it would be easy for stores to sell the single line, and pen users would have little decision in making a purchase. But everyone needs something just a little different in a pen. A good selection of pen lines with different body weight and a nib selection is important.
Not all pens are the same nor are all nibs. When I buy a new pen, or a replacement nib for an existing pen, I like to try at least two or three of the same type. A nib is not a nib. Each nib has its own character. For example, I have a number of Pelikan M800's - a truly great pen - all with the same double-broad nib. You would think you were writting with different pens just by the differences in the nibs.
A Try it Again Attitude
Along with friendly and knowledgeable staff, and a good selection, the store should have a "no rush, sure try them all again" attitude. Getting the right pen involves trying a selection of pens over and over. Soon you find you will always start returning to certain pens... zero in on those. This takes time and you have to feel comfortable with all the pens out in front of you and trying each one a number of times. Along with the testing comes the need for lots of paper. Actually write with the pen, sign your name, write out a couple of phrases. See how the nib responds. Owners of successful pen shops tell me that it common for an individual to try out a pen a couple of times, over a period of time, before making the decision to buy.
Atmosphere
Buying a pen is a very personal selection process. We may get to the state where we can buy them from a vending machine, but for now, the atmosphere of the store is part of the experience of selection the right pen. Is there ink for dipping? Is there good paper for scrawling your name over and over and over -- feeling of ownership is a key part of clinching the sale!
When things go wrong...
Finally, the mark of a great pen store is to be there with you when things go wrong. A great pen store will exchange a pen when it simply isn't right. I have brought back a pen when the nib is not right or the cap doesn't fit. A great pen store replaces it on the spot or makes the arrangements to have it repaired.
Buying a Pen
In buying a pen the following points seem to be important parts of the process.
Price
Having a price range gets you going in the right direction on a final decision. The more you pay does not equate to a better pen for you. But if you are thinking of spending $100 on a pen no use looking at the limited edition lines. A good store will show you pens in your range as well as a couple in the next price-range up and down.
Weight & Balance
It all boils down as to how the pen sits in your hand. This is where buying pens through a catalogue or via the Internet becomes a challenge.
When asked why some pens don't "cut-it" often it is became of the weight of the pen. The pen may be too heavy or too light.
Also think about how you will carry the pen around. In North American, men tend to carry pens clipped in the shirt pocket. Some of the large oversized pens are simply too heavy to sit in a shirt pocket. In Europe, it is common for men to clip the pen in the jacket pocket. That pocket can take a lot more weight and size of pen.
A number of pens for women have no clip in the pen cap -- this is in response to not clipping it in a shirt pocket. Will the pen cap stay on the pen? That clip on the cap can be a real saver. I have experienced the meeting where all watched as my fountain pen rolled off the table onto the floor. For me, the cap has to snugly clip and stay there while I am using the pen.
My final comment on weight a balance is aimed at the Limited Edition Pens. I wonder if some of these pens are really made with writing in mind. Does anyone really consider pulling some of these pens out in a meeting? Some of the caps have such ornate clips, jewels, gold overlay etc they not only do not sit in the hand with comfort, but but could only be used in very private writing experience!
Ink Supply
Ink is one of the most important components to a pen. Check to see if the pen only takes cartridges, has an adapter for filling with ink from a bottle, is has its only internal piston mechanism. If you travel, ink cartridges can be a consideration. When I am at a conference, sometimes the ability to lug a bottle of ink just isn't an option.
Why be concerned about ink from a bottle? You'll soon be part of the never ending discussion on the best type of ink for flow, the right colour, and the fact that not all inks are the same in different pens.
I have started a list of comments received on inks on a Inks Page. You know you are hooked when you find yourself paying more for a bottle of ink than a bottle of wine. I also provide information on my Inks of Choice.
Feels n the Hand
Try the pen out for how it sits in your hand. Big pens are popular today but make sure the pen is not too big for you hand. Check out how the pen sits in you hand.
- Does it rest along the fingers so that the nib flows parallel to the paper? Or,
- Does the pen sit almost vertically with your finger tips near the bottom? This can be a sign that the pen is not the right size for your hand.
Nibs
You should try out the pen to see if the nib if flexible enough for you and your style of writing, and if the nib size (fine, medium, broad etc) is right.
Different pens had nibs that are more or less flexible. Flexibility is the amount of bend in the nib when you write. Your sales person should be able to see you write with the pen. They will know how hard you press and which lines of pens you should or should not consider.
One of the aspects often talked about about the difference between writing with vintage fountain pens is the flexibility of the nib. But even among the pens made today there is plenty of variety.
- The broad, medium and fine nibs have a rounded or smooth tip (as opposed to stub or oblique nibs) and are most accommodating to different handwriting styles.
- The speed your write is also a factor. For small or slow writing or for working with numbers you may find a fine point is best for you.
- If your writing is big or fast a medium or even a broad point may be better.
- Broad nibs are made for signatures and bold writing. The larger the point size, the more ink flows to the paper.
- Oblique nibs have a slant at the point of the nib. These nibs are great for those what write at distinct angles. Sometimes, left-handed people are more successful with oblique nibs because of the way they hold the pen.
- Italic nibs have flat nib points and this creates a calligraphic effect. The nib creates a thick line on the downward stroke and a thin line on the horizontal stroke. These nibs are not for everyone and using them requires that you hold the pen properly so that the nib is flush with the paper. Generally, writing is a little slower with italic nibs.
For example, I use broad nibs for taking notes during hearings etc. The amount of ink that flows means the nib just flows across the paper. Although, it means having more than one pen with you as I can get about an hour or writing out of a fill-up!
Once you get the right size of pen then try different nibs. Even two "mediums" don't write the same. On higher-price lines the nibs are handmade. It is only natural, therefore, that all the nibs will write a bit different. Try a few and see which one is best for you. If the store resists letting you try another one then you are simply in the wrong place.
Don't get all hung up on the "gold nib" -- it is really for appearance. The part of the nib that touches the paper is the key. The better the nibs are hand made and typically have an iridium tip. The shape of the ball will determine the style of nib (fine, medium, broad etc.)
Whew! Its an experience buying a fountain pen! If the pen store doesn't help you go through these steps, then it is not a "great pen store". If you have other comments on the buying of a pen, please E-Mail me and I will include them on this list.
