Fountain Pens
FountainPenClub.com is the best resource for Fountain Pens. We offer everything from Antique Fountain Pens to Ball Point Fountain Pens. Please brows through our daily changing inventory of Fountain Pens.
Among the most sought after Fountain Pens are:
 |
 |
 |
| . | . | . |
 |
 |
 |
Fountain pens evolved from the dip pen, which does not have the reservoir of ink that can be found inside the modern fountain pen. It is equipped with a nib that is fed by water-based ink from the reservoir through capillary action and gravity. Thus, you can write with it with little or no pressure. Once all the ink has been used up, the internal reservoir can be refilled using a syringe or eyedropper or by a filler mechanism installed inside a pen, which creates suction. This allows ink to be transferred into the reservoir through the nib. There are also pens that use pre filled ink cartridges, which are removable. Some of the more popular brands today include Parker, Sheaffer and Waterman fountain pens.
Although using fountain pens today may seem old fashioned to some people, they actually represent a big leap forward in the history of the pen. Before the fountain pen was invented, everybody relied on primitively designed writing instruments such as the quill pens, dip pens, brushes and reeds. All of these kinds of writing utensils have to be constantly recharged with ink, and were very hard to use. The writing they created is characterized by an ink glut at the beginning of every stroke that thinned out and became almost invisible near the end. The fountain pen was the first writing instrument to use a reservoir, which allows for use without the use of an ink well. The most common color of ink is black although a variety of colors is available on the market.
How Does the Fountain Pen Work?
From an internal reservoir or cartridge, the ink in a fountain pen flows into the nib where a thin slit dispenses it. When the user draws the fountain pen across the surface of the paper, the ink then flows out of this slit. It is kept flowing by force of gravity combined with capillary action. Through this action, the molecules of a liquid stick together by pulling on each other. When the pen is drawn across the paper, this molecular bond causes the pen ink particles to keep on flowing smoothly and continuously
It is unusual for somebody to use a fountain pen for taking down notes and other forms of casual writing, although this was the norm back in the mid fifties. The fountain is quite hard to use and is quite temperamental compared to other kinds of pens such as rollerballs, felts and ballpoints. However, the fountain pen can be used for achieving artistic effects in writing, which is something that cannot be done with other kinds of pens. This can be done by varying the stroke angles, which produce narrow strokes and broad lines. Thus, an artistic effect is achieved.
Why Should You Choose a Fountain Pen?
There are several reasons why fountain pens are better than other kinds of pens:
It is Comfortable
Because it allows you to write with a small amount of pressure or none at all, the pen is less tiring to use than a pencil or other kinds of pens.
You can write more legibly
With a fountain pen, you can write in simplified italic calligraphy, which can be done as fast as longhand or cursive but is much more legible.
Fountain Pens are Cheaper
Although the most expensive writing instrument in the world with a tag price of 730,000 dollars is a fountain pen, you need not have a solid gold or diamond fountain pen to enjoy its advantages. Cheap ballpoint and rollerball pens cost only a couple of dollars but you are likely to lose it in a month or two. In two years, you will have spent 25 dollars on your pens. That same amount is enough for a fountain pen and ink that will last for several years. A fountain can cost less than twenty dollars, such as Pelikan Fountain Pens. They come in a variety of translucent colors and barrel designs that is perfect for the young population. However, even expensive fountain pens that cost around 200 dollars, such as Lamy Fountain Pens, are still cheaper in the long run considering that they can last from twenty to forty years. If you are lucky, you may even get Vintage Fountain Pens at discounted prices.
It is an Excellent Hobby to Collect Fountain Pens
There are many individuals who find it fun to collect fountain pens no matter what brand. Various online communities that have thousands of members can be found for fountain pen reviews, solving pen troubles and sharing experiences. Each year, spectacular pen shows are held around the world that will allow you to view any of the pens displayed and get up to date information on fountain pen collection.
Troubleshooting Fountain Pens
The fountain is not without its problems but everything in it can be repaired. The nib is highly unlikely to wear out in your lifetime but if it does, you can fix it as well. Here are a couple of quick tips:
- Cleaning the Pen
A pen that has not been used for a few weeks will get clogged even it has a solid gold with 0.25ct diamond nib. However, this can easily be remedied by flushing it with plain water. If the clogging persists, you can soak it water. If you have an old fountain though, take care not to let parts that do not normally get in contact with ink be soaked. This is because early plastics were not made waterproof.
- Scratchy Fountain Pens
Examine the tip under a magnifying glass to see if the tines are bent. This can easily be corrected. If nothing seems to be wrong, you can smooth out the fountain pen by jotting a few notes on very fine sandpaper.
