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Maybe they simply haven’t yet had the opportunity, or they mistakenly believe that fountain pens are quirky, complicated or expensive. That’s unfortunate, because fountain pens are versatile, functional instruments that require only minimal care and maintenance to deliver decades of expressive drawing and writing. (Left: Patent illustration for Lewis Waterman’s fountain pen design. Right:Waterman ad, 1908)
Some negative myths about fountain pens originated with early versions of refillable pens that were unreliable and spill-prone, with obsolete features like latex bladders. Beginning with Lewis Waterman’s design, patented in 1884, fountain pens have become reliable, stylish writing instruments that have benefitted from many innovations in design and materials over the years.
While it’s a good idea to empty a pen for travel, fountain pens don’t burst if you carry them on an airplane. And, contrary to what we may learn in old cartoons, modern pens can’t be used as an ink squirt gun. New fountain pens are long-lasting, easy to clean and maintain, and many are quite affordable.
(Still from “The Cobweb Hotel”, Fleischer Studio 1936)
Fountain pens produce a continuous, unbroken line with subtle, yet dynamic variation, ideal for drawing and sketching. The fountain pen nib design originates with the split nib of a quill pen, and later steel dip pen nibs, which remained standard ink writing instruments for centuries.
(Images: Stills from “The Twenty Six Old Characters” 1936)
Most fountain pens have a round or pointed nib, but chisel-edged styles are also available, which can create italic letters and calligraphic flourishes. A fountain nib is responsive to the angle, speed, and pressure of the hand like a dip pen, but continuous ink feed and sophisticated nib designs allow free movement in any direction without chattering on the paper or accidentally releasing ink. This feature is perfect for artists who enjoy the free movement of a ballpoint or rollerball pen, but who also want a more interesting, slightly varied stroke.
Image: Manuscript Calligraphy Fountain Pen Set
Each brand of pen uses one of several styles of cartridge refill. Some use cartridges designed for a major brand, while others use a proprietary refill. Most cartridges have a nipple on one end which is inserted into the feed, but some have flat ends which are pierced by the feed tube when the pen body is screwed back onto the nib assembly.
Fountain pens can also accept bottled ink by use of a piston converter, a syringe that attaches like a cartridge. When selecting bottled ink, look for a “fountain safe” symbol or other indication so you can avoid types which may clog your pen. A piston converter can be filled with ink by immersing the mouth– the open end of the nipple which attaches to the feed– into the inkwell and rotating the converter knob to raise the piston, drawing ink into the cylinder.
Images: Spent fountain pen cartridges (Left), Higgins Fountain Pen India bottle(Right)
At one time, fountain pen ink was mostly transparent, but that changed with the invention of micro-pigment inks. Today, fountain pen enthusiasts can use pigmented, opaque inks that are certified fountain-safe.
(Images: Piston converters)
The overall design of a fountain pen is as much about function as appearance. The shaping, materials, and construction of a pen also contribute to its performance and durability. Style, comfort in the hand, resistance to corrosion and impact, and ease of maintenance are all important design considerations for any fountain pen.
A well designed pen can also be the perfect wardrobe accessory for urban sketching. When you’re drawing in public, everybody’s watching what your hands are doing, and having an eye-catching, luxurious pen affirms your professional status. Carrying a good pen makes you look and feel confident and well dressed no matter how functional and practical your working wardrobe may be.
Left: Lamy AL-Star. Right: Caran d’Ache 849 Fountain Pens
There are some easy, good habits to acquire to keep your pen in good working order: Keep it capped when not in use, with the nib up. Empty ink periodically and flush it with water between fillings. The same converter that holds ink can also be used to flush out the pen. Immerse the nib in water, rotating the converter knob to draw water in and out until it runs clear. And, there’s one thing you definitely shouldn’t do with a fountain pen, ever: Never clean it with hot water. Heating up a fountain pen can cause metal and resin components to expand, turning a reliable drawing instrument into a leaky mess!
Image: Speedball pen cleaning solution