Writing is an integral part of any culture. Like human evolution, the style of writing utensils has transformed throughout time and history. From ballpoint pens, rollerball pens to various ink colors and styles, these days’ available options seem never to end. With that being said, while innovation and design are well sought after in modern times, one pen that will never go out of style is the fountain pen –and for a good reason. If you want to learn more about this timeless writing utensil that has been around for over a thousand years, make sure to keep on reading. We promise this is information is something that you won’t want to miss! Let’s get started!
What is a Fountain Pen?
Before getting into the more intricate details of the fountain pen, we must understand precisely this type of writing utensil. Although most of you probably already know what kind of pen we are talking about, for those who have yet to have heard of a fountain pen, this type of writing utensil has a reservoir that is filled with ink. The feed of the pen then transports the ink to the nip, that then transfers the ink to the paper.
A Brief History of the Fountain Pen
Now that we understand what fountain pens are, as this pen was invented more than a thousand years ago, it’s only fair that we take a trip down memory lane and provide you with a brief history of its origins! People believe that Leonardo Da Vinci may have created a fountain pen for his own use in the 1500s. However, it wasn’t until the 1800s when these writing utensil became widely available. If anything, you’ve most likely seen these types of pens in movies that take place in the late 1800s! More specifically, this type of writing utensil was invented by a Romanian man named Petrache Poenaru in 1827 who held the first patent on a rechargeable fountain pen, but the invention itself goes back to the 1600s in Germany by a man named Daniel Schwenter. That being said, throughout history, the design of this pen has been transformed and been perfected by others.
A Modern Day Gem
Fast forward to today, although pens have become more sophisticated in nature, people who enjoy collecting stationery and have a passion for historic inventions still seek to celebrate the origins of this type of pen. In fact, on the first Friday in November, fanatics of this writing utensil have declared this day as being Fountain Pen Day. So, make sure to mark your calendars this year and praise the wonder and timelessness of this pen!
How Does a Fountain Pen Work
So, you’re probably wondering, “how exactly does a fountain pen work?” This is a great question to ask and one of the reasons this type of pen is unlike any other writing tool available to people. Simply put, the pen itself has a reservoir where the ink is held and then passes through to the nip, and then onto the paper. This allows you to not only use different color inks for different projects you may have, but it also allows you to use different sizes and shapes of nip, which will directly affect the style and thickness of the lines you create!
The Benefits of Using a Fountain Pen
While you may believe that fountain pens are just the same as any other pen that has ever been created, there are many benefits to using these pens over others. Here are some of the benefits of using fountain pens:
The Pros
- These types of pens allow you to write seamlessly and elegantly with a light pressure, which will enable you to register for longer without experiencing any exhaustion.
- They are a reusable and sustainable alternative to plastic pens that often end up in landfills and our oceans.
- Writing with a fountain pen is an elegant experience that modern pens are unable to provide –trust us, once you experience writing with a fountain pen, you will never go back!
- They are unique and collectible pieces that can provide you with meaning and value –making them the perfect gift for yourself or your loved one!
The Cons
Like anything in life, there are some setbacks of using this type of writing tool that you should be aware of beforehand!
- They require cleaning and maintenance. If you are willing to take proper care for your pen, this con won’t be a problem for you and is actually very easy to maintain!
- They are not suitable for all types of paper. This high-quality pen deserves high-quality paper. So, make sure you are willing to purchase a higher-quality paper that is thick to avoid smudging and feathering!
Answering Some of Your Questions
Now, let’s look at some popular questions you may have regarding these famous pens!
Are fountain pens interchangeable?
Yes, they absolutely are! All of the fountain pens made by Frog Pen come with interchangeable nibs for your convenience and allow you to change the nibs to different sizes!
Can a fountain pen cartridge be refilled?
Yes, all fountain pens from Frog Pen come fully equipped with an ink cartridge that can be refilled whenever needed.
Does the fountain Pen Leak?
Believe it or not, the idea that fountain pens leak is a common myth that you do not need to worry about because it isn’t true! While there may be small leaks, also known as the nip cree, larger leaks are not normal. Therefore, if you are experiencing leaks from your fountain pen, there may be something wrong with it.
Which fountain pen is the best one to purchase?
This can depend on many factors! One of which is going to be directly influenced by the quality of the paper you intend to use, the nip itself, and of course, the style and color you are looking for! We do however suggest those who write ever day or those who are beginners in writing use a medium hard nip, which is what is installed in our pens.
If you are looking for a fountain pen that guarantees minimal bleed-through on thinner paper, with a medium hard nip, then make sure to check out our Waterman Ink for the best quality! We also carry numerous colors to choose from. So, you can get as creative with your writing projects as you wish!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there is a lot more than what meets the eye with these charismatic and timeless writing utensils. If you are looking for something that is elegant, professional, and high-quality, the fountain pen is a fantastic option and perfect addition to your stationery collection.
Make sure to check out our main page to find a wide variety of handmade pens right here in the United States. To learn more about pens and penmanship, make sure to follow our blog for more exciting topics and facts! We promise you will not be disappointed with our incredible selection of handcrafted fountain pens that are made to last a lifetime.
