Ok, y'all, I'm really about to jump in and place my order (hopefully today). But I was thinking last night, why? Why not just stock up on my favorite ballpoint pens, I mean, they have waterproof ink, write reliably, are pretty cheap, etc, etc. I have a few of my own reasons, but got to wondering - "Why have all you weirdos chosen to get into the FP scene?"
Why Fountain Pen?
- Thread starter Brandon P K
- Start date
It's pretty much the same as DE razors vs. carts. Yah, a ballpoint has those qualities, but it is more fun to write with a fountain pen and connect with old-fashioned ways. Also, you use less pressure with a FP and don't have hand cramps if you write alot. There is waterproof FP ink and most quality FP's write very reliably. Just like traditional wetshaving, you can get into it and enjoy it for cheap, but most of us have chosen to go crazy with expensive pens and ink because it becomes a hobby!
Aside from the "really cool" factor, this is a biggie for me.
Some ballpoints can actually be quite smooth with minimal pressure. As with cartridge razors, a lot of people use more pressure than they need to, just because they have never learned any other way, or at least that's my guess. Still a good fountain pen just glides over the paper in a way that a ballpoint can't quite match. Rollerballs are closer to the fountain pen feel, but I can't seem to get as comfortable a writing angle ( may just be a personal thing).
The ink looks much better on the paper. Depending on the nib, you may not get effects like line variation and shading, but fountain pen inks have a richer quality, which can make ballpoints look lifeless and flat. Still, admittedly rollerballs also are better than regular ballpoints in this respect, and fountain pens force you to be choosier about the paper you use.
There are more ink colors available. May not be such a big deal if all you want are perhaps a basic blue and black, but even then you have a chance of finding the perfect shade.
Nib choices can make writing more interesting for you, and make your writing more interesting to other people. Options such as different nib widths, flex nibs, italics, and obliques give you the chance to give your writing more character than it might have with either a ballpoint or rollerball.
And of course fountain pens are cooler, and more fun to play around with.
Ballpoints have advantages too, but the only one I'll mention is that if you keep some handy, you'll never feel pressure to lend a fountain pen to somebody who might mistreat it.
The ink looks much better on the paper. Depending on the nib, you may not get effects like line variation and shading, but fountain pen inks have a richer quality, which can make ballpoints look lifeless and flat. Still, admittedly rollerballs also are better than regular ballpoints in this respect, and fountain pens force you to be choosier about the paper you use.
There are more ink colors available. May not be such a big deal if all you want are perhaps a basic blue and black, but even then you have a chance of finding the perfect shade.
Nib choices can make writing more interesting for you, and make your writing more interesting to other people. Options such as different nib widths, flex nibs, italics, and obliques give you the chance to give your writing more character than it might have with either a ballpoint or rollerball.
And of course fountain pens are cooler, and more fun to play around with.
Ballpoints have advantages too, but the only one I'll mention is that if you keep some handy, you'll never feel pressure to lend a fountain pen to somebody who might mistreat it.
because you can
because I found Grandaddy's in a box...
it has been about a month or a little more since I got my first FP...well I have used an FP for a very brief period when I was 8 or 9 years old..i think in the late 80's.
I use an FP just at home, I write everything I am thinking down, it is slower but...
I am not sure if its the new fad thingy but I am actually getting more done in the same amount of time.
earlier it used to be notes on notepad and staring at the wall while thinking an idea over.
for me at least using the FP and writing down ideas and thoughts seems to bring clarity.
one more side affect I forgot to mention, I can actually read my writing now, swmbo never commented about my bbs face but surprise! surprise! she complimented me on my writing the other day
.
I use an FP just at home, I write everything I am thinking down, it is slower but...
I am not sure if its the new fad thingy but I am actually getting more done in the same amount of time.
earlier it used to be notes on notepad and staring at the wall while thinking an idea over.
for me at least using the FP and writing down ideas and thoughts seems to bring clarity.
one more side affect I forgot to mention, I can actually read my writing now, swmbo never commented about my bbs face but surprise! surprise! she complimented me on my writing the other day
.
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For me the improvement in my handwriting alone justifies the switch. Then there is the fun of playing with calligraphy, different inks, nib sizes, etc. I've always been protective of my favorite pens so moving over to something nicer was an easy transition. Once you get used to the change, there is no going back.
Because colouring cats with ballpoints take too long. 
I have to use a bic at work, I use my FPs for when I want to write for fun.
A good fountain pen accomplishes many things:
improves your handwriting
makes writing enjoyable
gives you a wide range of ink choices
ditto for nibs
becomes a personal daily pleasure as well as effective tool & becomes part of you (eh?)
like a good suit, makes a statement about how you present yourself to the world and how you value that presentation
educates you - you will want to learn more (if only pen history, particular makers etc)
makes you think about what you write, why you write - the zen of ink!
plus
it scares the bejeezus out of your wallet as the addiction takes hold (talk about an AD....blimey. Inks, cases, nibs, paper, blotters, journals, inkwells...let alone collecting more pens in all their gorgeousness).Come to think of it, it's truly ruinous. Leave well alone! BIC is king.
I don't know what I was thinking.
improves your handwriting
makes writing enjoyable
gives you a wide range of ink choices
ditto for nibs
becomes a personal daily pleasure as well as effective tool & becomes part of you (eh?)
like a good suit, makes a statement about how you present yourself to the world and how you value that presentation
educates you - you will want to learn more (if only pen history, particular makers etc)
makes you think about what you write, why you write - the zen of ink!
plus
it scares the bejeezus out of your wallet as the addiction takes hold (talk about an AD....blimey. Inks, cases, nibs, paper, blotters, journals, inkwells...let alone collecting more pens in all their gorgeousness).Come to think of it, it's truly ruinous. Leave well alone! BIC is king.
I don't know what I was thinking.
Nobody ever made an italic-balled ballpoint pen.
All of the above answers are great and most apply to me, as well. I enjoy using a unique, good looking, high quality pen that writes nicely. It's true you can get a rollerball version of a lot of fountain pens, but they just don't have the same charm, writing qualities, or mystique of a fountain pen. Nor does a rollerball have a fountain pen nib's good looks. The variety of fountain pen nibs is endless both in visual appeal and writing characteristics.
I also enjoy inks that exhibit shading. It makes what is often a dull task far more interesting and entertaining. I don't get that with a ballpoint or rollerball. Finally, I appreciate things that require a little more time, effort, and care if it means I end up with a result I'm really happy with. For me, fountain pens are worth the extra time and effort. It's a fun hobby that's also useful on a daily basis.
Of course, Brandon, YMMV. You may find that fountain pens are a silly waste of time. Maybe just get a nice roller ball and forget about all us weirdos. I hear the Pilot G2 is really nice and worth hundreds of dollars if you put a Montblanc refill in it. This has all been nothing more than a dreeeeeaaam.
I also don't want to get blamed for enabling anyone!
-Andy
I also enjoy inks that exhibit shading. It makes what is often a dull task far more interesting and entertaining. I don't get that with a ballpoint or rollerball. Finally, I appreciate things that require a little more time, effort, and care if it means I end up with a result I'm really happy with. For me, fountain pens are worth the extra time and effort. It's a fun hobby that's also useful on a daily basis.
Of course, Brandon, YMMV. You may find that fountain pens are a silly waste of time. Maybe just get a nice roller ball and forget about all us weirdos. I hear the Pilot G2 is really nice and worth hundreds of dollars if you put a Montblanc refill in it. This has all been nothing more than a dreeeeeaaam.
I also don't want to get blamed for enabling anyone!
-Andy
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Good luckI also don't want to get blamed for enabling anyone!
- Thread starter
- #16
I made the leap, here's what I got, for good or ill:
3oz Air Corp Blue-Black
3oz Baystate Blue
F Platinum Preppy Black
F Platinum Preppy Blue
O-Rings & Silicone Grease
(from Goulet Pen Co)
3oz Air Corp Blue-Black
3oz Baystate Blue
F Platinum Preppy Black
F Platinum Preppy Blue
O-Rings & Silicone Grease
(from Goulet Pen Co)
I think you'll be VERY pleased! For your next order, add some paper and some other ink samples.
(I don't mind being accused of enabling)
- Thread starter
- #18
I just about went that way, but then it was like, "well maybe some red-black, but then I'd want a red preppy to hold it, hmm, what about some greens... (snowball, snowball)"
Which is why I kept it simple for now, knowing there will too likely be a "next order!"
Which is why I kept it simple for now, knowing there will too likely be a "next order!"
The only problem with eyedroppering pens, is that you need to buy whole bottles of ink at a time.
- Thread starter
- #20
(samples work in eyedroppered pens, though, right?)
