What's My Line?

[MainStreetPens]

I think that most pen collectors have a pen that's just right. The line is ideal, it satisfies, but how to you know exactly how wide that line is? Measuring the ball on the end on the nib doesn't cut it because it doesn't tell you what the real world line width is with your pen, the paper and ink....

Pen mechanics and nib people have fancy lensed with graticules in them that typically cost anywhere from $100 to $150, or more. We came across these little lenses that have a 10 mm scale build in, divided into 10ths of a millimeter, which is just what you want when measuring line width. No, the quality isn't the same as my Bosch and Lomb, but it's pretty darn good for 1/10th the price! It has a build in LED to illuminate the scale and line being measured, which my Bosch and Lomb does NOT have (and I wish it did!). Batteries are easily replaceable button cells, cheap in bulk on eBay.

We've also added a couple of mint-in-the-box snorkel sets to the pens for sale along with other pens. Some nice pens, all ready to write with a warranty. You can see the pens on the main pen sales page while the measuring loupe and other neat items are on the "stuff" page at Main Street Pens.

http://www.mainstreetpens.com/stuff/lineloupe.jpg

[Gloucesterman]

I thought you were going to introduce Kitty Kilagallen, Arlene Francis or even Bennett Cerf.

 

Oh well, guess I'm just showing my age .

[inkstainedruth]

I thought you were going to introduce Kitty Kilagallen, Arlene Francis or even Bennett Cerf.

 

Oh well, guess I'm just showing my age .

Oh good -- that means I'm not *quite* showing mine, since I only remember Arlene Francis on the show....

I have to say that those loupes are cheaper than the one I bought awhile back, and the built in scale is a nice bonus.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth