What Your Pens Have Taught You

[bongo47]

I've learned that people fascinated by fountain pens have the most intriguing backgrounds, occupations, and histories. They're always eccentric, often iconoclastic, and universally passionate about subtle, arcane, Byzantine -- but significant -- details that most people miss. They're driven by the simple joy and freedom of applying an ink of their choice, with a pen of their choice, to a paper of their choice. I've learned that talking about pens invariably leads to talking about history, engineering, art, and business. It teaches us obscure facts about chemistry and communication, and builds relationships across cultures. Imagine the conversations we'll have, when we're able to extend these discussions beyond the members of the pen community who write in English!

Well said. I'm learning this as well. In addition, I've learned that something that fascinated me as a teen can still do so in middle age. And that I'm enjoying them at levels like you've mentioned; in ways I did not before. I never would have imagined asking a park ranger if it's ok to take home a couple Oak Galls. Or that I'd have spent a morning reading about them and why they're significant.

[Totl]

the fountain pen in general has taught (and still teaches) me to write more clearly than with a ballpoint or a pencil. For reasons unkown to me, i always prefer my handwriting with a fountain pen over any other writing accesories. People always seem to have no problems reading my FP font, but i always get the annoying questions when using a ballpoint or a pencil.

[Rach31]

My pens have taught me I have an addictive personality, and atrocious penmanship.

Not a great combo when it comes to fountain pens.

I think a lot of us have found that we have addictive personalities.

[Rach31]

Personally, I treat my fountain pens the way I treat my toothbrush....

I NEVER let anyone else use it!!

If I'm using one of my pens, and someone comments on it (ie., "Hey, can I try it????") I just refer them to where I got it, explaining that each pen is

unique - crafted to "fit' the (first) user's writing style.....and letting someone else use it MAY mess it up....!

OK, a bit over the top, perhaps.....but it saves having someone damage a pen that may result in costly repair....

I was signing my evaluation and my boss reached for my pen after I signed... Now I know, I will carry my Sailor with a zoom nib. That one is robust so I don't have to be afraid of it being hurt. Not to mention it writes from almost any angle so someone who doesn't know how to use fountain pens can still use it.

[latetotheparty]

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3. That the infinite colours of the rainbow can be had in all the inks available, but that it is important to be realistic about what you will actually use

 

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10. Enjoy what you have. There are always more pens to tempt you but be happier with what you own already. There is excitement in the chase but real enjoyment comes from sitting down, picking up one of your favorites, and writing. There are a lot of people in this world who find enjoyment in a lot less

 

Great thread guys, let's keep it coming

This is a great thread. Owner of Lonely Heart - I totally agree with you, especially points 3 and 10. I have two pens that I use every day. They are, for me, beautiful to behold, touch and write with, and neither of them cost > $250. Thanks to the many people on FPN who warned not to get obsessed with simply buying for the sake of owning, and for giving such helpful advice so that the pens I eventually bought made me happy!

[Owner of a Lonely Heart]

This is a great thread. Owner of Lonely Heart - I totally agree with you, especially points 3 and 10. I have two pens that I use every day. They are, for me, beautiful to behold, touch and write with, and neither of them cost > $250. Thanks to the many people on FPN who warned not to get obsessed with simply buying for the sake of owning, and for giving such helpful advice so that the pens I eventually bought made me happy!

 

That's great! Fpn can be a great resource and it has helped me many times also. I hope you enjoy those pens for a long time to come, life is too short to use bad pens!