Search the Community

Friends, I'm looking for suggestions for ink for grading/marking student papers. Constraints: I need to avoid feathering and bleed-through on a very wide range of papers used by students. I can't control their paper choices.Drying time is less critical, but still important. I'd like to be able to make a comment, turn the page, and go on reading and writing, not necessarily in a fraction of a second, but within a second or two.I don't want to use black or blue, because students often use these colors themselves.I don't want to use red, because students perceive red comments as hostile, even when they are not.Green, purple, or brown are good color choices, but if you have just the perfect ink in pink or orange or plaid or whatever, do, please, suggest it. Fountain pens are very much my favorite writing implements, but I'm not at all a collector of pens or of inks, though I celebrate those of you who are. I can't afford to experiment with a dozen different pens and inks, so I'm hoping something that will just work will emerge from this obviously stupendously informed body. I'm currently using Waterman Tender Purple ink and an extra-fine nib. This works much of the time, but I still have to switch to a roller-ball much more commonly than I would like. Thanks in advance, Tim

It's the end of the semester, and time to post those pictures! To start things off, here is a page from my exam3 key written on cheapo copy paper, with a Pelikan m800 F, Diamine red dragon ink. and

Dear all, I recently bought myself yet another Platinum Preppy (in 03 = fine) in red. Naturally it came with one red cartridge. I can't say that I was all that convinced by that ink; it was pinkish, did not flow so well (didn't even saturate the fins of the feed properly), and it would dry up at times) So now I'm looking for a better ink for that pen; still red and just for grading papers. So, I'd like an ink that's - a more true red, - not pale, - behaving well on all kinds of sub-par paper, - not easy to dry up (since the preppy is what it ts), - price and size of bottle should not be too great. - Can't be Noodler's; not available here. I've considered Sheaffer Skrip Red, and Diamine Wild Strawberry so far. If you have other suggestions, please share your ideas. Thanks a bunch. Edit: I live in a very humid environment, so I was worried about the Sheaffer's distinct lack of water resistance. The humidity here definitely affects paper over time, and when left out in the open.

In the process of browsing the various threads of FPN, I have noticed that there are quite a few active users who are teachers. What are your favorite teaching pens, and what purpose do they each serve? In my middle school math classes I regularly use: - Pilot Frixion 0.5 - Blue Black is my favorite, but I like having a variety of colors to use under the document camera. Explaining a concept can be so much clearer when I have different colors for different parts and have the ability to erase my mistakes cleanly. http://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-FriXion-Ball-Knock-Retractable-Gel-Ink-Pen-0.5-mm-Blue-Black/pd/6798 - Zebra Sharbo LT3 - This multi pen stays with me everywhere I go. As a math teacher I need to have both a pencil and a pen with me at all times. This one gives clean crisp lines in a compact package. Plus, unlike most mechanical pencils, the feed tube on this retracts completely. http://www.jetpens.com/Zebra-Sharbo-X-LT3-Pen-Body-Component-Cobalt-Blue/pd/9828 - Lamy Safari EF - My first non-disposable fountain pen is my go-to grader. The extra fine nib allows me to write in corrections and comments even when the kids forget to skip lines. The inconspicuous colors don't attract sticky fingers and the low cost (as far as fountain pens go) won't turn me into a rage monster if the pen walks away from my desk. http://www.jetpens.com/Lamy-Safari-Fountain-Pen-Extra-Fine-Nib-Charcoal-Black-Body-Black-Clip/pd/1937 Teachers, what are your go-to pens? Thanks, Mr. Gould