Any Experience With Glass Dip Pens

[PacificCoastPen]

Anyone or a thread that comments on those blown glass dip pens? Smooth? Flow? Tip..medium or fine or?

[Joane]

I have written with a few of them and they can be exquisite in design and materials while the writing performance can be hit or miss. I have one that writes only a few words and dries out after about two and a half inches of text and another one with which I can write a whole page on one dip! The glass dip pens I have also do not have nib size specified and that is something you can only find out by trying it. I wouldn't go by looks alone. Definitely advise testing before buying if possible.

 

Edited for correction.

Edited November 26, 2010 by Joane

[shaylenwilliams]

I got one and couldn't quite get it to work right. I am still waiting to get to the store to see if I can get some 400 grit sand paper to work on tweaking it some.

[vela]

I just bought my first glass dip pen.

 

I prefer to write with a calligraphy nib, and that, it is not.

 

It writes a broad, solid line. Mine holds enough ink for a decent amount of writing.

 

It does hold nicely in the hand. I find it very comfortable.

 

Due to personal preference of finer lines, this will not be my favourite pen for writing, however, it is one of my all time favourites in the looks department.

[jbb]

I'm not a fan of glass dip pens. They're pretty to look out but give me a flexy steel dip pen to write with any day. The ones I've tried have been stiff and best and scratchy at worst.

[vela]

I have to agree with jbb. They are rigid. Also, I wish I could have selected a finer point. -I won't even call it a nib.

 

Perhaps one day, they can figure out a way to create a glass pen-body, and the ability to insert a flexy steel nib into it. Now, that would be a hot marriage.

[Joane]

I have to agree with jbb. They are rigid. Also, I wish I could have selected a finer point. -I won't even call it a nib.

 

Perhaps one day, they can figure out a way to create a glass pen-body, and the ability to insert a flexy steel nib into it. Now, that would be a hot marriage.

I have actually seen some of those. I believe they were made by Francesco Rubinato.

[Russ]

Can one not use micromesh to shape and smooth the tip so it is glassy smooth, and in a desired shape?

[dcwaites]

Can one not use micromesh to shape and smooth the tip so it is glassy smooth, and in a desired shape?

 

No, the good ones have the end of the nib ending in a tiny blob of glass. If it is done properly, the nib should then be, literally, 'glassy smooth'. This controls the flow of ink from the twisted 'tines' to the paper. If you sand it off, then the ink flow onto the paper is not controlled properly. This is the problem with the glass dip pens that are coming out of Asia at the moment.

[jgrasty]

I have a glass pen, but I don't use it. The ink flow is heavy at first and slows as the ink runs out, so you get fat lines at first and finer lines are the ink is used up.

[vela]

-> jgrasty: that is what I have found as well.

 

The only things I like about my glass pen right now, are how it looks, how it holds in my hand, and the sound the glass makes whilst gliding over the paper.

 

-> Joane, I'm going to have to look for one of those.

[penspouse]

Mine is good for a quick try of various inks with a quick rinse in between, but, unfortunately, it is not as smooth as I would like.

[ImNotSam]

That's what I use mine for - it's great to test out the color of an ink. Easy to rinse off and dry. But that's why I bought it. I only have one. I can write with it ... but why?

 

I'm also careful to replace it in its original box. Glass things have a habit of getting broken around here.

 

I do have to admit that glass pens certainly can be beautiful to look at.

 

 

 

Mine is good for a quick try of various inks with a quick rinse in between, but, unfortunately, it is not as smooth as I would like.

[Joe in Seattle]

Only bad, sorry

[Beechwood]

Someone bought one of these murano glass pens from the factory in venice, cannot help but think that they are a triumph of style over substance, cannot say i have any desire to use it.

[Easterner]

Since I wanted a pen to use for testing inks, I purchased a J. Herbin glass dip pen. The nib was not smooth and the ink flow was as described-- heavy at first then becoming lighter. To shape and smooth the nib, I used a Micro-Mesh 3-Way Buff Stick at 12,000 grit from Richard Binder and a light touch.

Due to more luck than skill perhaps, the nib came out smooth and more fine than medium. The ink samples on the paper look more like a fountain pen than a glass pen.

And the glass pen is much easier to clean when testing multiple samples.

I would still prefer to use steel nibs for general writing though.

[PacificCoastPen]

Thanks for all the feedback. I will stay away from them.

[Scribesquill]

I was just searching for postings on my favorite style pens - Italian-made glass dip pens (glass and metal nibs). I am disppointed to read that you have decided to stay away from them. I think you should give them a try first. One of the reasons why I use fountain or dip pens is becuase I like the experience of writing with an instrument that was used hundreds of years ago. I am not sure if you use dip pens at all, but while I prefer a flexible metal nib, the glass nibs tend to hold the ink longer. I have glass pens that allow me to write entire paragraphs before re-inking. I think the pen "they" bought (Arthur's post) was a bit unique. I went to many shops with the Murano glass pens, and never saw packaging and ink bottle such as in your picture. Happy New Year.

Edited January 2, 2011 by Scribesquill

[Scribesquill]

I have to agree with jbb. They are rigid. Also, I wish I could have selected a finer point. -I won't even call it a nib.

 

Perhaps one day, they can figure out a way to create a glass pen-body, and the ability to insert a flexy steel nib into it. Now, that would be a hot marriage.

 

 

Just saw your note on glass dip pens. My favorite pens happen to be glass dip pen holders with metal nibs. I love the look of them as well as the ability to write in calligraphy. I have several of them. My favorites are Murano glass. You have to take a trip to Venice - they are everywhere. I was in heaven. However, you have to be sure to purchase the authentic Venetian-made and not those imported from China in the tourist traps.

[GMYoussef]

I found this beauty and decided to share it here: https://www.papierplume.com/0-1165.html I have yet to try them, but I'm considering getting one.