Do Pens With Threads Offer Better Grip?

[xTwiinKy]

I use a Lamy 2000.

Ive had threaded pens over the years, but forgot how they were like. I ended up using my Rotring 600 for years exclusively, but its a narrow and knurled grip so its quite different.

 

Now that I use my FP more, I get annoyed as I feel there can be slight finger shifting. Its minor, I certainly dont expect to feel like my fingers are superglued on the pen or anything. But its definitely more than my Rotring, and sweat and oils can make it much worse. It is summer after all.

 

I wonder if pens with threads on to my gripping portion (I grip my Lamy further back around the nubs) would offer much better grip, no matter how slippery my hands are.

Pelicans seem to have their grip higher up than other pens.

 

Any ideas, experienced? Thank you guys.

[sansenri]

It's a very subjective experience.

We don't all grip the pen in the same way or in the same place, we have larger or smaller hands, and also dryer or more sweaty hands.

Add to that that we have different perception of threads and step downs.

I for one don't like step downs, I try to avoid them and will often not buy a pen with a pronounced step down.

Threads can also annoy me. I prefer pens with smooth threads (some pens have sharp threads) or no threads at all, so opting for a pen with threads may not necessarily be a solution to better grip.

The Lamy 2000 has a tapering tip that for some may be too tapering. I tend to like it very much but that is also because I hold the pen quite far back, so my fingers don't really risk slipping towards the tip.

The section on Pelikans is very short, if you do not consider the threads, so your fingers are most of the time on the threads. Fortunately Pelikan threads are quite smooth. In the smaller M200/M400s I even hold the pen behind the threads! on the barrel.

Generally though I do love a smooth section, preferably very slightly tapering, or moderately hourglass shaped.

In a case like yours, besides relying on threaded sections you might also want to check guilloche pattern pen bodies which improve grip.

[hari317]

Threads might be annoying to grip on. Friction will depend on pen material. Sterling silver provides excellent grip. So does ebonite and nitro celluloid.

[A Smug Dill]

I wonder if pens with threads on to my gripping portion (I grip my Lamy further back around the nubs) would offer much better grip, no matter how slippery my hands are.

Better grip, as in more friction? Sure. That doesn't necessarily translate to more comfortable to use while maintaining a more secure grip, and you could even end up doing something unconsciously with your hand to avoid discomfort, that in turn compromises your grip or control.

 

The side of the first knuckle (i.e. distal interphalangeal joint) on my index finger is awfully callused from the way I grip my pen when writing, which in the long term doesn't help precise control of the nib's movement on the page. Physical structures such as (especially metal) threads, or pyramids on a godron finish, on the gripping section may make the issue more pronounced. A more finely textured grip, such as on the Diplomat Aero, Lamy Studio Lx All Black or Lamy Studio Brushed Steel, may actually work better than cap-securing threads for one's grip on the balance of anti-slip friction and comfort. Or you can try a Lamy Accent, for which a large variety of interchangeable gripping sections are available.

[ParramattaPaul]

This question prompted me to have a look at how I grip a pen because I naturally grip it above the section, and I didn't know if I gripped it at or above the threads.

 

The answer is that the tip of my index finger barely touches the threads which rest on the side of the distal end of my second finger. I am not aware of the texture of the threads, so they are not problematic. Mind you, I work at having a relaxed hand whilst writing unlike the death grip of my school days long ago.

[corniche]

Hi Xtwinkky,

 

I would recommend experimenting with textured paints on a dozen Bic Crystals (to see if they would give your slick fingers the extra tooth they need) and then see if that could be used on the fp's you like. Textured paints would be far less likely to interfere with the operation of the cap because it's a micro thin layer.

 

You could also try using a low-grit sandpaper on the section OR put a little "gripper salve" on your finger tips - bank tellers use it when counting out bills.

 

 

- Sean

[vicpen123]

So long as the section is smooth and any threads and step downs do not have sharp edges, then I have not noticed any difference.

 

Sheaffer Targa and Pilot Metropolitan have slip on caps but also have pronounced sharp step downs that make then uncomfortable to use even without threads.

[silverlifter]

Sheaffer Targa and Pilot Metropolitan have slip on caps but also have pronounced sharp step downs that make then uncomfortable to use even without threads.

 

I have used a Targa for the last fourty-odd years. and while you may find them uncomfortable, your blanket assertion is unsupported by my experience, or by the lasting popularity of the model.

[picautomaton]

I think they do offer a bit of extra grip especially on pens with slight step from barrel to section (I.e. MB 146)

Edited September 10, 2020 by picautomaton

[PAKMAN]

I don't have a problem with the grip on a regular Lamy 2000 but the Stainless version with the added weight gives me a problem with pen shift/slip.

[inkstainedruth]

Sheaffer Targa and Pilot Metropolitan have slip on caps but also have pronounced sharp step downs that make then uncomfortable to use even without threads.

That's going to depend on the size of your hand. I don't have a Targa, although I now have TWO Metropolitans, and my fingers are small enough that the step down to the section doesn't bother me -- but I have seen posts from people that it does bother.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

ETA: As to the OP's question? I dunno. I have pens with threaded caps and pens with slip on caps, and haven't noticed much difference. I can only suggest trying a variety of pens and see what is and isn't comfortable for YOU. (I just was reading a thread where someone was posting a photo of some Caran d'Ache pens that were 54 grams and THAT would be MUCH more of an issue for me than where any potential threading or step down hit my fingers).

Edited September 10, 2020 by inkstainedruth

[xTwiinKy]

Thanks for the reply, guys.

 

I managed to solve this issue with two things,

 

1) Using Carpe antiperspirant lotion [specifically made for hand/palm sweat]

2) Adjusted my grip more to how I grip a narrow pencil, a little higher of an angle, a tighter grip [really the thumb can now push upward], and the pen more sideways. It's still a traditional relaxed tripod grip, nothing abnormal. Maybe I had it slightly wrong to begin with.

3) Using 0.3mm Mylar paper to increase smoothness.

 

However, I am still enthralled by the idea of a pen closer to my Rotring 600.

Anyone ever heard of the Pelikan M300?

It's mindbogglingly skinny! Using my computer snapshot pixel counter, and a Lamy 2000 in one comparison pic for reference which is 12mm at the nubs, the Pelikan M300 at the widest point of the threads is 9.25mm! The section is around 8.25mm near the threads, and tapers further.

 

Credit to this wonderful site for their review.

https://www.handoverthatpen.com/tag/oblique/

 

I have ordered a Kaweco Sport as it's close in size. I understand the Lamy CP1, Logo are narrow pens but I question their lifespans, and would prefer a more premium product. I'd like to try the MB Classique, but Pelikans have piston fillers and fewer turns to uncap, I believe.

Edited September 19, 2020 by xTwiinKy

[Bo Bo Olson]

I have mostly threaded pens, and don't notice the threads. Some folks do and it irritates them.

 

I use the 'forefinger up' method of gripping a pen so that is an automatic light grip and the forefinger just lays on the section and threads with no pressure.

Even before when I was using the tripod, the threads didn't bother me...........just think of it as natures way to give you a light grip.