The Beginner's Guide to Fountain Pens: Rediscover the Joy of Writing
In a world where digital devices dominate our daily lives, rediscovering the art of writing with fountain pens can be a refreshing and rewarding experience. Fountain pens offer a smooth and elegant writing experience that is unparalleled by modern ballpoints or rollerballs.
For those new to the world of fountain ink pens for writing, this guide will introduce you to the unique benefits, essential care tips, and some highly recommended beginner models, such as the Lamy Safari and Kaweco SPORT.
Whether you're journaling, drafting a letter, or simply enjoying the tactile pleasure of putting pen to paper, fountain pens can bring a new level of joy and satisfaction to your writing endeavors. Let's dive in together!
Discovering Fountain Pens
Benefits of Fountain Pens
Fountain pens offer several unique advantages over other writing instruments. Firstly, their smooth ink flow provides a more comfortable and effortless writing experience, reducing hand fatigue during long writing sessions. This makes them ideal for journaling or drafting lengthy letters. Additionally, fountain pens allow for greater expression and creativity, as they offer various ink colors. (All the options for ink colors is perhaps my favorite part! From cool teals and vibrant violets... the options are endless!)
Fountain pens also offer options with various bin sizes. Users can experiment with fine or broad strokes, enhancing their handwriting's personal touch. Furthermore, fountain pens are environmentally friendly. Unlike disposable pens, they are refillable and reusable, which reduces waste. They also tend to be more durable and long-lasting, making them a worthwhile investment.
Lastly, writing with a fountain pen can be a mindful and enjoyable practice, encouraging one to slow down and appreciate the art of writing. We at The Paper Canopy often speak of the benefits of slowing down, breathing in the moment, and enjoying what's in front of you. For me, fountain pens aid in that mindful and meditative state we are often seeking!
Beginner Fountain Pen Options
For those new to fountain ink pens for writing, selecting the right beginner pen is crucial for a good experience. We offer two beginner friendly brands that I have used personally for years.
The Lamy Safari is a popular choice for beginners, known for its ergonomic design and reliable performance. It features a sturdy plastic body and a variety of nib sizes, making it suitable for different writing styles. I often add the 1.1mm nib to my Lamy Safari. While it is technically a calligraphy nib, it barely stylizes my handwriting. But, I love the effect!
The Lamy Safari as well as the AL STAR comes in an array of vibrant pen (or barrel) colors, adding a touch of personality to your writing experience. Its length offers a standard writing feel, so if you like a longer pen, this could be for you!
My only con: Lamy's ink cartridge options are limited and Lamy pens can only use Lamy ink cartridges. There is an option to insert a converter instead of a cartridge, which would allow you to suck up ink from an ink well. Then, you are back to endless options of ink colors, but this process is always a little messy and laborious for me personally.
Another excellent option is the brand Kaweco. This compact pen is perfect for on-the-go writing, fitting easily into pockets or small bags. Its lightweight design and secure cap make it a favorite among travelers and students alike.
Unlike the Lamy, Kaweco uses a standard size ink cartridge, also called an International cartridge. Your ink options are limitless.
The Kaweco con: Most of their pens are too small to use a standard converter. If you want to use an ink well, you have to use their mini converter, which is tiny!
Both the Lamy Safari and Kaweco Sport are affordable and easy to maintain, making them ideal for beginners eager to explore the joys of fountain pens with ink. German made with a long history of pen making, both of these pens are durable and have very few issues over the years.
Caring for Your Pen
Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your fountain pen. Regular cleaning is a fundamental part of maintenance. It is recommended to clean your pen every few months or whenever changing ink colors. To clean, disassemble the pen and rinse each part with lukewarm water. Don't use anything besides water, as it can start to eat away at your pen! Allow the components to dry completely before reassembling.
When storing your fountain pen, keep it capped to prevent the nib from drying out. If you plan to store it for an extended period, empty the ink to avoid clogs. Additionally, handle your pen with care to avoid damaging the nib. Avoid dropping it or applying excessive pressure while writing. By incorporating these simple care practices, your fountain pen will continue to provide a delightful writing experience for years to come.