Buying Guide to Fountain Pens

Whether you enjoy doing things the old fashioned way, or if you just need a break from technology, a fountain pen is a great way to get back to basics. Writing with a fountain pen has almost become a lost art, but it is one that makes the writing process enjoyable. With thousands of choices and features, it can be difficult to find the fountain pen that is right for you, but here's a quick guide to get you started.

The Nib

The nib of the fountain pen is the business end, and is the most important feature of the pen. Nibs are commonly made of gold, steel or even platinum, and each material can make a difference in the finished product. Many people prefer a gold nib because it is softer and does not tend to scrape the page. However, platinum is becoming very popular, and other materials are also coming into vogue. Steel is by far the cheapest kind of nib, but many complain that it scratches the writing surface and does not have a good "feel" like a gold nib does.

The Weight and Size

Fountain pens typically come in three different weights; light, medium and heavy. If you are not used to writing with a fountain pen, try to look for a model that is light weight to avoid straining your hand. As you become used to writing with this type of pen, you can graduate to a heftier model. A heavy fountain pen may be beautiful, but it can literally become a drag after a few pages. If you have your heart set on a specific fountain pen, but it is too heavy for regular use, you still may be able to use it for infrequent needs, such as signing special documents.

The width of the barrel of the fountain pen is also important. People with smaller hands typically feel more comfortable with a narrow pen. However, a medium to large width fountain pen may actually reduce hand strain. Try to experiment with a few models before you decide, to find out which one feels right to the touch.

Consumables

Unlike pens you throw away, a fountain pen allows you continuous use through refills. These refills come in two styles, cartridges or actual ink. Cartridges are by far the easiest way to refill a fountain pen, but the old way of refilling with liquid ink is still used. If you plan to use liquid ink, purchase a fountain pen that comes with a converter. This will allow you to use cartridges when you are short of time, and still be able to use liquid ink when you wish. It is a good idea to find an ink that is water based, since it is very easy to end up "inky" by the time you are done refilling your fountain pen.

Price

A fountain pen from a well-known manufacturer will typically cost between $100 and $5000. With this price, you are typically getting a warranty and the knowledge that you are using a pen from a company with a proven track record. Part of the joy of using a fountain pen is knowing that you are holding onto a piece of history and the brand can be very important. For example, Mark Twain used a Conklin pen for many of his stories, while Mont Blanc pens are considered the most prestigious.

You can find a fountain pen that is priced under $50, but you may end up sacrificing on the quality of the pen. If you are on a budget, try discount stores or keep an eye out for your favorite pen on Ebay. Writing with a fountain pen is an experience and one that hopefully will not be lost to history.