Why Use Fountain Pens?

            In this age of technology it might seem that handwriting is a dying art. Cursive penmanship is no longer taught in many elementary schools. Writing letters and other notes have been replaced by email, word processing, and text messages. With all the ease that modern technology give us; why would anyone want to use such archaic tools as fountain pens?

            Most people are intimidated by these seemingly ancient tools. For those that might be wanting a few reasons to start using fountain pens; I’ll list some reasons why one might consider using a fountain pen in their daily life:

•Using a fountain pen greatly reduces the pressure one uses to write, thus making writing for a longer period of time possible, and the overall experience of writing more enjoyable. A fountain pen will be able to write under its own weight, allowing the user to simply guide the pen across the page. This makes fountain pens ideal for those with weak hands or carpal tunnel.

•Fountain pens, if well maintained, last a lifetime. Many pens are able to outlive their owners. They can be much more expensive than your typical disposable ballpoint, but each pen will be will you throughout life.

•On the topic of lasting through life; a fountain pen will be a tool for you to record your thoughts. Using a particular pen might very well remind you of a specific person, event, or time in your life. This nostalgia is a main reason for using fountain pens.

•Fountain pens, in my opinion, are the most personal accessory a person can have. They allow for the expression of us, through writing, in a way that no other writing tool can. One’s writing style can be expressed through the many different nib grinds available, and one’s personality can be further expressed through the style of pen used.

•A handwritten letter is a rarity. Receiving one is special, the fact that someone you know took the time to sit down a write one out means a lot. When writing one you can reflect your mood through the ink and writing style that you use. Getting a letter that has had thought put into it really means something that hopefully you can give to someone, and fountain pens are a perfect vehicle to write that letter.

•Another advantage of the fountain pen is that the nib and overall pen slowly shapes itself to the user. It is distinctively yours. A new pen or someone else's pen will not feel the same. And ultimately, using a fountain pen (even just for signatures and whatnot) conveys a sense of style. For many people the novelty of using a fountain pen is a great conversation starter. For someone who isn’t familiar with fountain pens, seeing one used can be shocking and on many occasions very much appreciated. Like a good watch or piece of clothing, a lot can be said from what sort of fountain pen a person uses.

•Fountain pens are, in most cases, handheld pieces of artwork. The act of getting a pen out, inking it, and then putting it to paper is an extremely cathartic experience. The sound of a nib gliding across a page and watching the ink dry is calming. Writing takes on a whole other form when using a fountain pen.

Fountain pens are pretty cool. If you’re reading this blog, chances are I’m preaching to the choir. But for those of you who don’t use fountain pens: don’t let them scare you away. Choosing a first pen can be a daunting task. The investment in not only a pen, but ink and decent paper, can be intimidating. But trust me; after you use a fountain pen for a while, it will be hard to use anything else but.