Fountain Pens

Archive for the ‘Fountain Pens’ Category

For a long time the fountain pen acted as the premier writing equipment of the 20th century. However the introduction of easier and cheaper alternatives have rendered it secondary to a host of new sub-standard fads.

The origination of the Fountain Pen lends itself to a quirky path in history, dating back to the 10th century. The tale goes, that the pharaoh of Egypt was sick and tired of dirty impractical pens. He therefore demanded the production of a one that ceased to stain his clothes with ink when using it. This provoked the first creation of a model that used changeable ink cartridges. This however was not mass-produced until the late 19th century, in which a combination of German and British engineering enabled the Fountain Pen to be developed on a wide scale.

Although you are quite right in thinking – why buy a fountain pen when I can pick up a rabble of ballpoint ones for under a pound? It is the step up in quality the fountain pen ensures that means you should quickly re-consider. Like a watch or favourite shirt, having a prestige-writing tool gives you a satisfaction not enjoyed by the masses. Although you could replace it if it was lost, it is quickly part of the furniture, completely adhered to your specifications. The grip, the aesthetics and the drag of the nib make it unique to you, and as irreplaceable as any other material possession.

It also represents a heightened grasp in style and fashion. Forgive me for thinking that the standard biro is the ugliest tool ever created, certainly not one you wish to exhibit when signing a cheque or sealing a contract with a group of high profile clients.

Although the ‘Pen’, as a product, has been tarnished as boring by the overproduction of factory standard models cluttering the shelves of the high street stationary stores, the fountain pen lends itself to many occasions. With the ability to be personally engraved or coloured, they make fantastic birthday or Christmas gifts. They also remain the only way you can still practice the art calligraphy, short of a feathered nib and pot of ink. Operating on the premise of re-filling cartridges, they are also the environment’s choice of pen, as oppose to faulty plastic tubes which are rarely recycled.

Like all luxury products, the price is entirely dependant on the quality that you demand. They can vary from anywhere between £4.99 – for a basic plastic model, to £49.99 – for a durable, gold-nibbed pen. These products differ from the rudimentary, simply constructed to fulfil its specifications, to the exquisitely crafted, ready to be paraded as a chic accessory.

The fountain pen is the stylish alternative to its awkward ballpoint cousin. Beautifully crafted and weighted, it puts the enjoyment back into writing, which should have never disappeared. The ideal treat for yourself or a loved one, there is no disappointment with the fountain pen.