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Fountain pens and ink?

Another pen question! I have been experimenting with rollerball type pens and I just cannot settle with them. I have a terrible tendancy to squeeze my pens and place too much pressure on the paper, and anything that encourages me to do that is out. So I have decided to experiment with fountain pens.

The first major stumbling block I have is being left-handed. That means I am likely to encounter issues with writing angle and with smudging. However, at least I know that fountain pens require much less pressure to write with, so I am willing to give a few a go. So far, I have unearthed an old fountain pen of mine and some even older ink. After a bit of a clean, it is writing fairly well and, as long as I keep my wrist rotated, I can write legibly without smudging everything. The main problem is that the profile of the pen, where the cap fits, requires me to hold it a bit too close to the nib, which pulls my posture in and brings my hand round to smudging territory. Its still nice to write with, though.

I am now on the lookout for fountain pens that write well at different angles, and that are not averse to being pushed across the page by left-handers. I am also hoping that fountain pen inks may have improved over the past 20 years (yes, the last time I dabbled with fountain pens was when I was a teenager).

Do any of you have any suggestions?

David

TOPICS: Lofi
michaelramm's picture

OK. Like emory, I have...

OK. Like emory, I have never used a FP, but all of this talk has peaked my interest.

Could someone post a Fountain Pens for Dummies post for those of us that might be interested in getting their first FP? Or point me in the direction of a good site to answer my questions (nibs, refills, iink choices, cartridges, etc).

I don't want to put a whole lot into it (maybe under $50...in case it is not for me). I live in central Alabama and there is not a lot of FP selection here (so I cannot test drive one) so some websites would be helpful also. I am right-handed (which seems to make a difference). I am seeing the Lamy Safari may fit the bill, and it looks pretty cool also. I also like the looks of the Lamy AL Star.

I have never thought of using a FP for everyday use. I always associated FP with calligraphy and ornate writing.

Thanks,
Michael

 
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