Why use a fountain pen? Top six reasons
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ต.ค. 2024
- www.jespersofharrogate.co.uk
Why would you use a fountain pen? Perhaps you’re a novice to these amazing writing instruments and would like to find out more. Or maybe you already love pens but are interested in the benefits of writing with a fountain pen.
Peter Jesper will explain all! He’s been selling, servicing and repairing fountain pens and fine writing instruments for nearly 40 years from the Jespers of Harrogate store in North Yorkshire.
His series of videos explains why you should use a fountain pen, how you should go about buying one, how to look after your fountain pen, and how to enjoy it.
So why use a fountain pen? Peter’s top six reasons for using a fountain pen are:
1 - Historical
2 - Different
3 - Enjoyable
4 - Stimulating
5 - Special
6 - Durable
Let us know why you love using your fountain pen!
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*Am I the only person who watches fountain pen videos because they're satisfying*
Not at all - Keep looking out for them!! Cheers P.J.
Oh yes, I do to. I am on a very limited budget and have a Monarch. It is a very nice pen for under 20.00. Comes with a refillable cartridge and one disposable one. I purchased two to go with it. Anyway, love my fountain pen.
Absolutely not. Even experienced owners watch them because they're satisfying
I have a fountain pen
No, you're not alone. I like to watch them because they affirm my love for fountain pens. I first used a fountain pen in fourth or fifth grade, back in 1960 or 1961. I used Sheaffer cartridge fountain pens. I still have some of mine from my high school days. I've used them ever since. Gel pens are my second favorite, because they require less pressure than a ball point. But the ultimate high with using a fountain pen is when only the ink from the nib touches the paper and not the nib.
When I went to secondary school in 1980, we were instructed to get fountain pens and use them for all school work. I seem to remember one teacher telling us that it took 5 times more pressure to use a ballpoint than a fountain pen, so use fountain pens. Needless to say, I kept to using fountain pens for the rest of my time at school, even after going to polytechnic and subsequent postgraduate diplomas. I think I took all my examinations, at school and afterwards, using a fountain pen. The fountain pen usage stopped a bit when I first started work but when I changed career at the ripe old age of 33 to be a reporter, the fountain pen came out again. I took notes on a reporter's notebook using fountain pen. Virtually all the other hacks used ballpoints. I find it much easier to write Teeline shorthand using a fountain pen. I keep a diary so I use a fountain pen for that. It's also great for writing Chinese characters!
Bro what
@@graszyt4713 well it is on a video about fountain pens
I still use it in secondary
Happy to c ur text.... me too use fountain pen... am a short hand writer...
In my school we can use any pen you want but I choose ball point cause I can write extremely fast with it.............
I'm a recent convert to fountain pens. I love the smoothness and creativity that fountain pens inspire. I use my fountain pen mostly for making art and writing sheet music. The only problem is that I have started to enjoy writing so much that I go through ink rather quickly. Here's to a lifetime of fountain pen writing.
Great to hear Ryan! Glad to hear of your new experiences with ink! P. J.
same but you know what? Ink is surprisingly cheaper overall long term than plastic pens and refills. The best decision I have made. And the sheet music paper is almost always perfect for these pens.
Quills are the best. Fountain pens are useless. Why buy even a cheap one when you can cut a feather and make a pen that actually works better for free. You just need a flight feather of any bird and cut it with a scissor and a blade/knife.
@@thedictationofallah who wants to always carry around a bottle of ink?
Other than that good point boyscout ;-)
So you use ink quickly. Where's the problem with that? 🙂 it just gives you a chance to experiment with different colours or types of ink. Maybe some ink dries faster than others; keep notes and you'll soon know exactly what ink to use for each occasion. And since you should clean your pen when changing colours or brands of ink ( and every month or so anyway), you'll have a cleaner pen!
There is just something magical about seeing the liquid ink line shine as it flows from a juicy nib. It is most difficult to explain to someone who hasn't tried it.
There is a certain magic to it, isn't there?
Spot-on!
Im a lefty. Thankfully I was brought up in a right handed world and can deal, but as a newbie that statement would have terrified me.
Juicy nib, I’m done
Exactly
Thank you for giving me more ideas to explain why using a fountain pen is not a snob attitude but a noble one.
A pleasure Dr. Thank you for your feedback . . . Much appreciated!
Another reason: less landfill. Cheers
My IQ goes up 70 points when using a fountain pen (or at least it feels like it does).
My fountain pens are all relatively inexpensive, but even a $10 pen is better than an expensive ballpoint! I needed a customer's signature last week, handed her my TWSBI, and she was very surprised to see a fountain pen. She said she still has her school fountain pen, and I let her know that there's a very good chance she can still get cartridges for it. Perhaps she'll start using fountain pens again, perhaps not. But she will remember me now.
they're environmentally friendly, no need to disregard the pen if it runs out of ink.
That’s why I bought mine
same
excellent presentation. Fountain pens show a taste for the good things of life.
Absolutely Andreas and thank you for taking the trouble to both watch and comment
I’m left handed. Way too much ink on it
When I use fountain pen I have a special nostalgic feeling.
AbuOmar Sabbagh I agree
I slow down and write better when I use a fountain pen instead of a disposable ballpoint.
same
@@epistte you are right👍
I love to hand in the forms at the doctor's office having carefully and artfully filled in the blanks with an expensive fountain pen. The receptionist's reaction is priceless as she pauses in disbelief to see such auriferous penmanship in the most unlikely place. If she is hot enough, and after she finishes commending your rare and surprising talent, a good response is "you should see how I write your phone number."
Nice one! In my experience, a carefully filled out/beautifully written form for the Doc would be a big surprise for them as I've never know a Doctor with legible handwriting . . . Hope you put your excellent penmanship to good use with Valentines on the way this week lol. Cheers P. J.
Can really feel the passion come across. Very good video. Thanks
Thank you for your kind comments - Much appreciated! P. J.
Jespers of Harrogate It's been years since you released a video about the things you said you would. When are you gonna release them?
Thankfully, our love of pens and stationery means that we've a very busy shop . . . No excuse I know, but I've started to gather my thoughts for the next one which will hopefully be on-line before the end of the month. P. J.
Jespers of Harrogate You can just take videos of you repairing pens and talking while you do it and get it edited. That would be very nice. You don't need to dedicate some spare time for it. Please think about it. great work bye
I've been considering this topic recently as well. An additional reason I came upon is the reduction of waste. When a ballpoint runs out of ink, most people throw them away! I can't imagine throwing away a fountain pen. If you take care of your pens, they will last for years to come and nothing will end up in the bin. :-)
An interesting and agreeable slant on the subject Jared. We get many customers in our store wanting to renovate old pens left as Heirlooms etc. We used to offer this service directly ourselves, but the supply of spares etc. has all but dried up in the trade; leaving a few dedicated restorers who collect old pens and break them down for spare parts in order to repair trusty old treasures . . . Very little is wasted from pens of the 70's and before, but those fountain pens made from the late 70's onwards generally have sealed front sections so can no longer be easily disassembled for repair. Cheers PJ.
As an owner of the Twsbi Vac 700R and the Jinhao x750, I can say I'll never return to using rollerball, gel, or ballpoint pens ever again.
Watching this early 2020. Thank you Sir. Your eloquent introduction does [deserving] justice to this magnificent, timeless instrument. Be it for pundits or novices (like yours-truly). At the age of 53, being perpetually in love with handwriting (no flying colours; just the bug), I found myself falling on love, again, with mankind’s historical (as you very well put it) trait, by starting to regularly use fountain pens. Cheers and a Happy New Year to you and to your viewers. George from Hellas.
This is a lovely video, I think that more of the younger generation should start using these wonderful pens. I use a Pelikan as my main school pen and it’s made the experience much better, would never go back to a ballpoint.
A pen has always been part and parcel of my job as a delivery driver. It's part of the kit. Now although ball pens are generally the weapon of choice I thought it would be fun on one occasion to take a little Parker Vector to work with me, just to see what happened. The result was not what I expected, rather than just take the pen and scribble a signature as per normal the customers adopted a whole different approach to the signing process. They were less hunched over and took more time to sign, and having completed the task took a moment to admire their handiwork. Cute, I thought.
Great story thanks Ant - When we have customers visit our store, they can be very reluctant to try a fountain pen as their pre-conceptions and inky memories from their last experiences many years ago seem to work against them. When we persuade them to try one, invariably they love it and wonder why the heck they haven't gone back to ink sooner! Cheers P. J.
Fountain pens improve your writing and penmanship should NEVER have gone out of style .You show me someone who does NOT like to receive a handwritten letter.Its exciting ,not knowing what is in the envelope ,almost like being told a story.
Very nicely put! Writing a well put together personal letter, greetings card or thank-you note shows care and commitment. Its rewarding to do and as you quite rightly say, exciting to receive . . . Penning a letter or thank-you note after Christmas or a Birthday with a favorite fountain pen is a must for me and I always try to respond withing a couple of days! Thank you for your comments and interest P. J.
Especially if its combined with a wax stamp
Quills are better in penmanship. Gel pens are good for writing. You just need a sure-hand and you can write perfectly with a stick. Fountain pens are expensive and clunky. A quill is free and has better thicks and thins and the only downside is the skill it takes to cut it. (Which is fairly easy if you use scissors and blades, not too much practice).
One of the young cahiers I work with is the only person in her friend group who can read cursive. I gave her a Platinum Preppy as encouragement to enjoy writing. She loves it.
Enjoyable, clear and reasoning with which I can associate. I just wish that I could write in a style as impressive as yours. I enjoyed meeting you today and sharing your enthusiasm. Best regards, Mike.
Sincere thanks for your kind words Mike - You've prompted me to chase Twsbi Pens again and we'll let you know if we're able to stock in the future.
Kindest regards
Peter J.
Hello Mike. We not stock a selection of TWSBI pens! and I've written to you personally to elaborate. Can be viewed at: www.jespersofharrogate.co.uk/brands/twsbi/ - Kind regards Peter J.
Sir, thanks for sharing an amazing video, I am from India, my grandfather,my father, me and my 11yrs son all of us have a great respect and love for fountain pens. We, the f.p lovers all should thank you for sharing such a different kind of video which is not coming from a reviewer but from a lover.
Regards.
Hi Angsuman and thank you for your comment - Much appreciated!
We take great joy in talking to our customers in our store about fountain pens and it is a pleasure to let them try out our ranges and in many cases convert them from being lapsed user into a regular user again.
In this technically driven world, we can all find a little calm and space when we put the mouse down and pick up the fountain pen and I plan to post another video about how to actually go about buying a fountain pen over the coming weeks.
Best wishes P.J.
But you can't write very fast with a fountain pen
@@sohammitra8657 Actually I think you can... The smooth flow of the ink makes it much easier and more effortless to glide across the page... Also you require less pressure in order to actually put the ink on the paper... At least from my experience it is a much more enjoyable and ergonomical experience compared to a ballpoint... However I have to admit that it takes some time to get used to if you're used to ballpoints... But as soon you've found your pens sweet spot, you can write just as fast if not faster as any other pen... To each his or her own - but in my personal experience writing speed really just depends on the way you write and how much you practice... A fountain pen just makes it much more enjoyable (in my experience)
Love from indian fountain pen lover💐♥️
I have written with a fountain pen since childhood. My first fountain pen was a maroon Parker 45. Now I collect these beautiful tools. I buy them regardless of price. It is how the pen feels in my hand, or just the design. Thank you for this lovely video!
Mr. Jesper, I thoroughly enjoyed watching your video because of your calm, professional demeanor. Far too many folks who post videos to TH-cam, these days, come across as "closet comedians". Until now, my most favorite presenter has been Brian Goulet of The Goulet Pen Company. Now, I'm adding you to that, obviously, short list. I just subscribed to your newsletter and am looking forward to watching and reading your archived presentations as well as the ones that will be coming. Thank goodness that my curiosity lead me to click on the thumbnail of your video in the menu. That's one of the better choices that I've made in a good while. Please keep posting. Presently, the pens in my collection are a Noodler's Ahab, Pilot Metropolitan, and 4 Jinhao 159s. My interests in calligraphy lead me to the "new" fountain pen community with it's huge selections of affordable pens and amazing choices of inks. I wrote my first letter in several years to my sister, recently, and had to force myself to stop at ONLY 16 1/3 pages. lolol. Now, I must improve my penmanship......a LOT.
Dear Mr. Dungan. Thank you for your note and I really appreciate your feedback. As I m very new to using TH-cam, I hope my future articles will also prove of interest to you. Kindest regards Peter J.
You have an excellent handwriting. Starting my fountain pen journey.
I started taking notes with a stub nib fountain pen. My notes look great.
I have special place in my heart for fountain pens. Writing with it gives a deep satisfaction. I don't need to write much now so I keep switching between ball pen and fountain pen in couple of months. Thought my favorite is still fountain pen.
Excellent! Ballpens have their place and are very practical, but . . . Not a patch on inky fingers! Many thanks P. J.
Me being from India. Here everything is not digital and a digital copy is slightly mistrusted. For official and non official purposes hand written applications, letters and notes are considered most appropriate. It assures the other person that the person who has written this is willing to be held accountable should something go wrong. Its a trust thing. So if you have a crappy pen, and it writes badly, people will judge you for it. How you write reflects how educated you are and what kind of respect you will earn. So yes, a fountain pen has many advantages.
1) It writes well in our vernacular writing scripts. like हिंदी, or বাংলা. Or others. India alone has 12 writing scripts.
2) Fountain pens are not cheap disposable pens. So They look good.
A very good looking pen is considered a jewelry for educated people. It commands a bit more respect than if you don't wear a good pen.
Hence, Fountain pens are still not just alive but thriving in India.
Great video. As a fountain pen user I could not agree more.
In my experience, fountain pens make you think more about what you're writing. You don't just scribble away and are done. Pluss, ballpoints require more pressure, you can't write with swift light strokes. If I don't have my fountain pen, I'd rather write with a pencil than a ballpoint. A pencil is more reliable than a ballpoint.
UndeadCrabStick you know the ballpoint isn’t the only other pen type
Yeah same here I prefer a pencil to a standard ballpoint , the gel pens are better though. And also some of the decent art style fine tip pens can replace ballpoint pretty well if you don't have a fountain pen to hand.
A high quality ballpoint does not require much pressure to write smoothly and without skips, and fade effect can also be achieved. There are merits to all types of writing instruments, and the old world fountain is most intriguing.
I like gel pens than ball point! Less pressure. But fountain pens are the best
I remember my Parker Vector from my private school days. My handwriting, even now, is and always has been abhorrent, but after I bought my Waterman Hemisphere, I began to have a passion for handwriting things; I've started keeping a journal, and I revel in popping the cap of my new pen, and writing from the top of my head. I feel that the variety of ink colours available justifies the purchase of a fountain pen alone.
Hi Harry. Using a fountain pen nicely put into words by your good self - You are obviously someone who appreciates the pleasure and benefits of occasional inky fingers! Cheers P. J.
Haha, I cleaned out a couple of my Parkers today, and not only my hands, but my sink and entire bathroom are stained in blue-black. Occupational hazard, I guess.
Ink spots and stains 'eh? A sign of of someone with quality taste lol!
I love fountain pen and what you mentioned just like me. People think I am crazy as I love fountain pen so much. Thanks for sharing
I started to use fountain pens just one month ago, and i re-discovered my writing style, i improved a lot my calligraphy and i loved the smoothness of the writing. I was also really lucky, because my father is a lawyer and already had a 100€ Aurora fountain pen.
So glad you're enjoying using a fountain pen - Welcome to the world of the occasional inky finger! P. J.
I likes it due to the fact that I have don't have to applied much pressure and it flow steadily so I write faster and more beautifully.
Great collection, Sir. As a writing instrument lover and collector, I subscribe.
Thank you Andri - Much appreciated!
Speaking from personal experience fountain pens require less pressure from the left or right hand therefore good for longevity.
I'm 57 now and when at school in the early 70's we were not allowed to use anything BUT fountain pens. I've rarely used anything else since. The main problem for me is not the pens but the paper. Most everyday paper (including most dedicated writing paper) suffers from considerable 'bleed-through' of the ink. Have you a suggestion as to which brand of paper I may purchase to make this less of a problem? Thankyou.
Happy New Year Paul. I'm in my 57th year too now and also used fountain pens almost exclusively at school until those green Pentel R50 rollerballs arrived in the mid 70's.
I share your frustration with paper quality these days too, but if its for letter writing, you can still get Three-Candlesticks and Basidon Bond stationery which both receives ink very well (Especially the Three-Candlesticks - see: www.jespersofharrogate.co.uk/three-candlesticks-writing-paper-and-envelopes-p178/).
Also, if you are producing documents in your office, try a 90gsm good quality A4 stock in your printer instead of the standard 75/80gsm stuff. I use a 90gsm 'Banner' bond that seems very good at receiving fountain pen ink for notes and signature without bleed through, even when using my free flowing Montegrappa!
The other frustration is buying a greetings card or notelets that have been digitally printed; a process that sometimes leaves a coating on the paper's surface that repels fountain pen ink; so leaving me expressing myself verbally in good old Anglo-Saxon English!
Cheers PJ
Thanks for the advice Peter, I've made a note and saved your link for next time.
As far as notebooks go, use Rhodia and Clairfontaine.
Try a different ink - I don't know about your budget, but if you want a permanent ink that doesn't feather, ghost, or bleed through, then Sailor inks fit the bill - especially Sei Boku (Blue black) and Kiwa Guro (Black).
paul greenwood
Try Clairfontaine or Rhodia paper.
Never use Moleskin.
I hate ball pen and gel pens because as a student who writes a LOT. I used to get callouses and finger pains when I was a Pen peasant. Now i do enjoy spending money on rather a healthy and tasteful Fountain Pen that I can ink up with anything I want, the cleaning and maintaining is a healthy ritual. The pen is not a TANGIBLE throw away instrument, it's a extended part of one's personality if it matters because one has made some tasteful choices while sacrificing money, it just speaks about a person's mindset about a basic thing just as writing.
I hope this is one good passion, that feeds my soul to be happy to use this instrument.
Thank you. Very classy little video. I’m inspired to obtain and use a fountain pen.
Think of it this way - when you are in a frantic meeting and some dislike able person is talking a mile a minute you must use the contemptible ballpoint to take notes very quickly . Later when you go over your notes expand on them with a lovely fountain pen.
Yep - You choose what to use to suit the situation so its good to carry both (or even better a full set: fountain pen, ballpoint and pencil). My Kaweco Brass Sport set of 3 goes with me everywhere . . . Cheers P. J.
I own several vintage fountain pens. I love them dearly, and I think they are the best pen on the fact that they write the smoothest, have the highest variety of ink colors, and are more environmentally friendly. Especially if you buy vintage
Thanks very much for your informative and entertaining video - I have recently returned to using a fountain pen and am very much enjoying the experience. 😃👌👏👏👏👏
Insightful and classy. When you have 38 years of experience in the field it shows. Both the pens you used were exquisite works of art. While i gathered from the comments that the first one was a Montegrappa Miya Argento, do let us know which was the second gold bodied one. Also was it a part of the other two in the black case? Thanks and keep them coming.
Thanks for your kind words! The gold coloured one is a Kaweco Brass Sport fountain pen (using a squeezy filler instead of cartridges) that sits in my pocket with matching ballpoint and mechanical pencil in its little black leather case.
These are a great daily workhorse set and being raw brass, I've never polished them from new and over the 12-months I've used them, they've developed a really nice used/stress patina too.
[See: www.jespersofharrogate.co.uk/kaweco-brass-sport-fountain-pen-p162/].
Cheers P. J.
I wish there were fountain pen shops like this in the US. I just have to watch videos and reviews and roll the dice on a new pen or nib size.
Nick B. There are shops in the US, but they’re only in large centers like New York and Chicago 😢
There are shoppes that sell pens in the US. Not saying there are a lot of them, but they are out there, you just need to do your research and find them. There are pen shows every year in most major cities as well, where vendors come from all over. Of course, many were cancelled this year...but you might still be able to find smaller shows and events.
Beautiful words and beautiful pens, I hope to have one
I subscribed as I enjoy writing with fountain pens. This video was great to watch too. Thanks.
My pleasure and thank you for taking the trouble to acknowledge too. Kind regards p. J.
Got into fountain pens when I bought a cheap Pelikan in Berlin and now I have way too much money invested in my collection. Just added a Montblanc Rouge Et Noir to my collection and love it, although I wish the cap were designed to post better
We like the word 'Collection' . . . It means appreciation for the diversity of the fountain pen World. I hope your collection continues to grow! Cheers P. J.
great video, I am using Lamy Safari now :)
Lamy Safari's are excellent for quality at the price - It's our 'go-to' range for students and professionals alike wanting great fountain pen performance without busting the budget! I hope you continue to enjoy it! P. J.
I appreciate your passion for fountain pens. I once shared your love for them. As pen technology has evolved, there are a variety of writing instruments that equal fountain pen output, and don't leave my fingers stained with ink. Moreover, I don't have to worry about filling the pen every day, or running out of ink in the middle of a sentence.
Hi Stephen and thanks for your note.
I appreciate that technological advances can improve the experiences of many parts of life, but there's still a place for traditional tech too. Thats what makes the whole writing instrument world so interesting and engaging and for one, I'm quietly encouraged by the number of in-store customers (especially from the millennial generation) who are now using fountain pens as a token reaction against the digital age.
Yours (with inky fingers) P.J.
Jespers of Harrogate That is exactly my place. As a high schooler, I find that it helps me retain information and take notes more quickly by putting pen to paper, rather than through various electronic records. I discovered fountain pens just about a year ago, and am now the owner of Pilots, Platinums, a TWSBI Eco and others. I have not yet moved up to the level of more high-quality (and more expensive) writing instruments your store might provide, but I hope to do so someday. Thank you for your video!
After watching some of your videos, I was motivated to dig some of my old fountain pens out of my "pen desk", and try them out again.
One of my old favorites with a Waterman Exception, and Parker Sterling Silver (don't remember the model, as I bought it when I was in college almost 47 years ago, and a Mont Blanc Meisterstuck (a vanity purchase when I got my first job practicing law).
I enjoyed using each of them, but I still found them to a hassle for all but occasional use. I always wind up with ink stains on my middle finger and thumb (as carefully as I clean them after loading them with ink.).
I have to admit that each of them was a pretty good investment. While most things I buy tend to depreciate, each of these pens now retails for hundreds more than I paid.
By the way, my first fountain pen was a cartridge Schaeffer which I bought for $1.00 at my elementary school bookstore. I think we had to be in the 3rd grade before we were allowed to use fountain pens.
I'm happy to see that you and others are keeping fountain pens relevant. They definitely can help improve one's penmanship and can add some class to the result.
Awesome Explanations
Thank you..... I agree with all of your reasons. I love my fountain pens - about 30 vintage pens and about 10 modern pens. It is very difficult to explain to someone who is not yet "hooked" on writing with fountain pens why it is so enjoyable and addictive. But I am forever grateful to my late father for getting me interested in fountain pens many years ago.... Also... I must say.. that Pilot fountain pens are among my favorites. I found them because my handwriting is small and I wanted a top quality fine nib. The Pilot brand... being a Japanese company..... grinds their nibs finer than European and American nibs, so the Pilot fine nib is perfect for me......
I've tried Pilot, but Metropolitan doesn't seal very well, leading to the ink inside the pen quickly drying. Platinum has a good system of internal caps on their pens that ensures that the ink stays wet inside, so I favor it over Pilot.
Strangely, the lowest end disposable Pilot pens manage perfect seal.
Very enjoyable, Peter! Thank you.
I have used a fountain pen for many years, going back to 1989 with a green Cross pen. In 2010 I splurged and bought an Aurora Afrika extra fine nib, and it has been the best purchase I have ever made. It is a joy to write with it, and I have taken notes, written letters, etc. that I probably would not have done with a less enjoyable pen. It is an everyday pen for me, and I use it exclusively unless carbons are involved. As a side note, I suffer 'blue finger' only about once every two years. Perhaps less than that. Just be a little careful when you fill it. Enjoy!
Many thanks for your comment Michael. Glad to hear of your fountain pen enjoyment and long may it continue!! Cheers P. J.
I am left handed so I use gell ink ball point almost no pressure needed and a nice smooth engagement, Pentel energel or Zebra Sarasa dry is my go to.
Best sales pitch I've heard so far, makes Belfort seem like a plebiscite
so i use a classical fountain pen and i came here for reasons to use a fountain pen cause why not seriously a good fountain pen recieves a lot of complements and is widely liked and praised
Good job please keep making
Good reasons to use it
Wow! A very nice informative but simple video that is easy to understand. Great video! Keep making more. Also which is that big chunky pen that you used to write your signature? I am a student who uses fountain pens because i want to use them. Also i can write faster with a fountain pen than a ballpoint pen with much less pressure and effort so i can focus on what i am writing. My favourite fountain pen is the new Lamy Al star in pacific with a fine nib. Its a great pen!
Many thanks for your note and we'll be adding more soon . . . Lamy AL star in this year's colour Pacific - Very nice, has sold well and as always, our customers are very happy with what Lamy bring to the desk!
Kind regards P. J.
And (apologies for missing your first question!) the large fountain pen you see me using is a Montegrappa Miya Argento with a medium oblique 18k gold nib. The barrel is a beautifully durable celluloid and the cap and trim is sterling silver. 'Tis one of my favorites - as is the Kaweco Brass Sport also shown with a medium steel nib . . .
Jespers of Harrogate oh! Thats all right not everyone remembers to answer every question! At first i thought it was a faber castell e motion but the cap made me question.
I only just started writing with them a few months back at school I had a pilot pen but then i also got a Parker it has improved my terrible old handwriting
I love fountain pens and have have a few however being left handed can be a drawback as you can be inclined to smudge what you have just written. Any easy answers? Getting a left handed nib means more expense and writing with your hand below the nib is awkward.
I typically use a fountain pen. However, I found recently that most greeting cards that you can buy in normal shops are not suitable for writing with a fountain pen or a rollerball, but ballpoint only. Did anyone else notice that too?
Absolutely and I share your frustration. I believe that technology is to blame as many cards are now not printed by traditional litho methods but are now produced by digital printing processes that can leave an invisible film on the paper/card that stops the ink being absorbed into the surface (same with some brightly coloured envelope stock too - Most annoying! Cheers P. J.
Really nice, I am looking into using a fountain pen.
What is the name of that first pen you use?
i have a few videos on my channel re my pens...i think we should use them....coz it makes us feel better about ourselves...its such a pleasure to just write with them....
On Monday, October 19, 2009, I coined the term QUILLEUR, a nomenclature to describe those of us who love fountain pens, love writing with fountain pens, who collect fountain pens and are advocates of teaching penmanship, most specifically cursive script! The 'either/or' people who feel penmanship is passé now that we have digital devices and texting are a lost cause; they will never understand the creative, personal art of writing especially with a fountain pen and the beautiful scripts we create that are as unique as our fingerprints! As a child, I watched my dad write his Sunday sermons with his Esterbrook; I would sneak and use it when he wasn't around; I was hooked. At that time, penmanship was part of the curriculum; we learned to write with simple quill like fountain pens with ink wells in the upper right hand corner of our desks! Above and across the blackboard was the English alphabet showing how to write in cursive form! This school year here in New York, penmanship has been reintroduced to the curriculum; how far this will go and what impact it will have on the digital generation remains to be seen! For my fellow quilleurs, we must continue the good fight; we were ‘digital’ in the true sense of the word long before texting bombardment our lives. Let’s continue to show the world how to do the write thing!!
Great thoughts, sentiments and memories Ahmasi.
Although I’m not a disciplined and stylish hand-writer myself, fountain pens are a part of my daily life and I have at least 4 or 5 pens inked up, armed and ready for action; each with different nibs and coloured inks and I grab the one that suits my needs whenever (be it for figure work, note taking, journal or when I'm on the shop-floor etc.).
I am of the mindset that you can never have enough fountain pens and I see this when my customers come back time after time to our store and wrestle with their consciences as to whether they can justify another ‘investment’ or not (or in fact buy another without their spouse noticing!).
Kind regards P.J.
Hello, which is the first black and silver pen that you used? Is beautiful. Thanks
Rolex GMT Master-II. CLASSIC.
For over 30 years my handwriting has been atrocious, my wife bought a calligraphy pen for me a few months ago and my handwriting is at least 10x better.
i remember my father writer use the fountain pen. And I never see again in this era someone write or sign use this pen.
Nice video, thanks for sharing. What pens are you writing with in the video?
Hi Joseph - Thanks for your note. The dark blue and silver pen is a Montegrappa Miya Argento with a medium oblique nib and the compact brass model is the Kaweco Brass Sport with a standard medium nib. Both are amongst a number of pens I use daily and both have proved to be very reliable and a joy to use. Cheers Peter J.
Fountain pen stores, or stationers that stock fountain pens, are thin on the ground where I live (San Francisco). The only one I have found here is a Japanese stationers called Maido; they have maybe 40 or 50 pens on display in their main store in Japan Center, and they had to close their downtown branch. On the plus side, they are helpful and friendly, although not as knowledgeable as I would like. Also their prices are very good. Oh, yes, there are also Lamy and Mont Blanc dedicated stores, if you feel like paying full retail for your pens.
Many thanks for your note Roderick - Your observations about the demise of the specialist stationer are spot on!
Our store is in the North of England and we get visitors from far and wide who all bemoan the loss of their local stationers from their own towns. We pride ourselves on delivering an excellent in-store experience; be it for postcards and gifts or for high end stationery and writing instruments and our discerning customers really appreciate this.
Your comment however regarding paying ‘full retail’ prices is indicative of the current commoditisation of specialist products and in my view, we have arrived at a watershed in respect of the high street/retail and in fact of the sale of specialist products. Pressures on retail stores is enormous with increasing business rates and rents for bricks and mortar stores and with on-line businesses (small and large) who do not generally pay their way and take profits out of the local community. So, if a business like ours is unable to charge retail price (or close - we’re always open top a fair deal!), then the shopping public will not have venues like ours to visit that offer so much more than the ‘click to buy’ options.
I hope to be here for many years to come, but it’s getting harder to survive whilst the masses focus on price over value and service . . .
Kind regards
Peter J.
@@jespersofharrogate7936 Thank you for your thoughtful reply. You are quite right about retail stores, and the value of the in-person shopping experience, especially for something like a fountain pen. I actually visited the Lamy store, for example, because I wanted to try out several of their pens and nibs, and I did buy a pen that day. On the other hand, one Lamy pen that I really wanted but that was outside my budget, I later found online, unexpectedly on sale for more than 50% off, and I could not resist buying it. Part of my remark was based on the fact that the Maido store is somehow able to offer pens at prices comparable to the online discounts, at least on their Japanese pens, something which I suspect is based on specific business relationships with those pen makers due to them being a Japan-based company. In any case, thank you for your obvious love of your business, and I hope it continues to prosper. I hope I get a chance to visit.
Very good video!
My thoughts flow on the paper with a fountain pen, like the pen's ink.
Exactly! Good point well made!! Happy New Year PJ.
Great review, thank you.
I’m thinking about getting the TWSBI ECO
I have one and it's a very nice pen in my (novice) opinion.
I am new to all this. I see you store your pens uncapped. Why is that?
This man looks eerily like Anthony Hopkins.
The resemblance is uncanny.
Thank you (I think!) - Perhaps I'm Yorkshire's Hidden Hopkins, although 30 years younger and with a lot less talent lol. Happy New Year Antonio.
Thanks for the presentation. What is the brand of the fp you were using at the presentation?
hi. What's the last pen used here in video? Looks very nice. Btw. I enjoy fountain pens as well as bollpoint and multi pens and rollerball pens which I hack and put ballpoint and pressurised refills.
I wish here in the UK schools encouraged the use of fountain pens like they do in Germany some schools I believe don't even bother to teach joined handwriting its a shame
Hello Peter - thank you for your video. I enjoyed viewing it. Now I have 3 pens - a Waterman (used it a lot but now the black resin part behind the nib is worn out, so unfortunately the ink does not hold - it drips out more than necessary), a Sailor - have started using this and enjoy it - problem is that when I travel for a few days, the ink runs out and I can't carry an ink pot with me). I also now have a Mont Blanc Mark Twain Limited Edition Fountain Pen. Have you seen it or used it yet? I am fascinated by the prospect of starting to use it. I have a lot of expensive Ball Point and Roller Ball Pens (think Mont Blanc - Cross - Shaffer - Muji), but the pleasure I get from writing with a Fountain Pen is Unmatched. For me the Crown Jewel Part in your video is that you wear the ink smudge on your fingers as a 'Badge of Honour'! I never thought of it that way but now, with your permission, I will use that phrase appropriately. Thank you so much for this video!
Thanks for your note Hitesh and I’m so glad that you so enjoy using real ink. My current favorite is my new TWSBI Diamond Mini with a 1.1 stub nib (selling for only around £68.00 - check out our Jespers of Harrogate website) and filled with Diamine Asa blue ink. The TWSBI range seems to have a good ink capacity as it is piston filled and so holds more than a conventional converter or cartridge.
Mont Blanc is a lovely brand and we used to be one of the largest independent stockists outside London until 2008 when they re-focused their brand towards the jewelry and boutique trade - We miss them and I still have a cherished 149 Meisterstuck with an oblique medium nib to hand.
With regards to your Waterman, which model is it? There is a possibility that we could find a new nib section for you. Please feel free to send me a picture of your pen (info@jespers.co.uk) and I’ll see what I can do . . .
Finally, keep wearing those inky fingers with pride!
Cheers Peter J.
Thanks, I liked your video very much,
My pleasure and thank you for your interest! Peter J.
Thanks I have fpuntain pens ,my issue is ink can be damaged by water which is not a problem with rollerball pens. Do you have a suggestion for a solution to this .
Thanks
I use a fountain all the time now, (I learnt with a dip pen at school) when I use my fountain pen to sign various items in daily life, people look at me as though I am using some thing pulled from Merlin's magic kit
Fountain pens can certainly be a positive talking point in meetings. We now have many Millennial's talking and shopping with us who now prefer to use journals and fountain pens over some tech - We love seeing this!!
One time at work my fountain pen ran out of ink. I had to rough it out with a cheap Bic ball point.........oh the humanity! It was truley horrible. It was as if I was being punished by the gods. Now I always carry extra ink. I will never forget that day.
Hi! I'm an amateur in the world of fountain pens. In the odd chance that you do see this comment, can you please tell the make of the fountain pen you are writing with at 00:54?
A lot of thanks in advance.
I'm not saying "abuse" your pen nor not to look after it - but one definitely doesn't need to treat an entry or mid level pen as a dainty instrument. I've never dropped any of my pens but I wouldn't be too worried either as the nibs/feed of pretty much every manufacturer is replaceable
Nice note and I absolutely agree. A pen should be used and yes if you've got a treasured expensive (or obsolete/vintage) one that you dont want to throw about too much, then treasure it at home or at work. Most of my pens are work tools and get a degree of hammer. I'm also not afraid to be hard on the nibs too and usually prefer one with a bit of resistance (therefore more feel) than one that is so smooth you cant feel the paper . . . Cheers P. J.
hi there Peter I recently became a fan of cursive about four weeks ago my love for cursive quickly turned into a love for stylish handwriting as well as calligraphy I want to buy myself a decent but cheapish pen being in my early teens I don’t want to buy anything too pricey. I have been looking online at different pens but have ran into a problem I don’t know the difference between a fountain and calligraphy pen I heard that one has a flatter point and know that a calligraphy pens is a form of fountain pen but I couldn’t get a clear answer I thought you being so experienced would know any answer I greatly appreciate thank you
Many thanks for the note and I’m glad you’re enjoying proper ink!
A cursive style is generally a joined up one (sometimes referred to as longhand or script) and can generally be written with a normal shaped nib. If you’d like to develop your hand then a calligraphy or italic nib would be a great way to go as it gives your pen strokes thick and thin definition as you write.
There are many brands of italic/calligraphy pens available starting with a disposable square tipped fibre pen for just a couple of pounds or if you’d like to incorporate an italic style into your everyday writing, then the Lamy Joy calligraphy pens are fabulous as the nibs are sharp; giving good definition, but also easier than some to use. These are available in 1.1, 1.5 or 1.9 sizes (unfortunately not on my website at present).
We also carry spare nibs for the Joy which also fit directly into the Lamy Safari pens too . . .
See: www.lamy.com/eng/b2c/joy/015
And: www.jespersofharrogate.co.uk/search/?q=safari+fountain
Both the Safari and Joy models retail for £18.90 in the UK.
Cheers P. J.
What pen holder is that you are using with your kaweco brass sports? I was considering buying to this month as I heard they wrote smoother than the twsbi eco.
I live in Jacksonville Florida and have been using fountain pens fo most of my life. Unfortunately we no longer have a good pen store in our city. I enjoyed your video and I promise to visit your store If we make it to England.
Thank you for your comment. Traditional stationers and fine writing specialists seem to be a dwindling breed - But we're still trying hard and we look forward to welcoming you to our store when you make it over to this side of the pond. Kind regards P. J.
Which fountain pen is great for beginners in india...Love from India
Any recommendations on a nice hardy, good value, brass fountain pen that will develop a patina over time?
Hello!
What is the name of the fountain pen that you’re using that is navy with a silver top? I like the thickness of it and would like to research it. Thanks from Canada! ❤️
Thanks for the note Jenn. Its my treasured Montegrappa Miya Argento fountain pen (Sterling silver and dark blue celluloid) fitted with a gold medium oblique nib . . . Unfortunately, its no longer available and the current version is the Miya Carbon range that retails in the UK for around £1125.00. But a relatively new model in their range is the 'Monte Grappa' fountain pen that sells for £445.00 with the gold nib option . . . Shame you're not closer to our store - We'd love to show these to you! Canada - A beautiful country though . . . Kind regards Peter J.
Very good explanation. You can also note the flow of ink seems conducive to the flow of ideas and that fountain pens are kinder to the environment because reuse is built into the design.
Exactly! Great points - well made!! Cheers PJ
The most practical argument from my personal experience is handwriting quality is far better with fountain pen. And also more secure for writing cheques..As when your bank knows your specific signature style they are less likely to fall for a forgery. I have seen all high networth business men sign their cheques with a fountain pen rather than ball pen.
Well said! I'm not high net worth myself, but always sign in proper ink! Thanks for your interest. Peter J.
Nice GMT Master II
Thank you
Sir want to know which pen to use.. i want a thicker one... pls suggest
Hi Peter , loved your piece to camera , i was wondering if you would like to borrow ' Dennis ' for your next revue ????
Ha! Paul - How are you all? Glad to hear that 'Dennis' is still in service -From memory a special Pelikan with a nib ground by your own fair hands I think . . . Cheers PJ
Jespers of Harrogate its a good guess but not right !!!!! He is called Dennis because he is a "waterman " my friend !!! ( French silver engine turned and engraved by yourselves , although he was ground by my own hand " ground into retirement actually " lol ..... Yes we all ok , I have had a few health issues but still fighting the good fight , " i hear from our Keri that you are in the Grandad club like me now ( x 5 ) for Bev and I ...
My email is paul.dobney@btinternet.com - mob 07970 831922 , could do with service and nibs for dennis and the pelikan i had off you all those years ago when we both had some hair ..... Using Noodlers Ahab flex pen at the mo ,nice for spencerian copperplate ...
Of course - How could I forget - Apologies! Glad to hear all is well and next time you're due in Harrogate, get in touch beforehand and I'll make sure I'm in (kettle on!!). Cheers P.J.
Fountain pen is very good for writing and also for drawing