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Join the fountain pen revolution
Friday, March 6th, 2020 16:25OK, not really.
Basically, I've seen a lot of consensus on beginner fountain pens and in my experience, I'm not so sure I agree with most of their assessments. Which is why I want to write a blog post about my totally objective and not at all subjective opinion on what the recommendation for beginner fountain pens ought to include.
So, why fountain pens?
I think the biggest barrier to entry on a fountain pen is trying to convince people that it's totally worth switching over from their easily accessible rollerball/gel/ballpoint pens to the more archaic fountain pen. After all, the disposable pens out competed the fountain pen for a reason beyond just marketing.
While it's true that the disposable pen is much more convenient, I would argue that the fountain pen's upkeep is greatly exaggerated. First, if we ignore the ecological cost, modern fountain pens use cartridges, which makes them just as easy to refill as the rollerball/gel/ballpoint pens. If you use a high end rollerball/gel/ballpoint, you'll already be familiar with buying refill inserts for your high end pen. The fountain pen is no different, except instead of inserts, you buy cartridges that plug into the pen instead.
( Maths )
For basically the same amount of convenience, you'll be shelling out slightly less money for the ink. However, there is a secondary option. If you are willing to refill your fountain pen from a bottle, thus freeing yourself from proprietary cartridges and plastic waste, you'll actually save significantly on ink refill. I've already done the math in previous posts here and here, so I won't rehash the math. The crux of the question is this: is it worth the hassle?
( Yes. )
OK, so the fountain pen isn't worse than rollerball/gel/ballpoint, but why make the change? What's better?
( Here's what you get from going Fountain Pen )
OK, if my long, long spiel has finally convinced you to give fountain pens a try...WAIT. Figure out what you want out of your pen first before you invest $15 into the fountain pen experience. There are many, many guides out there (just google), but here are some of my personal experiences.
( Getting to the point of this entry )
Aaaaaand, that's concludes the definitive guide to beginner fountain pens. There really isn't that many options on the market, which is a shame, because it really shouldn't cost an arm and a leg just to get a pen that refills ink from a bottle. WTF?
Basically, I've seen a lot of consensus on beginner fountain pens and in my experience, I'm not so sure I agree with most of their assessments. Which is why I want to write a blog post about my totally objective and not at all subjective opinion on what the recommendation for beginner fountain pens ought to include.
So, why fountain pens?
I think the biggest barrier to entry on a fountain pen is trying to convince people that it's totally worth switching over from their easily accessible rollerball/gel/ballpoint pens to the more archaic fountain pen. After all, the disposable pens out competed the fountain pen for a reason beyond just marketing.
While it's true that the disposable pen is much more convenient, I would argue that the fountain pen's upkeep is greatly exaggerated. First, if we ignore the ecological cost, modern fountain pens use cartridges, which makes them just as easy to refill as the rollerball/gel/ballpoint pens. If you use a high end rollerball/gel/ballpoint, you'll already be familiar with buying refill inserts for your high end pen. The fountain pen is no different, except instead of inserts, you buy cartridges that plug into the pen instead.
( Maths )
For basically the same amount of convenience, you'll be shelling out slightly less money for the ink. However, there is a secondary option. If you are willing to refill your fountain pen from a bottle, thus freeing yourself from proprietary cartridges and plastic waste, you'll actually save significantly on ink refill. I've already done the math in previous posts here and here, so I won't rehash the math. The crux of the question is this: is it worth the hassle?
( Yes. )
OK, so the fountain pen isn't worse than rollerball/gel/ballpoint, but why make the change? What's better?
( Here's what you get from going Fountain Pen )
OK, if my long, long spiel has finally convinced you to give fountain pens a try...WAIT. Figure out what you want out of your pen first before you invest $15 into the fountain pen experience. There are many, many guides out there (just google), but here are some of my personal experiences.
( Getting to the point of this entry )
Aaaaaand, that's concludes the definitive guide to beginner fountain pens. There really isn't that many options on the market, which is a shame, because it really shouldn't cost an arm and a leg just to get a pen that refills ink from a bottle. WTF?
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