How to write with a fountain pen

The writing experience with a fountain pen, is second to none. However, there are techniques that you can use to enhance the writing experience and the flow of the ink.

The experience of writing with a fountain pen

For anyone that has ever tried to write with a fountain pen, the experience is a lot different than ballpoint pens. Many people collect fountain pens, and find the experience pleasurable, especially seeing that fountain pens allow you to write without stopping (until the ink runs out, of course). In addition, handwriting and calligraphy are more defined, and in some cases, artistic, when using a fountain pen.

Get to know your fountain pen

Before we begin to learn how to write with a fountain pen, let us first explore the different parts of the pen. There are three main parts in a fountain pen:

• Nib: the tip of the pen, where ink flows directly from.
  • Nibs are typically made from steel, gold and silver.
  • The nib is the most sensitive part of the pen, so applying too much pressure to it, might damage it.
  • The nib is made up of two parts that connect. When you gently press on it to start writing, the two pieces slightly separate, which allows for the ink to flow.
  • The nib is considered the most important part of the pen.
• The ink reservoir where ink is stored. This is typically in the body of the fountain pen.
• The ink cartridge

What is the best angle to write with a fountain pen?

If you recall the first time writing with a fountain pen, chances are, it may have been a frustrating experience. Either the ink didn’t flow or the process was not smooth. The reason for this is that there is a perfect angle to hold your fountain pen, and that is in the range of 45 degrees.

Hold the fountain pen at a 45 degree angle

The engraved part of the nib needs to sit gently on the paper, for the ink to flow. Test this a few times on scratch paper to get the hang of it.

It is widely known that fountain pen lovers cannot use normal or ballpoint pens, after experiencing writing with a fountain pen.

How can I improve my handwriting with a fountain pen?

Your handwriting when using a fountain pen looks a lot different and in most cases, it gives it a classical appeal. However, getting the ink to flow can be a bit of a challenge. We recommend you test your handwriting, to see what position and angle work best for you.

The paper you use also makes a difference. Try to use fine paper that does not have granules or a rough texture, to ensure a greater writing experience with a fountain pen. More absorbent paper is recommended, as it limits the amount of smudges that are left on the paper.

There are exceptional fountain pen users, calligraphers and collectors that showcase their handwriting skills. Browse online to see what writing techniques you can adopt from them.

Fountain pen calligraphy is considered an art. There are many famous calligraphers that you can find online

Which fountain pen is right for me?

Not every fountain pen will be a great fit. Each person needs to select the fountain pen and the thickness of the nib that most suits them. This can only happen after trial and error. Here are some tips on choosing the best fountain pen for you:

• If you have very small handwriting, or want to go for a fancy cursive font: use a fine or an extra fine nib
• If you have big handwriting: go for a medium or broad nib, which allows for more control
• For left-handed people: choosing the right fountain pen and paper is integral to enhance your writing experience. We recommend using extra fine nibs, as well as paper that absorbs ink faster, to ensure that there are no smudges left behind

Overall, you will need to test many fountain pens, nib sizes as well as paper thickness and quality, to know what works best for you.

Choose the right nib thickness, depending on your handwriting style

Why isn’t the ink flowing from my fountain pen?

Writing with a fountain pen should be an enjoyable experience. What that means, is that you have to relax… your grip on the pen should be light and your wrist should be flexible, to flow with every word.

It is important to note that pressure should not be applied on the nib as you can risk damaging or breaking it.

Practice using a fountain pen

As with every new experience in life, you need to practice. Writing with a fountain pen requires patience and practice, to get the ink flowing in the exact way that you like.

My fountain pen is not writing smoothly, what can I do?

If your fountain pen is not writing smoothly, check out Bellamysworld’s blog post, on how to clean a fountain pen here.