Choosing a Fountain Pen

What to Consider When Buying a Fountain Pen

Mar 9, 2009 John O'Connor

A fountain pen offers a stylish alternative to the ballpoint. Discover what factors need to be considered in choosing the best fountain pen for the writer.

When choosing a fountain pen there are a number of factors to be taken into consideration. Each should be addressed to ascertain the pen best suited to the writer. The size and type of nib, the size of pen itself and appropriate cost are aspects for deliberation before purchase.

Fountain Pen Nib Size and Type

Nibs are available in five basic sizes. Extra fine (XF), fine (F), medium (M), broad (B) and double broad (BB). There is no international standardisation of nib width and different manufacturers will produce slight variations in nib size.

The broader nib has become more popular in recent years as a result of the commonplace ballpoint pen, resulting in the standard line produced being wider than in past years.

Nib type refers to its rigidity. Rigid nibs are currently more prominent in the market as they are more sympathetic to a heavy style of writing. Such nibs react well to firm pressure being applied, similar to that required for using a ballpoint.

The more flexible nib is less common but more highly regarded amongst regular users of the fountain pen. They produce more variation in style and are more sensitive to applied pressure by the user.

Flexible nibs are available in semi-flexible, flexible and super-flexible options. With light pressure a super-flexible will produce results similar to a semi-flexible with heavier application.

Mastery of a flexible nib requires patience but the writer is rewarded with a nib that compliments the writing style of the user.

Fountain Pen Size and Ink Capacity

A basic guide to the appropriate size of the fountain pen is the size of the users hand. In general terms, big pen for big hand and small pen for small hand. An average size pen measures approximately 5” with the cap on and 5.5” with the cap posted when writing.

If the writer feels more comfortable with the cap fully removed when writing it may be an indication the pen is too heavy for ideal use.

Ink capacity should be taken into consideration if a high volume of writing is being undertaken as opposed to the occasional signature. In this instance, plunge fillers are advisable as they hold more ink than the common cartridge.

Fountain Pen Cost

Price can vary from a few dollars to hundreds or even thousands. The range of price reflects the quality of the nib. At the lower end, nibs will be made of hard wearing less flexible steel. A gold plated nib will corrode less readily but be equally stiff in feel.

In the mid price range, nibs will be 14ct or 18ct gold and constitute the best quality available. At the upper price scale what is being reflected is the casing of the pen in precious metal, the rarity value of the pen or the production of a special or limited edition. The upper price range does not reflect an increase in the quality of the pen itself.