| For the average person pens are simply a tool that is | | | | you might be interested in that are no longer made |
| used to write something with. To someone that is a | | | | but still in original shape and packaging. |
| pen collector or lover of pens it holds special meaning | | | | Many pens were used for calligraphy and special |
| to them. If you've ever been able to hold in your | | | | written documentations. In the past it was very |
| hand a nice Sheaffer or Cross pen you will | | | | tricky to be able to refill your ink in the pen. You had |
| understand that there is no comparison to a typical | | | | to carry around ink to be able to write. Many were |
| ball point pen. To own a fine quality fountain pen | | | | very messy and leaked out of the pen or didn't hold |
| shows that you have impeccable tastes and quality. | | | | much ink at all. There are now cartridges that are |
| So how do you pick a quality pen? | | | | included inside of many fountain pens that alleviate |
| First you need to understand the history of the pen. | | | | this problem. |
| The fact that the only way you could write was with | | | | Dip pens match their description. You have to |
| a pencil or a pen that didn't hold any ink provides you | | | | continue to dip the pen in a well of ink to write. You |
| with the innovations that were made by pen | | | | were considered someone of great importance if you |
| manufacturers. Most of the best developments in | | | | had a dip pen or fancy fountain pen in your |
| pen design and use happened after 1900. There are | | | | possession. Today pens are bought as luxury |
| currently three types of pens now: fountain pens, | | | | purchases rather than as essential items. |
| ballpoint pens, and dip pens. | | | | If you decide that owning a fine fountain pen is a |
| Fountain pens have a nib that is a small piece of | | | | requirement then you should figure out your price |
| metal that can be steel, gold, or gold alloy. It will be | | | | range, and what type of design that you want. Many |
| diamond shaped with a point for you to write with. | | | | companies will provide pens in more than one basic |
| There is also a feed that presses the nib and allows | | | | color so you might be able to get something besides |
| the ink that is inside the pen to flow down onto the | | | | basic black. The next thing to decide upon is your |
| paper. It should provide a nice even regular flow that | | | | choice of nib. If you want superior quality then you |
| doesn't leak. You can find many name brand fountain | | | | don't want a plain steel nib. Try something with 18k |
| pens that have luxurious designs or limited editions. | | | | gold and a special engraving. If money is not an |
| The price range varies from a few dollars to many | | | | option then picking a vintage or limited edition pen |
| thousands. There are even vintage collections that | | | | may be the perfect choice for you. |