If you’ve been a faithful rollerball pen, gel pen, or ballpoint pen user, then you might be wondering how difficult it would be to make the switch to a fountain pen. These writing instruments can seem intimidating, especially since they’re designed so differently from other pens on the market.
The truth is that there may be some difficulty in learning how to use a fountain pen. But don’t fret! These obstacles never last for long, and we’re here to set your expectations so that you can get into the hobby with more confidence. Not only can we teach you how to write with a fountain pen, but we’ll also answer some of your questions on how hard (or easy!) it is.
So, writing with a fountain pen — how hard is it, really?
What Makes Writing With A Fountain Pen Challenging?
The main aspect that requires a writer to adjust to fountain pens is the design of the nib. This affects several elements of writing with the pen, such as the following:
Body Position
Writing with a fountain pen doesn’t just involve your hands and arms. It is an activity that engages the whole body. Having the right posture can lessen the difficulty and discomfort that can accompany long hours of writing.
First, keep your chest above the writing surface. Your back should be straight with your upper body upright. The forearm of your writing hand should be resting almost completely on the writing surface. Your other forearm can be positioned slightly further back. Keep your legs perpendicular to the floor and your feet flat on the ground.
Grip
Some people may have difficulty holding a fountain pen properly for the best writing result. The fountain pen should not be gripped tightly like other pens. It is best to hold your pen between the thumb and the middle finger, just a couple of centimeters away from the nib. Then, place your index finger on the pen higher than the two other fingers. Use your remaining fingers to support your hand. Your wrist will be resting sideways and perpendicular to your shoulders.
Getting this aspect of writing with a fountain pen can be tricky because people are so used to different grips. But with some practice, holding a fountain pen properly will become second nature as you’ll feel the difference it makes.
Writing Pressure
Writing pressure is much easier to adapt to when starting out with a fountain pen. The trick is to remember to start out with a lighter touch. The nib should be able to glide across the paper — there is no need to apply much pressure to put ink on a page. Pressing too hard might actually damage the nib and cause issues in ink flow.
Pen Angle
Another challenging aspect of learning how to write with a fountain pen is figuring out the right angle. Some writers may initially write with the pen nearly upright and get frustrated when the pen skips or doesn’t write at all. It’s important to position your fountain pen at an angle between 40° and 55°, allowing for variations depending on the pen you’re using.
This might take a few attempts, but once you get it right, you’ll be able to feel what is most comfortable and effective. Have some patience, experiment with different angles, and you’ll find what works best.
The Verdict
Trying a fountain pen for the first time can be a little challenging, but it is by no means incredibly difficult. If that were the case, then there wouldn’t be so many fountain pen enthusiasts around the world, and it is a community that continues to grow.
With a few adjustments here and there and just a smidge of patience, you’ll soon be able to enjoy your first fountain pen. There are limitless options, including popular brands like Pilot, LAMY, and even Pelikan. All you have to do is get the hang of it.
And after you do, there’s no looking back. Happy writing!
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
