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| Chinafotopress |
If writing is impractical, the ritual of using and maintaining a traditional writing instrument may seem almost archaic; a cultivated gentlemen's sentimental pursuit of taste for its own sake. Fountain pens must be emptied and refilled at least weekly, and used regularly to function properly. A century of research was spent attempting to prevent leakage, but embarrassing stains in a shirt pocket — especially for those whose signature ink color is red and thus appear mortally wounded — still occur and necessitate a leather pen case. Shirt pockets are regarded as déclassé in most quarters anyway.
One draw of fountain pens is the freedom to choose a signature ink. Are you a violet man? Or maybe turquoise? Your ratifications could even appear in magenta. Though, of course, the greatest attraction of fine pens is the beauty of their shells. Styles abound. Platinum, silver or even gold are solid choices. A huge range exists and the purchase of vintage pens allows for still greater choice.
Beyond aesthetics, the two main components to consider when selecting a pen are the nib and the refilling mechanism. Nibs were originally made from gold but now stainless steel and other metals are also common. Depending on one's own writing style, a finer or thicker point can be selected. The nib of a fountain pen generally forces a slightly more relaxed writing style and does not necessitate pressing down, which also prevents cramping.
Over the centuries, there have been tireless efforts to perfect the filling system for pens. While ink cartridges have become more common, traditionalists stick to a piston system, by which ink is sucked up through the nib. Piston filling pens, as well as adding panache to contract signing proceedings, allow for more choices in color of ink and are more ecologically-friendly since plastic cartridges are destined for the landfill while old-fashioned pen owners simply refill from the bottle. The downside being that they have to carry these ink bottles with them.
Luxury pen brands have always invested heavily in marketing to position themselves as key status signifiers. Mont Blanc and Parker seem a bit ubiquitous these days. Pelikan is a classic brand from Germany known for quality and its green striped design. ST Dupont and Montegrappa can be more exquisite in design, while Japanese brands Namiki and Sailor are Eastern candidates. That being said, one of the oldest brands, American Waterman, offers more reasonable pens that still look impressively pricey.
Some just cannot get used to fountain pens, and for many it is hard to justify excessive spending on a ballpoint or roller pen, though luxury brands usually produce strong non-fountain alternatives. Brands like Tombow, with its distinctive rubber grip designs, are great at producing writing instruments that are more practical for daily life.
Those who lose everything, from mobile phones, to wallets and pens, and the more alcoholically-challenged among us might stick to the disposable Bic models and steer clear of this type of luxury good, which represents a more sustainable lifestyle both from a personal and environmental perspective.
Handwriting is for business people who want to take the extra time to appreciate the more graceful and finer parts of life, and who understand that handwriting makes a piece of correspondence more personal and meaningful. In this age of backspace and stolen online identities, putting ink on paper symbolizes a commitment to the permanent and significant things, and, as such, pens and penmanship should be prized possessions respected by business allies and adversaries alike.