8 Surprising Facts About Fountain Pens

From writing upside down to helping relieve symptoms of arthritis, here are 8 surprising facts about fountain pens you never knew!

• Did you know you can write with a fountain pen upside-down? They can be a little scratchy, and the ink flow may stop. But they do produce a very fine line when used in this way.
  
  
• The nib size can affect the way you write. You can tell if a nib size is right for you by writing the letter ‘e’. If there is no hole in the middle of the top part of the e, then the nib you are using is too broad and you should step down a size. It’s really that simple.
  
  
• The knife that was used to make the slits in writing quills were very sharp, very small, and purposely made for the job. It was called a “penknife”, and that’s where the name for the modern penknife originated from.
  
  
• Fountain pens can adapt to the way you write. Over time, nibs wear in and after writing millions of characters, the pen tip will grind down to suit the angle you hold the pen. If you let someone else use your pen, it may feel strange to them as they are likely or hold the pen slightly differently.
  
  
• Fountain pen inks comes in hundreds of different colors. Each one is unique and creates a different feel when writing. This is because different pigments and dies offer different colors, sheens, and highlights. Not only that, the fluid base of the ink will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, offering different levels of lubrication. One blue ink may be really slick and slippery, whereas another blue ink might offer more friction.
  
  
• Left-handed people are more likely to write with a fountain pen than right-handed!
  
  
• Because ink pens write more smoothly, flowing over the paper, less pressure is needed to write. For this reason, writing with a fountain pen has been shown to reduce hand pain, cramps, and hand fatigue. The fountain pen writes using its own weight, relieving your hand from the heavy work!
  
  
• In some countries it is believed that fountain pens can improve academic performance. They are thought to teach children better control over their writing, as many common mistakes of people not used to handwriting (like too much pressure or incorrect hold) feel unnatural, or are almost impossible to make, when using a fountain pen.

One more fact for good measure: fountain pen bodies and nibs come in all shapes, sizes and materials—even gold. With the variety of types available, you’ll easily find a fountain pen that fits you perfectly. If you prefer a weightier, highly durable body, try a stainless steel fountain pen. If you prefer something lighter in weight or with a slightly different finish, try a titanium fountain pen or an aluminum fountain pen.