I have always been interested in sketching with a fountain pen, but they felt complicated.
Here is what to consider before deciding what to get.
Fountain pens are a writing instrument commonly used by artists to sketch. If you are a sketcher thinking of buying a fountain pen, here is what you need to know:
1. Price
Fountain pens range in price from the most affordable to hundreds of dollars. This is because you can find these pens in just about every material.
2. Design
Fountain pens come in every design aesthetic. There is a wide variety of sizes, features, and colors. The weight of the pen is also a factor I like to consider.
3. Nib size
The nib is the writing point of the fountain pen. They come in a variety of sizes, usually referred to as Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, and Broad. Many of the Fountain pens have a feature of interchangeable nibs.
4. Ink types
There is a wide variety of available ink types and colors. You can find the traditional red, blue, and black colors and explore with others. There are different types of ink like permanent, water-soluble, waterproof, and fast-drying ink.
5. Ink filling
There are generally two types of commonly used ink filling techniques.
- Ink Cartridges: these are pre-filled ink cartridges that are placed inside the pen (left).
- Using a converter within the pen: allows you to fill the pen directly from an ink bottle (right).
I’ve always thought of them as an exciting but overcomplicated tool. And so, I have decided to order two of the most known fountain pens and give them a try. I ordered them online via Penheaven.co.uk
LAMY SAFARI
Price: Around $20
Brief: Affordable for its quality. It is suitable for an entry-level user.
Design: I bought the matt black. There are many other colors and design options that vary in price. It is mainly plastic (even though it doesn't look like it) making it very light.
Features: It comes with a strong chrome clip that allows it to attach securely to any sketchbook. The grip features recessed grooves for easy grip. The pen cap fits perfectly on the pen End. The pen also has ink windows to keep track of the ink.
Ink Filling: The filling mechanism is straight forward. You need to replace the empty cartridge with a new one. It comes with ’Lamy Blue’ ink cartridge & so I got a separate box of ‘Lamy Black‘ cartridges. The box is $XX and comes in 5.
Nib Size: I got the Fine (F) nib. You can also get separate nibs or a different pen size to your preference. It depends on what you want to use it for.
Sketching: (+) very light weight; (+) great texture; (-) defined grip. Great for a daily to-go-to pen.
TWSBI ECO
Price: Around $30
Brief: It was designed to be as economical as possible. It is also affordable for the quality it offers. It comes with a box, a red wrench to disassemble the pen, and a bottle of silicone grease.
Design: It comes in black and white. Personally, my favorite part is the see-through skeleton. It is mainly plastic. The design is simplified to include the least amount of metal.
Ink Filling: To fill it with ink, you need to place the nib into the ink bottle and twist the piston converted clockwise at the top. The breather hole be completely immersed in the ink. Make sure to force the air out of the converter before filling with ink by twisting the piston.
Ink bottle: I bought the ‘Lamy T51’ Black Ink (30 ml) bottle to fill my pen with. The bottle is specially shaped with a wide neck and basin to collect ink to aid filling when close to empty.
Nib Size: I am using the medium (M) nib. It is designed to be easily removed for cleaning or to be replaced by another size.
Sketching: (+) very smooth; (+) easy grip; (-) cap doesn’t fit firmly on the pen. I really enjoyed sketching with this one. It is easily becoming my favorite.
Hope that was helpful.
Don't forget to name, sign, and date your work.
Thank you Alan for thus lovely comment! I know both me and you share the love for fountain pens! 😊
Excellent advice. I have both these pens and find them exactly as you describe. I have no hesitation in recommending them both.