Fountain Pen Practacality and Popularity??

[Bob Roehrig]

Hello all and HELP.........I'm asking for some valued opinions. I have personally never made a fountain pen in the 20 years I've been turning pens. I'm thinking about it though and when looking at all the choices, I'm overwhelmed with all the choices so am seeking some valued opinion on the subject. I look at all the choices available out there and get further confused. One has cartridges, piston pumps, syringe fills, etc. etc. etc. What are people looking for when they purchase a fountain pen? Do they want "gimick" or just a good tried and true pen. Please explain something that is practical to make and also to use that someone using this type of pen desires. Really appreciate your input to someone that knows nothhing about these but is ready to learn........Thanks

 

[hooked]

I see you are in Florida but not sure how far it is for you, and it ends today, but the Orlando pen show is going on. The best education you can get on fountain pens is to go to a pen show and actually see different types of fountain pens and meet different fountain pen makers.

I personally find that fountain pens have become fashionable in the last 5 years as people are finding writing and journaling as a way to disconnect from the digital world. Many people who find this hobby prefer the more involved/connected feeling they get from using fountain pens with endless ink colors available and beautiful stationary. Many people buy pens of specific colors to match the ink they plan on using.

This hobby has been very active for the last few years which attracts many new makers every year due to the higher price point fountain pens are experiencing in the pen collecting hobby. The key is to find design elements and materials that other makers do not use. Another way to differentiate is to offer alternative filling systems.

Check out the "As the Pen Turns" podcast. They discuss fountain pen making and trends in the show. The info you get out of older episodes may be a bit outdated, but it is a good source of information.

 

[Bob Roehrig]

Thanks Mark for the show information. Orlando is about a 3 hour drive, but being the last day with just several hours remaining wouldn't be worth it. After reading about the show, I believe this yearly show sounds specifically for those interested in building fountain pens, Journalism, types of papers that work best with Fountain pens etc. I'm looking for a format more like the Chicago pen turners midwest show that was held last April in Chicago. Just curious about Fountain pens but don't see me ever taking the plunge in that direction. Have enough going with regular ball point type pens. Appreciate you thinking of me and mentioning this though......thanks

 

[duncsuss]

... I believe this yearly show sounds specifically for those interested in building fountain pens...

It's actually the opposite. Pen shows (as opposed to Penmaker or Penturner shows) such as the ones held annually in Orlando, DC, San Francisco, Chicago, St Louis and more - are targeted straight at fountain pen users and collectors. Not makers/turners.

If you're only objective is to learn about making fountain pens, they might not be for you. Things you might learn at a pen show include how to smooth the nib, how to fix ink flow problems, what makes a certain individual buy a particular fountain pen over another, and so on. There will probably be some makers present, but the majority of exhibitors will be people selling brand-name pens (Pelikan, Omas, Montblanc, Montegrappa ... there's a long list!) or vintage pens such as you might find in an antique or consignment store.

I've found that buyers of fountain pens expect the seller to know more about them than the average pen turner does. It definitely helps if you use one regularly, speaking from experience of using different nib types and inks makes a better connection with the prospective buyer.

 

[Mortalis]

Something I will add from my own experience. I've been turning pens for 15+ years and I went through a period when fountain pens were a rage about 6-8 years ago.
I made quite a few from different kits and came to the conclusion that most (pretty much all that I turned) do not keep the ink from drying in the nib. While you may think this is a very specific issue, so what! I'll tell ya, when you go to uncap that fountain pen and try to write with it and it doesnt work because the ink is all dry in the nib it becomes a frustrating issue.
I've been told this is because fountain pen kits do not have the necessary sealing components to keep the ink fresh. This is an issue that is overcome, apparently, by making kitless pen versions of fountain pens.
I've stopped making fountain pens from kits for this reason. Now this is my experience but it frustrates the heck out of me so I figured I'd mention it before you get too far into it without checking it yourself.

 

[jttheclockman]

Fountain pens are liked by a certain group of people who do alot of writing on paper at a desk is the way I think I would describe it from my point a view. These instruments can be very finicky in keeping well tuned and clean. They are not a pen you want to carry in your pocket so much. getting into making them is another issue but there are enough kits out there that make nice pens. Basics. But this line of pen instruments seems to attract the kitless variety and the hand made components. This takes a skill level and certain type of tools not used for kit pens. But if you go down the making of these road you should also know how to maintain them because that is what people will want to know and they look for people who can fix them well. This was a huge reason I never traveled this road and never will. I do not have the ambition to be that type technician for a simple device as pen. Today with the invention of the rollerball refills that sort of covered my ambition to make a smooth writing instrument. There are those that say writing with a fountain pen surpasses that feel of smoothness. Maybe so. It is an aquired taste I suppose.

I am in no way trying to discourage you in any way. Just stating my point of view and opinion. I wish you luck in your quest. post your progress here. Have fun exploring this hobby.

 

[d_bondi]

First a little background on me:
I make kitless fountain pens.
I collect fountain pens from smaller non-commercialized makers.
I am starting to collect vintage and modern fountain pens.
My least expensive fountain pen is a Zebra disposable fountain pen from a Daiso store for about $2 (it writes GREAT).
My most expensive fountain pen is a Limited Edition Sailor King of Pens in Kouen (Red Flame) Ebonite with a 21K gold nib and Naginata Togi grind. It is a fabulously smooth and wet writer. I'll leave the price off this one

My reason for sharing this background/baseline is that while I love all these pens and do use them (they aren't locked up in a display), at a very base level, if I don't enjoy writing with them, I won't pick them up to use them.

So...whatever you decide to do with Fountain Pens, make sure that they write smoothly and effortlessly.

Also please do note that writing with a fountain pen is quite different from other writing instruments. Less pressure is good. Don't sell a fountain pen, especially one with a fine or extra fine nib, to a "masher". You will both regret the sale/purchase

 

[Bob Roehrig]

Fountain pens are liked by a certain group of people who do alot of writing on paper at a desk is the way I think I would describe it from my point a view. These instruments can be very finicky in keeping well tuned and clean. They are not a pen you want to carry in your pocket so much. getting into making them is another issue but there are enough kits out there that make nice pens. Basics. But this line of pen instruments seems to attract the kitless variety and the hand made components. This takes a skill level and certain type of tools not used for kit pens. But if you go down the making of these road you should also know how to maintain them because that is what people will want to know and they look for people who can fix them well. This was a huge reason I never traveled this road and never will. I do not have the ambition to be that type technician for a simple device as pen. Today with the invention of the rollerball refills that sort of covered my ambition to make a smooth writing instrument. There are those that say writing with a fountain pen surpasses that feel of smoothness. Maybe so. It is an aquired taste I suppose.

I am in no way trying to discourage you in any way. Just stating my point of view and opinion. I wish you luck in your quest. post your progress here. Have fun exploring this hobby.

Don't think I would ever venture into the relm of the Fountain pen world. I'm litterly having to much fun with my newly acquired Beall Pen Wizard machine and still have many new things to try along with many new ideas for improvements to the machine itself. Not that Jerry Beall didn't do a fabulous job on the initial machine. Designing something in hopes the machine can use templates along with cutting tapers. Have some good ideas and is definitely fun exploring the possibilities the machine has and currently does not utilize. Thanks for your interesting comments regarding the Fountain pens, but there not my cup of tea......at least not for awhile.

 

[NJturner]

I'm a lover of making pens - fountain and others - but am not so much of a collector. However, I enjoy attending pen shows where I get to see lots of makers and manufacturers. They are learning shows in the art of writing, not so much the art of making. I attend a few a year just to see what other makers are doing and see how the commercial world is making production pens - as well as getting to meet some of my mentors in person which is always a pleasure!

As for makers shows, the MATES event in Manassas, VA March and the upcoming Chicago MPG are the best known for this coast. Both play heavy to kit makers, but also have a good amount of stuff for kitless makers. A good number of IAP members are there - either as vendors, demonstrators or attendees. I recommend both for new makers. I also recommend finding an American Association of Woodturners (AAW) local chapter and getting involved with the club. You will not find a lot of pen making typically, but will gets lots of info on turning in general.

Mostly, I hope you have fun with the new hobby! Work safe!!!

Kevin