A fountain pen that uses a cartridge can cost anywhere from $20 to $40, depending on the brand and type. The price of a fountain pen, however, can vary widely depending on details like the pen's construction and the quality of the nib. There are metal pens and plastic pens, each with their own advantages. A pen made of metal is more reliable and will not dry up as quickly. Nibs made of gold or titanium are also available.
Plastic Pens Break Easily
Metal fountain pens are more heavier than plastic ones and don't move around as much in a pocket. They come in a variety of designs and pricing points. They also give off an air of sophistication and high quality.
Metal pens also tend to last longer. Recycled materials from consumer products are used to make certain pens. They are available in many other hues as well. Check for pens like the Kaweco Raw if you want to stand out from the crowd. It can take a beating and keep on working.
Look for recycled cardboard, biodegradable materials, or plastic bottle pens if you want to do your part for the environment. Some pens are designed to be used only once and then thrown away.
The Karas Kustoms Retrakt and the Pentel EnerGel Philography are two of the finest metal pens currently available. These gold pens will last you a long time. Additionally, the colors are more vibrant and visible than in the comparable ballpoints.
The cost of fountain pens can be impacted by the use of ebonite in the feeders.
The feed substance might vary with the nib and writing instrument. The feed is a tube that carries ink from the pen's ink cartridge to the nib. Ebonite or plastic can be used to make the feed. It may be thermally set to increase efficiency.
Fountain pens increasingly have plastic feeders. They cost less to produce and serve most consumers adequately. They might also keep performing the same way even without any adjustments being made. To help the ink flow more smoothly, some of them are even coated.
Ebonite feeders are more durable than plastic ones and can withstand more abuse. On the downside, they may be rather pricey. They are very challenging to machine. Additionally, they tend to blot and can only be produced in specific dimensions. Premium pens often have ebonite feeders.
Think about the ebonite feed on a fountain pen if you're interested in purchasing one. The pen's body may be made of precious metals or high-quality wood. They might have a unique coating or be studded with diamonds.
The Varying Widths of the Nibs Available Reflect This
Your writing style and ink consumption should inform your choice of fountain pen nib. Writing using a thin nib results in neater handwriting, whereas a broad nib produces bolder text. It's worth noting that pen nib diameters vary by manufacturer.
Japan and Germany are the two most prominent nib producers. Nibs made in Japan are often smaller than those made in Europe. Their lines are also more refined. But the line width of German nibs is greater.
It's also worth noting that the nib's performance may vary according on the type of paper used. For instance, better quality paper will dry up faster than cheaper paper. Think about the caliber of the ink as well. Ink that seeps through paper should be avoided. Typically, paper designed specifically for use with fountain pens will need to be purchased.
A nib's tip form is also significant. The tip of some nibs is rounded, while others have a sharp point. The rounded form makes writing comfortable.
You May Pick Between Gold or Titanium pen's Nibs
It's not always easy to decide between a fountain pen with a gold or titanium nib. Both are long-lasting and springy enough to make writing fun. However, their prices and effectiveness are different.
A gold nib is distinguished from a titanium nib by its higher gold content (often greater than 14 karats). The nib's efficiency may vary depending on the amount of gold used to make it. A higher proportion of gold in the nib makes it more durable. Writing with a gold nib is also more comfortable. This makes them more durable than steel nibs under stress.
But gold nibs have a few quirks that might diminish their effectiveness. Among these qualities include a greater degree of pliability than steel and resistance to damage from wet usage.
