The Jotted Line

If you have been wondering how fountain pens are made in a quest to help you better understand this historic writing instrument, you’ve come to the right place. Discover what goes into the creation of fountain pens from the materials used to the individual steps in making the different parts, and much more. Let’s begin with an overview of the manufacturing process that defines what a fountain pen is. How are Fountain Pens Made: the Basic Process The manufacture of fountain pens follows a simple process. The formation of the pen body and cap, any decorative additions are crafted. Parts like the feed, ink filling system, and converter are made. The nib is created and ground to the desired shape. Ink is mixed and either used to fill cartridges or bottled. All parts are assembled and the pens tested to ensure they work well. Materials Used in Production Now, let’s take a look at the materials involved in the manufacturing process of fountain pens and fountain pen ink. There may be some variations in the process by fountain pen brands, but generally the system is the same. Overview of Common Materials Fountain pens are usually made of materials such as: Plastic Resin Ebonite Stainless steel Gold Iridium Precious metals The type of materials used affects the pen's weight, balance, durability, and aesthetic. Common materials in fountain pen ink Manufacturers use a mixture of substances to make fountain pen ink, such as: Water Dyes Biocides (which discourage growth of bacteria) A variety of other additives like reflective particles for shimmer and pH adjusters for sheen Generally, the more additives added to the ink, the higher the cost of the ink will be. Find Your Fountain Pen Ink The Manufacturing Process It’s time for a detailed breakdown of the fountain pen creation process. Step 1: Preparing the Materials The first step is treating and preparing the materials for molding or shaping, with the process varying with the specific material. Plastic Components Plastic undergoes conditioning procedures such as drying to remove moisture and ensure uniform properties. For plastic resin which is usually in pellet form, the pellets are melted then injected into molds. Colorants, reinforcing agents, and UV stabilizers are added at this stage depending on the qualities the manufacturer wants for the finished product. Metal Components Metal components are formed through casting, machining, or forging, depending on the complexity of each part. After forming, next is treating the surface through processes like polishing, anodizing, or plating to enhance the appearance and improve longevity. Celluloid and Ebonite Components Other materials such as celluloid and ebonite receive special treatment such as curing and stabilization before being shaped to avoid cracking or warping. After preparation, these materials are molded or machined into different shapes. Celluloid is usually injection molded while ebonite is turned on a lathe. The final step is polishing to achieve a smooth finish and remove any imperfections. Step 2: Barrel and Cap Creation The barrel and cap of fountain pens are formed through different methods depending on whether the pens are artisanal or mass produced. For artisanal fountain pens, traditional methods of handcrafting such as turning on a lathe are used. Artisans carefully shape and polish materials like resin, precious metals, and celluloid to create custom designs. Throughout the process, they ensure the highest attention to detail to achieve the desired standards. Factory-made fountain pens, on the other hand, are usually made through automated processes. Plastics and metal alloys are shaped by molding or machining. At this point, features such as grooves for screw-on sections, threads for screw-on caps and decorative elements are added into the design. The final step is to polish the barrel and cap for enhanced visual appeal. Extra Info: Find out How Ballpoint Pens are Made Step 3: Making the Fountain Pen Nib Fountain pen nibs are made of different metals such as gold, stainless steel, or titanium, with each giving varying degrees of flexibility and aesthetic appeal to the nib. Creation of the nib begins with cutting the metal into the basic nib shape through cutting, stamping or machining. For intricate designs, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are used to achieve precise shapes. Next, the tipping material is attached to the end of the nib using welding or adhesive bonding. Hard-wearing metals such as osmium, iridium, and tungsten mixed into alloys are used for nib tips to provide a smooth writing surface and maintain the nib’s structural integrity over time. The nib is then ground and polished to smooth out rough edges and refine its shape. Step 4: Fountain Pen Ink Mixing This step involves several processes to create the right color, consistency, and performance characteristics of the ink: Color Formulation Manufacturers begin by creating the ink colors using a combination of dyes and pigments to achieve specific hues. They either mix primary colors or use ready-made color concentrates. Ingredient Preparation Once the formulation is done, it’s time to get the ingredients ready. Several methods to achieve this include: Grinding pigments to the correct size Diluting color concentrates Measuring additives such as biocides Ingredient mixing The ingredients are then blended together in a controlled environment to ensure consistency. High-speed stirrers in the mixing vats ensure that the components get distributed evenly for a homogenous ink mixture. Adjustments and Testing Monitoring of the intensity, pH, and viscosity takes place throughout the mixing process and adjustments are made as needed. Through quality control tests, the manufacturer ensures the fountain pen ink meets the set standards for flow, color accuracy, and other properties. Ink Filtration This involves removing impurities from the mixture to ensure the ink moves smoothly through the fountain pen without clogging the reservoir or nib. After filtration, the ink is refined to remove air bubbles and achieve optimum stability. Step 5: Ink Filling Mechanisms Fountain pens come with different types of filling systems, each having its own method of assembly. The most common filling systems are: Cartridges and Converters Piston Fillers Eyedropper Systems Vacuum Filling Systems Bladder/Rubber Sac Systems Cartridges and converters are all made and assembled separately from the pen. Piston, vacuum, bladder, and eyedropper systems are all built into the body of the pen, making the entire barrel the ink reservoir. Step 6: Assembly After all the components are ready, they are all brought together to ensure a tight fit and prevent leaks. This includes two main procedures: Fixing the nib onto the pen barrel The nib and feed are carefully inserted into the grip section of the pen body. Depending on the fountain pen’s design, the nib is threaded or friction fit to hold it in place. In addition, the nib is aligned with the feed to ensure proper ink flow. Attaching the cap and clip This usually involves screwing the cap onto threads at the end of the pen barrel. The cap protects the nib when the pen is not in use, and enhances the pen’s aesthetic. For pens that have one, the clip is attached to the cap at this point. The clip may be riveted, soldered, or mechanically fastened in place. The table below compares key features of some of our favorite fountain pens: Fountain Pen Model Barrel & Cap Material Nib Material Nib Size Refill System Dayspring Pens Alexandria Lacquer, gold Stainless steel Medium Cartridge/Converter Waterman Expert Brass, lacquer Stainless steel, gold Fine, medium Cartridge/Converter Waterman Hemisphere Brass, lacquer, palladium Stainless steel, gold Fine, medium Cartridge/Converter Cross Century II Lacquer, gold Gold Fine, medium Cartridge/Converter Handmade Fountain Pens Not all fountain pens are produced in factories—some are made through handcrafting. Artisanal pens are characterized by attention to detail and the use of traditional techniques. Either individual craftsmen or small teams of artisans handle the creation of these fountain pens through processes such as hand-engraving, turning on a lathe, and hand-polishing to create unique pieces. They are produced in small batches or as one-of-a-kind, and each pen receives personal attention from the artisan. What’s more, these fountain pens are often sold through boutique shops, specialized retailers, or in artisan workshops, further elevating their exclusivity. In contrast, machine-made pens are made in large quantities using automated procedures. This results in standardization with less variation in the designs, but decreased how much fountain pens cost. Quality Control and Testing Fully assembled fountain pens go through rigorous testing to check their functionality and quality. Typical tests include checking the consistency of ink flow, the nib’s smoothness, and performance of filling mechanisms such as cartridges. If needed, adjustments and fine-tuning are done to the pens to ensure a smooth writing experience. Pens that pass the inspection process get packed for distribution, with some pens even coming with certifications that verify their quality. Fun Fact: the Parker 75 undergoes more than 700 inspections. Its certificate of quality is signed by the final inspector. The Harmony Between Tradition and Innovation in Fountain Pen Design The balance between tradition and innovation in the fountain pen industry manifests itself in different ways. Let’s look at some of them below. Traditional aesthetics with modern materials: Many manufacturers carry on the classic design elements of traditional fountain pens, for instance intricate detailing and sleek profiles. At the same time, they incorporate modern materials like resins for durability and aesthetics. Customization: Modern fountain pen enthusiasts like to express their individuality through personalized designs. To meet this need, brands leverage traditional crafting methods alongside innovative techniques like 3D printing and laser engraving. This allows users to customize their pens while maintaining traditional elegance. Innovation in nib technology: Traditional designs such as gold nibs with iridium tips remain popular for their smoothness. Even so, manufacturers continue to develop specialized nib alloys and advanced feed systems. These innovations enhance the writing experience while preserving traditional nib craftsmanship. Refill mechanisms: Modern fountain pens have more user-friendly and efficient filling systems compared to the early versions of traditional pens. Advancements in refill mechanisms like converters and piston fillers allow for improved ink capacity and ease of use. Conclusion The fountain pen manufacturing process involves a range of materials, processes, and technologies. Understanding how these pens are made builds a deeper appreciation for them as important writing instruments. Whether you prefer meticulously handcrafted artisanal fountain pens or their factory-made counterparts, each pen tells a unique story with its functionality and aesthetic. Even with advancements in innovation, manufacturers continue to pay homage to the essentials of traditional pens. While technology opens new possibilities in using different materials, traditional design elements and craftsmanship are still preserved. Fountain pens continue to stand as symbols of creativity, craftsmanship, and self-expression in today’s increasingly digital world. Whether used for everyday writing or valued as collectibles, fountain pens captivate enthusiasts with their functionality and beauty. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

If you have ever wondered what goes into making the most common writing instrument in the world, the ballpoint pen, you are not alone. Consequently, this article will break down how manufacturers make ballpoint pens. From a basic overview, to the raw materials, and the step-by-step manufacturing process. Firstly, let's take a look at the basics.. How are ballpoint pens made: The Basic Process Manufacturers make ballpoint pens through a relatively simple process. They clamp a small metal ball into a chamber, ensuring its loose enough to roll and move but not tight enough to fall out. One end opens into the ink reservoir, and the other end exposes the ball. Next, they fill the ink reservoir with oil-based ink. Finally, they place a barrel and grip around the ball-and-socket mechanism and ink reservoir making the ballpoint pen ready to write. Related Reading: Who Invented the Ballpoint Pen?: A Brief History   Next up: what raw material is necessary for the process? Raw Materials The raw materials for a ballpoint pen vary greatly and depend on the material of the barrel, but manufacturers generally use the following: Tungsten Carbide Brass Steel Aluminum Iron PPC (small pellets of plastic heated and molded into the needed shapes) Ballpoint ink is a little harder to pinpoint down to specific raw ingredients since every manufacturer has a different proprietary formula. The general components of the ink are as follows: Pigment or dye: carbon, eosin, crystal violet, phthalocyanine blue, etc. Vehicle: Kerosine, linseed oil, rosin, etc. Lubricant: fatty acids like oleic acid Thickener: Tripropylene Glycol Methyl Ether, Glycol TPM, etc. Surfactant: polyoxyethylene alkylamine, polyoxyethylene alkylamide, alkylalkanolamide, etc. Common materials used in ballpoint pens Some of the other materials that you can come across in ballpoint pens include: Rubber Gold Silver Copper Lacquer Resin These materials are all most often used on the barrel or clip. Luxury pens will use precious metals or rare materials. Manufacturers use different materials to make novelty pens that might include a flashlight or multifunction capabilities. Further Reading:  What are the Best Ballpoint Pen Brands How Are Pens Made? A Look at the Manufacturing Process Now let's break down the manufacturing process that goes into how pens are made. The Ink Each manufacturer adds raw ingredients to a batch tank and mixes them following proprietary formulas. If some materials need to reach a certain temperature for ideal cohesion, they add the ingredients at specific times and increments. Batch mixers may have automatic controls that release the materials at computerized intervals. Computerized batch mixers will also vary mixing times as necessary and inject the right pigments to create whatever color ink is being made. Before finalizing, quality control tests are done on each batch of ink in the process to ensure proper ink flow and measure the effectiveness of the ink.  Discover More: How Do Ballpoint Pens Work The Plastic Components The plastic components of pens are made with PPC pellets (or sometimes powder) that are measured and poured into a hopper. Depending on the part being made and the manufacturer, the PPC pellets either move through an extruder or into an injection molder. Both extrusion and injection molding have a similar methodology. But one of the major differences is that one heats the PPC to the consistency of putty while the other turns the pellets into a liquid. For an extruder: the pellets move through a large spiral screw that heats the PPC into a thick putty-like substance. Then, the high viscosity mass is pushed into a die where it cools to the desired shape, cut, and expelled. Extruders are typically used only for simple shapes such as the barrels or refill cartridge. However, for injection molding: the pellets are heated into a low viscosity liquid and injected into a mold where it cools and is ejected in the shape desired. Injection molding is used in more complex shapes like the clip, cap, or pieces of a click mechanism. The Metal Components The metal components of a ballpoint generally consist of the ball, the tip that holds the ball, the spring and sometimes the body. The balls of the pen are tungsten carbide balls that are purchased already made by the manufacturer. An aside: the tungsten carbide ball is not actually a smooth round ball. The surface of the ball contains numerous divots and the ball itself is sometimes hollow, all so that the ball holds onto the ink better as it transfers it from the ink reservoir to the writing surface. As for the rest of the metal components, the casting of the metal pieces is not unlike the extruding process for the plastic parts. Small discs of metal (often brass, steel, or aluminum) are heated till they are malleable. The discs are then moved into a compression chamber corresponding to the shape desired. A steel rod rams the metal into the chamber, thereby forcing a spring backed ejector plunger to retract and pushing the metal disc into the die cast mold. Then, as the steel ram and the ejector plunger move back to their original positions, excess metal is removed and recycled and consequently, the die molded part is produced. The Filling Process Next, the ink refill barrel needs to be filled with ink. There are two different methods for this process. Method 1: The plastic refill body and the metal ballpoint tip are joined. Ink is then injected into the refill through the tip. Method 2: Workers fill the plastic barrel with ink and join it to the metal tip. They then place the refill in a centrifuge, which spins the ink cartridge forcefully, making the ink move to the tip of the pen. Finally, they inject silicon ink into the hole to refill it.  How is a Pen made: step by step assembly The pen is assembled once all parts have been manufactured. Capped Ballpoint Pens Capped ballpoints like Cristal Bic Pens are the simplest when it comes to assemble. Step 1: Press the ballpoints to the stamped metal tips/refill cartridge. Step 2: Place this inside the barrel and seal it. Step 3: Cap the point and add any additional seals, finishes, or decorations. Click-Action Ballpoint Pens Step 1: Drop the plastic push button into the barrel, followed by the thrust device (also called the rotor). Step 2: Insert the ink cartridge tip side up. Step 3: Place a steel ring over the cartridge tip to provide resistance for the push mechanism. Step 4: Join the barrel-grip section to the topside of the barrel, sealing it. Step 5: Undertake quality control testing on the click mechanism to make sure the metal tips eject and recede properly. Twist-Action Ballpoint Pens Twist-action ballpoints follow a similar assembly line process to the click-action ballpoint. The only difference in the assembly line is that they insert the thrust device into the cap, so when you twist it, the writing tip ejects. Cost of making a ballpoint pen In his incredibly informative article on the cost of manufacturing a ballpoint pen, Christoph Roser found pens, when bought in bulk from a manufacturer in China, available for a whopping $.035. Roser estimates the cost of material and production at around $.0201 for the most entry level click-action ballpoint. Component Weight (g) Material Material Cost ($) Production Cost ($) Barrel 3.519 Polypropylene 0.0035 0.0033 Rear Cap 0.826 Polypropylene 0.00083 0.0033 Spring 0.175 Steel 0.00011 (n/a) Mine Assembly 0.731 (assembly) n/a 0.00047 Ball 0.0003 Steel 0.00000018 0.00064 Ball Socket 0.159 Steel 0.000095 0.0032 Ink 0.098 Pixie Dust? 0.00098 n/a Reservoir 0.474 Polypropylene? 0.00047 0.0034 Total 5.2513 0.0051 0.015 Chart courtesy of Christoph Roser   Now for higher end luxury ballpoints, there really is no set price for expensive pens. Luxury goods, precious metals, and craftsman labor all significantly impact the cost of making luxury goods. What Are the Different Types of Ballpoint Pens? What makes a ballpoint pen is the writing point (the ball-and-socket). Also, the oil-based ink that dispenses fast drying, paste ink which can write on most surfaces. However, within that category, there is a wide range of different types of ballpoint pens available by desired specifications. By Color Ink The most common ink colors are blue and black, but manufacturers can produce ink in any color. Some manufacturers even offer custom colors if customers buy in bulk. By Mechanism The main ballpoint mechanisms are: Capped - Remove the pen cap to write Click-action - Place a button in the cap or along the barrel that ejects the nib to write.  Twist-action - Twist the pencap clockwise until it locks into place ejecting the writing point and counter-clockwise to retract the nib By Finishes Ballpoint pens can be found with plastic, metal, or wood finishes. In general, people dispose plastic pens, while they can replace the ink cartridge in metal and wood-finished pens as needed. Price point has the biggest impact on the finish of the pen. A plastic pen is often at the lowest end of the price range, sometimes costing only a few cents, while metal finished pens like gold, silver, or metal coated in high-quality lacquer can make a ballpoint pen cost hundreds of dollars. By Multifunction Multifunction ballpoint pens will include some other kind of tool or functionality in addition to a ballpoint pen. This may be as simple as a ballpoint pen that alternates between different colored ballpoint inks, or it can be as complex as a ballpoint that is also a multi-tool such as a USB drive, a clock, or a pocket-knife. By Novelty Manufacturers make a novelty pen with some sort of fun or unique feature. The entire pen might have the shape of a car or an animal, or the barrel of the pen might light up or glow in the dark. A novelty pen typically has some sort of gimmick and are wood or plastic pens although you may find some luxury finishes in novelty pens. What Did They Make a Pen Out of 1,000 Years Ago? People made pens out of whittled reeds or swan feathers, cut into quills 1,000 years ago. Pens couldn't hold much ink, so they cut a naturally occurring hollow tube into a point with a slit down the center to channel the ink. Writers dipped the pen into ink repeatedly during the writing process to refill the hollow chamber. The dip pen was eventually, though briefly, replaced with the fountain pen, but fountain pens had a short life as the most popular writing instrument due to the rise in manufacturing and the invention of ballpoint pens. The rise of the ballpoint pen goes hand in hand with the rise of manufacturing. Interestingly, the first mass-manufactured pens that were easily accessible and cheap were BIC pens. Now when you think of an average pen, ballpoint pens, not fountain pens or quills, come to mind. Conclusion Precision manufacturing equipment makes ballpoint pen manufacturing a straightforward process. By molding and forming the right parts into the right shapes, and mixing the ink with a tried and true formula, manufacturers produce thousands of ballpoints every day that enhance the quality of writing. What part of the manufacturing process did you find the most interesting? Leave a comment or a question below. And be sure to check out some of my other informative articles on ballpoint pens: How Do Fountain Pens Work? How to Remove Ballpoint Pen Ink Stains What Are The Best Brands of Fountain Pen? Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

Today, we are going to tackle the interesting story that brought us one of the most commonplace, necessary items we use everyday: the ballpoint pen. In this article, we are going to talk about ballpoint history - the who, the when, and the why of the ballpoint pen (or as it is also called, the Biro). Who Invented the Ballpoint? László Bíró patented what is considered the first ballpoint pen in 1938, though he had been developing it for almost a decade beforehand with his brother György. Born to a Jewish family in Hungary, Laszlo was a newspaper man and journalist by trade, while György was a dentist.  Frustrated with the writing tools of their day, Laszlo and György invented a special ink made with a paste instead of water that made the ballpoint possible. But while Bíró is considered the original inventor, another man laid the foundation for the modern ballpoint pen. When Was the Ballpoint Pen Invented? John J. Loud obtained what is technically the first patent for a ballpoint pen, US #392,046, on 30th October 1888.   A leather tanner, Harvard-educated lawyer, and inventor, Loud was born on November 2, 1844. While tanning leather, he often needed to mark a point to cut. A pencil would be too faint and using a fountain pen made this process quite messy. In frustration Loud wracked his brain for an alternative. He designed a writing tool that had a small rotating metal ball clutched in a socket.  Think of a roll-on bottle. A large ball sits inside a cylinder, clutched against the end by a socket that allows it to spin freely. This mechanism allowed the ball to cycle ink from the reservoir inside the pen to the surface as the ball spun around in its socket. Loud described the writing instrument as follows: “My invention consists of an improved reservoir or fountain pen, especially useful, among other purposes, for marking on rough surfaces such as wood, coarse wrapping-paper, and other articles where an ordinary pen could not be used.” Loud’s first ballpoint pen was great when used on leather, but unfortunately it was too rough on paper. The patent lapsed, paving way for better iterations. Why Was the Ballpoint Pen Invented? Despite the annals of incredible literature composed with feather quills and fountain pens, they were only reliable in the hands of skilled writers. However, the pace of life quickened with modern technology and literacy rates increased; demand arose for pens that didn’t require so much time, attention, and care. Drawbacks to the ol’ quill and ink bottle (or even the early versions of the fountain pen) included: Ink needed to dry, requiring time or else the use something like sand to speed up the process Pens only worked on a paper writing surface They required hands on maintenance; from cutting a feather into shape, sharpening it, and keeping it clean They were really, really messy Great skill was needed to write consistently The more literacy grew, the greater the demand for a writing tool that could handle writing on the go on any surface.  Related Reading: How Do Ballpoint Pens Work It was quite a long journey to modern ballpoints. Years passed, patents increased in number. One flawed prototype after another became the order of the day. Enter Laszlo Biro. Biro faced a particular problem, even though the ball and socket mechanism was correct, the ink was the source of problems.  During summer, the ink from the first ballpoint pens overflowed. In winter, the ink didn’t flow and froze. At high altitudes, ink would seep out of the pens under the change in pressure. Inventors came up with creative solutions to try and fix these issues such as springs and piston-pressurized ink reservoirs or capillary action to make the ink flow without gravity. But nothing quite delivered a guaranteed writing experience.  When the 20th century came knocking, success wasn’t far behind for two inventors, the Laszlo Brothers. How Laszlo Biro Invented the Ballpoint Pen  Laszlo Biro invented the ballpoint by combining the ball socket mechanism with a new paste ink. Constantly writing as a journalist, Laszlo Bíró became increasingly frustrated with the drawbacks of the fountain pen and was desperately in need of a pen that didn’t smudge on paper.  While visiting printing houses, Bíró noticed that the ink used on newspaper printing dried almost instantly with no smudges. An idea popped into his head. He spoke to his brother György in the hopes that they could harness this ink. Aside from being a dentist, György was also a rather talented chemist. Building on earlier patented designs like Loud’s, they started by putting newspaper ink into a ballpoint. Unaltered, the newspaper ink was too thick and clogged the mechanism. Harnessing György’s abilities as a chemist, they started altering the formula of the ink. The key was in the oil-based ink used in newspaper print. Water-based ink leaked out of the pen and needed to saturate into the fibers of the paper (which is why dry time was critical). But oil-based ink sat on top of the paper, preventing it from bleeding through the page and allowing it to dry almost on contact. In 1931, they launched their ballpoint pen at the Budapest International Fair. Seven years later, in 1938, the Bíró brothers obtained patents in Britain and France and went to work to start selling their new ballpoint. What is the Biro Pen? The Biro Pen is the modern ballpoint pen. In fact in man English speaking countries like the UK, the name for a ballpoint is a biro, named for Mr. Laszlo Biro himself. The Biro ballpoint pen features in the patent were described as: A system of getting the ink from the reservoir to the rotating ball. An airtight reservoir for storing a particularly dense ink. A sealing mechanism in the metal ball that would prevent ink oxidation/evaporation. A free ball nib. Laszlo Biro’s work solved each one of the major problems pens had faced prior to this point. After a chance encounter with the president of Argentina, Augustin Justo, the Biro brothers moved to South America along with their new business partner, Juan Jorge Meyne.   TRY A BALLPOINT PEN   It was 1941 and they barely escaped persecution by rising anti-Semitism in Europe. There in Buenos Aires, they launched the Bíró Pens of Argentina factory. Biro Pens named the ballpoint pens Bíróme (a merger of the names Bíró and Meyne). To this day, pens in Argentina are still referred to as Bírómes. During World War II, the British Royal Air Force placed an order for 30,000 pens since they could be used in the air without leaking.  Aside from this, the Biro pen stayed relatively under the radar outside of South America.  Shop Now: Best Ballpoint Pen Brands From Dayspring Pens The Ballpoint Pen in America In the wake of World War II, the modern ballpoint pen was introduced to the United States. Eversharp acquired the Central and North American rights to the ballpoint pens, which cost Eversharp a pretty half million dollars. Meanwhile, Milton Reynolds was designing his version of the ballpoint pen after he saw the Biro. Needing to make major changes to prevent infringing on Laszlo Biro’s patent, Reynolds’s pen used liquid ink that flowed with gravity. Reynolds knew that the gravity mechanism risked leakage. Yet he still started production on October 29, 1945, forming the Reynolds International Pen Company. The Reynolds Rocket was launched at Gimbels Department Store, New York City for a whopping $12.50 (equivalent to $170 in 2017). The pen was an instant hit and soon the US market was saturated with ballpoint pens like the ones from Reynolds, Eversharp, and the Parker Jotter. But each of these pens still had their issues, usually related to ink problems. How the BIC Company Made the “Modern” Ballpoint Thanks to Marcel Bich, the Bíróme finally made it to the US.  Laszlo Biro had never achieved mass market success with the Biro Pen, but was ready for a to change. Marcel Bich was a French manufacturer who understood the potential value of a working ballpoint. He licensed the designs of the ballpoint pens by Bíró for two million dollars. With those, he formed the Bic Company in 1953. The company struggled with sales initially but achieved unsurmounted success with the world's most popular pen, the Bic Cristal.  Plastic, cheap to manufacture, and incredibly usable, his commercially successful ballpoint pen sold more than any other writing instrument in history. Bich took the ballpoint from the working, problem-solving Biro, and made it accessible to anyone who wanted one with the disposable pen.  How the Ballpoint has Changed the World Since it went into production in the 1950s, over 100 billion Bic Cristals have been sold.  The invention of the ballpoint pen meant suddenly anyone who wanted to write or draw could at any time at any place. There could not have been a more primed market for the technological advancement of the pen as education and literacy rates were steadily increasing by the early 20th century.   Increased literacy rates meant an increased demand for writing instruments of which the ballpoint was now the cheapest, most versatile, and most accessible writing instrument available.  Today, marketing research firm TechNavio reports “Demand for basic writing instruments [remains] high in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East due to the increasing population and literacy levels...” The ballpoint has made writing possible in any climate, situation, or environment.  Even in the ever technologically advancing world of electronics, the pen is still considered a vital tool, essential to daily work with an ever increasing market. It is almost incomprehensible to imagine the state of the modern world without the invention of the ballpoint pen thanks to the work of Loud, the Biros, and Bich. In the following table I have summarized the evolution of the ballpoint pen through the decades: Decade Dominant Design Features Notable Brands 1920s-1930s  Early experimental designs Waterman, Sheaffer 1940s-1950s Introduction of successful ballpoint designs Bic, Parker, Paper Mate 1960s-present Refinement of materials and features Cross, Pilot, Uni-ball    Other Fun Facts About Ballpoint Pens Last but not least, I wanted to share some interesting facts I came across in my research about the ballpoint pen.  What's the world's smallest pen? The world’s smallest pen is the 'Nanofountain Probe’. Scientists normally use it for nanoscale on-chip patterning. The lines produced by this device are only 40 nanometers wide. What's the world's biggest pen? The world's biggest pen was designed by Acharya Makunuri Srinivasa in 2011. The pen weighs 37 kilograms and is 5.5 meters high. The ballpoint pen is fully functional and holds the Guinness world record. Besides that, it looks stunning! How many words can a pen write? Before an average pen runs out of ink, it can write 45,000 words - give or take. What is the most common type of pen? The most common types of pens are the gel pen, the ballpoint pen (Bíró pen), the brush pen, the fountain pen, and the marker pen. Markers and highlighters are also types of pens. What is the ballpoint pen ink made of? The viscous ink of a ballpoint pen is made of a paste containing about 25-40 percent dye that is suspended in oil. Was the Bic Cristal in the MOMA? The Bic Cristal was featured in an installation on design in the MoMA called Humble Masterpieces. Conclusion The history of the ballpoint pen journeys from problematic design that only wrote well on leather to a pen so well designed and commonplace you probably have at least 4 handy in your desk drawer. Pioneered by the likes of Loud and the Biro brothers, the ballpoint is an invention that has revolutionized business, education, and daily life.  We got interested in learning more about the ballpoint since they are the whole purpose of our business at Dayspring Pens.  What makes you interested in the history of the ballpoint? Leave a comment below! And if you’re looking for a ballpoint pen to give as a gift, take a look at our complete collection of personalized pens. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

  In this video, I talk about the Parker Jotter, the pen you see in pretty much every movie. You may not realize it, but you’re already pretty familiar with the Jotter.  The Jotter makes appearances in hundreds of popular movies and TV shows. Here’s a list of just SOME of those appearances: The Parker Jotter's Movie Appearances: James Bond GoldenEye The Irishman Shawshank Redemption The Breakfast Club Bank Job Old Boy Red Shutter Island Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Two Popes Se7en Just Mercy Joker Zodiac Hot Fuzz Apollo 13 Lean On Me Continental Divide Stranger Than Fiction Prisoners Danger Close The Watcher The Jotter's TV Appearances: Mad Men Ted Lasso The Office Mr. Bean Endeavor Mindhunters Versace White Collar Luther The Fugitive Psych Only Murders In The Building The Mentalist Daisy Jones and the Six Line of Duty Why is the Jotter in every movie? The Parker Jotter pen is an affordable, reliable, and supremely clickable writing tool (just watch GoldenEye, you’ll see). It became super popular upon its release in 1954, outmatching every other ballpoint on the market up until then. Because of its instant success, Parker released updates to it pretty much annually. So, the Jotter stuck around, and it became a common artifact in daily life, especially in the burgeoning corporate workplace (evident in Mad Men). A growing popular interest in industrial design also contributed to the Jotter’s success. When the Bauhaus design principles of form and function hit America through influence of designers like Marcel Breuer, Charles Eames, and Eliot Noyes, the Jotter perfectly embodied a great many of their highest design ideals. It was easily mass-produced, it performed its function perfectly, and it looked beautiful without the overuse of materials. That’s all stuff the great designers love, and the Jotter has it all. The Parker Jotter’s fast-blossoming popularity made it an instant classic, and so it appears in a lot of period pieces, biopics, and pretty much any other type of film. The Parker Jotter: A Reliable Pen for Daily Use At Dayspring Pens, we’re also totally enamored with the pen . Most of our staff uses one every day to fulfill daily writing tasks. So, we’re happy to feature this pen and share a little more about it to other pen enthusiasts. Jotter's also make incredible personalized gifts!  Shop Now: TRY THE JOTTER TODAY! If you found this video helpful, informative, or just enjoyable, be sure to like and subscribe to our official YouTube Channel for more! And let us know what you love about the Jotter in the comments below! Here’s some other helpful links to information on the Parker Jotter pen: The History of the Jotter Our List of the Best Parker Pens The Parker Jotter’s Wiki Page Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

Many people often wonder "are expensive pens worth it?" While it's tempting to dismiss luxury pens as mere shiny objects with no real value behind their appearance, it's essential to delve deeper into what sets them apart from their cheaper alternatives. In this article, I'm going to talk about 5 reasons why that's not true. I think high end pens are absolutely worth it, but it might take some considerations of what you value for you to agree. We'll talk about that more in this article. First, here are the top 6 reasons why I think good expensive pens are actually worth buying: Luxury pens last longer. They tend to write smoother. They give a greater sense of purpose. As gifts, they're much better suited for commemorating a special occasion (you wouldn't give a Bic to someone who just got a major promotion). They become family heirlooms. THEY'RE BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT!!! But before going deeper into the positive reasons for buying a luxury pens, let's take a look at the myths that stop people from feeling confident about getting one. 5 Myths About Buying an Expensive Pen Here's the top 5 myths about buying luxury pens we hear a lot: "A luxury pen is a waste of money." "There's no real difference in writing quality between a luxury pen and a cheap pen." "It's irrational to buy a luxury pen." "Having a luxury pen means you have of a 'self-esteem problem.'" "Luxury pens are too expensive." Let's take a look at each one and see what the problem is... 1.) "A luxury pen is a waste of money." We hear this a lot, but we couldn't disagree more. They're not a waste of money for a couple of reasons: You might actually save some money. Compare how much you might spend on pen packs over 5 years compared to buying a luxury pen just once. They might be around the same price long-term, or you might even save a bundle. You just need to be intentional about the reasons why you're getting a high-quality or limited edition pen. It's not like you're buying a luxury pen in order to make a profit. It's a gift and a tool. This makes it worth it. You don't have to think about resale value when you get one; you're thinking about having the right pen for you, one that fits your hand, writing needs, and style. 2.) "There's no real difference in writing quality." While it's true that a great way to save money on luxury pens is to find out what ink a more expensive pen is using and see if a cheaper pen uses the same ink, you're not always going to get the same writing experience that way. Admittedly, some metal pens (mostly ballpoint pens) do use the same basic ink refill style. So it's as simple as buying a cheaper pen barrel and refilling it with the same ink as the more expensive one. This means that some pens that have the higher-end refills might have the same functional value. But not all luxury pens are that way: For one, not all barrels and pen bodies are the same. Have you ever gotten a hand cramp from writing? How much effort you have to use to grip the pen, how much pressure you apply to write, how the pen feels in your fingers after scribbling for an extended period of time...these are all the factors that are influenced by the weight and size of the barrel, not the type of ink in the pen. A lot of luxury pen companies spend an inordinate amount of effort making the pen body its own high-quality experience. And they labor over getting the weight and balance just right: these aspects are crucial for a good experience of writing too, not just the ink. Spending more on an expensive pen to get the right balance of size, weight, and ink, and barrel quality is usually worth it for the comfort and ease of writing.  Shop Now: Top Quality Luxury Pens From Dayspring Pens 3.) "It's irrational to buy a luxury pen." Some reviewers seem to think that anyone willing to pay more for a luxury pen is irrational. This is because they distinguish the value of normal pens (which is based on utility, functionality, and the capacity to fulfill its role as a tool) from the value of luxury pens (which they think is simply subjective, symbolic, and gratuitous). This utilitarian mentality is just no fun. It devalues the subjective aspects too much. The folks at The Gentleman Stationer have put it out there honestly: "Once you pass a certain price point, you stop paying for additional functionality and get into things like design, artistry, and, yes, branding and hype. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that." It's okay to enjoy things like luxury pens that don't necessarily serve or improve upon some particular function or achieve some heartlessly mechanical result. It is, therefore, completely worthy to buy an expensive pen for the feeling alone. 4.) "Having a luxury pen means you have of a 'self-esteem problem.'" If they don't have a huge qualitative difference in functionality from normal pens, then why do people spend lots of money on expensive pens? Some would say it's because they have a "self-esteem problem." I think we can all find this sentiment super condescending to most people who own (and, what's more, enjoy) a luxury pen. Plus, if that argument really made sense, then anyone who owns jewelry would really be better off with plastic fakes. Wedding rings would then be better off as plastic too, and those of us who think different would just have bloated mental images of ourselves. That's bananas! The symbolism of luxury pens is appealing, and precious metals just naturally and culturally carry a lot more symbolic worth for us than plastic alternatives. You are also far more likely to value and maintain an item you have spent more on than a cheap throw away. This myth is another result of too much utilitarian thinking about pens. Really, there is something genuinely authentic about expensive pens, even if it's just gold-plated barrels around a normal ballpoint ink cartridge. This makes them a worthy purchase. Let's use an occasion for gift-giving as a litmus test: Say you want to give your dad a pen for Father's Day and you only have two choices: either you get him a plastic Bic pen or a gold-plated pen with a Bic refill. The answer is obviously the second one, even if it's not functionally any different. This is because we put thought into what we give someone. To just hand them a Stick Bic seems like you aren't considering who they are and what they mean to you. Even a little more luxury, however thin it may be, is a more fitting gift. What separates the worth of the Bic from the gold pen isn't just a ruse. Perceived value is real value. It shows we care about the person along with the contextual occasions and celebrations of which we find ourselves a part ever day. It just doesn't help to be cynical. 5.) "Luxury pens are too expensive." Not every pen has to cost $100+ to be luxury. Sure, some luxury pens net over $2000 easy, but you can easily find a lovely luxury pen in the $20-$50 range that is still going to write better, last longer, and just be more special. An example from the world of luxury cars: Not everyone wants to drive a Ferrari. Often times, we just want something a little more comfortable and luxurious than what we already have is. Maybe I have a Toyota and I just want some supple leather seats and a better stereo so I upgrade to a Lexus. The important thing is to find the right "luxury" for your budget.  Discover More: 7 Best Luxury Pens for Note Taking: Workflow for Classes and Meetings The Root of Anti-Luxury Thinking It's evident from the above myths that at the root of the problem lies a cynical and utilitarian mentality that rejects anything extravagant and opulent. In doing so, many people also overlook the real aspects that make luxury pens worthwhile purchases.  What really makes expensive pens worth more? Here's a deeper look at my list of 6 myth-busting reasons for getting a luxury pen over a cheap, plastic one: 1.) Luxury pens tend to last longer. Pen companies like Waterman and Mont Blanc that manufacture a more expensive pen are likely going to spend a lot more time crafting a reliable, long-lasting pen. This obviously means they'll last longer under the pressure of more use. Plus, if you run out of ink, all you need to do is refill it (be sure to check out our article on refilling fountain pens). 2.) More expensive pens tend to write smoother. You're going to get a better writing experience. It's that simple. Even if you find a ballpoint pen with the same ink cartridge as one that costs way more, the weight, balance, and girth of a more expensive pen play key factors in how smoothly the pen writes. How comfortable it fits in your hand and how much you need to grip the pen are all things that we don't think about, but drastically change the writing experience over time. More expensive fountain pens, which we'll discuss more in a moment, are especially hard to compare. 3.) High quality pens give a greater sense of purpose since they have more objective solidity. Because luxury pens with sterling silver barrels or gold nibs aren't meant to be thrown away, they have a permanence that makes them desirable. This desirability gives them that special something that helps us feel that whatever we write with them is that much more special. It gives it purpose and style, and those things make expensive pens worth it. 4.) As gifts, expensive pens are worth it for commemorating a special occasion. We saw before that luxury pens make better gifts and that they can make especially fitting gifts for celebratory occasions like birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. It's the extra gratuity, extravagance, and elegance that makes them so.  And sometimes, that's exactly what you want to communicate when you are giving to a doctor that helped you or a loved one you care about.  5.) Nice pens can become family heirlooms. Because pens last longer and they make fitting gifts for special occasions, they'll also be more likely to become heirlooms which you can pass down to other family members to enjoy for many years to come. 6.) Luxury pens are more eco-friendly! A great reason to get a luxury pen is to do something small to help protect the environment. Manufacturing plastic pens creates extra waste that inevitably finds its way into ecosystems, and it does a lot of harm. And throwing away "disposable", non-biodegradable pens only makes things worse. Investing in a luxury pen with way less plastic waste is just one small, caring, eco-aware decision that also immediately benefits you. In the table below I've compared several features of luxury pens, why they're important, and listed some high-end pen models to consider. Feature Description Significance Pen Examples Premium materials Precious resin, gold Aesthetic appeal, longevity Montblanc Meisterstück Craftsmanship  Handcrafted or precision machining Attention to detail, unique finishes Waterman Hemisphere Nib Quality Superior grinding and finishing, customization options Smooth writing experience, personalized touch Cross Townsend Limited Editions Exclusive releases, rarity Collectability, potential for increased value Montegrappa limited editions Some Questions to Ask Before Looking to Buy... What is the best luxury pen brand? That's up for debate! I really love my Watermen Hemisphere rollerball, but there's a hundred great pen brands out there to choose from. Do some digging on the web, and check out brands like Pilot, Mont Blanc, Cross, and others. Why are some pens so expensive? For a lot of reasons! Obviously, a lot of pens are made with precious metals, and these can be expensive. Some pen companies really take their craft seriously.  Buying expensive pens from them is worth it as it shows you appreciate what they put their time and effort towards. Precision, hand-made manufacturing and quality materials are just two reasons why it can be a bit pricey.  Further Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Different Pen Styles: Ballpoint, Rollerball, Fountain Pen, and Gel Ink Pen Why do I want to buy expensive pens? Make sure you're buying for the right reasons. Additionally, make sure you take some time to think about which pen fits those reasons. If you're buying for yourself,  buying an expensive pen that fits all of your writing quality conditions (weight, balance, size, ink, and design), is worth it. However ensure that it doesn't cost you everything. If you're buying for someone else, just think about what the pen communicates about the value you have in that person, and buy a pen for a reasonable price the embodies that. What is a reasonable price to pay for a higher quality pen? Finding a better pen for the right cost can be difficult. And spending more money on an expensive pen can feel a bit painful at first. Don't worry though! The price of high end pens can run from anywhere between $20 and some thousands of dollars. You get to be decide how much you want to spend. Set some parameters for yourself, but I tend to think that a pen from either Parker or Waterman starting in the $60 is a great first choice. When is a good time to buy an expensive pen? I think expensive pens are best suited for special occasions. If you're buying one for yourself, get it to commemorate something like a promotion to a new position or a new job entirely. Get one to write that novel you've been thinking about for years. Get one to write your signature on a new house! If you're buying for someone else, there's a thousand great occasions to buy: birthdays, holidays, Valentine's Day, Christmas, Father's or Mother's Day, graduations, promotions, etc. Dayspring Pens offers a number of pens that are specifically designed for particular occasions. Be sure to take a look at our options.  Related Products: Rush Personalized Gift Pens What's the best writing style for me? I've written another article on different pen styles to answer this question! Check it out and let us know if it's helpful to you! What's the best buying option for truly myth-busting luxury pens?: Fountain pens! I think the best option for jumping into luxury pens is going to be a fountain pen. This is because a fountain pen is often the most difficult pen to compare with cheaper counterparts in other writing styles. A luxury fountain pen is often the least comparable with a regular plastic pen. The writing experience is just qualitatively different than, say, a ballpoint pen—especially if it has a gold nib. While you won't spend that much money on disposable versions of fountain pens, the nib quality is often really disappointing. A gold nib is often far softer on the page than steel nibs or a nib of some other, stiffer material. Steel nibs just don't flex like gold ones. A gold nib makes it float on the page. Fountain pens have that extra classiness that so many people love. Fountain pens are high up on the "cool factor." They can make anyone feel more dignified in their writing, even they're just writing a little note to themselves. The shape of the nib, the feel of the page, the look of the pen in your hand—these things are really worth it! Find Out More: What Are the Types of Fountain Pens   Fountain pens are just fun! Check out this quirky video from Goulet Pens about a further 7 myths just about fountain pens. Plus, more expensive fountain pens are the best option for the environment. Thepencompany.com writes that fountain pens beat ballpoint pens as far as eco-friendly waste. "Especially if you refill them with bottled ink instead of using disposable plastic cartridges". With good care and maintenance, a quality fountain pen can last a lifetime. Additionally, inks usually come in glass bottles which can either be refilled or recycled after use." So consider a shiny new fountain pen to get started on your classy, eco-friendly journey into So, with the myths certifiably busted, a fountain pen is your best bet for a great high end pen that's going to last. Conclusion Are expensive pens worth it? I certainly think so! Reddit and Quora threads often have a lot of great information and really thought-out arguments both for and against buying them. A final thought on luxury pens: they're even better when personalized. Be sure to check out my article on everything about personalized pens. Now it's time to hear what you think. Have you bought a luxury pen in the past? Tell us which one is your favorite and why in the comments! Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

The answer to the question "When was the fountain pen invented?" is a long and rambling one. From people filling reed pens with ink to the first patents to the modern fountain pen. The history of the fountain pen is a tale of the collaboration to make a beautiful and effective writing instrument. In this article, I'll talk about the history of the fountain pen. From where it got its name to why it was invented. I'll then explore the flood of game-changing innovations of the 19th century that ultimately made the fountain pen. Let's start with the very question of the article. When was the fountain pen invented? The fountain pen was officially invented in 1809 with the first patent filed in England by Frederick Fölsch. But, it's a bit of a tricky question really. Many prototypes existed before 1809 dating as far back as c.974. However,  Frederick Fölsch's first patent marks the beginning of a slew of different patents and innovations that made the fountain pen popular and mass marketable by the 20th century. So what exactly is this thing called a "fountain" pen? Why is it called a fountain pen? This is any pen with ink stored inside its barrel. It uses a metal nib to apply the ink to paper. The original term "fountain pen" described any writing instrument that stored ink inside its body for continuous writing without dipping the pen in the ink. By these standards, we would consider even ballpoint pens and rollerball pens as fountain pens. But for those who invented the fountain pen, the metal nib became a necessary feature, unique to the pen. Where fountain once referred to an unending flowing of ink that needed no interruption, it later referenced the steady flow of water-based liquid ink from the reservoir through the recognizable metal nib.  Learn More: How a Fountain Pen Works   You might now be wondering, "If fountain pens were all about a continuous flow of ink..." What did they use before fountain pens? Before the invention of fountain pens, people used dip pens to write. These were a reed or a quill pen dipped into an inkwell to coat the tip ink and write. The ancient world used a hollow reed cut into a nib (shaped to a point and split down the center) to write. Reeds eventually gave way to quill pens because they were stiffer and dulled quickly. People chose goose feathers or large swan feathers as the material for quill pens and whittled them into the necessary shape.   Reeds and quills both have a hollow tubular body that draws some ink inside when someone dips the pen. This allows the user to write a few words or a line without re-dipping the pen. Problems with dip pens Despite the need of the dip pen, this method of writing was riddled with problems. Quills required constant work and skill to hone. In fact, the ability to cut a good quill was just as important as the ability to write. Each quill could write for a few pages before needing to be retrimmed. A good quill would only last about a week. They also required constant...dipping.... This meant inconsistent ink flow as the ink would run out every few words and have to be re-dipped. Dipping frequently caused ink blotches and splatters. Ultimately, dip pens required a great deal of skill to make, they were messy, and they were inconsistent unless in the most skilled hands. With all these challenges, it is easy to understand the needs of those who invented the fountain pen. Why were fountain pens invented? Fountain pens were invented to create a writing instrument that would provide continuous writing. A continuously writing pen would also allow anyone to write without having to acquire skills cutting quills properly and extra equipment necessary to write (quill, ink, knife, etc...). So who finally made this novel idea a reality? Who invented the first one? Someone unknown actually invented the "first" fountain pen, but many often credit Arab Egypt in the 10th century. Long before the first patent was filed by Frederick Fölsch, inventors sought to crack the mystery of a continuous writing instrument. Prototypes Arab Egypt The first historical record of the fountain pen comes from c.974 when Fatimid Caliph Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah requested a pen that would not leak and stain his hands and clothes. He was given a reservoir pen that would spill ink when it was held upside down. Da Vinci The great Leonardo Da Vinci may have also invented a fountain pen. Da Vinci's journals show drawings of a reservoir pen that wrote using gravity and capillary action. While no evidence confirms the construction of the pen, some historians note that the writing in his subsequent journals lacks the tell-tale evidence of a dip pen, such as the inconsistent ink flow and ink flooding. When were fountain pens first used? People began using fountain pens in Europe in the 17th and 18th century.  They often referred to these pens as "reservoir pens". Craftsmen made the writing points of quills, silver, or steel. Early European reservoir pens In 1636, Daniel Schwenter combined two quills together with a cork to seal the end and hold ink. By the mid-1600 reports began to circulate about Parisian craftsmen selling a "silver metal pen". Documents such as Samuel Pepys writings mention metal pens that "carry ink". Problems with early fountain pens The people who invented the fountain pen, made little changes to the reservoir pen for the next 150 years for two major reasons. First, inks were highly corrosive and would rapidly eat away at any metal components of the pen. Second and more importantly, there was no proper understanding of how air pressure affects ink flow which meant a consistent, steady ink flow was still a mystery. These reservoir pens were just as impractical (if not more so) as dip pens. They constantly leaked, were prone to the ink clogging the pen, corroded, and were messy to refill. One had to load pens with an eyedropper. When were modern fountain pens invented? In 1809, models of the fountain pen began circulating again. What was the major shift that made innovations of the fountain pen possible? A better understanding of how air pressure affects ink flow. Air Pressure and Fountain Pens To get a steady flow of ink out of a filled chamber, the air pressing on the opening must have a place to flow. Air will act like a seal against a small hole, preventing liquid from leaving. But if a second hole is presented at the other end of the chamber, the air has a place to move to. Air will enter through the first opening and move out through the second, pulling the liquid out of the chamber.     Harnessing the flow of ink by using air would be the biggest impact on fountain pens becoming functional, popular writing instruments. With this discovery, the people who invented the fountain pen caused a rapid succession of patents filed throughout Europe. Each offering a new development. Fountain Pen Patents and Innovations Frederick Fölsch filed the first patent in England in May for an improved fountain pen. His allowed ink to flow through the pen. Joseph Bramah filed another patent in September that made changes to the ink feeder. Petrache Poenaru, a Romanian inventor, used a combined a swan quill with a metal tip to prevent the corrosive nature of ink from eating away the reservoir in 1827. John Jacob Parker filed a patent in 1832 that allowed fountain pens to "self-fill" with a piston screw ink cartridge that would draw ink inside the pen barrel. This meant the end of manual eyedrop filling. Industrial manufacturing in Birmingham, England mass produced cheap steel pen nibs. Steel nibs rust quickly when they come into contact with ink. People preferred slip-in nibs because they could buy them in bulk. Manufacturers made numerous patents and changes to the fountain pen design, but three major changes introduced the widely popular fountain pen.     Three inventions that made the modern fountain pen The Iridium Tipped Gold Nib The discovery of anti-corrosive iridium (a member of the platinum family) created an alternative to corrosive steel nibs. Iridium was rare, but taking a gold nib (which was also anti-corrosive, but too soft to handle the wear and tear of writing) and tipping the point in iridium (a hard metal) gave the perfect mix of a flexible nib that would adapt to movement (the gold) with a durable tip that would not require constant nib changing (the iridium). Hard Rubber The invention of hard rubber or ebonite offered the perfect material for the body of the fountain pen. Hard rubber was smooth, durable, and resistant to ink corrosion unlike a metal pen. It was also cheap to manufacture and readily available. Free Flowing Ink Lastly, free flowing ink which moved through pens better than the previous sediment filled ink infamous for clogging and ruining pens. There was only one more innovation that made the fountain pen the successful, mass marketable pen born in 1884. Even with a better understanding of the role air pressure plays in ink flow and the changes made to the fountain pen before 1884, controlling the flow of ink out of the pen was still a major setback. Ink flow was notoriously unreliable and finnicky. The table below tracks the evolution of fountain pen nib materials through the years: Nib material Time Period Characteristics Gold 19th century Flexible, provided smooth writing experience Iridium-tipped Early 20th century Increased durability and longevity Stainless steel Mid 20th century Affordable, resistant to corrosion Titanium Late 20th century Lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant  Ruthenium-coated 21st century Sleek black appearance, corrosion-resistant Who invented the fountain pen in 1884? Lewis Waterman invented the modern fountain pen in 1884. He harnessed capillary action to smoothly pull ink from the reservoir, through the feed, out of the nib. Waterman added three grooved sections to the feed and a hole to the nib. Gravity pulls the ink out of the reservoir, and the three grooved sections draw and hold ink in these grooves. Capillary action works through adhesion and cohesion. Liquid adheres to a solid surface and coheres to itself so it does not pool at the tip of the pen. When the nib touched the paper, it pulled the liquid adhered to the grooves through cohesion onto the paper. This ensured that ink didn't stick in the reservoir or pool at the tip, allowing for steady flow of control. By harnessing capillary action, Waterman created the first truly usable modern fountain pen. In fact, collectors still use vintage Waterman pens today. Innovations to the modern fountain pen The solution to the major setback of fountain pens allowed changes and innovations to continue. Each pen inventor and manufacturer worked to solve some recurring issue with the fountain pen. Self-filling systems like the piston filler, squeeze filler, lever filler, and disposable ink cartridges hit the market. The creation of celluloid replaced hard rubber as the material of pens. This is because of its Affordability Durability Ease of customization Developers produced new inks that were less corrosive and more vibrant.  Related Reading: The Best Ink For Fountain Pens   Tweaks to feeders, nib shapes and materials, and pen design lead the fountain pen to quickly dominate as the writing instrument of choice in the Western world. When did fountain pens replace dip pens? The masses used fountain pens more commonly than dip pens by World War I. However, schools continued to use dip pens until 1960s when the production of ballpoint pens began.  Fun Fact: The BIC ballpoint pen was invented by Marcel Bich in 1950.   It was the invention of the ballpoint pen that actually put the nail in the coffin of the dip pen, but the impact of fountain pens left its mark as one of the leading forms of writing instruments. When did fountain pens become popular? Fountain pens peaked in popularity from the 1900s to the 1960s when the ballpoint pen surpassed the fountain pen. Is the fountain pen still used today? The fountain pen is still in use today. Even though the ballpoint pen surpassed the fountain pen in popularity in the 60s, people still commonly use fountain pens throughout the world. In fact, many grammar schools in European countries like Germany, Switzerland, and France require the use of fountain pens. In the United States, fountain pen use is entirely preference. If you prefer smooth ink flow and connected writing you'll find it hard to find a better, more reliable pen than the fountain pen. What is the oldest fountain pen? The oldest fountain pen in the world is the M. Bion fountain pen, designed by Nicholas Bion in 1702. Are fountain pens making a comeback? Fountain pens are not so much making a comeback as they have been a constant, steady market since the advent of the ballpoint pen. Though not as popular as the ballpoint or even the rollerball, fountain pen users have continued to create a demanding market for new fountain pens as well as antiques. Vintage pens have actually grown in popularity over the past decade as more and more people are collecting, repairing and using antique fountain pens. Conclusion The history of those who invented the fountain pen is not a cut and dry story of one individual discovering a new world changing technology. It is instead the story of hundreds of people over a thousand years slowing learning, innovating, and reinventing until at last the modern fountain pen was born. With each innovation and new discovery, the fountain pen morphed and changed to be a beautiful example of what the collaborative work of people can be. What was your favorite innovation or change to the fountain pen? Leave a comment below! Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

Waterman has been defining the fountain pen’s elegance and Parisian style since 1883.  That year, Lewis Waterman invented a capillary feed to improve the existing fountain pen.  Prior to that, he was selling insurance. The apocryphal story is that one day when signing the contract on his last job, the fountain pen leaked. Ink spilled all over the paper, ruining what was an important contract for an equally important customer.  Lewis Waterman apologized and went in search of another contract. Meanwhile, however, the customer found another agent and signed the deal. Lewis Waterman had lost his sale and all to a faulty pen.  Nevertheless, he didn’t give in to despair. Waterman went to his brother’s workshop intent on doing something about it. At that very moment, the history of the modern fountain pen began. Classic Pen, Timeless Story There is an ongoing debate on who was the first inventor of a fountain pen. Experts on Leonardo DaVinci’s work imply that he may have been the first creator of a fountain pen. If this is true, that would date the fountain pen’s origin to the Renaissance period, long before Waterman came along.  The evidence is in the journal that contains drawings of a cross-section of a pen. That pen had a reservoir but he didn’t patent it. Officially, Petrache Poenaru (1799-1875) invented the first fountain pen. His pen had a barrel made of swan’s quill that served as an ink reservoir. This became the first patented fountain pen. And it was “a never-ending portable pen” that “recharges itself with ink.”  Learn More: When was the Fountain Pen Invented: A Brief History   It was in 1883 when Waterman noticed that there was no control of ink flow in the fountain pens he used. Consequently, Waterman and his brother started experimenting. Eventually, they found the solution.  Allowing some air into the ink reservoir through capillary pipes stopped the leaking. The ink would then slowly flow out thanks to gravity. Image from: historyofinformation.com Waterman patented his fountain pen on 12th February 1884 with a 14k nib and was made of hard rubber.  A year later, along with the firm Asa Shipman, Lewis Waterman founded The Ideal Company. It didn’t last for long and he founded the Waterman Company in 1887, now based in France. Two years later, Waterman made a modified nib that has come to define Waterman fountain pen.  The problem was that bubbles would form whenever the ink was finished. Lewis Waterman made the overflow pockets and put them on both sides of the channels in the feed. The Parts of a Fountain Pen That Make a Perfect Whole Many, if not all, avid writers would say that a fountain pen is irreplaceable. But what makes Watermans so elegant and outstanding? The principle is simple. Gravity draws ink from the reservoir through the capillary in the feed to the nib. Manufacturers of fountain pens use Waterman’s principle even today. This allows for equally distributed ink flow, creating neat, sharp lines. The three main parts of a fountain pen all play an important role in the overall design. Here’s how; The Nib Fountain pen nibs make this writing instrument uniquely different from other pens. The pen nib is a crucial part of bringing the elegance of lettering onto paper. It is the metal part that transfers ink to the paper.  It consists of two tines - the two sharp prongs - that divide the nib. On the opposite side, there’s a small circular hole at the end of the slit that facilitates ink flow.  There are many different types of nibs, but generally modern nibs consist of either stainless steel or gold and stainless steel tipped with gold.  The Feed The feed is the part next to the nib that connects the nib and the reservoir of a fountain pen. Its function is to supply ink from the reservoir to the nib.  The shape of feed determines the wetness of ink and the flow of a pen. A feed’s material and surface roughness can significantly influence writing. As such, two fountain pens with the same nib size can write differently because of their feeds. Related Reading: How To Write With a Fountain Pen: The 3 Simple Steps   The Ink Ink can be in the form of the ink cartridge or a fountain pen ink bottle that is then used to fill a fountain pens internal mechanism. The ink cartridge is more convenient but more expensive in the long run. Famous People Known to Use Waterman Fountain Pens Waterman’s business went so well that they sold 7 out of 10 writing instruments on the market by the end of the 19th century. So, it is not surprising that 1900 was a special year for Lewis Waterman. The Waterman company was awarded the gold medal for excellence at the “Exposition Universelle” in Paris, France. Beyond award committees, the Waterman company found favor elsewhere. Over time, notable personalities have used the Waterman fountain range. Renowned author H.P Lovecraft, embraced fountain pens, with his favorite being a black Waterman fountain pen. Given the period he purchased his pen - 1926 - it is possible it was the iconic Waterman Perspective. After making a purchase, he wrote a letter to his aunt stating, “I did not escape from the emporium till a $6.25 Waterman reposed in my pocket — a modern self-filler corresponding to the ancient $6.00 type which I bought in 1906.” According to one of Lovecraft’s biographers; “He used one pen, chosen with the most painstaking care, until it wore out…It had to have just the right kind of ink flow, molding itself to his hand in such a way…It also had to be a black Waterman; a pen of another color or make would have been unthinkable.”  There is also evidence that Einstein used a Waterman Taper-cap Fountain Pen when formulating the Theory of Relativity.  For that reason, this famous Waterman fountain pen can be found on display at the Boerhaave Museum in Leiden. Image from: Wikimedia Steven King wrote “ Dreamcatcher” with the Waterman Hemisphere which boasts a highly luxurious design. The Waterman Hemisphere line exudes the style, elegance, and polish that denotes expert craftsmanship. When it comes to the elegance of writing Steven King said: “This book was written with the world’s finest word processor, a Waterman cartridge fountain pen.” Experience the Elegance of Waterman With Dayspring Pens  At Dayspring Pens, we understand the importance and significance of using a pen that works as well as you do.  That's why we offer you a wide range of elegant, professional pens to suit any need or style.  Waterman fountain pens are perfect whether for personal use or as a gift. Their design makes them practical, efficient, and capable of rising to any occasion.  Browse our collection of Waterman pens, select the best option you find, and make your order. Then wait to be impressed. If you need assistance in placing your personalized order, contact us today. We are eager to answer any questions you might have. Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.

They’re highly prominent household names with equally famous signatures. You love their speeches, you fill up theaters to watch their films and stadiums to watch them perform. You read about them but can you write like them? Check out these wild strokes and curvy cursive that make these signatures almost illegible. Discover some of the messiest celebrity autographs and see how your's compares. If you can figure out who these signatures belong to you have a seriously strong imagination, or maybe you’re squinting just the right amount. Can You Match These Wacky Signatures to Their Famous Owners? Before reading this page why not try your best to match these scribbled famous signatures to their owners? Some of them are sure to leave you utterly perplexed. Download this FREE quiz 1. Barack Obama Barack’s signature is loose and cursive. Its thread shape shows that he is a relaxed easy going person. The big letters at the start of each name reveal a bold decisive nature to his personality. He passionately pursues the causes he believes in, often taking the leadership role. 2. Anne Hathaway The large loose strokes in Anne’s handwriting exude confidence and drive. Anne is driven by strong ideas that she’s willing to speak up and fight for. She challenges the status quo and plays by her own rules. 3. Neil Armstrong Some famous signatures look more like sketches, and this is a fine example. Neil’s light pinstripe signature reveals a more reserved, sensitive and intuitive personality. He’s more comfortable in his own company. He prefers individual projects where he can channel his creativity and lose himself. 4. Dalai Lama The Dalai Lama’s wide spacing and bold print reveal a peaceful, loving and kind personality. He’s balanced and welcoming of change. He thrives in calm spaces but loves to engage in deep conversations with people on matters of life. He’s better within a team than leading it. 5. Walt Disney Walt’s cursive strokes exhibit child-like wonder and an indomitable spirit that never gives up. Always dreaming and coming up with ideas that others would question. He’s sensitive and has an active imagination. He’s shy around people thus prefers to work alone. 6. Paul McCartney If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it also applies in the world of famous signatures. That’s Paul’s style. His autograph reveals he’s a by-the-book fellow. He goes for tried and tested methods as long as he gets the desired results. He prefers to work in a team rather than take the lead. Need something done? He’s your guy. His reliable nature wouldn’t allow for anything less. 7. Hunter S Thompson Hunter looks for plenty of exciting adventures. The grandiose nature of his signature shows he’s not afraid to take risks. He lunges forward in the face of what most people would consider dangerous. This makes him a great leader who’s quick at decision making. 8. Kanye West Of all the famous signatures in our list, this one takes the cake for being incredibly quirky. Kanye could care less for rules and regulations. He plays by his own set and encourages others to do the same. His signature doesn’t stick to the line and looks more like a GIF. This points to a brave, carefree personality who’s definitely a trendsetter. 9. John F Kennedy John’s angled signature reveals an aggressive and decisive person. He pursues the causes he believes in with an unflinching resolve that startles those around him. He makes for an excellent leader if you can keep up with him! 10. Heath Ledger Carefree, introspective, uncertain and a little shy perfectly describes Heath. His loose thread-like strokes point to a very melancholic individual who’s always lost in his own imagination. Unable to explain his ideas to others, he creatively articulates himself through poems and probably keeps a journal. 11. Johnny Depp We’ve got ourselves an artsy type. Johnny’s large signature shows that he loves to be out in the crowd where’s he’s the center of attention. He’s open and welcoming of people and always has something to say. He’s fun and loves to entertain. 12. Albert Einstein Albert’s small and heavy signature reveals a focused dominating personality. He can easily handle painstaking activities and revels in his ability to solve difficult challenges. He loves solitude where he can think and create uninterrupted. 13. Arnold Schwarzenegger The fine large lines in Arnold’s signature reveal a sensitive, larger than life personality. At the same time, the spacing points to a cautious side that critically thinks before making decisions. He’s very self-aware and diligently applies himself to a good challenge. 14. Jane Goodall Some famous signatures employ the “barely there” approach which appears neglectful and points towards an introverted, shy, sensitive personality. Jane favors personal pursuits that allow her to move at her own pace and use her creativity. She takes her time when making decisions and is quite confident in them. 15. Coco (Gabrielle) Chanel The wide spacing in Coco’s signature reveals a friendly, open and welcoming personality. She’s always quick to host or attend every party because she likes to meet new people. She’ll never miss a kind word for anyone which makes her a very approachable supportive leader. 16. Amelia Earheart Amelia’s light strokes reveal a quiet, shy and uncertain personality. Social gatherings probably make her neurotic but she’ll quickly play her part when needed. She’s reliable once she figures out where she fits in with the larger group. You’ll probably find her reading in a corner. 17. Serena Williams Ornamentation best describes Serena’s signature style. It reveals a dauntless personality. She walks into a room and commands the space. Her bravery makes it easy for her to speak up for the things she believes with urgency and vehemence only visible in a few. She is a force to reckon with. 18. Mark Zuckerberg I bet you’re wondering where the rest of the signature is. Mark’s letter form quality depicts a kind of neglect. He could care less for formal setups and rarely sticks to the status quo. He’s probably preoccupied with a book or a new invention. He’s an innovator who quickly identifies opportunities for expansion. 19. JK Rowling This loose cursive style probably took JK Rowling 3 seconds! It's one of the famous signatures that fascinates me the most. Her writing pace reveals a quick thinker. The fine lines reveal a more sensitive, spiritual, curious, and creative personality. She easily adapts to change and quickly looks for the next best solution. She practically lives on the bright side of things. 20. Leonardo da Vinci The spacing in Leonardo’s signature reveals an introverted and introspective personality. Writing this must’ve taken careful concern which paints the picture of a logical thinker. “Just how much can I learn?” That’s probably his biggest daily concern. He’s more of a polymath so you’ll find him dabbling in many different things as long as they interest him. From Signing Famous Signatures to Everyday Note-taking, Luxury Fountain Pens Do it All Daydreaming of scrawling your signature for throngs of fans? Nonetheless, whether you’re writing a letter to a loved one, a thoughtful thank-you card, or simply imagining yourself autographing crazed fan’s t-shirts, you need a great pen that is up to the task. You can even have your signature engraved on your pen! Dayspring Pens has a wide collection of journals, stationery, and luxury pens to take your autograph to the next level. You might even join the league of famous signatures one day. Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

In this article, we’ll explore the traditional choices of the presidential pen used by U.S. Presidents. The reason we’re going to do this is because, lately, there’s been a surprising amount of drama around a recent President's choice of pen.  In the end, we’ll list out the top pens used by presidents in the last 80 years. The Story of President Trump’s Pen Choice Courtesy of Unsplash Initially, most of us were probably not aware of just how dramatic the President’s choice of pen could be. However, when Donald Trump broke with tradition, setting aside the Cross Century II for a Sharpie permanent marker, well… every single luxury pen enthusiast in America experienced a small emotional explosion. The President’s choice of pen is, at least in part, a big symbolic gesture. It suggests something about the way in which the President is going to govern, the kinds of bills he’s going to sign off on.  Trump’s use of the Sharpie came to public attention when he was suspected of changing the projected trajectory of Hurricane Dorian on a NOAA briefing map, resulting in the Twitter trend #sharpiegate.  And with the start of Trump's second term in office, he's fondness for the Sharpie is still holding strong. It is once again the official pen of the Trump Administration. What were Trump’s reasons for switching from Cross to Sharpie? The New York Times reported the President’s response, “‘I was signing documents with a very expensive pen and it didn’t write well... It was a horrible pen, and it was extremely expensive. A government-ordered pen.’ He said that he had pulled out a standard Sharpie pen and concluded that it not only ‘writes much better,’ but also ‘costs almost nothing.’” Strangely enough, even pen enthusiasts who were at odds with the previous President’s policies found themselves agreeing on this point: The A.T. Cross company isn’t always considered the gold standard, despite offering high-quality, affordable luxury pens. On an international front, presidents of other countries have turned to even higher quality pens. For instance, Malcolm Turnbull of Australia, writes with the Montblanc Friedrich Schiller.  Where these pen enthusiasts were scandalized, however, was with the turn to Sharpie.  President Trump even went so far as to contact Sharpie, owned by Newell Rubbermaid, to manufacture a marker specifically for him, asking them to “make it look rich.” It was pretty dramatic for pen lovers, but was it really so out-of-step with past Presidents? Is Cross Really the Presidential Pen? The institution of Cross pens as the “presidential pen” is actually pretty recent.  Before Clinton, the pen-of-choice for Presidents seems to have been pretty diverse.  President Roosevelt's Pen: Waterman Franklin D. Roosevelt seems to have preferred a Waterman fountain pen. His successors, Truman and Eisenhower, preferred Parker fountain pens (so does the Queen of England, by the way). Truman, one of the few left-handed Presidents of the United States, is rumored to have asked Parker develop a pen specifically for him so that his signature wouldn't smudge. Discover More: The Story of How Waterman Came to Define Fountain Pen Elegance John F. Kennedy's Pen and Presidents Thereafter: The Parker 45 Courtesy of Unsplash John F. Kennedy seems to have used a number of different pens: the Parker “45,” an Esterbrook fountain pen, and a Montblanc Meisterstück No. 149.  It is rumored that Lyndon B. Johnson preferred the Parker Eversharp pens, but he used an Esterbrook fountain pen to sign the Civil Rights Act.  Nixon, Ford, and Carter all also seem to have used the Parker Eversharp with their signatures engraved on the barrel to sign bills.  Further Reading: The 6 Best Parker Pens: #1 Is Super Affordable! Ronald Reagan's Pen: Cross Classic Century Ronald Reagan was the first President to use a Cross pen, the Classic Century ballpoint in black and gold, which was continued by George H.W. Bush. CNN reports that “Presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush were also known to use Cross pens, however, the official Cross-White House program began under Clinton.” The change-up happened after a bit of a debacle when Clinton used a knock-off Montblanc pen to sign a bill and gave them out as souvenirs. Montblanc seem to have been in the running for the next presidential pens, but Cross seems to have won out with Clinton. Read More: Fountain Pen Review: The Cross Century II Clinton, Bush, and Obama Tap The Townsend for the President's Pen Thus, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama all used the Cross Townsend Felt-Tip Rollerball pen. Obama, however, later opted for the Cross Century II.  Joe Biden's Pen After Trump’s turn to the Sharpie, President Joe Biden has returned to Obama's preferred Cross Century II Rollerball. All-in-all, there’s a lot of other “presidential pens,” specifically from Parker. But Cross has generally been the preferred presidential pen since at least Reagan.  What’s the Top Presidential Pen? Here’s the top pen that Presidents seem to have preferred since Roosevelt: Parker Eversharp pen (discontinued in 1968, similar in design to the Parker IM) Cross Townsend rollerball pen Parker 45 fountain pen (discontinued in 2007, similar to the Parker 51).  Cross Century II rollerball pen Esterbrook fountain pen The Cross Classic Century ballpoint pen A nondescript Waterman fountain pen That’s our working list of presidential pens. What do you think? Conclusion This has been our examination of presidential pens; we hope it’s contributed to understanding a bit more about the symbolism and the stories behind these luxury writing instruments. For more on the best luxury pens, be sure to check out our list of best-sellers. Or find out which are the best cheap engraved pens for gifts and more. But now we want to hear from you! What do you think would make a good pen for a President? Let us know in the comments. Featured image Courtesy of Unsplash Sam Di Nardo is an author for Dayspring Pens, where she has honed her expertise in ballpoint, rollerball, gel and fountain pens since joining the team in 2018. From her initial role as an Engraver to becoming the Production Manager, Sam's journey has been marked by her passion for the history, manufacturing, and the unique value of gifted writing instruments. A graduate of Regent University with a degree in English Literature and a special interest in Old Norse literature, dive deeper into Sam's world and discover why she's your trusted guide in the realm of gift pens. Follow Sam on LinkedIn.

After suffering a horrendous road accident in 1999, Stephen King penned Dreamcatcher. Written in longhand using a Waterman cartridge fountain pen, King wrote the novel between November 1999 and May 2000. And writing the old-fashioned way, with pen and paper, was therapeutic for the king of horror: “To write the first draft of such a long book by hand put me in touch with the language as I haven’t been in years. I even wrote one night (during a power outage) by candlelight. One rarely finds such opportunities in the twenty-first century, and they are to be savored.” Today, ballpoint pens and typing on keyboards have become more popular than writing using a fountain pen. However, fountain pens still have their place. Here are the top reasons why Stephen King loves using fountain pens to write by hand, and why you should too: Writing With a Fountain Pen Is Therapeutic for Him The act of handwriting can be rhythmic and calming. As you write, you’re forced to focus your thoughts. This has the effect of calming your mind, just like meditation. Expressive writing is particularly effective in healing both psychological and physical ailments. A small 2002 study from Kansas found that women with breast cancer experienced fewer cancer-related symptoms in the months following expressive writing exercises. The subjects who did expressive writing also had fewer medical appointments. Just like expressive journaling, writing fiction can be both cathartic and healing. It can help a writer to externalize negative feelings and cope with trauma. When Stephen King sat down to write after his accident, he hoped it would distract him from his pain. It was five months after the accident, his leg was in a painful brace, and addiction to Oxycontin was taking root in his system. Finding it too painful to sit and type at his desk, he picked up a Waterman and started writing. “Suddenly I had this huge, huge book … I didn’t think about the pain as much. It’s like being hypnotized,” he said of the experience. King weaved his physical and emotional struggles into the sci-fi/horror tale Dreamcatcher. One of the novel’s main characters, Jonesy, had been involved in a car accident, obviously inspired by King’s own car crash experience. In fact, everyone in the story is in pain pretty much the entire time which, while horrifying to readers, would prove a cathartic outlet for Stephen King. Fountain Pens Help Unleash Stephen King’s Creativity Studies show that the art of writing by hand improves brain function in various ways. A study from Indiana University found that the mere action of handwriting taps into creativity that isn’t easily accessed any other way. Similarly, the University of Washington found that children who wrote by hand were writing more words and expressing more ideas compared to those who typed on a keyboard. Various other studies have found that children who learn to write by hand learn to read faster. Some researchers claim that cursive handwriting may help in treating people with dyslexia. “It slows you down. It makes you think about each word as you write it,” Stephen King said of writing using a Watermark Fountain pen. Upon release, Dreamcatcher was critically acclaimed for its creativity, with the novel incorporating classic elements from King’s older works in order to create something uniquely powerful. “I think Dreamcatcher is a brilliant exception to the rule,” Stephen King said. “a classic suspense film that will eventually go on the same shelf with movies like Jaws and Alien.” He even boasted that Dreamcatcher “would do for the toilet what Psycho did for the shower.”  “What I didn’t realize was how many doors the act of writing unlocks, as if my Dad’s old fountain pen wasn’t really a pen at all, but some strange variety of skeleton key.” -Stephen King Fountain Pens Write Easily According to Stephen King Image from stephenking.com Why did Stephen King choose an ink pen over a ballpoint? It could be that writing with an ink reservoir pen is deemed sophisticated and therefore makes a unique statement. Or, it could also be as simple as the fact that it is easier to write using a fountain pen. When you’re using a normal ballpoint pen, you have to press down on the paper. But because reservoir pens use liquid ink, they enable your hand to glide smoothly and easily as you write. This allows you to write for extended periods without tiring. For prolific writers, a stylographic pen also means fewer issues with hand cramping. In his author’s note for Dreamcatcher, King lauded the fountain pen as “the world’s finest word processor.” The ease of writing with an ink pen enabled him to write Dreamcatcher in half a year as he recuperated. The fountain pen made the experience enjoyable for him. This is why he savored writing even by candlelight during a power outage. Find the Perfect Fountain Pen Even if you’re not a prolific writer like Stephen King, you can enjoy the pleasure of using a reservoir pen for a multitude of reasons. Fountain pens can be used for: Journaling Signing checks Writing cards Writing in your planner Taking notes  Shop Now: Luxury Customized Fountain Pens   If you aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of selecting fountain pens, don’t fret. Here are some tips to help you buy a starter pen: Consider the Nib Size Image from penheaven.co.uk The nib of a fountain pen is the pointy part through which ink flows onto the paper. In the 16th century, the word nib meant a bird’s beak. The nib size on a fountain pen should be one of your key considerations when purchasing. Ideally, the nib width should suit your style of handwriting. If you have large handwriting, choose a pen with a broad or medium nib. There are also extra-wide nibs for calligraphy. With smaller handwriting, Stephen King would have appreciated a fine or extra-fine nib. Don’t Overlook the Nib Material Image from thewritingdesk.co.uk Fountain pens use different materials for their nibs. The tip of your pen can be made of anything from stainless steel to gold. While stainless steel tips write as smoothly as their gold equivalents, they’re mostly considered to be cheaper. The best fountain pens have gold or palladium tips. Gold-nibbed pens tend to have finer finishing, allowing for more comfortable writing. If we were to choose a gift for Stephen King, we would opt for a gold-nibbed stylographic pen. Consider the Filling Mechanism If you write a lot, like Stephen King, opt for a vacuum or piston filling mechanism pen. This means more ink capacity than cartridge/converter pens. If you need to change the ink color frequently, cartridge/converter models are your best option. Size and Weight Are Also Important Image from blog.gouletpens.com The ideal stylograph should feel comfortable in your hand. Especially if you’re using the pen a lot, like Stephen King. If you have large hands, you are likely to find a small pen uncomfortable. Likewise, those with smaller hands might find large and heavy fountain pens clumsy. The weight of a stylograph pen is largely determined by the material it’s made from. Most pens have aluminum or stainless steel bodies. Some have a carbon fiber finish. Most fountain pens weigh 25g and under. A pen that weighs 30g is generally considered heavy.  Further Reading: Types of Fountain Pens Aspiring to Be Like Stephen King? Start by Buying a Fountain Pen Stephen King had his Watermark fountain pen. You should find your personal stylographic pen too! The world of fountain pens should be much easier to navigate now you have all the right information. Go through the Dayspring Pens catalog to find something that suits your preference. You can select a stylographic pen by factors such as price, style, or brand. We highly recommend starting with the Dayspring Alexandria fountain pen. It has a medium stainless steel tip and is easy to use for beginners. Watch Stephen King talk about Dreamcatcher in this 2001 interview: Featured image: dailymail.co.uk Daniel Whitehouse is the President and CEO of Dayspring Pens. He uses his expertise with premium writing utensils to create exceptional, intentional products and craft easy-to-understand articles that help both new and experienced users learn more about their writing tools. He lives in Virginia where he and his wife are raising their four children. To learn more about him and his insights about custom engraved gift pens, follow Daniel on LinkedIn.