The Jotted Line

It is rare to come across a personalized gift that can be both a wildly intimate and thoughtful gift or be professional with the appropriate level of intentionality and distance...something you can give to a beloved family member or at an office Christmas party. And that is where engraved pens shine as a pinnacle of a personalized gift. They communicate depth and practicality, sentimentality and function. And that’s what I want to explore in this ultimate guide to engraved pens. I'll be discussing:  Chapter 1: What Is a Personalized Gift? Chapter 2: Engraved Pens: The Perfect Personalized Gift Chapter 3: Engraving: What it is and why it's awesome. Chapter 4: Luxury Pens: The Standard in Meaningful Gifts Chapter 5: Pro Tips for Shopping for Engraved Pens (And Other Gifts) Chapter 6: Unwrapping Meaningful Giving with Personalized Pens    Chapter 1: What Is a Personalized Gift? A personalized gift is any gift that has been modified for a specific individual. Personalized gifts tend to be of more symbolic and have greater personal value (just like those gas station keychains with your name on them), but there are also gifts of a finer quality and of more monetary value. Something key to understand here is that symbolic and monetary values are not necessarily linked. What I mean is this: a personalized gift for your loved one is not going to be more meaningful just because it's more expensive. While that can be the case, it's not always. Why should I give personalized gifts to my loved ones? Because personalized gifts are personal, they communicate a deeper value than most any other "unpersonalized" gift. Yes, there's really no such thing as an "unpersonalized" gift because when we give gifts, we give gifts that are relevant, unique, or fitting to the person to whom we are giving them. There's an irreducibly personal aspect to all gifts. If we didn't do this—if we gave a gift that wasn't fitting to the person to whom we are giving it—it wouldn't be a matter of personalized vs. unpersonalized gifts; it would be a matter of a good gift vs. a bad gift. Custom gifts just go the extra mile in emphasizing the personal and unique aspects of all gift-giving. Where can I find personalized gifts? There are two major ways to find personalized gifts: Make your own custom gift Buy a custom gift product Unless you are one of those people who naturally thinks of amazing gifts, the place to start looking for custom gifts is Google. When you search "personalized gifts" or "engraved gifts" in Google, you might get overloaded with options. Here at Dayspring Pens, we offer a number of other personalized product options. You can also check out my complete list of 101 personalized gifts for more options. Chapter 2: Engraved Pens: The Perfect Personalized Gift    What are personalized pens? Like gifts more generally, personalized pens are pens that have been modified in some way to fit the person to whom you want to give them. Why are personalized pens really the perfect gift? The biggest reason that personalized pens make the perfect gift is because they perfectly balance symbolic value and monetary value I talked about earlier with functional value: you get the biggest bang for any amount of buck. Giving a pen as a gift communicates trust, care, and the value of intellect. It gives the means to put these abstract ideas into concrete practice. Pens can also represent particular aspects of your loved one's personality. A personalized pen only amplifies the communication of one's value in another. It sends your message loud and clear. And it's really very simple: pens are uber functional. And according to the Danish professor of design theory, Mads Nygaard Folkmann, what is "functional and [what is] symbolic in design are not easily separated." This is especially true in regards to pen design. And you can give all this to your loved ones without breaking the bank. I've written elsewhere about why personalized pens make great gifts: Let's take a quick look at just 5 of these reasons: 1.) Personalized pens fit any budget As I said before, symbolic and monetary values aren't necessarily tied up together, and an engraved pen shows just how that's the case. You can get the same level of symbolic, meaningful care for pretty much any price (from a $2 pen to a $5,000 pen). There’s so many engraved pen options in various ranges, so don’t think that this is just a bougie person’s gift, reserved only for the well-to-do. 2.) Personalized pens fit any gift recipient Custom pens are a pretty gender-neutral gift, and they’re timeless. Plus, everyone uses a pen; whether you’re a working professional, a student, or a chronic journaler, an engraved pen is a pretty ubiquitous tool. What makes the real difference is luxury plus personalization. 3.) Personalized pens reduce stress Studies show that using pens over a computer will reduce stress and anxiety. That’s such an awesome, easily engaging activity to help keep the Mondays away. 4.) They are quintessential study tools Studies show that pens are especially key to good study habits. Students use a pen every day, whether that’s to take notes, underline words in a book, write your signature, or outline a paper. A personalized pen makes a special focal point for good studying. 5.) Engraved pens more meaningful Just compare these phrases in your mind: “I gave my loved one a nice pen” vs. “I gave my loved one a nice pen with their name engraved on it.” The difference is there in the intuition that a personalized pen communicates the value that you have in your loved one waaaaaaaay better.  How are pens customized? Pens can be customized in a few different ways. Custom design Clip Emblems Imprinting Engraving Custom Design You might be able to collaborate with a pen manufacturer or even with some small businesses on sites like Etsy or locally, to custom craft your entire pen. Most companies (like AT Cross) will not design an entirely new pen for you, but they will add a custom color or appointments to a pen they have already designed. Clip Emblems Clip emblems allow you to cast an additional piece of metal or plastic and attach it to the clip. These make pens incredibly compelling promotional items for corporate bodies. Imprinting Imprinting is one of the most affordable options for personalization, provided you get your pen in bulk. This process acts like a copier and "paints" the design onto the pen. All the pens you've snagged from that mug at your bank were probably imprinted. It's a common option if you're looking for promotional items. Imprinting is usually super cheap in bulk, and you have a lot more color options. However, it can scratch off after a while. Engraving By far the most affordable option for personalizing gift pens is engraving. Engraving will cut into the finish of the pen to leave a permanent design. That's really the biggest benefit of engraving: permanence. Because engraving is permanent, the most commonly engraved pens are luxury pens made out of metal, wood, and high-quality plastics.   Related Reading: How to Make an Unforgettable Impression With Engraved Pens   Chapter 3: Engraving: What it is and why it's awesome. In this chapter, I’ll give you an overview of the entire engraving process, and you'll see you why it’s so awesome.  You can find out everything there is to know about engraving process by reading my other article on it. Laser Engraving Laser engraving is a really fun, science-y service in which laser light is put to a practical task. It’s like turning light into a really precise, semi-dangerous paintbrush.  To understand what I mean, let’s take a look at lasers first, and then we’ll talk about how they work as tools for custom engraving.  What's a laser? Because I'm not actually a scientific expert on lasers, I’m going to let Neil Degrasse Tyson tell you about them first; he might, just might know more about them.  So basically, LASERs (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) are a really focused beam of light shot through particular materials (like a ruby) and conducted by mirrors. While most everyday lasers can’t hurt you too bad (unless you're staring right into them), the amplification process can make lasers EXTREMELY powerful and potentially dangerous. Just think: lightsabers. How does a laser engrave stuff? Check out this overview from Trotec about how simple laser engraving really is. A laser engraving machine is basically just a really powerful laser connected to a computer that moves the laser over a pre-established grid.  Put an object, within that grid and the computer will move the laser over the object and engrave it. So, say you have a set of ballpoint pens and you want to engrave them. You put it within a fixed position within the grid, tell the computer where they are, and then you basically just hit “the big red button.” Voila! It engraves, focusing all that powerful light into the specified domain on the grid. And it looks like this: What's so special about laser engraving? Laser engraving makes a gift special for a number of reasons. First, the engraving is permanent; it’s not going to come off eventually like paint or a sticker. It is mechanically done so everything will look neat and uniform. Engraving by hand can be a really awesome method, but it requires years of training and skill to execute properly. Laser Engraving will give you the same solid result every time. It also looks aesthetically pleasing: it’s not gaudy, kitschy, or loud. It just sort of speaks for itself. Engraving, like any personalization, takes something relatively ordinary or mundane (like a pen) and makes it something memorable and cherished. It's one thing to have a pen. Its another to have a pen with "I love you" engraved in your Grandmother's handwriting. In a practical business sense, it can also remind people of your brand and your relationship to them. Think of a promotional pen engraved with the name or logo of the law firm that helped with the contracts for your first house. Maybe you use it when you are thinking about building an addition and it reminds of the experience you had with that company.  Related Topic: How Much Does it Cost to Engrave a Gift?: Personalized Gifts on a Budget What can I get engraved on my pens? Within certain parameters, pretty much whatever you want! But words are the most common custom aspect to get engraved on pens. A popular choice is just getting the name of the recipient engraved on the pen. Other options include short, meaningful phrases. I've compiled a pretty extensive list of phrase suggestions to help you with this. The size of pens can make it difficult to engrave a long, detailed message (about 25 characters is standard for most engravings), but actually trying to communicate within seemingly tight constraints can expand the sense of resonant meaning that your gift has. You can get 2 lines of engraving and even a double-sided engraving if you so choose, and that will expand you options. A logo, design, symbols (I've seen a lot of emojis), and handwriting are all options for engraving as well! Need ideas on choosing what to engrave on your pens? What else can I choose for personalizing my engraved pens? Font type An engraving business will often have a selection of fonts they have the rights to use that the customer may choose from. You will often see a Script like font, a Block font, and something in between like Times. If you have your own proprietary font you would like to use, you will need to make sure you have the rights to use the font, communicate that to the engraving company, and send them the font file. Engraving color There are two major distinctions in engraving styles: standard and deep cut color filled engraving. Standard will simply cut into the finish of the pen to reveal the colors of the barrel underneath. Deep cut color fill applies a lacquered paint to the engraving to create contrasting colors.  Logo Engraving If you have a particular shape, pattern, or drawing that you want engraved, logo engraving will be the best way to do it. You can even engrave handwriting in this process! We'll talk more about engraved handwriting in the Pro Tips Chapter. The table below highlights different engraving styles and font options for gift pens: Engraving Style  Description Example Script Elegant and cursive Block Bold and clear Times Classic and stylish Logo Custom logos or emblems     Chapter 4: Luxury Pens: The Standard in Meaningful Gifts In this chapter, we're going to explore everything there is to know about luxury pens. Why? Because luxury pens are the best option for personalizing—and especially for engraving. Let's begin. Are luxury pens good gifts? Well, yeah! Luxury pens make great gifts for all the same reasons we've already talked about, minus the personalized touch, but additionally they possess all-around classiness and longevity. They stand out, they help get basic tasks completed, they last, and they feel special. But do people even use luxury pens anymore? Absolutely! According to the Chicago Tribune, despite the dominance of digital media, the luxury pen market is up about 5% in the US and Europe largely due to the luxury pen transitioning into the gifting world. Pen sales are also growing in emerging markets like Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East as literacy and education levels rise. Even if you use your phone, tablet, or computer for most note-taking and letter-writing, there are still quite a few moments in life that require a pen like signing doctor's notes, contracts, etc. In the big moments, like signing for your first house or a birth certificate for your first child, a luxury pen just has a more beautiful gravity to it than a Stick Bic. Why do people still use a fancy pen? The simplest answer is that some people still use a fancy, metal pen because it will last longer. Metal is a harder, more durable material compared to plastic or wood. A metal pen, like the mighty fountain pen, won't decompose or wear out the same way a pen made of more other materials might. It tends to have a heftier weight to it which can lead to greater comfort. This is because weight and balance have as much to do with writing comfort as an ergonomic grip and pen barrel size.  Ideally, you want a pen that fits nicely in your hand with the weight evenly distributed so you don't need to force the ink flow onto the page by pressing down too hard. A luxury pen usually provide this for users with ease. Are high quality pens really worth the price? High quality pens are worth the price when you consider a couple of points: the quality of your writing experience how long you'll keep the pen the environmental impact of production waste the personal impact of gifting them and how appropriate they are as gifts Luckily, the price of high quality engraved pens varies widely, so the real question is: what's your budget? You can find high quality pens, like my favorite, the Parker Jotter, for a price as low as $20. The key is finding the right pen for your needs. How are you going to use this pen? What do you need to write? What kind of feeling do you tactilely enjoy in a pen?  Further Reading: Are Luxury Pens Worth It? What's the best luxury pen to get as a gift? Based on what I've said so far, there is no objective "Best Luxury Pen," but there are a lot of incredible luxury pens that could be the best for you. You check out my article on How to Choose a Luxury Pen for an in-depth dive to finding the perfect pen for you or your loved one. But let's take a look here at some of what I say there. Essentially, when you're looking to buy a nice engraved pen, you want to consider the following points: Let's take a look at each of these points one-by-one. Writing Style Writing style is one of the first questions you'll face looking for a nice pen. You want to get the right style to get the most fitting writing experience for you or your loved one. Check out an Ultimate Guide to Pen Writing Styles in order to completely break down all the aspect of the three major pen styles. The three basic styles are: ballpoint pens rollerball pens fountain pens Ballpoint Pens Ballpoint pens are the most common pen type. They have a little ball in the tip and use an oil-based ink that sticks to pretty much any surface. Rollerball Pens Rollerball pens are the perfect middle ground between ballpoint pens and fountain pens. Like ballpoint pens, they have a rolling ball in the tip, but like fountain pens they tend to use water-based ink instead of oil-based ink. Fountain Pens Fountain pens—those fancy, fancy pens with the nib. The mechanics of the fountain pen nib are pretty wild; they sort of use air pressure the release water-based ink from the nib. It's really cool.   Material A luxury pen can come in a number of different construction materials. Material has a lot to do with the tactile feel, weight, balance, and overall writing experience of a quality writing instrument. The major ones are made of precious metal, chrome, wood, and high-quality plastics. Obviously, certain materials (like precious metal) are going to cost more, but you can definitely find some sweet deals on high quality materials. Price Point Buying a luxury pen might seem like a waste of money, but it's not. As stated before, you can find luxury pens in any budget range. There's luxury pens in the $12-$30 range that will last you forever, but on the other extreme end of prices there's also one-of-a-kind special edition pens in the $1,000-$5,000 range. You just need to be clear about what you're looking for and why. Uniqueness Almost every luxury personalized pen is going to stand out from mass-produced pens in some way. Unlike symbolic value, uniqueness is predominately tied up with monetary value. The more unique your pen, the more likely it is that you'll pay more for it. Additional Services This tends to be warranties, gift boxes, extra ink refills, free engraving of pens...that kind of a company offers with the purchase. A note that's relevant to uniqueness, the additional service of engraving really is the most affordable way to set your pen apart from others. But be sure to check with the vendor or manufacturer to see if they offer little extras onto their products (like monogramming, marking, logo rendering, or custom pieces) that you can make your purchase way more impactful.   FIND YOUR LUXURY PEN   Chapter 5: Pro Tips for Shopping for Engraved Pens (And Other Gifts) Here's a shortlist of pro tips for shopping for an engraved pen: Engraved Handwriting I can wax poetic all day about engraved handwriting. Why? BECAUSE ITS SO FREAKING AWESOME. Engraved Handwriting takes a sample of handwriting and engraves it on a pen. It's the ultimate, uniquely personal form of engraved pen. Just a couple of true stories to show you how great it is. Example 1: A mother's signature I had a customer call to order 6 pens for his siblings with his mother's signature engraved on the cap. Turns out, she had just passed away and he wanted to give them to the family at the funeral. If that isn't the height of a thoughtful, beautiful gift to honor the memory of that woman, I don't know what is. Example 2: New papa! In 2019, Sam (one of our staff) had her first child. For Father's Day, she gave her husband a Waterman Hemisphere rollerball pen with a handwritten "Happy Father's Day" and a little stick figure drawing of a baby engraved on it. In 2021, they had their second child, and she added another little engraved stick figure to the pen cap. The plan is to continue the tradition with every child they have! If that isn't just adorable... Example 3: Bring out your Historical Figures! So maybe the handwriting of you or your loved one isn't something you want to see on your pen. How about the signature of a favorite founding father or classic author? If a signature or sample of handwriting has entered the public domain, places like Dayspring Pens can get them engraved on a pen. Just think of the gift opportunities: a copy of A Christmas Carol and a pen with Charles Dickens's beautiful signature. Pen sets With an engraved pen , you can save a lot of cash and get an extra matching pen to boot. Often times, sets come as pairs of ballpoint pens and a pencils. However, you can also mix and match with a combination of ballpoint, rollerball, fountain, or gel pens. Promotional Pens Promotional pens are those used to promote a business or product. What you will generally find online if you are searching for a promotional pen will generally be the bulk pens produced with the logo or business information of a company, often handed out at a register or a conference. Really, promotional pens can be on a spectrum from the cheap plastic throw-aways to luxury writing instruments specially engraved for a corporate client you might be courting. Rush production If you need your customized gift quick, rush production and expedited shipping are going to be your best friends. Prices will vary on these services from business to business. Make sure your desired order meets the following criteria: Your order is available for rushed production - some things just can't be done quick no matter the amount you are willing to pay. Shipping can be expedited if you need that extra oomph to get it in your timeframe The business offers wrapping, gift notes, etc. if you know you won't be able to add those special touches yourself. Chapter 6: Unwrapping Meaningful Giving with Personalized Pens   In this chapter, I’m going to give an overview of gifting an engraved pen—that is, how to give and how to make giving extra special. You can also apply a lot of what I'm going to say to other sorts of gifts as well. It's just good general advice. When do I give engraved pens as a gifts? Pens are usually given during occasions of transition or landmark moments, at the accomplishment of worthy endeavors or the undertaking of new ones. Practical examples include graduations, job promotions, anniversaries, Christmas, and birthdays. They're often great for people who step into new responsibilities, like young people starting or graduating from college. How do I give an engraved pen as a gift? That's easy: focus on wrapping and leaving a really well-thought-out gift note. Wrap your pen appropriately, either in a bag or in wrapping paper. For my eco-friendly readers, these reusable wrapping fabrics are so cool. The gift note is what really seals the deal on a good engraved pen. What you write in it is important, so maybe consider these 3 points: Write about what you value in your loved one Write about why you got them an engraved pen and write about why the engraved pen represents what you value in your loved one. If all goes well, I think writing about this will make your engraved pens an even more memorable gift.  Discover More: How Do You Gift a Pen?: 3 Things to Do After Ordering a Personalized Gift   Why you should write your gift notes by hand Here's the kicker: write your note by hand (and yes, even if you have terrible, chicken-scratch-looking handwriting.) And here's why: Writing your note by hand shows you took time to spell out (literally) what you think about your gift recipient. Say you gave your loved one a set of engraved ballpoint pens, a handwritten note makes a great compliment to a gift like that. It's that simple. Conclusion A personalized gift is designed to be uniquely modified to fit your gift recipient. Whether you are looking for a super cool shower curtain or personally engraved ballpoint pens, there are a myriad of options and creative ways you can celebrate the people in your life. But with an engraved pen, you can give something functional, symbolic, and one-of-a-kind that doesn't break the bank. I hope this has helped with your gift-buying process! For more information about engraved pens check out our website Giftpens.com or any of our other articles on giving custom gifts. But now it's your turn! Let us know what you love about your engraved pen and what pro tips you'd offer to other buyers in the comments 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.

When it comes to a business with a great claim to fame, it is hard to beat Fisher Space Pens. That is because Fisher Space Pens invented the pen used by astronauts in space to this day. Made in the USA, Fisher Space Pens have become synonymous with exploration, dependability, and history (Gene Rodenberry would be proud). To cover it all and talk about what personalized Fisher pens are now available at Dayspring Pens, I will blast right off: The History of Fisher Space Pens What’s So Special About Them Personalized Fisher Space Pens Available at Dayspring Pens History of Fisher Space Pens The story goes that NASA looked into a pen for space travel, but it was just too expensive to research and develop. Why not just use pencils? Well, they did. But, there were issues with graphite dust affecting electronics in zero gravity, lead breaking, flammable wood, and smudging making record keeping a little less than permanent. Enter: Paul C. Fisher and the creation of zero gravity writing. Zero Gravity Writing To understand the problem with writing in space, we have to understand how ballpoint pens work. Gravity pulls the oil-based ink down the refill to the tip of the pen. Unfortunately, one of the many things space lacks…is gravity…meaning there was no way for the ink to actually move through the pen to write. Now, Paul C. Fisher was an American businessman and inventor who decided quite on his own to tackle this problem. He did it by creating the pressurized ink refill that would push a new kind of ink out of the pen while writing instead of needing ink to be drawn out of the pen by gravity. Fisher submitted his pen to NASA. They did extensive testing. And the AG7 “anti-gravity” pen became the official Space Pen in 1966. Fun Fact: In 1969, the Soviet Union purchased 100 space pens and began to use them on their Soyuz missions. The Bullet Space Pen: Work of Art Paul Fisher’s success did not stop with the AG7 Original Space Pen. In 1948, the concept of the Bullet Space Pen was born and by the 1990s when people talked about a space pen, chances are they were thinking about the Bullet Space Pen, not the AG7 actually used by astronauts. A collapsible pen filled with the same zero-gravity ink synonymous with Fisher, the Bullet pen captured American culture with its minimalist, industrial design and ability to write at any angle. Learn More: The MOMA permanently exhibits the Bullet Space Pen as an example of industrial art. It was so popular by 1991, Seinfeld created an entire episode titled “The Pen”. What’s So Special About the Fisher Space Pen? So it writes in space and has a good story…is it actually that good a pen? Yes. It is. And it doesn’t just write in space. It also has the ability to write underwater, in extreme temperatures from -30 to +250 degrees Fahrenheit, and to write in greasy environments. This is all because Paul Fisher invented thixotropic ink and that aforementioned pressurized ink refill. Pressurized Ink Refill What is thixotropic ink and what does that have to do with the pressurized ink refill? Bear with me a moment. A thixotropic liquid is a liquid that is so thick it is basically a solid. But, if stress or force is applied to the “liquid” it begins to flow, becoming more liquidity. So when thixotropic ink is put under pressure, it flows like liquid ink. The pressurized ink refill serves two purposes. It keeps the ink in a more liquid state and does not require gravity to write since the pressure pushes the ink out instead of creating a vacuum. The other boon to thixotropic ink is that outside conditions like temperature or water do not affect it since they are not creating stress on it. It’s actually really, really neat, and why Fisher Space Pens have become so useful outside of astronauts in space, because people need to write in less than ideal environments at times. EDC Pens Hence, these handy Fisher ballpoint pens have now become some of the leading Everyday Carry (EDC) pens on the market. When you need a pen that will write no matter what condition you are in, the Fisher pressurized refill will do it. Fisher Space Pen realized the unique capabilities of their pens and started creating durable barrels that could take rough situations without breaking. Personalized Fisher Space Pens at Dayspring Pens So which Fisher Space Pens are available at Dayspring Pens with a free line of standard custom engraving? Each pen comes with the patented pressurized refill of medium point black ink inside the pen and a free line of standard engraving. The AG7 Original Space Pen That’s right. The very pen that started it all. The AG7 Original Space Pen is a little piece of history ready to take on any task you need. Covered in a lustrous chrome finish and complete with a ribbed grip, the AG7 is activated with a click action on the top of the pen and the point retracts with a button on the side. What to Know: Engraving Color: Tone-on-tone light brass Point Size: Medium Ink Color: Black Length - 5.12 inches Thickness - 0.37 inches Weight - 0.9 ounces CHECK PRICE The Bullet Space Pen Petite, portable, and effective, the Bullet Space Pen has created its own legacy of excellence from helping Jerry Seinfeld write upside down to being presented to Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show. Capped, the pen is ready to slide into any pocket or pouch. Post the cap to write with a full sized pen when you need it. What to Know: Available in Chrome and Matte Black Engraving Color: Tone-on-tone light brass for Chrome and brass on Black Point Size: Medium Ink Color: Black Length - 5.35 inches posted; 3.77 inches capped Thickness - 0.38 inches Weight - 0.7 ounces CHECK PRICE The Clutch Space Pen Built to be the only EDC pen you will ever need, the Clutch Anodized Black Industrial Space Pen is durability and functionality at its finest. Whether you have thick work gloves, are out in the snow, or just need to write on a jobsite, the Clutch was designed to be easy to hold and click without having to stop. Ready for an oil rig or a mechanics shop, the Clutch brings space to your writing tasks. What to Know: Engraving Color: Silver Point Size: Medium Ink Color: Black Length - 5.45 inches Thickness - 0.52 inches Weight - 1.1 ounces CHECK PRICE The Cap-O-Matic Space Pen A layman’s pen, the Cap-O-Matic ballpoint pen was developed to offer the Fisher space pen technology at an entry level price. This pen comes both in matte black and in antimicrobial raw brass. The simple body and practical click action cap showcase what Fisher refills can really do. And yes, this pen can still write underwater, in extreme temperatures, upside down, and at any angle. What to Know: Available in Black and Brass Engraving Color: Brass on Black; tone-on-tone on Brass Point Size: Medium Ink Color: Black Length - 5.27 inches Thickness - 0.38 inches Weight - 0.6 ounces CHECK PRICE The Shuttle Space Pen The Shuttle Pen slims down the AG7 both in weight and diameter to offer an easier, lightweight grip to the iconic design. With gold appointments and a textured matte black finish, the Shuttle presents beautifully in the Fisher Space Pens gift box, complete with gold custom engraving. What to Know: Engraving Color: Gold Point Size: Medium Ink Color: Black Length - 5.25 inches Thickness - 0.31 inches Weight - 0.9 ounces CHECK PRICE Conclusion It is difficult not to get excited to have such an iconic American brand now available at Dayspring Pens, especially when we can add something as personal and exceptional as custom engraving. To find your perfect pen, check out all Dayspring Pens has to offer. And of course! I’d love to hear what your favorite Fisher Space Pen is and the story that brought it to you. Leave a comment below. For more articles on the brands sold at Dayspring Pens or some of our favorite pens, check out any of these articles: Welcome to the World of Pilot Pens Best Professional Pens Who Invented the Ballpoint 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.

For lefties, not all pens are created equal. Pens suitable for left handed people must have two key features. 1.) The ink needs to be quick drying to prevent smudging as the hand moves across the page. 2.) A comfortable grip that reduces hand strain. I’m going to cover the different types of pens that are suitable for left handed people, including: Our top pick ballpoint pen for lefties The top left handed fountain pens The best left handed rollerballs Top personalized pens for lefties Tips for getting the best writing experience left-handed First up! Let’s talk about what pen writing style is best for a lefty. The Best Type of Pen for Lefties Ballpoint pen - smudge free, fast drying Link to Ultimate Guide to Pen Writing Styles Feature Pen: Parker IM with Parker Quink In general, ballpoint pens are the best type of pen for left handers to use because of the sticky, fast-drying ink. This means that the ink is already dry as the left hand follows behind the writing, preventing the dreaded shmear of ink on the page and the ink stained side of the palm. Does this mean all ballpoints will not smudge? Unfortunately, no. Not all ballpoints are made alike, so it is important to find the ballpoint refill brand/pen design that works best for your writing style. The Best Ballpoint Pens for Lefties The ballpoint pen that I recommend for lefties is the Parker IM. Parker IM Hand comfort is essential for left handers when writing, and the Parker IM ballpoint pen delivers just that. Its medium barrel, cylindrical grip sits comfortably in hand, reducing the likelihood of fatigue. The IM comes with Parker Quink that delivers a consistent stream of Parker’s proprietary ink, with no skipping or hard starts, allowing lefties to use less pressure as they push the pen across the page, while still being tacky enough to give good feedback. TRY A PARKER IM Fun Fact: As of 2019, left handers make up 9.2% of the global population. Uni-Ball Jetstream Ballpoint Are you a left hander looking for a pen that combines the smooth, vivid writing of a gel pen with the quick-drying, smudge-resistant properties of a ballpoint? Then the Uni-Ball Jetstream is for you! Thanks to Jetstream’s Super Ink technology, you enjoy stain-free writing even if you’re a fast writer. The Jetstream has one of the best refills in the business and if you want, the Jetstream SXR-600 is a Parker G2 style refill which means it fits the “universal ink size” for ballpoints which includes Parker Pens. The comfortable grip section of this ballpoint supports extended writing sessions without causing hand fatigue, a big win for lefties. Zebra F-301 The Zebra F-301 ballpoint pen is a joy for lefties to use thanks to its easy glide ink which allows users to apply less pressure when writing, thus eliminating finger soreness. Also, the textured grip enables you to hold the pen firmly yet comfortably. Left handers tend to hold pens more firmly than right handers, so a pen that helps them to relax their grip greatly enhances their writing experience. It gets even better. This pen uses quick-drying ink, making smudges a thing of the past for lefties. The Best Fountain Pens for Left Handers For left handers, writing with fountain pens can be a messy affair since these pens are generally slow drying compared to ballpoint pens. However, it’s possible to achieve hassle-free writing with fountain pens as a leftie when you have the right tools and use the right methods. Pilot Vanishing Point The retractable nib of the Pilot Vanishing Point isn’t just a cool feature—it also helps make left handed writing easier. It prevents the nib from catching on the page as you move your hand across the page. What’s more, the varied 18k nib sizes (fine, extra fine, and medium) are well suited for left handers since they minimize the amount of ink on the paper, thus reducing drying time and smudging. And at 0.9 oz, this fountain pen has a nice heft that balances out the pen. This helps lefties not experience hand fatigue as they write. Dayspring Pens Alexandria Sometimes a larger barrel pen is the better way, and that is the case with the Dayspring Pens Alexandria. This fountain pen’s larger barrel means no pressure is needed to write so the pen can do the work for you. Complete with a rubberized grip, the pen has an ergonomic design not always seen in fountain pens. Easy to refill and compatible with universal ink cartridges, the Alexandria is a go-to fountain pen fit for all…especially lefties. FIND YOUR LEFT HANDED FOUNTAIN PEN LAMY Safari Fountain Pen LAMY Safari’s fountain pen provides a smooth writing experience for lefties for several reasons. First, its grip surfaces are tripod shaped. This ensures that your fingers remain feeling comfortable even when writing for long periods. Also, the ink dries quickly, preventing the mess of smudges on the page and ink stains on your hands. Opt for the fine point nib, as this will allow a more controlled thinner ink line which will dry quicker. A viewing window that allows you to check the ink level is a nice bonus too. The Best Left Handed Rollerball Pens Rollerballs can be excellent pens left handers to use if the pen features a fast-drying ink which prevents smudges. Below are my top best rollerball pens for lefties: Pilot Metropolitan Say goodbye to messy writing with Pilot’s Metropolitan Rollerball. The fine 0.7mm tip lays down a little ink at a time, keeping smudging at bay. And the ink it does put out is Pilot’s very own G2 ink so you get the same writing quality as a Pilot G2 in the stunning Japanese design of personalized Pilot pens. The well-balanced barrel is ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue. For left-handed writers who hold pens differently, this quality is helpful in ensuring comfort. Fun fact: August 13 is Lefthanders Day! Parker Jotter Stainless Steel Gel Pen A timeless icon in the writing instruments world, the Parker Jotter is an excellent choice for left handers. With its fast-drying ink, the issue of messy pages from smudged ink becomes a distant memory. The ink is also smooth, delivering a pleasant and precise writing experience with no blotches or hard starts. This lightweight pen (0.55 oz) is a delight for lefties to use as it is easy to maneuver for long writing sessions without tiring the hands. GIVE A LEFT HANDED ROLLERBALL A GO Personalized Pens for Lefties Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball Pen Not only does this pen impress with its intentional design and premium finishes, but it also is a Dayspring Pens staff favorite. The rollerball pen is silky with a rich black writing line perfect for signatures. The beauty of the Hemisphere is it writes just as incredibly right handed as left and it comes with custom engraving oriented for a left handed user. The pen is nicely balanced. At 0.7 oz, the Hemisphere rollerball has enough weight to comfortably balance the pen without overly straining it. With their high gloss black lacquer finishes and 23k gold appointments or brushed stainless steel, these pens add a touch of class to your desk and convey your exquisite taste. And with custom engraving offered by Dayspring Pens, the pen transforms into an heirloom keepsake that is delightful to use. PERSONALIZE YOUR HEMISPHERE ROLLERBALL Monroe Ballpoint and Mechanical Pencil Set The perfect practical combination, the Dayspring Pens Monroe set offers the permanence of a ballpoint with the forgiveness of the mechanical pencil. Click-action and easy to use, this set is all about giving the left handed writer needs for a great writing experience on the go. Its weighted body balances well, and its medium barrel is the perfect everyman size. A thoughtfully designed ergonomic grip is indented into the set’s body to ensure users are comfortable while writing. Since left handers generally hold pens tighter than right handers, the rubber grip that reduces finger fatigue is a huge advantage. And of course, this set is custom engraved by Dayspring Pens with your name, personal message, or logo to make it uniquely yours. ENGRAVE YOUR MONROE SET TODAY Cross Classic Century Black Ballpoint Pen The aptly named Classic Century has been a staple of Cross pens for decades. This slender, twist-action ballpoint is perfect for a left handed user who wants a lightweight, thin barrel pen. This black and gold Cross pen has a matte finish that increases grip and engraves in 23k gold to match the trim. It’s a fancy pen perfect to commemorate graduations and promotions alike. This pen can only be engraved left handed in certain finishes due to the decorative ribbing on the metal iterations of the Classic Century. EXPERIENCE A CUSTOM CLASSIC CENTURY The following table compares key features of some of the left handed pens discussed above: Pen Model Pen Type Nib Size Weight Materials Ave. Price Parker IM Ballpoint Medium 0.8 oz Lacquer, brass $40 Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Fine, extra fine, medium 0.9 oz Lacquer, gold $175 Parker Jotter Rollerball Fine 0.55 oz Stainless steel, chrome $40 Waterman Hemisphere Rollerball Fine 0.7 oz per pen Lacquer, gold, stainless steel $120 Dayspring Pens Alexandria Fountain Medium 1.6 oz Lacquer, gold, stainless steel $40 FAQs for Left Handed Writing Does Paper Matter When Writing Left Handed? The best writing paper for lefties to use to achieve optimal results has the following properties: Thick- to prevent ink bleeding through to the other side of the page Low absorbency- helps to prevent ink from smearing Smooth textured- reduces drag and makes writing easier Is There a Difference Between Left and Right Handed Pens? The short answer is sometimes. Most of the time, the pens are exactly the same, but some pen manufacturers will make pens tailored specifically for lefties. When this is the case, left and right handed pens differ in the following ways: Smoothness: left handed pens are designed to write more smoothly when pushed across the paper, as opposed to being pulled by righties. Nib angle: Some left-handed pens have slightly angled nibs to support the natural writing motion of lefties. Ink flow: Pens for lefties have a smoother and quicker drying ink to reduce smudging. Grip design: Some leftie-friendly pens have grips angled for the left hand to provide an ergonomic writing experience. If a pen has been made specifically for left-handed writing, it will be advertised as such. Conclusion That’s it for my list of pens for left handed writers. As always, the best pen is the pen that you enjoy using whether you are right or left handed. What is your favorite left handed pen? Leave a comment below. And for more buyers guides and to learn more about the world of pens, check out some of my other articles: What Are the Best Brands of Fountain Pen? Co-Workers Gifts: a Guide to Healthy Professional Gift Giving Can You Recycle Pens: A How To Guide 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.

Let’s talk about how to erase pen ink using different methods. All of them are quite simple to apply—you just need to be gentle and patient to avoid tearing through the paper. I will cover: Solvent Methods Rubbing Alcohol Acetone Brake Fluid At Home Methods Lemon Juice Baking Soda Scratch Methods X-Acto Knife Sand Eraser Cover Up Methods Liquid Paper Correction Tape Draw Over Before I go into the different techniques, let’s look at some of the precautions to take ahead of the erasing process. Before You Erase When using liquid or paste removers, apply them a little at a time to avoid soaking the paper and warping it. Also, some methods can damage paper, especially if it is thin. Warping, tearing, and discoloration are potential issues to be aware of when working with fragile paper. Always test your method on a spare paper or a small area first before working on the main area you want to remove ink from. This way, you can see whether the paper responds well to the method or not. Keep personal safety in mind as well. Solvents such as acetone and brake fluid require proper ventilation and gloves to avoid health risks. In addition, fresher ink is more likely to be easy to remove than older ink that’s set in. Because of this, the method you use may have varying levels of effectiveness. Sometimes, ink removal methods don’t completely eliminate the ink and may leave traces behind, especially for dark ink. If the document you’re working on is valuable, for example legal papers or sentimental documents, consider seeking the help of a professional conservator. FIND YOUR NEW FAVORITE WRITING PAPER Using Solvents to Remove Ink The solvents I will discuss below need to be handled with care because they cause skin irritation and are flammable. Rubbing Alcohol Also known as isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol is effective at removing ballpoint pen ink for several reasons. First, its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances enables it to break them down easily, including ink. What’s more, rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, so it doesn’t linger on the surface of the paper. This lowers the risk of over-saturating the paper and causing damage. Unlike other solvents, rubbing alcohol evaporates without leaving a residue. This allows you to achieve a clean finish. Before you start, wear gloves and ensure the room you’re in has proper ventilation. Then dip a cotton swab or a clean cloth into the rubbing alcohol (70% or higher isopropyl alcohol recommended). Dab the area of ink you want to erase until you remove as much as possible. Lastly, use a paper towel to absorb the liquid from the paper then let it air dry. Acetone Safety Warning: Before using acetone, beware that it is a highly flammable liquid so make sure you are away from flames or a source of ignition. Acetone also produces toxic fumes that can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and other negative side effects. As such, ensure your workspace has proper ventilation. The best option would be to work outdoors. Also wear gloves to protect your hands from getting dry and inflamed. When you’re ready, follow the below procedure: Begin by dipping a clean cloth or cotton swab into a small amount of acetone. Gently pat the ink you wish to remove. Using a clean, dry cloth, blot the area to remove dissolved ink. Repeat this process if necessary, and use a new swab or a clean part of the cloth each time. Brake Fluid Just as with acetone, you need to be cautious when using brake fluid to erase pen ink since it causes skin irritation and redness. Wearing gloves is a must. To apply, use a swab or clean cloth dipped in the fluid to dab at the ink. Next, blot the area with a dry cloth to absorb the ink and brake fluid. Repeat this process if needed then leave the paper to air dry. TRY A PERSONALIZED BALLPOINT PEN Using At-Home Methods to Remove Pen Ink From Paper If you don’t have any of the previously mentioned solvents, the contents of your kitchen cabinet may come to the rescue. Two of the most common kitchen items that erase pen ink are lemon juice and baking soda. Lemon Juice Lemon juice does more than just adding zest to your pancakes, pastries, and meat dishes. It’s also excellent for removing pen ink from paper. With just a few drops, your pal won’t notice you misspelled their name on that handmade birthday card. However, you need to be cautious because the citric acid in lemon juice can damage paper if applied excessively or left on for too long. To do this safely, use a little juice at a time. Begin by squeezing fresh lemon juice into a bowl (bottled juice works well too). Next, dip a cotton swab on the end of a Q-tip into the juice and use this to gently dab at the area you wish to remove the ink from. Expert Tip: Avoid rubbing, as this can spread out the ink and damage the paper. Using a paper towel, blot the area immediately but gently. You should notice the ink lifting from the paper. If necessary, repeat the process using a new swab or a clean part of the cloth until all the ink is gone. Air drying will get the paper looking good as new in a few minutes. Baking Soda Paste Baking soda removes pen ink through alkalinity and abrasive action. To successfully use this method, follow the steps below. Mix a little baking soda and water in a bowl until it forms a paste. Make sure the consistency is thick enough for you to apply the paste without it being runny. Using light, circular motions, press the paste onto the ink you want to remove. Let the paste sit for a few minutes to allow the baking soda’s alkalinity to break down the ink. Using a clean, damp cloth, dab at the paste to remove it. In case of residual paste, you can rinse the area with a small amount of distilled water then use a clean cloth or swab to dab the area dry. EXPERIENCE THE EASE OF A ROLLERBALL PEN Scratch Methods to Remove Pen Ink It is possible to safely erase ink by scratching it off, as long as you do it gently. X-Acto Knife An X-Acto knife is best used for small corrections rather than extensive ink removal since scraping can damage the paper’s surface. Begin by placing the paper on a flat, sturdy surface to provide a stable working area. Ensure you have good lighting to enable you to see the writing you want to erase. Hold the knife at a shallow angle, almost parallel to the paper and gently scrape the surface. Use light, controlled strokes to avoid damaging the paper. Expert Tip: Taking several light passes instead of trying to remove all the ink in one go reduces the risk of tearing through the paper. If there’s roughness or discoloration on the erased area, use a soft cloth or your fingertips to smooth it out. Sand Ink Eraser A sand eraser is a special eraser created with natural rubber latex and silica grit designed to remove ink. Place a clean sheet of paper or a paper towel underneath the paper you’re working on to provide support to and to catch the debris from the erasing process. Next, gently rub the eraser over the ink using circular motions. Be patient and use as little pressure as possible to avoid tearing the paper. As you erase, periodically brush away eraser crumbs while checking your progress. Be careful not to over erase as this can thin out the paper or create a noticeable spot. Finish by using a soft cloth to smooth out any rough areas. Cover Up Methods to Remove Ink Cover up methods are fantastic for avoiding the messiness and drying time of correction fluids. Some of the most common methods include: Liquid Paper Liquid Paper, also known as white-out or correction fluid, is a white, opaque liquid used to cover up mistakes on a written document. Before starting the process, shake the bottle of Liquid Paper well to ensure the fluid is properly mixed. Next, dip the brush into the correction fluid while ensuring that it’s not overly saturated to avoid buildup. Using smooth, even strokes, gently brush a thin layer of the liquid onto the area you’re correcting until you achieve a uniform coating. If you’re using a correction pen, gently press the tip of the correction pen to start the flow of the fluid. Apply the fluid directly over the ink in a controlled manner using light, even pressure, ensuring you don’t apply it in excess. Allow the first layer to dry completely. This usually takes a few minutes. If the ink is still visible through the first layer of fluid, apply a second thin layer. Repeat as needed until the ink is completely covered. Once the fluid dries fully, you may write over the corrected section if needed. Remember to be gentle so as not to damage the layers of fluid. Troubleshooting Hack: If the surface of the dried liquid paper appears lumpy, it could be that you have applied too much at once. Scrape off the excess using a clean, dry brush then reapply in a thinner layer. LEARN THE BEAUTY OF A FOUNTAIN PEN Correction Tape To begin, place your document on a flat, stable surface. Then position the correction tape dispenser such that the tape is aligned with the area you want to cover. Next, hold the dispenser at an angle to the paper and press it down gently at the start of the target area. Drag the dispenser in a straight line across the ink you want to cover while maintaining gentle pressure. At the end of the target area, lift the dispenser off the paper to cleanly break the tape. If some ink still remains exposed, go over the area again with another strip of tape. Expert Tip: Try to cover the area with a single application to avoid overlapping tape layers, as this can create uneven surfaces. Draw/Write Over Drawing or writing over existing text done in ballpoint pen ink is a simple and creative way to cover up errors, especially if the ink is in a location where you can easily integrate corrections into the original content. Here’s how to draw or write over pen ink effectively. First, assess the area you intend to correct and consider how the new text will contextually fit in with existing content. Using a pencil to lightly sketch over large areas or detailed corrections will give you a guide to follow, and you can easily adjust before committing with ink. Then using a pen with a similar or darker color than the original ink, carefully write over the existing ink to either replace the text or integrate new text that better fits the context. For drawing, create designs that incorporate the ink you’re covering. You can use shapes, lines, or more complex designs depending on the context. Other fun, creative cover up ideas include: Creating borders around the text Drawing doodles and illustrations to complement the text Drawing a text box and writing the corrections within the box to make it seem like an intentional design choice Conclusion Erasing pen ink from paper can be a tricky affair sometimes, but with patience and the right methods, it is possible to do it safely. If you try any of the techniques we have discussed, please let us know in the comments how your experience goes. Be sure to check out our other articles below to learn more about ballpoint pens. Further Reading How to Get a Ballpoint Pen to Start Writing Again How Do Ballpoint Pens Work How Do You Remove Ballpoint Pen Ink 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.

I have been an avid fan of Pilot fountain pens since I first wrote with the Pilot Metropolitan many a year ago. And I am now ecstatic to say that Dayspring Pens is now offering Pilot Fine Writing pens, personalized with custom engraving. Some might be saying…who is Pilot Fine Writing? Is that the same as my trusty Pilot G2? The answer is yes! And in this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Pilot Pen and which custom engraved Pilot fountain pen you can now find at Dayspring Pens. Pilot Fountain Pens Originally founded as Namiki Manufacturing, Pilot Pen began with the mission to create an entirely Japanese fountain pen. Starting with precision internal mechanisms and beautiful hand lacquered maki-e exteriors, Pilot Pens quickly became the brand for luxury fine writing fountain pens. Namiki Pens: Namiki still creates handmade, one-of-a-kind maki-e fountain pens. What is so incredible about Pilot Pens is that they not only continued to make high quality fountain pens, they also became synonymous with excellent writing from any style of writing instruments from the number one selling rollerball, the G2 to the ergonomic Dr. Grip Ballpoint. Despite the dominance of their value lines, Pilot has continued to innovate and perfect the fountain pen. In fact, their fountain pen nibs are still considered to be the best fountain pen nib you can get without getting a nib personally ground by a nibmaster. And each fountain pen has a unique nib design specific to the needs and purpose of the pen, making each pen a completely different writing experience. That said, each writing experience is honestly excellent not just at the high level luxury tier like with Pilot Custom series, a pen known as a favorite daily go-to by authors and physicists alike, but also at the entry level tiers like the Pilot Metropolitan or the Pilot Kakuno, considered to be two of the best beginner fountain pens on the market. There really isn’t another fountain pen company quite like Pilot Pen. So what Pilot fountain pens can you find at Dayspring Pens? Pilot Fountain Pen at Dayspring Pens I am thrilled to say that Dayspring Pens will now offer five different collections from Pilot Fine Writing, all available with custom engraving. Pilot Metropolitan Pilot Vanishing Point Pilot Decimo Pilot Grance Pilot E95s TRY PILOT PENS TODAY Each of these pens will come ready to write with an ink converter and ink cartridge for the fountain pens and black ink inside the ballpoint and rollerballs, all in a Pilot gift box. Let’s take a look at each of these pens. Pilot Metropolitan As I mentioned before, the Pilot Metropolitan is the beginner’s fountain pen. Why is it such a good way to break into the fountain pen world? It's unbelievably usable, durable, and well designed all under the $30 price point. The stainless steel nib offers the trademark Pilot springiness that gives just a little line adaptation without being super flexible (a feature known to fountain pens, but off-putting for beginners). The lacquer grip is comfortably sized. The ink is wet and flows easily. The barrel is balanced and weighted. All these things are very important because they mean gravity and the movement of your hand do the actual writing for you, not pushing down on the tip to press ink out of the pen (here’s looking at you ballpoints). I have been using fountain pens for over a decade now, meaning I’m not quite the beginner I once was. And I am very happy with some of the high end pens I use…that being said, do you know what pen I keep on my desk ready to jot quick notes with at all times…it's the Pilot Metropolitan. Whether you are an old fountain pen enthusiast with your favorite bottled inks lined out for display or a novice curious to give a fountain pen a try without committing to a major price tag, the Pilot Metropolitan reigns. And if you are looking to give a fountain pen as a gift, but you don’t know too much about them/you want a budget-friendly gift pen…choose a Metropolitan. CUSTOM PILOT METROPOLITAN COLLECTION And if you just want to add a new pen to your collection and you don’t have one…choose a Metropolitan…look at how nice it looks engraved… Oh, and you can also get it as a rollerball or a ballpoint pen so that’s pretty cool. Gold Fountain Pen Silver Dot Fountain Pen Silver Dot Rollerball Pen Silver Dot Ballpoint Pen Black Fountain Pen Black Rollerball Pen Black Ballpoint Pen Pilot Vanishing Point Next up, we have the personalized Pilot Vanishing Point. This is the “Capless” fountain pen that took the world by storm in the 1960s. That’s right. It is a fountain pen that retracts. It’s hard to get much cooler than that. Now, there is a good change you have heard of the Vanishing Point before because it is such an excellent fountain pen that it tops a lot of lists for best fountain pens. What you need to know about this pen at Dayspring Pens is that it is custom engraved, medium point nib, and available in the following finishes: Black with Gold Trim Black with Rhodium Trim Blue with Gold Trim Blue with Rhodium Trim White with Black Trim Each nib is 18k gold, even if it is ionized to appear black or rhodium-plated to look silver (talk about a real cool kid move covering 18k gold for aesthetics). TRY A RETRACTABLE VANISHING POINT TODAY The Vanishing Point is a large barrel pen so keep that in mind when shopping and, since the clip is in the grip section, it can take a little getting used to holding/writing with the pen, but once you get the hang of it, I promise it will not disappoint. This is a professional’s pen that doesn’t have to make a big, flashy statement, perfect for a boardroom and an office setting where quality and precision matter more than grandstanding. Pilot Decimo If you are concerned that the large barrel of the Vanishing Point may be a little bit too much, Pilot has also created a lovely slim version of the “capless” pen with the Pilot Decimo. The same soft nib, 18k gold flexibility and line variation, the same medium nib size, the same delightful click-action, it’s all here in the Decimo. The barrel sizes down by about 30% so a much more medium barrel pen. I actually prefer the Decimo. Available in Black with Rhodium Trim and Pearlescent White with Rhodium Trim, the Decimo and the Vanishing Point are like the quintessential his/her gift pen duo. And I find there is something about the more slender design of the Decimo that feels more sophisticated and balanced. CLICK WITH A PILOT DECIMO Learn More: How to Fill Your Fountain Pen Pilot Grance The most premium Pilot Pen addition to the Dayspring Pens selection, the Pilot Grance epitomizes that unparalleled tradition in pen design paired with finesse in writing quality. It is a classically influenced pen that delivers the style and elegance of professionalism while showing off what a Japanese fountain pen can really do. The details are everything with this pen, from the gold and black lacquer bandings to the clean balance to the easy 14k gold nib. Choose between a Pearlescent White Lacquer finish or a Black Lacquer finish, both custom engraved with your personalized message or corporate logo. Some pens speak for themselves, so try a Grance to hear what it has to say. GIFT A PILOT GRANCE Pilot E95s In my personal opinion, I saved the best for last with the Pilot E95s. I mean, it's all the precision, innovation, and finesse of Pilot Pen in a pocket pen…a beautiful, vintage-inspired, pocket pen. I drooled over the E95s (specifically the burgundy finish) for years, putting it perpetually on my Christmas/birthday list, and when I finally tried one it was as lovely as I had always dreamed. First, there is the beautiful design. It feels like I found a piece of history, not that I bought a brand new pen. Next, there is the nib. It’s springs, its 14k gold, it’s inlaid into the barrel of the pen, and it creates an adaptive writing line that made me ask people for things to write to use it more. Last, there is the enclosure mechanism. Why am I talking about an enclosure mechanism? Because it is delightful. The pressure cap slow-closes down into place like your testing drawers at Ikea. It’s a dream. I love this pen dearly, but I should say it is a pocket pen, meaning that it collapses into a small portable pen. Without the cap posted on the back on the E95s it is tiny, too tiny to comfortably hold. But post the cap and you will find yourself with a full-sized, light-weight fountain pen. Engraved cross the cap, the E95s is available at Dayspring Pens in: Black Lacquer Gold Trim Burgundy with an Ivory Cap and Gold Trim Are Japanese Fountain Pens Better? After all my ranting about Pilot Fine Writing, some may ask are Japanese Fountain Pens Better? Personally, I would say yes on a whole. That quality of Japanese fountain pens for writing experience, usability, and longevity is a cut above, especially with Pilot Pens. Are there Japanese fountain pens I do not enjoy? Yes. I don’t particularly like using Sailor Pens as I find their nibs stiffer than my preference and am picky about my resin-based pen barrels. Are there non-Japanese fountain pens I do enjoy? You bet your boots. Don’t get me started on the Franklin-Christoph Marietta. It’s my baby, and I love it. (Also, shoutout to the TWSBI Eco. I see you, and I love you). Try Something New: If you like fountain pens, dive into the world of high quality paper with the Best Fountain Pen Paper But, what I always go back to with Japanese Fountain Pens and why I think they are so exceptional, is that they master every level of the fountain pen experience and deliver precision excellence. Whether you are looking for something cheap and easy or an heirloom to pass onto your grandchildren, there is a Japanese fountain pen (and honestly, a Pilot Pen) out there for you. Conclusion Buy a Pilot Fountain Pen. And get one from Dayspring Pens so you can get it custom engraved, completely unique and personal to you. You will not find a better personalized fountain pen or a better gift pen. They really are just that good. To read more about what pens I love and for help finding the perfect gift pen for you, check out some of my other articles: What are the Best Fountain Pen Brands The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Pen The History of the Ballpoint Pen And feel free to leave a comment below about your favorite Pilot 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.

For most people, when their disposable pens run out of ink they simply chuck them into a trash can and buy another. Rarely does the thought of recycling old pens cross their minds. But is it possible and practical to recycle pens? Your old writing instruments don’t have to end up with the millions of others in landfills—they can be turned into functional objects through recycling. Why You Should Actually Recycle Pens Preferred because they are cheap and widely available, disposable pens pose their own risk to the environment. The biggest disadvantage of disposable pens is that they are made of plastic, which is a byproduct of petroleum, a non-renewable resource. With millions of plastic pens being made every year, their production contributes to resource depletion. And unfortunately, the type of plastic used for cheap pen bodies (polystyrene) is not easily recyclable, thus adding to the problem of plastic waste. The effort and cost required to recycle polystyrene is quite steep so it is often avoided altogether. With 1.6 billion pens being dumped in landfills every year in the US alone, this worsens the plastic waste problem. Another problem lies in the ink. Some pens use inks with toxic ingredients. Improper disposal of such pens leads to these toxins leaching into soil and water, causing pollution and harm to wildlife. Helpful Tip: How to Remove Ballpoint Ink Stains What Parts of a Pen Can Be Recycled? Not all parts of disposable pens can be easily recycled. The mix of materials and small size of the pens makes the process a bit tricky. This means that all these parts will need to be disassembled in order to recycle them properly. Let’s look at the different parts of disposable pens and their recyclability. Clips, Tips, and Springs If the clip, tip, or spring are made of steel, aluminum, or tin, they are recyclable. Just pry the parts off from the plastic barrel and throw in your local recycling. Generally, these parts are steel or aluminum. The only thing to look out for is the metal ball in the tip. This can be tungsten carbide, which is recyclable, but in a larger size since the ball is so small. Best to separate this from the metal tip if possible. Plastic Barrel As we saw earlier, most cheap disposable pen bodies are made of polystyrene, a plastic that’s difficult to recycle industrially. Some recycling programs accept plastic pens, while others don’t because of the type of plastic used. Cartridges and Refills Ink refills aren’t always recyclable because of the materials used in the ink. But often the cartridges can be. For example, many fountain pen ink cartridges are made of polythene which is recyclable. Check the packaging of your refill. If it has the recycle symbol or says PE, you are good to go. How to Recycle Pens When it comes to recycling pens, there are two ways to go about it. Drop Off Method This involves taking old pens to designated facilities where they’re collected en masse for recycling. Taking Apart the Pieces Individually Users take the pen apart and recycle the individual parts. Let’s look in-depth at how each of these methods work. A Step by Step Guide The Drop Off Method When you drop off pens at a local store or facility that participates in pen recycling programs, the pens are accumulated then shipped off to recycling plants for sorting and processing. BIC’s Terracycle program, for example, provides an avenue for recycling pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters, and other writing instruments. You can drop off old pens at their designated stations, where they are collected and sent to TerraCycle Material Recovery Facilities. Or! Staples also has a recycling program that includes a rewards program for your recycled goods. Just take the items to Staples, and turn them into the Customer Service Desk. After the pens are recycled, they are sold to manufacturing companies who turn them into products such as watering cans, storage containers, outdoor furniture, floor tiles, and more. Such programs take the pressure of getting used pens to recycling centers off consumers and increase the efficiency of recycling processes. The Take Apart Method Another option is taking apart the pen to recycle individual pieces. As mentioned above, this will require some work to separate the pieces and determine what can be recycled and what cannot. Repurposing Your Old Pens From making household objects like pen holders to creating art pieces, there’s no shortage of uses for old pens. For those numerous disposable pens you have lying around your home or office, you can take inspiration from Costas Schuler, popularly known as Pen Guy Art. He covered his Mercedes in over 10,000 discarded pens from all over the world. For smaller everyday items, try turning your pens into a pen holder. Using glue, stick several pens (with their caps on) onto a plastic cup. You’ll have a unique stationery holder and an organized desk in no time. Sustainable Pen Options You might not be able to recycle pens on your own, but there are still options to help you introduce sustainability into your writing. These include: Reusable pens Biodegradable pens Pens made with recycled materials By switching to eco-friendly pens, you’ll help to reduce plastic waste generation, minimize the strain on non-renewable resources, and support sustainable product innovation. The Joys of a Reusable Pen Beyond functionality, reusable pens bring delight to users in several ways: Cost-Effectiveness Aesthetic Appeal Sentimental Value Environmental Impact Sense of Community Reusable pens are pens that allow the ink to be replaced inside the pen with a new refill. Find Your Personalized Reusable Pen Biodegradable Pens to Reduce Waste Biodegradable pens are made of materials that are designed to break down in the environment naturally over time through biological processes. The main components of biodegradable pens are: Biodegradable inks: These inks are easily broken down by microorganisms in the environment. Biodegradable plastics: These are materials that are similar to regular plastic but made of ingredients from renewable biomass, such as cornstarch, vegetable oils, straw, and recycled food waste. Compostable parts: Some reusable pens are labeled as compostable, meaning they turn into compost as they break down into organic matter. Types of Biodegradable Pens There are several kinds of biodegradable pens in the market, including: Wheat straw pens Wheat straw is a material made by combining lignin from wheat stems with sugar. This straw is fully biodegradable, and can also be melted into a pulp to create new products. It is safe for home composting, so once your pen runs out of ink you can bury it in your kitchen garden or back yard. TRY A WOOD PEN Bamboo pens Made of bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, these pens are a great alternative to conventional plastic ones. Cornstarch pens Cornstarch is a type of bioplastic called Polylactic acid (PLA) made from corn kernels. Under the right conditions, cornstarch can be composted and returned to the soil to enrich it with nutrients. Recycled paper pens Recycled paper materials used to make eco-friendly pens include cardboard and paper pulp. These pens decompose naturally and can also be turned into compost. Plantable pens These pens contain seeds surrounded by starch at the tail end of the barrel. When your pen runs out of ink, stick it into a pot of soil and water it as you would a plant. After a few days, you’ll see a sprout emerging from the soil after the starch dissolves. Herbs, wildflowers, and veggies like tomatoes are some of the plants you can grow from such pens. Interested in plantable pens? Brands such as Purple & Pure, Bold Box, and Plencils stock a variety of these unique writing instruments. Pens Made with Recycled Materials Making pens out of recycled materials reduces the demand for new resources in manufacturing, and helps to divert waste from landfills. The main materials that can be recycled to make pens are paper, plastic, and metal. Paper: Cardboard, newspapers and paper pulp are used to make the barrels and packaging. Plastic: Manufacturers use post-consumer or post-industrial plastic like bottles and containers to make pen components. BIC’s ReVolution pens, for example, are made of 73% recycled plastic. Metal: Scrap or reclaimed metal is used to make pen clips or tips. Pens made with recycled materials help to support a circular economy by incorporating sustainable practices in the production process and close the loop on the use of materials. Conclusion The world of pens is evolving to embrace sustainability through eco-friendly options like reusable and biodegradable pens. These solutions help consumers to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize plastic waste. Although recycling disposable pens is an important part of reducing plastic waste, it is not without its challenges. Unsuitable plastics, the complexity of separating pen parts, and the scarcity of pen recycling infrastructure limit the effectiveness of recycling, making the process difficult for companies to execute. These same challenges, however, leave room for innovation in the field. Institutions and individuals can partner with recycling facilities in take-back programs for disposable pens. Also, manufacturers continue to explore new sustainable materials for pens. All these efforts combined are helping to create a more eco-friendly writing landscape. 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.

They may look the same to the untrained eye, but a fountain pen and a calligraphy pen are two completely different tools that can make or break a user depending on which one they are using for a task. Today I am going to break down the subtle differences between these two pens and tell you which one you should be using when. What is a Fountain Pen? A fountain pen is a writing tool that uses an internal reservoir to release ink onto paper via a nib when writing. Various types of fountain pens exist, differing by filling mechanism, nib style, and nib size. What is a Calligraphy Pen? Calligraphy pens are specially designed for drawing and lettering. They are typically used on invitations, greeting cards and certificates to create artistic effects. What are the Differences Between the Two? There are three major differences between the fountain pen and the calligraphy pen: Writing Nibs Ink Reservoir The Ink The Writing Points As a general rule, calligraphy nibs are more flexible and have a greater variety of points. Nibs can be found from sharp, pointed to broad, flat-ridged and everything in between. There are even glass pens with glass nibs. These enable the users to create varying line widths easily. Fountain pens will have some different types of nib, but the margins in those nibs are much smaller. The distinction between fine and broad fountain pen nibs will be very small compared to calligraphy nibs. This allows for a nib more tuned to daily writing and note taking versus hand lettering and drawing. Expert Tip: Paper MATTERS when writing with a fountain or calligraphy pen. To learn the pitfalls of bad paper and get recommendations on what paper to use, check out my article on the Best Paper for Fountain Pens. The Reservoir Fountain pens have an internal ink reservoir that draws ink down to the paper. Calligraphy pens can have internal ink reservoirs, but more often than not true calligraphy pens are dip pens, meaning you dip the nib into an ink well to gather ink on the tip before writing. This is ideal since calligraphy ink is not kind to internal pen mechanisms (it can be corrosive) and is thicker as I will discuss next. Find Your Fountain Pen! The Ink Calligraphy ink is highly viscous, meaning it has a thick consistency and flows slowly. This affords the user greater control over line variations and stroke styles as they write. In contrast, fountain pen ink is formulated to flow smoothly, making it suitable for everyday writing. It is thin enough to flow consistently through the fine channels of a fountain pen to ensure no interruptions occur during use. Typically, fountain pen inks are not water resistant since they need to remain water soluble to avoid clogging the pens. Helpful Hint: How to Properly Store a Fountain Pen Calligraphy inks, on the other hand, are water resistant and even waterproof once they dry. This is a more durable ink for artwork and lettering. The table below summarizes key differences between fountain pens and calligraphy pens: Feature Calligraphy Pens Fountain Pens Nib type Broad-edged, pointed, or flexible nibs Medium or fine nibs Ink supply Dipped into ink manually Internal reservoir or ink cartridges Line variation High flexibility, better for intricate styles Limited flexibility, suitable for basic styles Ease of use Requires practice and skill Easier to use, more suitable for beginners Versatility Best for dedicated calligraphy Can be used for both calligraphy and everyday writing Cost Generally lower cost Can be more expensive, especially with quality pens Best for Advanced users, traditional calligraphy artists Beginners, modern calligraphy enthusiasts Can Fountain Pens Be Used for Calligraphy? Although fountain pens can be used for calligraphy, they are not specifically designed for this purpose and have their limitations. The fixed nib size of a fountain pen yields a consistent line, unlike a calligraphy pen whose nib is built to produce varying line widths. If you’d like to use a fountain pen for calligraphy, keep the following considerations in mind. Look for pens with italic or oblique nibs. Such nibs have a flat edge that gives you varied stroke weights without you having to swap your nib every time you want a thinner or thicker line. Flex nibs are also great for fountain pen calligraphy since they allow for line variation based on how much pressure you apply while writing. When doing calligraphy with fountain pens, spend time practicing with a specific pen and nib combination. This allows you to get used to your pen and understand its capabilities and limitations. In addition, remember to use high-quality ink to enjoy smooth writing and easy ink flow. Conclusion That covers the major differences between a fountain pen and a calligraphy pen. If you are looking to draw, hand letter, or try out some more nuanced techniques with a pen, go calligraphy pen. If you want to enjoy fluid writing, note taking, or signatures, a fountain pen will be great. What do you prefer to use? Leave a comment below with your favorite fountain pen or calligraphy tools. 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.

Without ballpoint pens and the ballpoint refills that keep them running, life would look quite a bit different. I have discussed how ballpoint pens work and how ballpoint pens are made, but now I want to delve into the process of how ballpoint pens get the oil based ink that revolutionized the history of the ballpoint pen. I will be talking about: What Are the Main Components of Ballpoint Ink How Does Ballpoint Pen Ink Work How Is Ballpoint Ink Made Let’s jump right in. What is Ballpoint Ink Made of? Ballpoint pen ink is composed of different substances which give it distinct characteristics. These include dyes, pigments, solvents, resins, and other additives. FIND YOUR PERFECT BALLPOINT PEN What Are the Main Components of Ballpoint Ink? There are three main components to ballpoint ink: Dyes or Pigments - a color Solvents - a liquid vehicle for the color Resin - a binder to make the color stick to paper These three substances make up most of the ink with additional additives that tailor ink to a proprietary company or add desired features to the ink. I’ll go more into additives later, but for now let’s start with what makes up most ballpoint pen ink. Dyes and Pigments There are two different methods of achieving ink color in ballpoint pens: dyes and pigments. Dyes are substances that dissolve in the solvent, which is a liquid, to provide color to ink. This means the dye actually binds with the liquid vehicle. Ink that uses dye soaks into the fibers of paper and provides a uniform appearance. Manufacturers use dyes where they need the inks to be bright and clear. Pigments are made up of bits of colored minerals, stones, or metals that are insoluble (they cannot be absorbed into the liquid solvent). They are suspended in the ink rather than being dissolved. Pigments cannot soak into the fiber of paper since they are not a liquid so they sit on the surface of the paper instead of being absorbed. Pigments result in more solid, intense ink color and are often a component of black ballpoint pen ink that needs to be bold and permanent. Dyes offer a wider range of hues as compared to pigments, making them suitable for making ink color vivid. But pigments tend to be lightfast unlike dyes. They resist fading when exposed to light. For applications such as archival documents, this property of pigments comes in handy. Solvents Solvents are the medium in which the dyes are dissolved or pigments suspended. Manufacturers use either: Plant-based substances like rosin, linseed, or rosewood oils (dry by absorption and oxidation) Solvent-based ingredients like kerosene (dry by evaporation) These solvents are faint blue-black liquids that don’t affect the color of dyes and pigments, but they do affect the viscosity of ballpoint pen inks (how quickly or slowly the ink flows). Solvents vary in viscosity, and those with lower viscosity make the ink flow through the pen easily, resulting in smoother writing. In contrast, solvents with high viscosity cause the ink to be thicker and give bold lines while writing or drawing. Generally, oil based ink like the ink inside ballpoint pens is always more viscous than water based ink like that found in fountain and rollerball pens. Solvents also affect drying time, which is how long it takes for ink to set and dry on paper. Ballpoint pen ink dries quickly because they use solvents with faster evaporation or absorption rates so the ink dries almost instantly upon being applied. This is important to prevent smudges when the user’s hand moves over what they have written. Helpful Tip: Got a stain? Check out my How to Remove Ballpoint Ink Stains article. Resins Resins add adhesive quality to oil based ink, acting as binding agents between the ink and paper. They anchor the ink to fibers in the paper, preventing smudges and thus creating clean, precise strokes. Resins account for about 15-45% of ballpoint pen ink and are synthetically produced. These substances contribute to the durability of inks. Resins form a protective film over the ink once it dries, shielding it from abrasion, moisture, chemical exposure and other external factors. This coating enhances the ink’s resistance to fading and damage over time and makes oil based inks more resistant to handling and friction. What’s more, resins bind the dyes and pigments within the ink, preventing them from separating. This ensures the ink remains homogeneous, thus flowing more uniformly and producing consistent color. Common types of resins used in ballpoint pen ink include: Phenolic resins: created by the reaction of phenol with formaldehyde Ketonic resins: derived from ketones and formaldehyde Alkyd resins: polyester-based resins modified with fatty acids Acrylic resins: made from derivatives of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid Polyurethane resins: formed by reacting polyols with isocyanates Resins are typically used in a blend, with each contributing particular characteristics to the ink, such as adhesion, flexibility, and durability. The combination of different resins helps achieve the optimal ink performance and the levels are proprietary to manufacturers’ ballpoint refills. Find Your Refill: The Best Ballpoint Pen Refills Additives Ballpoint pen ink also contains special additives that bring specific properties to the solution and enhance the ink’s performance. These additives include: Surfactants- reduce surface tension of the ink so that it flows more smoothly Stabilizers- maintain the ink’s chemical integrity by preventing changes in pH level Antioxidants- prevent the breakdown of ink by oxygen which causes changes in color and temperature UV absorbers- protect ink from harmful effects of UV radiation like fading and discoloration Thickeners- adjust the ink’s viscosity so that it’s neither too thin nor too thick Drying agents- help the ink dry quickly while writing Anti-settling agents- prevent solid particles from sinking to the bottom of the ink reservoir The combination of these additives enables ballpoint pen ink to perform well under various conditions and enhances the user’s writing experience. How Does Ballpoint Ink Work? When ballpoint pen ink gets into contact with paper, several things happen. The rotating metal ball picks up ink from the reservoir and deposits it on the paper. The ink spreads thinly and evenly as the ball rotates. The solvents evaporate or oxidize due to exposure to air. As they evaporate, they leave behind the pigments, dyes, resins and other ink components. The substances that remain get absorbed into the paper fibers and adhere to the surface. This creates permanent strokes that are resistant to smudging and smearing. As the components get absorbed, they also form a solid film which protects the ink from fading from exposure to light. The resins continue to harden, providing more durability to the ink. How is Ballpoint Ink Made? To create the ink, manufacturers add raw ingredients to a mixing vat. Batch mixers usually add the ingredients at specific times determined by automatic controls. These computerized mixers also inject the correct pigments or dyes to create the needed color of the specific ink being made. Each manufacturer has a proprietary recipe and creates ballpoint refills to replace ink inside ballpoint pens. Conclusion Ballpoint pen ink is a special blend of ingredients, each purposefully chosen to provide a crucial role in delivering a smooth and reliable writing experience. Dyes, pigments, resins, solvents and other additives create the colors, viscosity, and chemical stability of ink. Now you understand the science behind what makes writing with ballpoint pen ink effortless. What is your favorite quality about ballpoint pens and the oil based ink that makes them run? Leave a comment below! And to learn more about Ballpoint Pens and Pen Ink, check out these articles: The Ultimate Guide to Pen Refills What is a Ballpoint Pen What are the Best Ballpoint Pen Brands 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.