#writing instruments

[petermorwood]

before computers, did public libraries have typewriters folks could come in and use?

Yes they did. Old...

...to new.

What's interesting to me is the suggestion that being able to type was a common enough skill - or capability, anyway, speaking as someone who's hunt-and-pecked through a bunch of novels, short stories and screenplays - that these machines were worth installing.

(Ray Bradbury wrote the first draft of "Fahrenheit 451" on a coin-operated typewriter.)

[misforgotten2]

They are always sold out of #1313 Illegible Gibberish so I have to make do with I can find.

The Saturday Evening Post - December 7th 1946

[made--on--purpose]

[itsawritblr]

One of the most important things a writer can do.

Write in a notebook.

Writing in a notebook uses a different part of your brain than using your phone. It's completely different wiring.

You have to slow down and focus your thoughts. Writing and seeing what you've written on paper ingrains it in your mind and can help you remember it better.

You don't need to worry whether your battery is going to die or if there's somewhere you can plug in.

And you won't shriek as loudly if you spill coffee on it.

Your handwriting doesn't have to be pretty or intelligible to anyone besides yourself (no one can read mine, not even my editor and best friend; I have a personal "shorthand" so I can write quickly).

Get yourself an inexpensive spiral-bound notepad, a small one that can fit in your pocket. Buy an inexpensive pen; Bic has plenty (I prefer ones with click buttons so I don't have to uncap). Carry them with you everywhere, for whenever an idea may strike.

I write the month, day, and year on every note, and the months and year on the inside cover of the notepad. That way I can put them in order when they're full, and refer back to them a lot easily ("What was that thing I wrote last summer . . .?")

Sure, you'll end up with a pile of notepads, with ideas you may not use. But you might use them in the future. And a bunch of notebooks full of ideas, thoughts, observations, and opinions is a lot more satisfying than things saved on your phone.

[emmaklee]

(via Foreverpen Never Needs Ink, and Goes Anywhere – Moss and Fog)

[poojalate]

The Science of Writing Instruments: How Design and Materials Affect Your Writing Experience

Writing instruments are an essential part of our daily lives, whether we're taking notes, signing documents, or engaging in creative projects. But have you ever wondered how the design and materials of a pen or pencil influence your writing experience? From comfort and ink flow to durability and performance, every aspect of a writing instrument is meticulously crafted to ensure an optimal user experience. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind writing instruments and explain how their design and materials impact comfort, writing flow, and longevity.

1. The Importance of Ergonomics: Comfort and Grip

One of the key factors that determines how enjoyable and comfortable a writing instrument is lies in its ergonomics. Ergonomic design refers to how the pen or pencil fits in your hand and how it reduces strain during use. A well-designed writing instrument can minimize hand fatigue, especially during extended writing sessions.

Barrel Shape and Thickness

Thicker barrels are often favored by those with larger hands or for those who tend to grip their writing instrument tightly. The larger surface area helps distribute pressure more evenly, reducing strain on the hand.

Slimmer barrels, on the other hand, are ideal for people with smaller hands or a lighter writing grip, offering more control and precision.

Many modern pens, like the Pilot Dr. Grip or Uni-Ball Jetstream, are designed with cushioned grips to enhance comfort. Pens with textured or rubber grips also provide a more secure hold, preventing slippage and allowing for better control while writing.

Weight Distribution

The weight of a writing instrument and how that weight is distributed can significantly affect the writing experience. A well-balanced pen, where the weight is evenly distributed, helps maintain a natural hand posture, reducing wrist strain. Metal pens, such as those made of stainless steel or aluminum, often have a heavier feel, giving a sense of control and precision. However, for extended use, lightweight materials like plastic or composite resins are preferred for reducing hand fatigue.

2. Ink Technology: The Heart of the Writing Experience

Ink type and flow are critical components that determine how smoothly a pen writes. Different types of ink have unique properties that impact both the writing experience and the durability of the pen's output.

Ballpoint Ink (Oil-Based)

Ballpoint pens use oil-based ink, which is thicker and dries quickly on the page. This ink type is less likely to smudge, making it ideal for everyday use, especially when quick writing is needed. However, the thicker consistency requires more pressure to be applied when writing, which can lead to hand strain over long periods.

Impact on Writing: Requires more pressure but offers clean, smudge-free writing.

Durability: Long-lasting ink that is less prone to fading.

Gel Ink (Water-Based)

Gel pens use water-based ink combined with pigments, offering a smoother writing experience and more vibrant colors. The ink flows easily, requiring less pressure, making these pens a favorite among students and artists. The downside is that gel ink can take longer to dry and may smudge, especially for left-handed writers.

Impact on Writing: Smooth, easy flow with minimal pressure required, making it ideal for long writing sessions.

Durability: Vivid colors but can smudge if not handled carefully. Fade-resistant in most cases.

Fountain Pen Ink (Liquid-Based)

Fountain pens use liquid ink, which flows naturally due to gravity and capillary action. This creates an effortless writing experience with no need to apply pressure. Fountain pens are often chosen for formal writing or calligraphy due to the elegance and fluidity they bring to handwriting. However, liquid ink is more prone to smudging and requires special paper to prevent bleeding.

Impact on Writing: Extremely smooth and fluid, allowing for expressive writing styles.

Durability: Requires more care; ink may fade over time or smudge if not allowed to dry properly.

Rollerball Ink (Liquid-Based)

Rollerball pens combine the convenience of a ballpoint mechanism with liquid-based ink, resulting in a pen that offers the smoothness of a fountain pen but with more controlled ink flow. The writing experience is smooth and requires minimal pressure, making rollerball pens ideal for long writing sessions or for those who prefer a fluid, easy glide.

Impact on Writing: Effortless writing, with less pressure needed than a ballpoint.

Durability: Similar to fountain pens, rollerball ink can smudge but generally dries faster.

3. Nib and Tip Design: Precision and Flow Control

The design of the nib or tip is crucial for controlling the ink flow and determining how a pen interacts with the paper. The choice between fine, medium, and broad tips impacts how smooth, controlled, or bold the writing experience feels.

Ballpoint Tips

Ballpoint pens have a small metal ball (usually stainless steel or tungsten carbide) that rolls as you write, distributing ink onto the page. The ball size determines the thickness of the line, with finer points (0.5 mm or less) creating more precise lines, while broader points (1.0 mm or larger) are ideal for bold writing.

Fine-tipped pens provide better control for small, detailed handwriting.

Broad-tipped pens deliver a smoother experience but are better suited for larger, bold handwriting.

Fountain Pen Nibs

The nib of a fountain pen is highly customizable, ranging from fine to broad, and even flexible or italic nibs for different writing styles. Gold or stainless steel nibs are commonly used, with gold nibs offering more flexibility and softness while writing. The design of the nib allows for varying line widths depending on the pressure applied, making fountain pens ideal for creative writing or calligraphy.

Impact on Writing: Can create expressive and variable strokes, depending on pressure and nib type.

4. Material Durability and Longevity

The materials used in the construction of a pen or pencil play a significant role in its durability and lifespan. Here are some common materials and their benefits:

Plastic: Lightweight and affordable, plastic is the most common material for everyday writing instruments. It’s durable enough for frequent use but less long-lasting compared to metal pens.

Metal (Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel): Metal pens offer superior durability and often have a more premium feel. They are resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for long-term use, although they tend to be heavier.

Wood (for Pencils): Wooden pencils are biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly option. High-quality pencils like Faber-Castell or Staedtler use sustainably sourced wood, ensuring durability and environmental responsibility.

Conclusion

The design and materials of writing instruments go far beyond aesthetics, directly influencing comfort, writing flow, and durability. Whether you're choosing a ballpoint pen for quick notes or a fountain pen for elegant letters, understanding how these elements work together can help you select the right tool for your writing needs. By paying attention to ergonomics, ink technology, nib design, and materials, you can enhance your overall writing experience and find the perfect instrument for your style.

[outdoorovernights]

GPCA - GP 1945 Bolt Action Pen PRO Review

Have you ever thought about what makes a pen more than just a writing instrument? In a world where functionality often takes precedence over aesthetics, the “GPCA – GP 1945 Bolt Action Pen PRO” stands out not only as a writing tool but as a multifaceted gadget designed to accompany you through life’s little adventures. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover how this device, crafted with precision,…

[jslick76]

[petermorwood]

I was upstairs when I sent @dduane, downstairs, the link to the Conan Doyle version, and got a response that was audible right through the floor. :->

The people who buy these things will never fill them or write with them, they may not even dip them in ink to find out if they're smooth, scratchy, whatever. They'll just put them in a deposit box until enough time has passed that they can sell them on, "uninked", for a profit to someone else who will never fill them or...

*****

It's like owning a classic car and never taking it on the road, or even putting enough fuel in the tank to hear the engine turn over. Check out Jay Leno's Garage on YouTube to see how owning classic cars is really done.

I bet there are people who think the same way about fountain pens. They, of course, will be using proper classics from way back, made for writing with all day and every day - Waterman, Conklin, Parker, Mabie Todd, Onoto, Conway Stewart etc. - not something whose sole purpose is an investment that happens to be pen-shaped.

*****

Despite making pens and mechanical pencils since 1918 I'd never heard of Waldmann before this - which means nothing, there are lots of pen brands I've never heard of, but high-profile ones do cross my radar now and then if only to prompt the same thought: "Uh... Nope."

I was surprised that it uses the same cartridge / converter filling system as any cheap fountain pen - though after a moment's thought, the pen's never going to be closer to ink than the bottle it's packaged with, so how it's (not) filled doesn't matter.

It's probably the reason why a lot of very expensive production pens are also C/C. Why install a filling mechanism that'll never be used?

*****

Their fondness for 925 sterling silver as a material reminds me of Yard-O-Lead, which do the same thing, to the extent of dropping their non-silver "Retro" range a few years ago. Underneath the hand-decorated solid silver, Y-O-L pens are also just cartridge / converters.

IMO once a pen approaches the €-£-$ 1000 mark (many get interesting well before that, hello Lamy 2000) it should be a piston, or vacuum, or eyedropper, or side-lever, or plunger, or something more unusual than C/C.

Just because.

*****

Most of that silly price isn't the pen but the Conan Doyle / Agatha Christie document which is part of the package. Looking at the Waldmann website, a similar pen by itself would probably sell for about or under a grand (silver content keeps the cost up).

And for that or much, much less, the choice of pens to actually WRITE with - backed by lots of reviews about how they do - is far, far wider.

My Book of Wishful Thinking has a list... :->

In the words of my people:

...Yeah, no.

[petermorwood]

Happy birthday! If you could have any one authentic antique (weapon, armor, art, vehicle, anything, any era) for your birthday present, what would it be?

First thought would be the A.489 Swiss sabre from the Wallace Collection.

And then sense steps in, because - like all my other swords - this one is a bit limited. I'd get to own it, and polish it, and dust it, but since I don't do HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) that's about the lot.

I might be able to take it to various places such as conventions, and bask in second-hand admiration - or I might end up having it seized by the police for (insert reason here).

So a much more practical birthday present would be a vintage Conway Stewart fountain pen, the one my Dad used to use. He wrote with that pen every workday for knocking on 40 years, and its (gold, flexible) nib became so attuned to his own handwriting quirks that he wouldn't let anyone else use it.

If you sometimes wonder why fountain-pen users are rather possessive about their oldest or most favourite pens, this is why.

@dduane is getting a bit that way about her Mont Blanc 146, which I bought her on a day when (1) she saw it, (2) she liked it and (3) I could afford it without hesitation all happened on the same afternoon.

I'm definitely that way about my Parker 51. I was given it on my first day of Big School in 1968, and since then it's written or signed essays, dissertations, examinations, the Official Secrets Act (twice - don't ask, it's a Secret), novel drafts, love letters and a marriage certificate.

I don't loan it to anyone.

The pen IS mightier than the sword. For one thing, it can go places a sword can't and for another, while a sword can kill a body only once, a pen can kill a reputation every time the disparaging comment it writes goes into print.

See Richard III of England for how well that works.

[misforgotten2]

A pen is a dick move for a Christmas present.

Life - December 6th 1968

[spartexscribbles]

Ancient Egyptians and the First Pen | Spartex Do you know where the 1st pen was invented The concept of the modern day pen was invented around 3000 B.C. Read ahead to learn the ancient origins of this writing tool.

[allmax-e-store]

The Ultimate Guide to Writing Instruments: Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Understanding Writing Instruments

Types of Writing Instruments

Importance of Quality Writing Instruments

All Max EStore: Your One-Stop Shop for Premium Writing Instruments

Where to Buy Paint Brushes Online: A Quick Guide

Why You Should Buy Art and Craft Supplies Online

Conclusion

Introduction

In the world of writing, the tools you use can make a significant difference in your overall experience and results. Whether you're a professional writer, artist, or simply someone who enjoys putting pen to paper, having the right writing instruments can enhance your creativity, productivity, and comfort.

At All Max EStore, we understand the importance of quality writing instruments and offer a wide range of products to cater to every need and preference. From pens and markers to paint brushes and art supplies, we have everything you need to unleash your creativity.

Understanding Writing Instruments

When it comes to writing instruments, there is a diverse range of options available, each serving a unique purpose and delivering specific benefits. Some of the most popular types of writing instruments include pens, pencils, markers, and brushes. While pens and pencils are commonly used for everyday writing tasks, markers and brushes are preferred by artists and creatives for more specialized projects.

The importance of quality writing instruments cannot be overstated. A good pen will glide smoothly across the paper, providing a comfortable writing experience and a clean, precise result. Similarly, high-quality paint brushes can make a world of difference in your artwork, allowing you to achieve intricate details and vivid colors with ease.

All Max EStore: Your One-Stop Shop for Premium Writing Instruments

At All Max EStore, we are committed to providing our customers with the best writing instruments on the market. Whether you're looking for a reliable pen for your daily note-taking or a set of high-quality paint brushes for your next art project, we have you covered. Our products are carefully curated to ensure superior quality, durability, and performance, so you can trust that you're getting the best value for your money.

Where to Buy Paint Brushes Online: A Quick Guide

If you're in the market for paint brushes, buying online can be a convenient and cost-effective option. When shopping for paint brushes online, it's essential to consider factors such as the brush size, shape, material, and brand. At All Max EStore, we offer a wide selection of paint brushes to suit every painting style and technique, so you can find the perfect tools for your creative endeavors.

Why You Should Buy Art and Craft Supplies Online

In addition to paint brushes, All Max EStore also offers a variety of art and craft supplies to fuel your creative passion. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a hobbyist looking to explore your creative side, buying art and craft supplies online can be a game-changer. Not only do online retailers offer a wider selection of products than traditional brick-and-mortar stores, but they also provide the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home.

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in quality writing instruments is essential for anyone who values creativity, productivity, and comfort. Whether you're a writer, artist, or simply someone who enjoys putting pen to paper, having the right tools can make a world of difference in your creative process. At All Max EStore, we are dedicated to providing our customers with premium writing instruments that elevate their craft and inspire their creativity. Visit us today and discover the endless possibilities that quality writing instruments can offer.Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your writing experience - explore the world of writing instruments with All Max EStore today!

[hezigler]

Why This Cult ‘$40 Pencil’ Almost Went Extinct | WSJ Coveted

[raffaellopalandri]

Attachment during youth

Daily writing promptDescribe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?View all responses Thinking about the possible answer to this question has unearthed a couple of intriguing aspects of my interests and perspectives on possessions. One notable aspect is my lifelong affinity for collecting items that resonate with my innate curiosity and fascination with intricate…