Are you feeling a bit confused about fountain pens? Do you find the whole idea of using and maintaining them a bit daunting? No worries! Just like learning to ride a bike or baking the perfect batch of cookies, figuring out fountain pens can seem complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze.
I’m here to demystify it for you and bust some of the biggest fountain pen myths that surround these awesome writing tools. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what’s true and what’s just a tall tale when it comes to fountain pens.
And, hopefully, you’ll see that these pens are for everyone.
Myth 1: Fountain pens will break the bank
Hold up! If you’re thinking that all fountain pens cost a small fortune, let’s clear that up right now. Yes, there are some luxury models out there, but that’s not the whole story. You can find some really awesome fountain pens for less than $50 bucks. In fact, here are some of my favorite beginner fountain pens that are budget-friendly.
I love my Kaweco Sport. It's the perfect pen to toss in your purse with a pocket notebook and write anywhere.
And you want a pen under $5? Check out my Jinhao Shark Pen review.
Myth 2: They’re a headache to use
Okay, so fountain pens work a bit differently than your average ballpoint or rollerball pen. But that doesn’t mean they’re rocket science. No need to push down hard to get the ink flowing. It just glides onto the paper, smooth as silk. Plus, with bottled ink, you’ve got a rainbow of colors to pick from, way more than the standard blue or black.
Myth 3: Fountain pens are leak monsters
This one had me a bit on edge when I first started using fountain pens. But here’s the scoop: leaks usually happen because of rough handling or storing the pen wrong. And if you do get a leak? Here’s how to clean ink stains.
Just keep your pen upright when you’re not using it, and be gentle. Fountain pens last a long time when you keep them clean and don’t shake them around.
Myth 4: Left-handed people can’t use them
This one is a biggie for all you lefties out there. The world may be geared toward right-handed folks, but fountain pens don’t discriminate! It’s all about picking the right pen, finding a nib size that suits you, and tweaking your writing style a tad.
Many left-handers love how fountain pens glide over the paper, which cuts down on hand fatigue. And you can find ink that works well with lefties too!
Waterman ink is well-regarded for quick drying time, reducing the risk of smudging, which is particularly beneficial for left-handed writers.
Myth 5: You’ll spend all your time maintaining them
Alright, fountain pens do need a bit more TLC than your regular ballpoint, but it’s not like you’ll be spending hours on maintenance.
A good cleaning now and then keeps your pen in tip-top shape. Most times, you just need to rinse the nib until the water runs clear. And honestly, the payoff—a smooth, steady flow of ink—is totally worth it.
Myth 6: Fountain pens are too fragile for everyday use
Some folks think fountain pens are delicate little flowers, too fragile for the rough and tumble of daily life. But guess what? Many fountain pens are tough cookies, sturdy enough to handle whatever your day throws at them.
Treat your fountain pen right, and it’ll be your trusty sidekick, whether you’re making a shopping list, scribbling notes at work, or jotting down thoughts in your diary.
Myth 7: Writing with a fountain pen takes forever
Some people think writing with a fountain pen is like watching paint dry. Sure, you can’t rush your writing like you might with a ballpoint pen. The way the ink flows and dries means you need to take your time.
But once you get in the rhythm, you’ll find you’re not that much slower. And personally, the joy of writing with a fountain pen makes me really happy to slow down as I write. It’s also helped me write more clearly.
Myth 8: Fountain pens are for cursive writing only
A lot of people think you’ve got to write in fancy cursive with a fountain pen. But that’s not the case at all. Print, doodle, scribble, sketch—your pen, your rules! All that matters is that you love using your fountain pen.
Myth 9: Fountain pens are only for special occasions
Sure, a fountain pen can add a dash of elegance to a special event; that’s why a lot of people get pens when they graduate college or start their first job. But they’re not just for big moments.
You can make any occasion a bit more special with a fountain pen. Writing a letter, signing a document, or just jotting down notes can feel a little bit magical when you do it with a fountain pen.
Why It’s a Big Deal to Shatter These Misconceptions
Now, you might be wondering why it matters so much to set the record straight on these fountain pen myths. Let’s break it down:
- Getting More People into the Fountain Pen Club: The thing is, all these false stories floating around can make folks hesitant to even try a fountain pen. By knocking these myths out, we might motivate more people to give fountain pens a shot. And who knows? They might just fall in love with this cool style of writing and boost their penmanship while they’re at it!
- Sharing the Real Deal About Fountain Pens: Fountain pens are pretty amazing, with a whole universe of different pen types, nib sizes, inks, and papers to try. When we knock down these myths, we’re spreading the real info about these awesome writing tools. That way, people can dive in, explore, and find their perfect fountain pen match.
- Keeping the Art of Writing Alive: Fountain pens aren’t just tools for jotting down notes—they’ve got history, culture, and style. By clearing up these myths, we’re helping to keep this tradition alive. We want people to feel the thrill of writing with a fountain pen, to learn about their heritage, and to appreciate the personal flair they add to our written words.
- Boosting the Fun Factor: Believe it or not, busting these myths can make using fountain pens even more fun! If you realize they’re not as delicate or tricky to care for as some people think, you might find yourself reaching for your fountain pen more often. And knowing that it’s okay to not write in fancy cursive or that fountain pens don’t slow you down might help newbies feel more relaxed and get more joy from their writing.
So, there you have it! That’s why it’s so important to us to put these myths to rest. We want to open up the world of fountain pens to as many people as possible and show everyone how much fun writing with a fountain pen can be.
By now, I hope you’re feeling less overwhelmed and more excited about the world of fountain pens. Remember, it’s all about finding the right pen for you—one that feels good in your hand, fits your budget, and brings you joy every time you write. So, ready to bust these myths and dive into the world of fountain pens?
Liz
Hey, I'm Liz. I'm the founder of this thing. Pen-obsessed and a notebook nut, I love writing by hand. So I'm gonna talk about it on a computer.Download this cheatsheet and get expert solutions for the 13 most common pen problems.
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