Hello readers,
I have a small debate that I put forward to you all. For those of you who are keen writers (of the non-digital world) I have a question. What is the better type of pen? I spend alot of my days creating referrals and letters to GP’s and mainly use a Biro, but recently I have acquired a rather fancy looking fountain pen. Ill put forward the pros and cons for each design and then you can decide which one wins.
I qoute the fountain pen,
“‘We wish to construct a pen which can be used for writing without having recourse to an ink-holder and whose ink will be contained inside it. A person can fill it with ink and write whatever he likes. The writer can put it in his sleeve or anywhere he wishes and it will not stain nor will any drop of ink leak out of it. The ink will flow only when there is an intention to write. We are unaware of anyone previously ever constructing (a pen such as this) and an indication of ‘penetrating wisdom’ to whoever contemplates it and realises its exact significance and purpose’. I exclaimed, ‘Is this possible?’ He replied, ‘It is possible if God so wills’.”
I qoute the biro,
“No man was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, or more wise when he had”
For me the elequence of the fountain speech and the passion placed upon such an invention makes it an all time winner. Fountain pens give documents that personal touch, the nib shapes to your writing position, the ink flow dependent on the speed of your writing. You cant deny the ease of use of the Biro pen. However when it comes to making it personal, the fountain wins every time.
Mike
Ever since my school days, many years ago now, I have loved to see words form on the blank paper. We had dip pens in those days, and inkwells in the desk. Oh, and plenty of blotting paper! Ink would be everywhere no matter how careful one was! Then fountain pens came in and I found the Parker Centennial Duofold to be wonderful. But, I still got ink stains on my finger after filling the pen!
I liked the biro when it was invented, but the pleasure of watching the words ‘flow’ on the paper did not occur. I could not understand until I realised it was the writing with a quality pen and terrific nib, that caused my pleasure! I wrote dairies for every year, merely so that I had something constructive to do with my writing. I wrote stories with my pen, although it is far easier with my computer (which I use now).
But, a good pen will not leak, and I am now crazy about my Waterman Carene fountain pen. Not only does it look the ‘biz,’ it has a quality nib half hidden like a turtle head, and does not stain my fingers when I fill it up! It always writes perfectly and constantly, even on first taking the cap off. I like the thicker pens, (like this Carene) and it stabilises so well without turning around on writing. The barrel is exactly the right size and weight, so my writing is always neat and a pleasure to look at.
Unless I am literally scribbling some notes, I always use my fountain pen. Most things in life have deteriorated, as in the making of plastic chairs and tables, even the wooden kind are plain and ugly now. Gone is the workmanship of Chippendale and the look of quality. But, the fountain pen brings back the quality of yesteryear, and I hope that the young people will catch on again to the delight of writing with a fountain pen.