Southpaws/lefties And Nice Wet Nibs ...

[Avocet]

I simply don't have the patience for massive searching so I apologize in advance.

 

Here is my query: Can someone speak to the trials of left handed scribes with a fountain pen in hand? I would think there can be an issue of massive smudging as you move to the right across your last words?

 

Is it possible to stay below the ink line?

 

Thanks

 

 

[ddustinn]

I'm a lefty and I have no problem with using wet pens. I'm an underwriter and have adjusted to keep my hand out of the path of the ink.

[dfollett_98]

I'm a lefty and I have no problem with using wet pens. I'm an underwriter and have adjusted to keep my hand out of the path of the ink.

+1. I am also a left-handed underwriter and have no problems with smudging when writing with nice wet nibs.

 

Enjoy your pens and inks.

 

Don

Edited August 6, 2013 by dfollett_98

[Scriver]

I simply don't have the patience for massive searching so I apologize in advance.

 

Here is my query: Can someone speak to the trials of left handed scribes with a fountain pen in hand? I would think there can be an issue of massive smudging as you move to the right across your last words?

 

Is it possible to stay below the ink line?

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

Yes, it is possible to stay below the ink line. That is often referred to as being a lefty underwriter. It is also possible to stay above the line. That is called being a lefty overwriter. Search these terms and you will find what you need, and the search will not be too massive. And here is a link to a discussion of lefty writing styles for fountain pens: http://www.nibs.com/Left-hand%20writers.htm.

Edited August 6, 2013 by Scriver

[Edwaroth]

I write with left side push and have never enountered wet ink, either with fingers or the ball/heel of my hand.

[Pentulant]

On this link, I am #5 and rarely have trouble with smears - my guess is no more than a right-handed person.

 

http://www.nibs.com/Left-hand%20writers.htm

 

 

I believe I must have adjusted to this style when younger (rather than starting out that way) because I definitely remember ending up with ballpoint ink smudges all over my hand as a kid.

[Avocet]

Thanks for bringing light to the dark ...

[Sailor Kenshin]

I simply don't have the patience for massive searching so I apologize in advance.

 

Here is my query: Can someone speak to the trials of left handed scribes with a fountain pen in hand? I would think there can be an issue of massive smudging as you move to the right across your last words?

 

Is it possible to stay below the ink line?

 

Thanks

 

 

 

If you are an under-writer, sure. If not, welcome to my ink-stained life. Today's colors are BSB and Diamine Ruby.

[theswordguy]

I'm a lefty overwriter but I wouldn't say that wet pens are a problem. My hand is usually three or four lines above the current line so it usually dries in time. I have a few needlepoint nibs that are very wet and with some inks, the ink is still wet for a long time requiring me to blot the page. Another tool I use is just a piece of paper folded into quarters that my hand rests on which keeps my sometimes sweaty hands from smearing non-water resistant ink. For ink, my new non-smearing favorite is Noodler's #41 Brown. It's well behaved, dries quickly even out of my very wet needlepoints. I have yet to smear it even when writing quickly.

[dgerson]

My problem with these threads is that we left-handers are all SOOOO different in how we hold and use a pen. I think it comes from us having to typically teach ourselves how to write and thus we're so much less of a homogenous group than right-handers.

 

Personally, I'm a left-handed overwriter with a tendency to have the top of the nib facing 3 o'clock. There are some inks and pens that I've found to not click with me, but in truth they're few and far between so far. My biggest disapointment so far was trying out a "stubbish" nib with the 78G in Broad. Yeah, that just didn't work out. I'm still intrigued, but honestly if the only loss I have is that I'm unable to use a stub or italic nib - that'll be fine with me.

 

Happy writing!

[derevaun]

I get more ink on my hands from filling, tinkering, etc, than from writing, and I'm a lefty overwriter. It can happen though. I suggest taking up painting and/or printmaking. Honestly, I feel ashamed to go out in public without some stain or other on my hands.

[pokermon]

There are articles on iampeth that can help if you're having trouble. I'm also a lefty, but to be honest I haven't worked on my handwriting as much as I should especially since quite a few very nice vintage pens pass through my hands. My girlfriend is a righty and just has a natural advantage when it comes to penmanship. Don't let this deter you. There are Lefty master scribes that put many right handers to shame. It all comes down to how much time you're willing to put into it, and for many the time is not a factor since penmanship is a skill that stays with you your entire life.

[kde]

I'm a left handed sidewriter, and it's just something we have to work around. I've found the best combo to be a fine nib with some quick drying ink. I haven't had any issues yet with my Parker 51 (F) or Sailor Sapporo (MF) with Pelikan 4001 ink. The Edelstein range should be just as good for lefties. Stay away from wet ink unless you're an underwriter!