Getting Started In Virginia

[Dietz]

Greetings everyone -

 

I have been interested in Fountain Pens for some time and now am considering purchasing one (an Onoto) which would be a considerable investment compared to what I am used to using (a Quill Roller Ball).

 

I am a daily user of Quill Roller Balls - I carry two Graphite/Steel bodied pens with me everywhere. However, over the years they have taken a beating (I can be rough on pens). I was wondering if anyone had experience with the Onoto brand I mention, or give some advice on whether to purchase an Onoto in either the Roller Ball or a Fountain Pen. In my line of work I do a lot of writing so I do not just buy off the shelf pens; however, I am a bit heavy handed on the application of pen to paper.

 

I have heard many great things about the Onoto Fountain pen. The one I am looking at is a school alumni pen (460 USD). My concern would be that I am perhaps to forceful (on the writing tip) kind of guy - and I may be looking at disaster in going the Fountain Pen route.

 

The thing is the Onoto pen is so costly and produced in such limited quantity that I will probably only afford only one, so I am torn between a the reliable Roller Ball tip or trying out the Fountain Pen tip.

 

Might anyone have some suggestions for me as a novice looking to make the leap from daily Roller Ball to Fountain Pen? Many kind thanks for your reply.

 

 

[RMN]

Hi Dietz and welcome to FPN

 

I particularly dislike rollerballs so don't expect me to advise you to buy one.

 

 

Onoto pens today are high quality pens. I own one and it is a joy to use.

 

If you are going to use fountainpens you must unlearn the bad habits formed from ballpoint and rollerball writing, namely holding the pen too steep on the paper and pressing down too much. Those pens (BP and RB) need that pressure and writing angle to function properly. But a good fountainpen needs no pressure at all, just it's own weight. And the correct writing angle is roughly 45 degrees. The nibs are ground to function properly at that angle.

Just rest the pen lightly in the web between thumb and forefinger and on the last part of your middlefinger, with thumb and forefinger just lightly on the pen to stabilise it.

 

Do not write with your finger muscles, but with your arm muscles. Results: no more writing cramps and a much more legible script.

 

Enjoy your Onoto

 

D.ick

Edited February 25, 2014 by RMN

[captain nib]

Welcome !

 

What interests me is that you are making the great (and expensive) leap of faith .....from rollerball to Onoto FP. I don't have that FP, but the brand does seem to produce lovely FP's. I suppose if learning to swim one can dip a toe in, or just dive in....it seems the latter for you. Maybe a less expensive FP may be worthwhile...to test the waters and see if you really like FP's.

 

And, I'm not totally dissuaded off rollerballs. Have a few myself. Certainly a step up from the humble ballpoint....and rollerball technology has advanced. Of course, FP's represent the summit in writing.

 

D.ick is correct on using the FP. You let the nib & ink do the work, and avoid any undue pressure on the paper. You'll have to think FP graceful glider on ice, not the BP army tank trudging through the terrain.

 

Anyway...happy fountain penning.

[RMN]

Welcome !

 

What interests me is that you are making the great (and expensive) leap of faith .....from rollerball to Onoto FP. I don't have that FP, but the brand does seem to produce lovely FP's. I suppose if learning to swim one can dip a toe in, or just dive in....it seems the latter for you. Maybe a less expensive FP may be worthwhile...to test the waters and see if you really like FP's.

 

And, I'm not totally dissuaded off rollerballs. Have a few myself. Certainly a step up from the humble ballpoint....and rollerball technology has advanced. Of course, FP's represent the summit in writing.

 

D.ick is correct on using the FP. You let the nib & ink do the work, and avoid any undue pressure on the paper. You'll have to think FP graceful glider on ice, not the BP army tank trudging through the terrain.

 

Anyway...happy fountain penning.

Captain Nib, I love that comparison.

 

I may use that in the future.... Is it copyrighted???

 

 

D.ick

[Sasha Royale]

Welcome !

 

As you describe, the Onoto is an expensive investment compared to the current rollerball pens.

A fountain pen is not used with the same "technique" as a rollerball or ballpoint pen. I suggest

trying some for shape and size, before laying down the $$$ . Let's make your first experience,

with an fp, a pleasant experience.

 

Perhaps, visit a pen shop. Where in Virginia are you located ?

[85AKbN]

[Tasmith]

Welcome to FPN on this snowy Virginia day!

[Clancy]

Greetings from the west coast and a warm welcome to FPN. Glad you've joined us; it's great to have you here.

[PAKMAN]

Hello and Welcome to FPN!! Glad to have you as a member!!

[notVirtuThe3rd]

Hi! Welcome to FPN.
I'm really glad you've joined us.

 

Have a good day,
VirtuThe3rd

[Dietz]

Many kind thanks to you all -

 

I'm in Charlottesville, Virginia, which is within easy traveling range of Richmond or Washington. I'm afraid I have no idea where a Pen shop might be in either of those two locations.

[captain nib]

_{D.ick is correct on using the FP. You let the nib & ink do the work, and avoid any undue pressure on the paper. You'll have to think FP graceful glider on ice, not the BP army tank trudging through the terrain.}

 

_{Anyway...happy fountain penning.}

_{Captain Nib, I love that comparison.}

 

_{I may use that in the future.... Is it copyrighted???}

 

 

_D.ick

 

Well D.ick , I'd love to say it's my phrase. But I recall it from a FP article....the full comparison being a graceful figure skater gliding upon the ice without effort, rather than a heavy army tank trudging through the landscape and carving up the terrain. But feel free to say it's my shortened version...and use it