Pounce-Why Isnt It Commonly Used?

[penman88]

so i have been unable to locate a small batch of pounce(powder sprinkled on ink to dry it?) which i recently learned is ground cuttlefish bone, the only source i found was like 75$ for 100grams. why doesn't anyone have any more information on why it isnt really used anymore, and where one could acquire it cheaply if one was so inclined?

[JakobS]

My assumption is that the majority of people in the world use inks in ballpoints and rollerballs that dry relatively quickly compared to inks in the days with pounce was commonly used. Most fountain pen inks these days do so as well, the exceptions being super dye concentrated inks, especially on lesser absorbent paper.

 

If you are keen on finding some, perhaps looking for powdered cuttlebone might find a few more options. It's often used as a nutritional additive for domestic birds....

Edited February 13, 2019 by JakobS

[OCArt]

I did not know that pounce was ground cuttlebone, that make more sense than my guess of fine sand. Blotter paper would be today's equivalent for function. But if you want to the cuttlebone maybe you can get a whole one from a bird/pet store and grind it in a coffee grinder.

[inkstainedruth]

My understanding is that back when it would have been routinely used, fine sand was often a less expensive substitute. More modernly (heyday of fountain pens) I suspect that blotters were more likely used instead.

I think of pounce more in terms of marking designs onto fabric for needlework, and for that use tailor's chalk is used these days (I've pricked and "pounced" patterns to transfer the design to fabric, but generally use powdered chalk.

If you want to use "real" pounce, I suppose one way to get it might be to buy frozen squid and pull out the cuttlebones and maybe try to grind it up yourself.... I don't know whether a food processor blade would be sharp enough, or if you would need a heavy duty food grinder, such as a flour mill.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[ISW_Kaputnik]

Can't help you with a source, sorry.

 

As for why it isn't more widely available today, I believe it was used for two purposes, smoothing rough papers to make them more suitable for writing, and blotting excess ink. The first purpose is obsolete, as smooth paper is now widely available. And as for blotting, blotter paper seems more practical; I can't think of any functional reason for preferring pounce.

 

Still, I can see wanting to try it out of historical curiosity. Good luck!

[inkypete]

Whilst it has an interesting history it just isn't practical anymore. Blotter is easier to use and more portable.

[penman88]

i believe my fascination with fountain pens is about more than just a pen...for me it is the whole writing experience. I purchased fine paper, sealing wax and seal, multiple inks until i found the one that flowed to perfection, granting me a beautiful writing experience. i understand it isnt practical. even blotter paper, for me isnt practical, as my ink dries fast enough to not require it. I want the ultimate writing experience, a mix of calligraphy and contemporary writing. i suppose it doesnt make sense, i just said myself it isnt practical, I JUST WANT IT! haha

[Karmachanic]

As I have said before, logic has nothing to do with it.

[inkstainedruth]

@ Penman88 -- now you've got me interested in the topic. And I don't have TIME! I have this other project that I'm trying to put together (and just got word a couple of days ago that the person who has done a lot of research on the subject is "gratified" that someone is interested in her work but won't share it at the moment because she's in the process of writing her doctoral dissertation. So I get to spend the next couple of months reinventing the wheel, as it were....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth