How often do you see people using fountain pens?

[fountainpenjunkie]

other than my friends that I gave Varsities to, one of whom I have also lent some of my pens to, and my mum who got a Bic Easy Clic, no one

Wow, I've never heard of that one! Just looked it up:

http://www.bicworld.com/inter_en/bdd/produ...?product_id=339

It's a cute little pen!

[PigRatAndGoat]

My boyfriend has been singled out during a class for using a fountain pen. The professor said "What are you using, a QUILL??"

 

Thats taking it to a whole other level! :clap1:

--------------

I have yet to encounter a pen person. I am working hard to convert those around me, though, to make a more hospitable environment. Only had success on one front though.

PRAG

[Shangas]

My boyfriend has been singled out during a class for using a fountain pen. The professor said "What are you using, a QUILL??"

 

"Yes sir, this is the new Quill 3.0. It's the latest development in quill technology. As you can see, the inferior feather-tip has been replaced with a stronger and more aesthetically pleasing gold point and the shaft of the pen has been remade in top-quality plastic of the most recent manufacture. Other improvements include the ability to cap the point to prevent damage and the additon of a clip to said cap to allow for safe storage in a shirt-pocket. However, easily the biggest improvement, which only came about in the last 100 years or so, is the ability to store ink inside the pen, thus doing away with the need for an external ink reservoir. Might I interest you in purchasing such an instrument for your daily writings?"

 

[fountainpenjunkie]

Shangas,

that was funny! And reminded me of an excerpt from Wikipedia:

"The earliest historical record of a reservoir pen dates back to the 10th century. In 953, Ma'ād al-Mu'izz, the caliph of Egypt, demanded a pen which would not stain his hands or clothes, and was provided with a pen which held ink in a reservoir and delivered it to the nib via gravity and capillary action. Al-Mu’izz commissioned the construction of the pen instructing:

 

“‘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’. [1] "

and:

"In his Deliciae Physico-Mathematicae (1636), German inventor Daniel Schwenter described a pen made from two quills. One quill served as a reservoir for ink inside the other quill. The ink was sealed inside the quill with cork. Ink was squeezed through a small hole to the writing point. The earliest surviving reservoir pens date to the 1st century. Progress in developing a reliable pen was slow, however, into the mid-19th century. That slow pace of progress was due to a very imperfect understanding of the role that air pressure played in the operation of the pens and because most inks were highly corrosive and full of sedimentary inclusions."

[Shangas]

hehehehe, I knew someone would get a laugh out of it

[darrenimo]

Well, I know of two people: my friend Aaron(converted by yours truly) and my Social Studies teacher. Aaron uses a Lamy Al-Star, while my Social Studies teacher uses a Hero 336. I'm working on converting my best friend, Jordan. He became interested in fountain pens after trying out my Parker "51", so I guess I'll get him one for his birthday.

[fountainpenjunkie]

He became interested in fountain pens after trying out my Parker "51", so I guess I'll get him one for his birthday.

What is it with those 51's? They are like some kind of visual and transdermal contagious incurable disease.

Edited April 20, 2008 by fountainpenjunkie

[TonyWong]

unfortunatelly, I have naver seen another people use a fountain pen.

 

perhaps it is because my friends don't like a pen which would make there hand wet by ink.

[von buck]

I haven't seen anyone use a FP since 10th grade biology. The teacher made the entire class use FP with black ink for taking notes, but never seen anyone since there. Cut to 35 years later (now) I am just finishing up Grad school (graduating next month) and haven't seen a single pen my entire time. I keep an eyeballed pealed, but never see one. Lots of comments on mine, but I never see anyone on campus withone.

 

Andy

[fountainpenjunkie]

I haven't seen anyone use a FP since 10th grade biology. The teacher made the entire class use FP with black ink for taking notes, but never seen anyone since there. Cut to 35 years later (now) I am just finishing up Grad school (graduating next month) and haven't seen a single pen my entire time. I keep an eyeballed pealed, but never see one. Lots of comments on mine, but I never see anyone on campus withone.

Wow, what an unusual story! What was your teachers name? Did the teacher issue pens or require students get their own? What type, dip pens? What was the reaction of the class? Do you recall the teachers motivation or explanation? Was that your first experience with fountain pens?

Congrats on finishing up Grad school! I did some quick math, we are about the same age. Two nights of electronics classes a week is kicking my butt. Mostly cause of our seven year old twins though. If I'd started a family sooner, and they were out of the house or older, this might be easier. Either way, it ain't easy. Way to go!

Edited April 25, 2008 by fountainpenjunkie

[fountainpenjunkie]

answers to the above questions:

 

Well the I think the teachers name was Mr. Bouchard (?) I honestly don't remember his reasoning for it. We all had to go out a get our own pens. Other than that I only remember everyone using a FP. with black ink. I think I had a Shaeffer, with the usual cartridges.

Von Buck

[ASL]

See them every day .. my boss is always using his precious Parker Silver Duofold in all his signatures.. while I use my humple 51 for my signatures... they are there but the number is not remarkably increasing ..petty ..Cheers

[Shangas]

There's a silver Duofold now?

 

Where can I find pictures?

[Ed Palumbo]

I haven't seen anyone else in the workplace carrying or writing with a fountain pen. On weekends, when my wife and I sip our coffee at Starbuck's or some other caffeine canteen, I do occasionally see students and professionals at other tables with a fountain pen in hand, journalling, writing letters, etc., between bagel or scone bites. If they look remotely approachable, I'll speak to them about their pen. If they're unapproachable or rude, I'll return to chair, sit quietly and suggest a Heimlich maneuver to a passerby when they choke on their bagel.

[kl122002]

It seems there is not much Hong Kong people like using FP. Most of them like to carry a ball pen instead. It is strange for others to see you are using a FP.

[Ondina]

Other than my own kid, no one for a very long time, the truth. Maybe 20 years ago. Docs and med students, mostly. A real pity, but a sad fact. On the other hand, the local bookstore has a huge window that displays very expensive FPn's from most European manufacturers....Makes you wonder where do all those fancy pens go once sold.

[fountainpenjunkie]

Other than my own kid, no one for a very long time, the truth. Maybe 20 years ago. Docs and med students, mostly. A real pity, but a sad fact. On the other hand, the local bookstore has a huge window that displays very expensive FPn's from most European manufacturers....Makes you wonder where do all those fancy pens go once sold.

Well, I started school again on nights Tuesday, and I am sporting my Pelikan M150, with Kaweco sports as back up!

[Zeroblade]

Pretty much... no one. My English teacher said she does, but I haven't actually seen the pen itself.

[lancekatigbak]

My Latin teacher has a P51 and about 20 other pens (though I haven't seen them). My cousin used to have a Vector (or a Jotter). Other than that, I haven't seen any other users.

[Gawain]

Never