Scarhead's Question For The Day

[scarhead]

For nearly three decades I have been writing by hand. In this time, I have used a variety of writing instruments which have included ballpoints, rollerballs and fountain pens. Recently, I have questioned whether I am using my fountain pens the right way.

To the average person there may be no right or wrong way, but it is safe to say that members here are not average. We are enthusiasts and the right way is the way that the instrument was intended to be used.

I began thinking about this when I examined my Montblanc 149 with a loupe. I found the right tine to be angled ever so slightly towards the right causing me to think that I should angle the pen to the right. I watched a video on the Montblanc website of a writer testing a nib and he was not angling the nib.

So, fellow enthusiasts and lovers of the pen, I ask you what is the proper way to present the nib of the fountain pen to the paper? I know already that some will say that the proper way is the way that you are most comfortable or the way that achieves the best penmanship, but, again, I am wondering if there is a correct way to use the nib as it was intended.

[Lion]

Good thought and questions.....I do not have an answer for you but let's see what others say!!!

[scarhead]

Thanks Leo. How you doing by the way? I sent you a PM (or thought I did) a few weeks ago, but didn't hear back. Then, I found that it never went through for some reason. Anyway, I'll try again.

I'm interested to see what others have to say about this.

[Shangas]

The nib should curtsy in the presence of paper and make presentation of its sampling of ink so that the paper may judge the pen's worthiness of sullying its fibres with its offering of colouration.

Satisfaction of the paper regarding this tribute having been reached, the nib should approach the page with even tines and proceed to mark the paper in smooth, fluid strokes, so as not to cause discomfort the paper, which will indicate any such displeasure by grabbing the nib and yanking on it, causing the nib to be clogged by fibres.

Upon the end of the transaction, the nib should once again make a presentation of ink before removing itself entirely from the page's presence so that it may be left in peace to absorb the the produce of the nib's thoughts.

[Lion]

Shahan, wow, when is your book being published such words of eloquence!!!

[Shangas]

Hahahahahahaha!!

I was only joking, Leo.

[scarhead]

Originally Posted by Shangas

Hahahahahahaha!!

I was only joking, Leo.

I thought you were serious "Approach the paper with even tines" Mine are not even
BTW, love your blog/site. There is some outstanding information there. Excellent work.

[Shangas]

Thanks, Scarry. Feel free to read & comment on as many of the postings as you like. I have some postings there dedicated to fountain pens and other writing-stuff, which I should probably update more frequently than I do.

[Lion]

Originally Posted by Shangas

Hahahahahahaha!!

I was only joking, Leo.

So was I...