Why Are Fountain Pens So Expensive? (2024)

FAQs

Why Are Fountain Pens So Expensive? ›

The craftsmanship of fountain pens using these more precious metals is typically of a higher caliber as well. Apart from nibs, the materials used to make the pen body can also be expensive. Premium fountain pens can be made with some of the highest quality resins and even precious materials such as urushi lacquer.

Fountain pens aren't for everyone, but they offer advantages over ballpoint pens. The ink flows more readily, making writing flow easier with less pressure needed on the paper. Plus, fountain pens are beautiful in and of themselves, built to be easily refillable and to last a lifetime.

Smooth writing experience: Fountain pens use liquid ink, which flows smoothly onto the paper. This makes writing with a fountain pen feel effortless compared to ballpoint or gel pens that use dry ink & require more pressure on the paper. The result is a more comfortable and enjoyable writing experience.

They must be cleaned since they are a mess. They have a higher price tag. These drawbacks are often offset by the benefits, at least for some users, but it is still important to spend some time looking at them so that you can determine whether or not a fountain pen is the appropriate instrument for you.

These materials are often trimmed with precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. Craftsmanship – As one would expect with a luxury car or timepiece, luxury pens are often handcrafted. This superior workmanship ensures perfection in the appearance and function of the pen.

The concern when flying with a fountain pen is ink leaking from the pen during flight due to cabin pressure changes. Because ink within a fountain pen flows with capillary action and gravity, would this cause the ink to leak and if so how do you prevent ink from getting everywhere.

The fountain pen market is quite active, and some pens can maintain or even increase their value over time, especially if they are well-preserved, complete with original box and documentation.

In general, fountain pens don't expire, though some manufacturers give an expiration date to the ink, which can last for decades if stored properly. However, ballpoint and rollerball ink does dry out after four years if you don't use it up.

Many fountain pens are produced using machines, but some models are made by hand. This makes the pen more valuable and, thus, more expensive. Some people look for the value that expert craftsmanship adds to a handmade fountain pen.

Do fountain pens get better with age? ›

For many of us, our ballpen is a disposable item that we throw away over and over again. On the other hand, a fountain pen can last for decades if looked after well (and will improve with age). Ink cartridges are also cheaper, and come in such a wonderful array of colours.

Fundamentally, a fountain pen is a hybrid of the two types. Like a writing quill, it has a nib where ink collects. And like a ballpoint pen, fountain pens work thanks to an internal reservoir of ink. So their unique writing style has the best qualities of both–smooth writing with a long-lasting ink supply.

Ballpoint pens can write on more surfaces than a fountain pen can, this is due to the way a fountain pen is built. Rough surfaces will damage the tines of the fountain pen so they require a softer touch when in use.

It really comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for something that's going to last longer than a few months, then you might want to consider a fountain pen. But if you're looking for something to write with now, then a ballpoint pen will probably be fine.

People no longer had to deal with leaky ink cartridges or clogs in fountain pens, resulting in declining use. Their complexity, however, also led to their resurrection. Technological advancements improved the design and build, making fountain pens manageable.

Pickwick Jewellers and Pawnbrokers will give a free appraisal of your luxury and designer pens and will offer you the best possible sum.

The most expensive pen in the world is the Fulgor Nocturnus by Tibaldi which sold for $8 million dollars at auction. Translated from Latin, Fulgor Nocturnus means “night glow” which seems appropriate given the black diamond bling on this precious fountain pen.

Montblanc pens use luxurious materials, such as gold, platinum, and other rare metals for their nib, and resin and durable lacquer for the body of the pen. Moreover, they test each pen until they're sure it meets the necessary standards of quality.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), fountain pens are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage. However, the ink in your pen is subject to the same rules as any other liquid.

They were invented in the 1880s and became popular in the 1920s up to the 1950s. However, their popularity dipped when the more affordable and convenient ballpoint pens took over. After all, back then, fountain pens were messy to use and inconvenient.

Why does the tip of the nib of your writing pen split? ›

This design makes the nib like a capillary tube. Through this gap, the ink can flow easily towards the nib, and then one can easily write through the pen. This split drags the ink to the tip by the capillary action. Thus to create the capillary action in the fountain pen nib, the nib is made the split.

Ink from a fountain pen glides effortlessly over the surface of the page, meaning glorious strokes and less pressure on the paper. You can also achieve a more unique writing style by adapting your choice of nib, hold, and angle of the pen (solid gold nibs actually adapt to your writing style).

Smoothness of Writing (Winner: Fountain Pen)

The thick, oil-based ink in ballpoint pens doesn't flow as freely as fountain pen ink does. The free-flowing liquid ink of fountain pens causes less surface tension when writing.

Fountain pens are often seen as a luxurious item, but the truth is that they can actually last a lifetime of use with their durability - provided you take proper care of them!