How do You Like Your Pens?

[Sojourner]

I am the gusher hot stuff referenced in his opening post, and I finally have the opportunity to wax eloquent about the perfect pen.

Before I get started, Ora said she prefers pencils -- the only time I've been willing to use a pencil is during cold weather. The ink freezes and won't flow properly, so a pencil is the only reasonable. Otherwise, I am exclusively a pen girl. There's something just so fulfilling about using a pen ... pencils just don't measure up.

Now, I'm a writer, so I've held lots of pens in my lifetime. I used to be fairly indiscriminate about the pens I chose to use -- like many of you, I use whatever I could get my hands on. Capped, uncapped, it didn't matter -- as long as I could get the ink to flow, so be it.

Recently, however, I decided that I'm at the point in my life when I need to find a pen that really suits me -- the perfect pen, if you will. I'd been thinking about it for a while, and going back over all the pens I've used before. I realized I needed a pen that had both class and style, but that could still take a pounding -- I'm still a writer, and we writers put our pens through their paces.

It had to be thick enough that it's easy to grip, but not so thick that it's uncomfortable to use. And it has to have clean, smooth lines that make it not only lovely but also a good fit for the hand.

To top it off, it's got to have good flow. When you're in the writing rhythm, anything that interrupts the smoothness of the flow is a problem.

And I also realized I needed a pen that would truly be an extension of myself, that would become one with me and stick around for the long haul. I've got years of writing left, lots of stories yet to be voiced, and I want a pen with the endurance to get me through it.

I think I've found it ... it's a beautiful fountain pen that totally fits the bill on all counts. I used it this morning during an interview, and the guy I was talking to just couldn't take his eyes off the pen in my hand. I'm sure he too was marvelling at the ease with which I handled it.

I'm never going back to Bic again. I've found my match, and I'm a happier woman for it.

[Brother Adam]

[quote name='hot stuff' date='Jan 20 2006, 10:43 AM']Do people prefer their pens with caps or not?

I personally think that the uncapped is more attractive and looks more professional
[right][snapback]861829[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]

Some capped pens look more professional than uncapped pens. I actually prefer capped pens.

My idea of a good pen:

[img]http://www.skripta-paris.com/img/articles/lamy/thumbnails/68.jpg[/img]

[Lil Red]

[quote name='hot stuff' date='Jan 20 2006, 08:16 AM']A friend was gushing today about a new pen and how wonderful it was.  She loves her pen. 

I think pens are underrated today.  Most people feel that any pen will do in a storm.  They don't seem to take the time to seek out a pen thats best suited for them. 

Some would say that the internet has done away with the importance of the pen. It has made it almost unnecessary in today's society.

I take a certain amount of pride in my pen.  Its balanced and feels comfortable in my hand.  No plastic either. I never use a plastic pen

What say you pham?
[right][snapback]861728[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]
i totally agree - i am a pen fanatic. it has to be black ink and it has to be a fine point tip. i don't mind plastic, but finding a fine point tip (.5 or .3) is getting really hard these days.

[Jaime]

I try to get as much use out of my pen as possible. So I try to take care of it and not lend it out to others. I'm meticulous in the maintenance of my pen too. However I know the eventuality is that by focusing on my one pen so much, it will eventually leak when I least expect it.

Those who go between multiple pens never really have to worry about that.

[Sojourner]

[quote name='hot stuff' date='Jan 20 2006, 12:27 PM']I try to get as much use out of my pen as possible.  So I try to take care of it and not lend it out to others.  I'm meticulous in the maintenance of my pen too.  However I know the eventuality is that by focusing on my one pen so much, it will eventually leak when I least expect it. 

Those who go between multiple pens never really have to worry about that.
[right][snapback]861905[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]
That's definitely a concern with the lower quality pens -- they suddenly burst when you're not prepared and you end up with ink in all the wrong places. Such a mess to clean up.

Once to step up to higher quality ones, though, that's not such a problem.

[Sojourner]

Here's a question -- is thickness or length more important?

Personally, I don't like a pen that's too long or too thick. I like a pen that fits just right.

[Lil Red]

[quote name='Azriel' date='Jan 20 2006, 09:26 AM']I have an affinity for pens.  :

I love office supply stores.  Back to school season just sends me into a tizzy.
[right][snapback]861790[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]
me too!

[AfroNova No Limit Soldier]

I'm kind of slow, so bear with me.

Is this thread really about pens? Cause when I read the title, I thought it said something else.

It reminds me of that SNL Jeopardy skit with Will Farrel as Alex Trebeck and some other dude as Sean Connery. The category was "The Pen Is Mightier."



PS - Today I am 9 months + 2 days pregnant! There's no blood in my brain!!

[Lil Red]

[quote name='Sojourner' date='Jan 20 2006, 10:34 AM']Here's a question -- is thickness or length more important?

Personally, I don't like a pen that's too long or too thick. I like a pen that fits just right.
[right][snapback]861910[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]
if a pen is too thick - i can't use them - i can't grip it well enough.

[Sojourner]

[quote name='Lil Red' date='Jan 20 2006, 12:41 PM']if a pen is too thick - i can't use them - i can't grip it well enough.
[right][snapback]861924[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]
That's been my experience.

[Jaime]

[quote name='AfroNova No Limit Soldier' date='Jan 20 2006, 11:40 AM']I'm kind of slow, so bear with me.

Is this thread really about pens? Cause when I read the title, I thought it said something else.

It reminds me of that SNL Jeopardy skit with Will Farrel as Alex Trebeck and some other dude as Sean Connery. The category was "The Pen Is Mightier."
PS - Today I am 9 months + 2 days pregnant! There's no blood in my brain!!
[right][snapback]861922[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]

Why do people always have to read into things?

Sometimes a pen is just a pen!

[Sojourner]

[quote name='hot stuff' date='Jan 20 2006, 12:44 PM']Why do people always have to read into things? 

Sometimes a pen is just a pen!
[right][snapback]861928[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]
I'd agree normally, but not when it's the pen I found on Tuesday.

There are times a pen is MORE than just a pen ...

[AfroNova No Limit Soldier]

I'm telling you, there's no blood in my brain.
It's all in the placenta.

My husband says there's no blood in his brain either.
It's all in his pen.

[Lil Red]

[Pig of Intrigue]

[quote name='AfroNova No Limit Soldier' date='Jan 20 2006, 11:50 AM']I'm telling you, there's no blood in my brain.
It's all in the placenta.

My husband says there's no blood in his brain either.
It's all in his pen.
[right][snapback]861936[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]

Sounds like someone has a case for pen envy!!

hoo hoo