Are writing instruments important? It depends on who you ask. It is the most important thing for me when putting pen to paper. Of course, proper paper is pivotal–you don’t want that BPA-saturated thermal stuff that’s Teflon slick and repels ink. You want a thirsty paper that craves your inky script, which brings us back to the mighty pen.
Which pen should you choose? It comes down to what fits your grip best and the type of ink you prefer. There are pros and cons in ballpoint, rollerball, and gel. If you’re a fan of a rainbow of bright, bold, or metalic colors, a gel is the way to go. However, gels tend to skip, so if you have atelophobia, maybe skip the skipping water-based inks in gels and rollerballs.
Pros & Cons of each:
Ballpoints have oil-based ink that is less prone to bleeding or smudging. The ink is also less prone to drying out and doesn’t require protection from the air. Ballpoints usually come in click or twist styles and have controlled lines and ink in various line sizes. Colors have gone beyond the basic black, red, and blue to a rainbow of shades.
Rollerballs have water-based ink that is more prone to bleeding through paper and smudging if not given time to dry properly. The ink tends to dry out at the pen tip if not protected from the air when not in use. Rollerballs lay down a finer, more distinct line than a ballpoint. Therefore, less pressure is required when writing. They come in a variety styles and colors.
Gels have water-based ink that is more prone to bleeding through paper and smudging if not given time to properly dry. The ink tends to dry out at the pen tip if not protected from the air when not in use. Like rollerballs, gels lay down a finer, more distinct line than a ballpoint. Therefore, less pressure is required when writing. There are typically more choices in ink colors when selecting gel pens–fantastic for art projects.
We have come a long way since the days of dipping a goose feather into an inkwell of blue-black iron gall ink. This Colonial concoction was made from oak galls (a product of gall wasps), ferrous sulfate, and tree gum. Today, you can buy a complete writing kit (an ink pen) and write to your heart’s content without the hassle of stealing a goose feather and mixing ink like a made scientist.
Happy Pen Shopping!
*The purple phoenix pen in the image was made for me by my woodturning husband, Steve. He can be contacted at saulswoodworks@gmail.com.