My fountain pen story began back in April 2013. I had stumbled upon the Pen Addict podcast. I listened to episode after episode of Brad and Myke talking about micro gel tipped pens and fountain pens. I remembered thinking to myself: why would anyone want to use fountain pens? My only experience with fountain pens was the mandatory penmanship class I had to take during secondary school. I think this penmanship class was imposed on a certain generation of students and I was one of them. I remembered scratchy nibs and horrible writing experiences during those penmanship classes.
However I am one who loves hanging out at stationery sections, so I got myself a Pilot Petit1 to give it a go. That didn’t turn out well for me. I gave it away and purchased a Platinum Preppy not long after. I couldn’t stand the nib feedback of the Preppy and I gave that away. Then third time’s the charm, I purchased a Kaweco ICE Sport (reviewed here) and I was hooked.
At first I found it hard to incorporate these analog tools into an inceasingly digital lifestyle. I switched from using an app on my iPhone to a notebook and fountain pen for all my organization needs. I discovered the Bullet Journal (review) and the GTD (Getting Things Done) system and it opened my eyes to whole new levels of geeky-ness. I took part in InCoWriMo (International Correspondence Writing Month) to have more excuse to write with my fountain pens. Now, not a week goes by where I don’t write a letter to the friends I have gotten to know during InCoWriMo.
After that first Kaweco ICE Sport, it started an avalanche of fountain pens purchases and bottles of inks as well as notebooks with great paper quality to go with it. I was inspired by the various pen blogs online such as the Well Appointed Desk, Pen Addict and Clicky Post among others to review the pens and inks that I have used at my blog – Alt. Haven.
It has been 18 months since I purchased my first fountain pen, I am glad that I have stuck with it. Without being sucked into the world of fountain pens, I would have never experienced the wonderful community of fountain pen lovers. They are generous with not just their pens and inks but with their time and knowledge. Everyone shares news of sales and giveaways freely. They are an excellent bunch of human beings. I am glad and thankful to be a part of that community. Though I have come a long way since that Kaweco ICE Sport but there is an endless road ahead of me. There are still so many pens to experience, so much knowledge to learn and so much inks and papers to buy. Here is to another 18 years in the world of fountain pens!
What is your fountain pen story?
I am the founder of this website.
Chemist by day, slacker by night, fanatic of stationery all the time.
I write with my left hand, but can also do the same with my right hand – it just won’t look very pretty.
Hi… I’m a newbie to the community… having entered just this year… being a stationary and pen nerd from way back when… I am so glad / overjoyed that I’ve come into a community that is so generous and kind … I enjoy reading and learning more about a hobby, a calling for some and the sheer joy expressed when someone finds something new and shares that or there is a new acquisition. .. it is a wonderful to be amongst such fine people …
In elementary school in the 1960s, we had to write our papers, book reports, etc. in fountain pen. I used the famous (here in the USA anyway) Sheaffer school cartridge pen. Really cheap, but wrote very well. I always enjoyed using them. Over time, I lost track of those pens and since my reawakening, I have found three of them on Ebay. I just keep collecting and using them – along with others of course. They are still one of my favorite pens.
HI I too am relatively new to fountain pens I have small but well appointed collection. My favorites being currently a pelikan m400 and a visconti rembrandt. My aim is to fund some excellent quality cheaper pens too!
I completely agree! I’ve been part of the fountain pen community since August 2014 and am continually delighted, in a state of continuous discovery and learning. Congratulations to you on wonderful blog, and Happy New Year!
Hi Eva, yes I see you are pretty active lately, I didn’t know you are relatively new to the fountain pen community! Let’s all learn and discover in this community together. Happy 2015 to you!