Absolutely, I do think for me it is the curiosity that has lead me to desire tactile experience/learning. I to use a straight razor and have learned to hone. I think the curiousity of using horse hair and pine rosin to excite a gut string led me to learning to fiddle.
For me, using ink to communicate with a dip pen offers a more tactile experience than merely picking up a ball point pen, but the later has it's advantages in a rush. The use of graphite and wood is similar to a fountain pen or dip pen.
Perhaps it is the difference in going to eat BBQ and tending a brisket on your smoker for hours. Life for me must be experienced by touching/handling. I think that this is why I love an old Esterbrook I've restored.
Thank you for your post.
My take is that *convenience* can't be underestimated. For my use it's key since I write more at work than at home (doodling and practice aside) and a dip pen used in a retail establishment would be untenable at today's expected pace of service.
Another reason for the ascendance of fountain pens over dip pens is the fact that not only does ink flow continue, unaided, over an extended period, but it's regulated better than with a dip pen.
I do however own and occasionally use dip pens, including a fantastic tipped gold nib (Mabie & Todd?) in a matching sterling and MOP holder, that came in a beautiful, hinged travel case.
In short; there are many reasons that *modern* fountain pens are more versatile than dip pens, but as far as delivering ink to paper, with no other concerns, you're exactly correct; they really *aren't* inherently any better.
David-
So many restoration projects...
Chuck Naill (February 25th, 2020), Deb (February 25th, 2020)
I've written a third letter using the dip pen nibs. My favorite is the Falcon 048. Having researched several historical documents where a dip pen were used I noticed it was common to cross out and write above the mistake. Of course, letter writing and precious paper made a less than perfect document necessary and perhaps socially acceptable. I am curious if are not to obsessive over appearance.
sgphoto (February 29th, 2020)
My other pen is a Montblanc.
And my other blog is a tumblr!
And my latest ebook, for spooky wintery reading:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CM2NGSSD
Chuck Naill (February 25th, 2020)
azkid (February 27th, 2020), Sailor Kenshin (February 27th, 2020)
Very nice writing.
Chuck Naill (February 27th, 2020)
My other pen is a Montblanc.
And my other blog is a tumblr!
And my latest ebook, for spooky wintery reading:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CM2NGSSD
788 oval points on the way. Can't wait to write with them.
http://theesterbrookproject.com/NIB%...L%20POINT.html
This discussion is interesting. While I doubt I'll do a lot of writing with one (you never can tell though) I did order one in ebonite from Ranga. It is the thick dip pen with #6 medium nib and ebonite feed.
Should be great for testing inks and various #6 nibs.
Cheers.
Sg
Sailor Kenshin (February 29th, 2020), Scrawler (March 12th, 2020)
Those are egregiously tempting.
My other pen is a Montblanc.
And my other blog is a tumblr!
And my latest ebook, for spooky wintery reading:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CM2NGSSD
Did anyone mention guache, gold and silver ink and various dip inks? Some of the more difficult inks can't be used with fountain pens at all. I use them for more decorative purposes, a few strokes of gold can look very good on cards and in letters.
I yielded to glorious temptation! I initially looked at other dip pens but nothing caught my eye. When I discovered that Ranga had them, and having experience with their craftsmanship, I knew this was for me.
I ordered one last week and was advised that due to an upcoming pen show that it would be probably 6 weeks before it arrived. But to me, the wait from Ranga is worth it.
Cheers.
Sg
Last edited by sgphoto; February 29th, 2020 at 08:52 AM. Reason: Ink drops on page
IMG_0065.JPG
I use dip pens as my primary form of writing....fountain pens are second.
Sailor Kenshin (February 29th, 2020)
sgphoto (February 29th, 2020)
Wrote a granddaughter a one page letter on proper stationary using the 048 Falcon and black Waterman. I had always felt a rough texture with this paper before, but not today. Perhaps I am learning to apply less and less pressure. So, this must be the key. The result was a nice fine line script. I feel I've past a milestone using these Esterbrook nibs.
I've got 788 nibs coming today and look forward to using.
https://theesterbrookproject.com/NIB...L%20POINT.html
This is the Esterbrook demi sized Transitional type with a 2788 nib and the 788 dip pen nib. The flexibility is similar.
Last edited by Chuck Naill; March 4th, 2020 at 03:46 AM.
Scrawler (March 12th, 2020)
I've been using a dip pen for a while to construct letters. I mostly use the Esterbrook "falcon" and Serenity Blue Waterman.
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