I differentiate between fountain pens from my collection (only vintage ones) and my daily writers (mostly vintage ones).
The pens of my collection are as good as possible protected from everything that could harm, or could let them age faster. Usually they do not see any ink and use. It is my goal and project to preserve them for enthusiasts who will come after me. I pass them on part by part to the museum for design zurich. (
https://www.emuseum.ch/en/search/F%C3%BCllfederhalter)
The pens I use on a daily basis are treated differently. They were choosen by their writing characteristics and practical handling qualities. I am talking about pens like Parker "51" and 61, Pilot capless, Pilot Myu, Pelikan 140 and Aurora Hastil for example. All of them are sturdy pens and suitable for daily use. Any one of them could be replaced.
Nevertheless I do not transport them in a pencil bag as I did during school time. I carry them for example in the pocket of my jacket, or the pen slot of my notebook case. In this way, they only develop slight sings of use and age. I don't pamper them, but I also don't expose them to unnecessary wear and tear either, as I am doing with my watch, my clothes, my bicycle, my shoes etc...
Quality products age with dignity. But the more you take care of them, the longer they will last.
C.
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