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Thread: What's the point of extra long pens?

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    Default What's the point of extra long pens?

    Saw today at a shop the rOtring Artpen: it has a cap with a clip, thought it's so long it would not fit in a pocket, hardly in a purse, unless the artist roams around with a satchel of sorts.
    What's the appeal behind such elongated forms? Do they make calligraphy or arts easier, by being held like a brush of something?

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    Senior Member Robert's Avatar
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    Default Re: What's the point of extra long pens?

    It's simply a case of each to his own. Here's a link to the aptly named Conid Giraffe:

    http://www.conidpen.com/giraffe/

    Not for me, but it does hold a lot of ink.

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    Default Re: What's the point of extra long pens?

    Seems like they're not exactly the carry around pens (unless you're using a case or such) and rather something you place on a stand and use.

    But I would say what both of you said seem to be valid points. Extra ink without being thick, but also being able to hold from further back if desired.

    I do like longer pens, but not that long, and if my short (long in comparison to the two other models at the time) 1956 Pelikan 400NN can hold shy of 2ml of ink don't see why many others can't put that kind of capacity in that thinness. So I'm leaning toward being able to hold it anywhere. Also they quote 6ml of ink for their barrels, something you can do with some of noodler's cheaper pens (but you don't get the same craftmanship or nib).

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    Default Re: What's the point of extra long pens?

    To scratch that itch on your upper-back while writing.
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

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    Default Re: What's the point of extra long pens?

    Quote Originally Posted by penwash View Post
    To scratch that itch on your upper-back while writing.
    Preferably with the cap on... lol.

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    Default Re: What's the point of extra long pens?

    A few German school pens were available with an extra screw-on tail, and I recall reading someone reminisce about their teacher being able to spot at a distance if anyone in class was getting their handwriting practice wrong as a result of the tell-tale tail waving about. That works as angle indicator for the user, as well as hawk-eyed educators, so that's probably one reason. It also effects the balance of the pen to a certain extent - as far as that Conid goes, I can only assume negatively. But I suspect the main reason is it harks back to dip pens and quills before that, and that's always tended to be a habit of fountain pens, to emulate what's come before.

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    Default Re: What's the point of extra long pens?

    Quote Originally Posted by grainweevil View Post
    But I suspect the main reason is it harks back to dip pens and quills before that, and that's always tended to be a habit of fountain pens, to emulate what's come before.
    Particularly since the pen in question is called an "art pen". I suspect it isn't meant to be used as an every day pen. The body shape is very similar to the Pilot Parallel, another pen that wouldn't be used for day to day tasks.

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    Default Re: What's the point of extra long pens?

    Quote Originally Posted by grainweevil View Post
    A few German school pens were available with an extra screw-on tail, and I recall reading someone reminisce about their teacher being able to spot at a distance if anyone in class was getting their handwriting practice wrong as a result of the tell-tale tail waving about. That works as angle indicator for the user, as well as hawk-eyed educators, so that's probably one reason. It also effects the balance of the pen to a certain extent - as far as that Conid goes, I can only assume negatively. But I suspect the main reason is it harks back to dip pens and quills before that, and that's always tended to be a habit of fountain pens, to emulate what's come before.
    Interesting perspective and a clever way to better figure out arm movement vs finger movement.

    It is a shame really that nowadays handwriting is taught at such superficial levels.

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    Default Re: What's the point of extra long pens?

    Quote Originally Posted by KBeezie View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by penwash View Post
    To scratch that itch on your upper-back while writing.
    Preferably with the cap on... lol.
    With the tail of the pen, Karl! lol

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    Default Re: What's the point of extra long pens?

    It’s to emulate the feel and balance of a brush pen or nib holder.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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    Default Re: What's the point of extra long pens?

    The length means a different balance compared with shorter pens (personal preference). It also gives you different grip options while sketching e.g. holding it further back for looser lines.

    It won't be because of ink capacity, since most of these longer pens (like the ArtPen, Lamy Joy, Platinum Carbon pen) still take cartridges / converters.
    Last edited by milkb0at; October 25th, 2018 at 02:34 AM.

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