How to choose an expensive pen

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

When choosing an expensive pen, take care to make the write choice!

There was a time when a device used to deliver ink to a paper page to form words was called a writing instrument. These mechanical devices were early and often costly machines that absorbed and dispensed ink through precision nibs at a time when writing was a task performed by the scholarly and the wealthy.

While writing is still important today, most pens are so inexpensive that they’re deemed “disposable.” Yet there is still a demand for top quality writing instruments and choosing one can be daunting. If you’re considering such a purchase, here’s how to choose an expensive pen.

When most people hear “expensive pen,” they think of a fountain pen – a refillable pen that uses water-based ink delivered by capillary action through a nib, or point, that can be interchangeable. Many users compare writing with a fountain pen to painting because it allows the writer to easily change the width of the line to write in different styles.
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Fountain pens require very little pressure so they’re good for writers with weak wrists or carpal tunnel syndrome. Good fountain pens are long-lasting and can be considered “green” because the ink is refilled and no parts are thrown away. The nibs can be changed for different techniques or fonts and there’s a rainbow of ink colors available.

Because of its complexity, a fountain pen can be a conversation piece. That complexity can also make it a challenge to use. If you want to pick up a pen and start writing, there are other expensive pens to consider.

While it’s true that the majority of expensive pens are of the fountain type, there also are many high-priced and stylish ballpoint pens using quick-drying oil-based ink from replaceable cartridges. Ballpoint pens can be used in any position and the high-quality ink cartridges prevent skipping while making the writing stylish.

For those who can’t decide, rollerball pens use water-based ink that gives the smooth style of a fountain pen with the ink in a cartridge like ballpoints.

Once you decide on fountain, ballpoint or rollerball, it’s time to consider feel. If you do a lot of writing, a heavy pen will tire your wrist and arm. A pen that is too thick or too thin can cause finger cramps. If you’ve chosen a fountain pen, consider how easy or difficult it is to fill it and to change and clean the nibs. For ballpoint or rollerball, write for a while to evaluate how much pressure is required for regular or special lettering.

I’ve left style and budget for last because they are the hardest to evaluate. Expensive pens, especially fountain pens, can be works of art. They can be made of the finest woods or of precious metals and can be encrusted with rare stones.
As a result, prices can range from a few hundred dollars to six figures and beyond. The amount you have to spend and the impression you want to give when using an expensive pen will determine which you choose. Regardless of the type, the style, the famous name or the cost, always treat your expensive pen as a “writing instrument” and it will reward you words of gold.