Difference Between Calligraphy Pens and Fountain Pens

Difference between Calligraphy Pens and Fountain Pens with Writing Comparisons  - Buchan's Kerrisdale Stationery Store

Fountain Pens

Fountain Pen Calligraphy Writing Samples - TWSBI ECO Fountain Pen - Buchan's Kerrisdale Stationery Store

Fountain Pen Writing Example using TWSBI Eco Fountain Pen with Extra Fine Nib
  • Fountain pens are the most elegant writing instruments which get presented as gifts to business professionals, graduates, or retirees of law.
  • These pens are considered a mark of sophistication and mostly used by poets, cartoonist, illustrators, and artists.
  • Minimal effort is needed for writing and must be held at a constant angle of writing. Generally fountain pens create consistent line width in writing. However, for some fountain pens with bouncy nibs, you can create thick or thin strokes by the amount of pressure applied to the nib, which is called flexing in fountain pen terms.
  • Fountain pen nibs are usually made of stainless steel or varying gold content. These nibs come in sizes of extra-fine, medium, and bold. Despite of different nib materials, fountain pen nibs are made to last. With great care, they are writing instruments that can last your life time.
  • Fountain pens can only paired with fountain pen inks. Non-fountain-pen inks such as India inks for sketching or watercolour pigments are NOT safe for fountain pens. They can cause clottage in fountain pens. 

    Calligraphy Pens

     Pentel Brush Pen Calligraphy - Brush Lettering - Buchan's Kerrisdale Stationery Store

    Brush Pens Writing Examples

    Ornamental Dip Nib Pen Calligraphy Writing Samples - Buchan's Kerrisdale Stationery Store

    Ornamental Dip Nib Pen Writing Examples

     

    • Calligraphy pens are consist of a wide range of pens, including fountain pens, brush pens, dip pens, ballpoint pens and all other writing utensils. Essentially all writing instruments can be used for practicing calligraphy, a form of art based on writing. 
    • Due to the variation in thickness, different pens are used for different projects or stylized writings. For example, brush pens and pointed dip nib pens can be used to create classic Copperplate calligraphy while flat end nib pens can be used to Black Letter calligraphy or Italic calligraphy.
    • The variation in thickness can be created by varying the direction of stroke or varying degree of pressure applied on the nib.
    • These pens are held at a constant angle, but different scripts require various nib angles.
    • Calligraphy pens are made for practicing, they usually need to be replaced over time of use. For frequent practice, brush pens or dip nib pens will need to be replaced after 2 weeks ~ 1 month. 
    • Due to the disposable characteristic, the degree of maintenance required for calligraphy pens is low. Calligraphy pens can also pair different types of inks and pigments, including chalky calligraphy inks and metallic watercolour pigments. 

      Conclusion

      Which type of pen is suitable for you? It all depends on your needs! If you want something to last and to write consistently, some stylish fountain pens will be your great options. However, if you want pens that are specialized and used for projects and style writings, you may want to consider the different types of calligraphy pens.

      At Buchan's Kerrisdale Stationery in Vancouver, we have a wide range of Fountain pens and Calligraphy pens distributed by the most prominent brands. We are happy to help you find your perfect writing utensils. You can buy your favorite pens from our store or else you can order online.