Parts of a Calligraphy Pen

A calligraphy pen is used to create precise lines in a great variety of modern and traditional lettering styles. The pen allows the user to create diplomas, invitations, announcements, maps and other formal or ceremonial documents. Calligraphy pens come in two basic designs, the fountain pen and the dip pen, with a wide variation in their construction and appearance.

Nibs

The nib forms the tip of the pen, where ink is applied to the page. Nibs are made of stainless steel and have thin, flat edges designed to create a smooth and even line. They come in various widths; wider nibs create a wider line. Nibs also come in varying degrees of hardness. Generally, the harder the nib, the sharper the line. Softer nibs create softer, less-focused lines and are easier to control. A scroll tip has a small notch, which allows the user a greater variety of line types and special effects. A cylindrical cap encloses the nib when the pen is not in use, to protect it from damage and to keep the ink contained in the pen's reservoir from drying out.

Housing

The nib housing holds the nib by a long and thin extension. The housing has a short "needle" at its other end that holds the front end of the pen in place while the housing screws into a small set of threads in the front end of the barrel. Ink flows from the barrel to the nib through the hollow needle.

The Fountain Pen

In a fountain pen, the writer holds the pen by the handle where a ink cartridge or reservoir is located. An set into the barrel allows the user to draw the ink into the pen from a bottle. There are various pump designs, including rotating knobs, plungers, and levers, that carry out this action. Some fountain pens are designed to be used with cartridges, which are small disposable reservoirs set inside the barrel. Cartridges are easier to use and make the pen more portable, but there is sometimes a short delay while starting a calligraphy session with a cartridge, as the ink works its way from the cartridge down to the nib.

Dip Pens

Dip pens have a simpler construction, with a solid handle made of wood or plastic. Most have small ink reservoirs, usually made of brass, at the nib. Dip pens allow the user to try a wider variety of inks, many of which are unsuitable for use with fountain pens.

Markers

Calligraphy markers have ink already loaded and come with permanently attached nibs. These pens offer ease of use, as the ink flows immediately and evenly without any warm-up strokes, which are needed in standard pens to get the ink flowing. Some calligraphy markers have tips at both ends of the barrel. Marker tips tend to wear out much faster than metal nibs.

Other Calligrapher's Pens

Other calligraphy pens come in the form of brushes or quills, which give a greater variety of lines and effects. Some pens allow quills to be fitted in the same manner as interchangeable metal nibs.

References

• The Calligraphy Pen
• A Brief History of Fountain Pens

Resources

• The Calligraphy Pen Store