Essential Terms When
Buying Formal Pens
Formal pens have more parts than a simple store pen, but taking the time to know your pen is well worth the effort. Here are the most important terms.
The Nib: The nib is the tip of your pen you use to write. They use capillary action to pull ink out as you scroll across the page. The material the nib is made of will affect how smoothly it writes, the thickness of your writing, and the kind of line you get. We recommend a medium nib for first time formal pen owners.
The Feed: The feed is a the piece underneath the nib that sticks into the grip. It draws ink and brings it to the nib while bringing air back into the reservoir.
The Body: The part that goes in your hand.
The Filling Mechanism: The way the pen draws ink into the reservoir. Different for different pens, all of which have their advantages and disadvantages.
The Grip: The bit of the pen you hold onto, where the nib and feed are seated. Usually where the pen divides if unscrewing is part of the mechanism.
The Nib: The nib is the tip of your pen you use to write. They use capillary action to pull ink out as you scroll across the page. The material the nib is made of will affect how smoothly it writes, the thickness of your writing, and the kind of line you get. We recommend a medium nib for first time formal pen owners.
The Feed: The feed is a the piece underneath the nib that sticks into the grip. It draws ink and brings it to the nib while bringing air back into the reservoir.
The Body: The part that goes in your hand.
The Filling Mechanism: The way the pen draws ink into the reservoir. Different for different pens, all of which have their advantages and disadvantages.
The Grip: The bit of the pen you hold onto, where the nib and feed are seated. Usually where the pen divides if unscrewing is part of the mechanism.
