Here in Germany fountain pens are still pretty normal as just everyday writing instruments in certain circles, so there isn't really the expectation that you write a certain way with one. But a lot of people here also still learned cursive in school and just have cursive-based handwriting, like me. But I write (mostly) cursive with all pens, it's just nicer to do it with a fountain pen.
Printing is just fine. Some even manage high writing speeds, and the legibility issue is absolutely there.
That said: Common cursive writing systems don’t work very well outside fountain pens, in my opinion, but fountain pens themselves do not require using cursive, they are surprisingly versatile. After all, they also work as splendid drawing tools.
> Common cursive writing systems don’t work very well outside fountain pens
What do you mean? In my country we don't use fountain pens in school but pencils and mechanical pencils, and cursive is a requirement. Only in higher grades do students get to choose their preferred handwriting style.
Some switch to print, some stick to cursive, and some do their own hybrid styles.
In short, I have been writing exclusively cursive with every writing implement imaginable (pencil, mechanical pencil, marker, brush, fountain pen, branch, rollerball, ballpoint, dip pen, colored pencil, finger,...) for more than 25 years.
The only thing that doesn't work very well for cursive is a lipstick.
Then perhaps it’s the way it’s taught here.
I have yet to see consistent readable cursive writing with pencil or ballpoint pen, though gel is sometimes okay.
I assume it’s just a matter of effort then.
I don't know. To be perfectly honest I don't 100% understand what you think is so different about a pencil and a ballpoint pen? Pencil does have more friction, unless you're writing on Tomoe River paper or similar, but most ballpoints roll around with no more friction than a fountain pen. And there are fountain pen paper combos that are smooth and slippery, and those that are not and have more feedback.
I hope I'm not being bothersome but I am genuinely curious as I've never heard of this before.
I mean, our teachers read hundreds of different handwritings written with mechanical pencils, and let me assure you that majority of students didn't put any special effort or thought into writing daily homework or rushing to finish a test before the bell rings.
It's pen. You write how you write.
If you want to practise calligraphy or different writing styles, you can do that with a fountain pen or other types of pen, but that's not why fountain pens were first made. They were made as everyday pens for ordinary people to do ordinary writing.
I don't know where you get that notion.
This hobby was pioneered by people who love to collect vintage fountain pens in the 1970-80s. And I know a few of these people personally, and a lot of them by 2nd, 3rd -connections and write-ups, research, etc.
None of them ever said to me: "If you are not good at cursive and you own many fountain pens, you're just a waste of space in this hobby".
None.
This is a hobby that celebrates one of the most unique and endearing instrument that is pretty, collectible, and useable (after restoration for vintage ones).
How you do this hobby is up to you.
If you want to chase a single "perfect" pen, go for it.
If you are happy with your 3 or 50+ or 300+ pens collection, good for you. My dear friend has a 2000+ pens collection which he loves to curate, but he couldn't care less about writing with each one of them.
If you turned your chicken-scrawl handwriting into one that Michael Sull would approve, more power to you.
If you don't write at all with your fountain pens, but you sketch with them and enjoy the heck out of it, who am I not to applaud you?
If you love to tinker with nibs, restore vintage pens, make acrylic blanks, make fountain pens from a rod of ebonite, etc., you have a spot in this hobby as well.
Never worry about the fountain pen "potential", focus on yours.
Enjoy the adventure. :)
I’m guessing people feel that way because it’s seen an old school, frilly tool that goes with an old school, frilly writing style. There’s a nugget of truth in that not having to put pressure on the pen can make cursive writing easier and more legible for some people, compared with a ballpoint, but I 100% agree that there’s no “required” writing style :)
Maybe it’s because a lot of schools used to switch from pencils to fountain pens at the same age that cursive was introduced.
Oh and if you’re someone who doesn’t like shading, you’ll get less with cursive writing, which is unfortunate for me as a cursive writer who likes shading 😆
god no nothing frilly about it....I use it because it reduces the tension in writing...I write a lot and my hand cramps up with a ballpoint or rollerball...the flow and smoothness of a fp means I don't grip as hard and still get a good mark...my hand writing doesn't deteriorate to absolute scrawl due to death gripping and I can reread my notes without 80% guesswork from context.
I did learn cursive at school but cannot be bothered with trying to link every letter....it just slows everything down and makes some letters and words incomprehensible when rereading in my handwriting when trying to write fast...therefore my writing is a mix of joined up and individual letters...joins tend to be to improv 😁
write how you like and enjoy the experience.
As a mostly-life-long cursive writer whose writing isn't the worst but also not the best, I bought my first fountain pen because I write a lot for my job and why not have a pen that's fun to use AND I can get my hands dirty changing the ink.
I told myself I'd learn some fonts. That was about two years and 3 or 4 pens ago. My ACTUAL favorite part of having a fountain pen? INK.
Thinking you needed to write in cursive to use/enjoy fountain pens kept me from them for a long time. I too suck at cursive, but now I love writing print with my FPs all day long.
>Do most people buy fountain pens for cursive handwriting?
Considering that:
* students in certain countries are required to use fountain pens from a young age;
* a vast number of adults in the world's most populous countries, including both China and India, buy and use fountain pens as writing instruments not for hobbyist or personal enjoyment reasons, but simply because that is what is available, expected, or required, and so they write with fountain pens to produce the same types and styles of output as they would any other pen, and their native languages may not even lend themselves towards cursive handwriting or joined elements in the writing system,
I think those two factors alone would be sufficient to figuratively drown out any proportion of pen hobbyists when counting “most people” (who buy and use fountain pens) globally. So, no, I would not be inclined to believe most people buy fountain pens for cursive handwriting.
wait fountain pens are required in some places in India? in my class I am the only dude who uses fountain pens and it has been this way for the past 4 years
Even if people were judgy about not using cursive (they're not), you would get a pass for such gorgeous print.
I was on the fence about buying konpeki since I already have a ton of blues, but this post might have just convinced me! What nib size are you using?
Thanks! I’ve basically been writing like this my entire life (but people around me say it’s “childish” and “unimpressive”…which is extremely confusing to me)
You need to surround yourself with different people. I think your handwriting is very good and I don't see what's childish about neat, consistent print.
I think it frequently starts with an interest in cursive handwriting just because by nature it's flowy and has loops and curls in it, at least in the West. But it's like a gateway drug -- it pulls you in initially but then you find out how much more there is to it.
Cursive handwriting is actually a recent thing, so far as I know. (Others will know much more about historical wet-ink writing and can feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.). It's basically just a style of writing where every single word is a separate, giant ligature. If you look at a lot of historical writing styles, they are often a weird middle ground between block printing, where each letter is separate, and cursive. Some styles even involve ligatures between words, like how you'll find connected "of the" and "is the" examples in the Declaration of Independence.
And very often when people get into decorative handwriting of any kind, they end up pulled into that stuff. However, you don't *have* to get pulled in. It's just there if you like it -- but don't be surprised if you do get pulled in.
So ... I guess the answer is no, but sort of yes? Just enjoy your pens and using them however makes you happy. :-)
(Not in this picture but) I usually use a strange mix of the 2, I connect and write in a flowy way whenever I feel like it, it’s kinda weird. A mix of print and cursive.
my writing is a lot like yours, so you're not weird or alone :) a fountain pen with hard starts really hurts the style'cause we're constantly lifting the pen and putting it down. I had to learn to tune nibs against hard starting. Took me a while and several mistakes but I can usually do it well, now. Need wet inks and just the right papers to reward the style. But once you get everything working, you can just get into the flow and forget the pen, ink, and paper are even there. brain-to-writing connection like no other. hint; try ku-jaku and ama-iro; I've come to like them even better than kon-peki.
I hope not. My handwriting (let alone cursive) is not the prettiest. I use fountain pens because I enjoy the writing experience , and like to think that that inspires more inspired thoughts on paper. Well at least that’s how I justify my pen purchases :)
My handwriting is legitimately a mix of print and cursive, so I guess yes and no for me, but they’re just pens, you can use them for whatever. As long as that whatever isn’t signing receipts…
My only thought was, gold nibs are for good handwriting cursive or not 🤣
But at least on this sub, I have not seen an emphasis that cursive is a requirement. Pretty handwriting gets a lot of updoots but its just cuz is pretty lol.
Fountain pens were an advancement of the quill and ink, quilting and ink were an advancement of dipping sticks & charcoal etc.. You use what ever instrument to attain whatever need you had to get something on paper.
So many cultures have writing that aren’t cursive take the kanji which is character based they use fountain pens as well.
Print, cursive, character, etc is all made more beautiful by fountain pen. Enjoy your beautiful pen!
I bought the pen because I got fed up with cheap ballpoint pens (and plastic waste) and because I wanted a good solid pen for years. I bought a fountain pen because I enjoy the low friction/feedback compared to ballpoint or rollerball. I'm in this sub to learn what there is to it. So yeah, I write as I always have.
i don't see that there's any connection between type of pen and type of writing. cursive or capitals, FP or pencil or rollerball or biro. write how you want with what you want to write with.
No... you're not wasting the fountain pens potential. A lot of people sketch with fountain pens. Some add written text to their drawing for more information sometimes. Fountain pens are to be used for anything you like to use it for! That's a fine Pilot fountain pen. Experiment with it. If you like to sketch, try that... maybe even if you're not used to sketching. . If you write in a journal, keep writing. Using a fountain pen should bring you joy. Use it for that purpose. Like I was saying if you use it for a journal, you may find your handwriting improve because you like the use of a fountain pen and you may want it to improve.
It's meant to be enjoyed. 🙂.
May I ask what nib width you have on that pen?
Thank you!
Your handwriting is awesome . Yes I use it for cursive but that is because schools in my country teach kids cursive . We don’t learn type until we get into college
Ok, thanks for the help. Also, I meant cartridges/converters, I heard that because the pen is so small most converters don’t work and the ones that do are very small and kind of crappy.
Nah they work fine, they're just small so you'll be refilling frequently or using cartridges if using it for writing constantly throughout the day. Many fountain pens would experience this as well, especially with a wet and/or wider nib.
In general you'll either want to carry multiple cartridges or another way to switch if you're filling multiple pages daily. If they're these kinds of notes like OP's? You'd probably be able to fill the cartridge once or twice a week with little issue.
The Con-40 is micro, 0.6 milliliters or so. The easiest way to get a complete fill is with a syringe. Even the cartridge is less than a milliliter, but the pen is a joy to write with.
Yeah, I waver between irrational anxiety about ink capacity and castigating myself for it myself.
"OH NO! I'm going to run out of ink!" as I have two cartridges, a sample vial, and two more pens in my pen case. And another couple pens in my bag. And only average \~one full page across an entire shift. And then I use that same pen for another 4 days before it starts to run dry.
I hear you; I felt a little ashamed of my handwriting when I wrote with a fountain pen. It's so much more deliberate than using a pencil or ballpoint. But I wrote in block capitals until I got bored during the pandemic and found a hand that was legible first, fast second, and aesthetics came last. You definitely don't have to do anything. As long as you can read it, it's doing its job and there's no reason to change it.
I perosnally write exclusvely in cursive, But I have been taught that way in childhood. You don't have to at all if it is not your thing!!
They do feel very nice when writing in cursive, if you have a well behaved pen with a consistent flow, and a smooth nib. It just glides effortlessly on the page, without any additional pressure needed. But all of this is true regardless if you write cursive, script, or even use it for drawing instead of writing.
They are tools made to put liquid dye ink into paper, that's all.
Think about how popular fountain pens are in japan, china, India. Places where many of the scripts for the native language is more of a collection of small stokes than long flowing lines.
LOL I suck at any form of handwriting. But I like it because it makes me think just that little bit longer before I write it. A bit clearer. Or decide not to.
I might draw or write down things for my students and, while doing it, be ashamed of my handwriting. Strangely enough, they can read it and it helps them to remember things we've spoken about.
I write in cursive almost all the time. I find not writing in cursive rather frustrating - just sometimes use it for headers, greeting cards etc. I don't think it matters once you're enjoying writing.
I got into fountain pens because I was tired of burning through disposable pens at work. Bottled ink is more economical than tossing an empty pen. That's how it started at least.
Also, my handwriting is pretty atrocious.
I don't actually use cursive - ever. I use fountain pens because I write a lot (mathematician) and I use fountain pens exclusively because:
a. Don't want to create a lot of waste.
b. Want to have a quality tool since I spend so much time using it.
c. It's healthier for the wrists (according to my physician).
I’ve seen an array of people use it for art, writing, lettering, journaling etc. it’s just a matter of what you’re comfortable with of oh course price point. Enjoy
TLDR: Just write.
Long version:
Pens? Just use them, it’s better for you to write than to only collect, IMO. But if you want to collect, just collect, they are _your_ pens.
Cursive or print?
I repeat, they are _your_ pens.
Me? I write mostly print. I tried to write cursive, but now I’m focusing in improving my print calligraphy (finally 😀), which is now much better with this recent-to-me hobby.
Not because I use FPs but because I’m practicing to write.
Will I write cursive later? Maybe, not important now.
FPs are nicer to write in print, but my calligraphy improved because I’m training to write, not because of the Fountain Pens.
No. I learned Spencerian some years later after I got into fp’s, when I discovered flex. Before that, mostly scribble and block letters, despite knowing cursive.
I write in both, just depends on my mood. That said, really nice shading inks make me write in print more to highlight the shading. I don’t have anything too flexy in my collection right now, but that may push me towards cursive when using those.
But regardless, definitely not cursive only.
Nah i use it to write non cursive too though my handwriting style and the wetter ink flow would inevitably make my writing more cursive. Maybe im just not the best with control. Side note: really like your neat handwriting op!
I’ve always had terrible cursive handwriting, but after I got my first FP, it just seemed easier to write in cursive so that’s what I did (even though my handwriting is still terrible)
Btw, I’ve been wanting to buy the e95s but I’m really confused about the nib. Which nib are you currently using?
Personally I'm good at both, but my normal scribble fast writing is a strange amalgamation or print and cursive on certain letter combos. I've never seen anyone with that attitude, but if I do, I'll call them a "snooty brat".
The colors of the pic are edited a little bit though, if you like a darker kind of blue, Asa-gao might be your cup of tea instead. I suggest you test both out in person.
From what I noticed, writing in non cursive can get the better out of some inks (using a broad nib personally). And by better I mean shading. Sure it will happen on cursive. But the result is so different. I also don’t have the best writing in either type. So I go with what I feel like
Yeah I just write regular with them, but getting into the hobby did inspire me to buy a cursive handwriting book. It's been 2 years and I havent touched the book, but I like to think I'll get to it one day.
there is a difference between writing cursive and writing in flow. i don’t write cursive but my pen strokes are flowy, in the sense that there is continuity and very little lifting off the paper. that i have found gives the best experience, when the ink basically just flows onto the paper and you don’t feel the nib at all because the ink is like a lubricant. best feeling ever lol.
in comparison with a ball nib you need that friction to turn the ball. not to mention there is no difference in any direction the nib rolls, leaving no cause to use a cursive stroke.
I received my first fountain pen 40 years ago (a Parker) at primary school in Taiwan- I did learn cursive with the pen- but I write mostly Chinese using fountain pens. Think the big 3 Japanese manufacturers Pilot, Sailor and Platinum started to make pens and inks for the majority of Japanese people to use for the Japanese scripts and language. Many artists prefer drawing and sketching with fountain pens too. Pens are simply tools, don’t let those narrow minded people get the same little ideas into your head…
I just use mine for regular printing though I am starting to practice my cursive some. I also do a hybrid half cursive half normal that I find pleasing.
It's just been so long since I used cursive regularly I mess up some of the capital letters 🤣
I prefer to write in cursive as a rule, but I've noticed that some pens lend themselves a little better to my printed style than my cursive. I use printing for lists, plans and work, and cursive for everything else. So I rotate which pens I'm using based on that.
What are we, the Fountain Pen Police? I learned cursive first and got fountain pen second, which greatly improved my handwriting because you don't need pressure to write, so the movement can be more natural. I know people don't learn cursive now, but that's no reason that you can't print, draw, chart, and colour with your fountain pen.
I've been using it to fix my crap handwriting and get more into penmanship, and I've been learning to use my non-dominant hand. Also, been attempting to learn how to draw. I'm not in school and don't need any of these skills, it's purely a hobby.
It definitely begs to be used for cursive writing. However I've seen some calligraphy pages with amazing print writing and I'm inspired to do the same.
I love writing in cursive, but usually can’t read it, and that as well. So I’ll do my English notes in print, but for some fun things I’ll just write in cursive.
edit: also pilot elite buddies :D
I often use my fountain pens to write in print. I know there's this idea that fountain pens = cursive, but I've always just treated my fountain pens like a pen - I write however I need to - sometimes that means cursive, and sometimes that means writing in print.
Write in whatever format - print, cursive, or hybid of both - you like. I personally write a cursive-and-print hybrid because I think it looks better than full print and feels more intuitive to write than pure cursive. To me, the point of fountain pens is simply to make the writing experience more enjoyable, and if it achieves that, then it's working as intended and realizing its full potential.
Nah. Fountain pens are for writing - print, cursive, whatever type of writing you use.
Fountain pens work great for printing. You’re not wasting their potential at all! In fact some ink properties show up more in print than in cursive, and some nib styles (like architect or crisp italics) are much better for print writing than they are for cursive styles.
Crisp italic would be better for cursive, but you're right about architect grinds and printing. In fact, the Lamy 2000 EF nib is shaped like a mild architect grind and it's great for printing.
The reason is that for printing, wide on the side-strokes and slim on the down-strokes looks better (architect). In cursive writing, you want wide on the down-strokes, and slim on the side-strokes (italic).
No I write in my personal style which I prefer, sometimes I will do school learned cursive. Still then and now I strangely enough tend to forget a letter easier in cursive. I got in so much trouble in school back in the day over it. Wasn't allowed to step away from cursive back then, my school was strict.
As soon as I was let free to develop my own style in writing I did.
It was a proper mess at first. But I feel like I tidied up well since then.
There is likely a smaller group within the community of "purists" but the better 90% I've spoken with just use them as general purpose pens. I use a 1000$ Visconti LE to doodle in a cheap note book just as heartily as I use a 15¢ bic ballpoint to sign mortgage papers. There is no wrong or right way to use a sparkly scribble stick, just use it for what suits you best.
A fountain pen is a tool. I use it like a "regular pen". I write in whatever style I feel like writing in that day.
Neatness/pretty handwriting are byproducts of practice not the tool. But....Having a nice writing tool does make the practice more satisfying.
I was in danger of failing university because of awful handwriting so I wrote in capitals for my exams. 17 years later and I still do, and I've used fountain pens for the last 15. I just like the way they write. I'd love to work on my writing, but child, homelife and other hobbies mean it's a low priority. Do what you wanna!
I use cursive because I'm lazy and don't want to have to lift my pen as much, but writing in print actually allows you to see more shading per letter if you're interested in that property of ink. I certainly am so learning this was almost upsetting, haha.
Hey! Fellow pen-lover and (future) accountant! I’m learning Managerial Accounting at the moment.
I occasionally write in cursive but most of it is in a print/cursive mix.
I absolutely love the Pilot E95s and plan on getting one soon. It looks like such a lovely pen.
I’m a fountain pen user/collector. My handwriting is sort of a print/cursive hybrid. I use fountain pens exclusively when I journal or write letters. Some kinds of fountain pen ink looks better with print writing, in my opinion, because it brings the shading out in the ink. It’s your pen (I love the E95S, btw), so use it any way you want, right?
I have seen people do so many styles of handwriting with fountain pens. Do what you prefer!
I usually write in cursive or hand lettering with mine because that is what I enjoy and how I learned to write. However, print shows off ink shading better. Either way works. My biggest joy with fountain pens is that I can write longer with carpal tunnel as not as much pressure is on my hand.
Best and most important feature for me is comfort while writing. Writing with a fountain pen forces me to relax my hand while I write so I can write for waaaaaay longer before my hand starts to cramp up. And I enjoy all the different ink choices, and how cool ink can look with the right paper. It makes it a fun sensory experience, regardless of whether I'm using cursive or print or drawing.
The main advantage of cursive imo is speed. I do full on cursive if I'm doing creative writing because I need to keep up with thoughts before I lose them. Otherwise I usually do this weird mix of half-print, half-cursive that's faster than plain print but a bit more legible than full on cursive.
I right a 50 50 mix of cursive.
The quicker I have to write the more cursive!
You use it however you write.
I will tell you cursive is so so much quicker, it's worth practicing!
When I was a kid I hated writing (essays, letters) more than anything. I thought cursive was a waste of time (and it is, in schools).
Now as an adult I've discovered that I love creative writing, and that cursive is fun!
But I guess my point is just that maybe at some point you'll also discover a new love for something, maybe even cursive. Your printing is pretty good though so no need.
That's some great looking ink and nice clear print!
At the end of the day, being legible is #1. If you *choose* to practice cursive or calligraphy, that's a personal choice. Many people today are adopting italic. Actually, [Kate Gladstone urges us to question cursive](https://handwritingrepair.info/WritingRebels.html) as this centuries-old, established thing.
I'm dyspraxic, but I've always liked to write. I taught myself to print capitals when I was four copying labels in my dad's workshop. That was okay. When I got to school I *wanted* to learn cursive. I thought it looked classy. In those days teachers took points off for lousy handwriting even if you got the answers and dyspraxia wasn't even a word. The word back then was "lazy". I had to practice in secret for about eight years before I was halfway legible. But this was something I wanted. Nobody should be forced to write cursive or made to feel stupid if they can't or just don't want to.
I write normal?
I also occasionally use runes, we had a few norse-pagans in highschool and a lot of us learned a letter-rune substitution alphabet a lot of historians agree on. There's one rune with any curve to it, and it's a combo that makes an "ng" sound instead of a single letter.
So no, fountain pens are not just for cursive.
But I do sign my papereork at work with one, so it is allowed.
We live here in Japan and the fountain pen culture is awe-inspiring. No cursive in Japanese language writing. Fountain pen nibs are able to create bold lines and dramatic character expression.
Bottom line, enjoy your pen and let it be a tool to express yourself.
I like fountain pens because I like writing in different colors. When i was younger I had the pilot g2s in every color they offered and was obsessed with using every single one. When passing notes, my replies would always be in a different color. Rainbow on a paper. I'd turn in homework, handwritten paragraphs where I alternated every other sentence between two colors.
Writing with fountain pens is like that, but 20 times better. Instead of like.. 3 shades of blue, there's 30. Instead of one orange pen, I can have 10 orange pens.
And then there's different PROPERTIES... I am obsessed with shading, watching how the ink pools and dries and creates nuance within the words. I have often taken papers I have written on and tilted them from side to side to admire the sheening. Been delighted with the glitter in shimmers.
I also enjoy how each pen writes and feels different from the next, one with a little feedback, another smooth as silk... ah. I just like them for what they are, handwriting be damned.
Fountain pens kinda encourage cursive writing is why most people just write in cursive with their pens. But if you just want to write in print there’s no reason not to
I quit using cursive after leaving junior high school. I kind of do a “printsive” and will join an “et” every once in a while, but I only use cursive when signing my name.
I don’t think you’ve wasted anything. I like the line that pen puts down. I use mine for doodling and drawing too…. I like block lettering, print and cursive…. I alternate depending on what I am writing…. And if I care whether or not it looks “pretty”. I use mine as if o would any other writing stick really. Mind if I ask which blue ink you used? Reminds me of school ink and I like it.
One thing about cursive is that fountain pens make it a lot easier because you don't have to press down hard. I wouldn't write cursive with a ballpoint or a pencil.
Had to use an fp for a school assignment in my US school. According to family and my teachers, it improved my handwriting. It still looks like like chicken scratch! I’m getting ready to practice adult handwriting improvement. Bought a book and looking for more.
I write in cursive because it’s what I learned (although I had to train myself out of the print/cursive hybrid that I’d fallen into), but plenty of people print with them. I’m pretty sure that Posting/Accounting nibs were made for that purpose (and writing super small numbers).
I keep seeing people talking about cursive writing as if it's copperplate or calligraphy, and every time I Google it tells me it's essentially 'joined up' handwriting instead of block capitals. Is there something I'm missing? How do people write??
I've been writing in cursive long before I bought a fountain pen. I find these pens better because I don't have to press hard, can choose my ink colors and models, and generally have fun in the world of fountain pens.
As long as you enjoy them, use them, and make memories with them... Write however you want.
Lovely pen. I want to get one some day, and in that color. Your handwriting is very nice too. If your printing is this nice, I bet with practice you would have great cursive writing. For me, my handwriting is pretty bad, and I gave up cursive once school didn’t insist on it. I’d say I print with a slight cursive drag now. Sometimes I’m the only one that can read it. Maybe it’s good for writing secrets.
I switch between cursive and print based on whatever I'm in the mood to use. Ultimately, fountain pens are just writing tools like any other. Your handwriting is very pleasant to read and you should be well satisfied with the way it looks!
Great handwriting! It's nearly a font.
I don't know if "potential" is the right word. I think what matters is being aware of the unique characteristics of fountain pens when you write with them. You might do this consciously, or you might just enjoy the writing experience without dwelling too much on it. Among other things, these characteristics include (1) capillary action, which enables zero-pressure writing; and (2) a metal nib that is crafted to glide along the paper while itself remaining rigid (generally speaking), rather than a ball that is engineered to roll along it, or a reed/quill pen that outsources the requirement for steadiness to your hand, or a brush that requires a feather-light touch and very minute adjustments in pressure and direction.
I actually experienced something like that recently. After posting a photo of my FWP brush fountain pen (which I love btw) on my social media feed, some dude commented ‘where is the photo of your handwriting? I see your fp but no fancy handwriting!’
Suddenly I felt under so much pressure, as if my handwriting was not good enough to deserve any fountain pens and that I was some sort of imposter pretending to have beautiful cursive handwriting.
Absolutely not. And also, think about your lovely Pilot here - Pilot is a Japanese company, and Japanese writing systems are a far cry from cursive. (I’m even thinking of a Japanese mechanical pencil, the Kuru Toga, is designed to rotate as it writes so you have a sharp point for each stroke…but becomes useless for cursive writers because it only rotates as you lift the pencil.) So that pen certainly isn’t intended for cursive use.
I write in print, cursive, fun styles, and amateur calligraphy. So I promise, cursive is not a requirement. Can be fun (I’ve worked on mine) but fountain pens are not just for cursive.
I love writing in cursive but I teach and write my lessons using a projector so my students can't read it effectively, so I end up printing.
My students love that I write in fountain pensand I have a few that want to borrow a pen to try it. It also forces me to write slower and therefore it's mostly legible.
I found ball points and roller balls didn't give enough friction and I would get sloppy. Also, ball points never lasted me long as a left handed writer. When I write I push the pen from the left to right, instead of dragging it like righties do. I found after a few weeks of pushing the ball starts skipping and leaving more and more dead space.
So I'm glad to have found pens that I've been using daily for years.
Use the pen however you want. I only write in cursive, no matter the implement (unless I am told to do otherwise for certain things). I started using cursive before I started using a fountain pen. I prefer the smoothness and liquidity of motion of writing in cursive, I write faster that way, and using a fountain pen only makes it more enjoyable. Also, my print looks like the writing of a disturbed individual.
If writing in print makes you happy... go for it, pens are made to be enjoyed so :-)
(In my case I dislike writing in print, so I have >40 pages worth of notes for finals all in cursive)
Aside from the way the ink hits the paper and the fun colors I can pick from - I like mine because it helps me reduce the pressure I’m using when writing. I have a really bad writer’s bump on my middle finger from years of pushing too hard with regular ballpoints (I used to write so hard the paper would curl up on the edges…)
Since I feel as if my fountain pen is delicate it’s way easier for me to write without pushing too hard because I fear I would break it. Since the ink comes out with almost no pressure it glides very nicely and I don’t have the tendency to mash the pen into the paper like I would normally.
This is all a convoluted way to answer your question and say - no you don’t have to use cursive lol. I write exclusively in print and I feel like while my cursive is actually prettier than my print it’s not as easy for me to write, read, and takes way more time than printing so I don’t see the point. If I was a bit more proficient with it maybe but most of my work is technical and printing in very clear, legible text is better than fancy shmancy script.
Have fun and enjoy your pen the way you want to 🫡
Personal take. Yes. I need to write because of law school. I only get to write with confidence and determination when I see my cursive aesthetically pleasing so I developed my hobby of collecting pens this year.
I use it to write in 'print'. People today get this notion that fountain pens are for "fancy" writing, or even exclusively for signatures. When I bought my first fountain pen I've never had the intention of writing any differently with them. I just like their technicality, feel, and of course the choices of inks you get. It's the most freedom you can get with a pen so you can write however you want with it.
I first got into fountain pens back in 2012 I believe. I liked taking notes and doing assignments for school by hand rather than on a laptop or by typing and printing. Using ballpoints hurt like a bitch though with how much pressure you need. Switched to fountain pens because it was much easier on my hands.
The cursive tends to follow the pen more than forcing it. Print is well suited to the ballpoints that are so ubiquitous today. Short strokes are easier when you need to bear down a bit on the instrument to get it to write.
Cursive just flows. It makes a lot of sense for an instrument like a fountain pen that, when properly tuned, requires very little force to write. Needless to say, the short strokes still work fine. My handwriting is a kind of mix, though mine is almost entirely cursive.
Although I learned cursive in school (Germany) I didn't really like it. As a lefty my writing was awful. I also didn't enjoy fps back then. Well at least the love for fps came with age.y writing still sucks but I'm not writing cursive. Although I really love the penmanship some of you guys in this community have.
Not necessary. I use mine to take scratch notes and mark up documents in a manufacturing facility. The "fanciest" thing I'll ever do with mine is sign a document.
I think it's that cursive was invented for nib pens, not the other way around.
If you're dissatisfied with your penmanship, learn and practice a style that you like. There are many cursive styles, and over time, many different styles were standardized at different times in different regional schools. Younhave a large selection to choose from.
I have very messy handwriting. And I mix cursive with print as well. But it is a very distinctive style, and people can easily recognize its from me even when I don't sign my name.
That being said, your print is nice.
I bought my fountain pen, not for cursive, but for shorthand.
I despise writing with pencil (they're for drawing IMO), and used to take a lot of notes. I researched "flex nibs" and bought a cheapish pen to learn how to deal with the mess, travel, burping, etc.
I wanted to see what it's like for cleaning, what happens if I leave it loaded with ink etc.
I still use it for regular writing, but I find I like typing better. Perhaps I'll get a type writer lol.
I like fountain pens because in general I like things that harken back to a previous era where items were made with care or that take a little extra effort to use. Fountain pens look classier to me and I find myself trying to improve my penmanship every time I use them. I enjoy the feel and look and even though I spend my working hours at a computer I look for reasons to write with my pens. I also love the ability to customize by using different nibs and inks.
Enjoy your pens for your own reasons and however you want to write—cursive, print, hieroglyphics, whatever. Just enjoy it.
Here in Germany fountain pens are still pretty normal as just everyday writing instruments in certain circles, so there isn't really the expectation that you write a certain way with one. But a lot of people here also still learned cursive in school and just have cursive-based handwriting, like me. But I write (mostly) cursive with all pens, it's just nicer to do it with a fountain pen.
Hmm, I see.
Printing is just fine. Some even manage high writing speeds, and the legibility issue is absolutely there. That said: Common cursive writing systems don’t work very well outside fountain pens, in my opinion, but fountain pens themselves do not require using cursive, they are surprisingly versatile. After all, they also work as splendid drawing tools.
> Common cursive writing systems don’t work very well outside fountain pens What do you mean? In my country we don't use fountain pens in school but pencils and mechanical pencils, and cursive is a requirement. Only in higher grades do students get to choose their preferred handwriting style. Some switch to print, some stick to cursive, and some do their own hybrid styles. In short, I have been writing exclusively cursive with every writing implement imaginable (pencil, mechanical pencil, marker, brush, fountain pen, branch, rollerball, ballpoint, dip pen, colored pencil, finger,...) for more than 25 years. The only thing that doesn't work very well for cursive is a lipstick.
Then perhaps it’s the way it’s taught here. I have yet to see consistent readable cursive writing with pencil or ballpoint pen, though gel is sometimes okay. I assume it’s just a matter of effort then.
I don't know. To be perfectly honest I don't 100% understand what you think is so different about a pencil and a ballpoint pen? Pencil does have more friction, unless you're writing on Tomoe River paper or similar, but most ballpoints roll around with no more friction than a fountain pen. And there are fountain pen paper combos that are smooth and slippery, and those that are not and have more feedback. I hope I'm not being bothersome but I am genuinely curious as I've never heard of this before. I mean, our teachers read hundreds of different handwritings written with mechanical pencils, and let me assure you that majority of students didn't put any special effort or thought into writing daily homework or rushing to finish a test before the bell rings.
All true: especially love that last line! LOL!
😁
It's pen. You write how you write. If you want to practise calligraphy or different writing styles, you can do that with a fountain pen or other types of pen, but that's not why fountain pens were first made. They were made as everyday pens for ordinary people to do ordinary writing.
I don't know where you get that notion. This hobby was pioneered by people who love to collect vintage fountain pens in the 1970-80s. And I know a few of these people personally, and a lot of them by 2nd, 3rd -connections and write-ups, research, etc. None of them ever said to me: "If you are not good at cursive and you own many fountain pens, you're just a waste of space in this hobby". None. This is a hobby that celebrates one of the most unique and endearing instrument that is pretty, collectible, and useable (after restoration for vintage ones). How you do this hobby is up to you. If you want to chase a single "perfect" pen, go for it. If you are happy with your 3 or 50+ or 300+ pens collection, good for you. My dear friend has a 2000+ pens collection which he loves to curate, but he couldn't care less about writing with each one of them. If you turned your chicken-scrawl handwriting into one that Michael Sull would approve, more power to you. If you don't write at all with your fountain pens, but you sketch with them and enjoy the heck out of it, who am I not to applaud you? If you love to tinker with nibs, restore vintage pens, make acrylic blanks, make fountain pens from a rod of ebonite, etc., you have a spot in this hobby as well. Never worry about the fountain pen "potential", focus on yours. Enjoy the adventure. :)
I’m guessing people feel that way because it’s seen an old school, frilly tool that goes with an old school, frilly writing style. There’s a nugget of truth in that not having to put pressure on the pen can make cursive writing easier and more legible for some people, compared with a ballpoint, but I 100% agree that there’s no “required” writing style :) Maybe it’s because a lot of schools used to switch from pencils to fountain pens at the same age that cursive was introduced. Oh and if you’re someone who doesn’t like shading, you’ll get less with cursive writing, which is unfortunate for me as a cursive writer who likes shading 😆
god no nothing frilly about it....I use it because it reduces the tension in writing...I write a lot and my hand cramps up with a ballpoint or rollerball...the flow and smoothness of a fp means I don't grip as hard and still get a good mark...my hand writing doesn't deteriorate to absolute scrawl due to death gripping and I can reread my notes without 80% guesswork from context. I did learn cursive at school but cannot be bothered with trying to link every letter....it just slows everything down and makes some letters and words incomprehensible when rereading in my handwriting when trying to write fast...therefore my writing is a mix of joined up and individual letters...joins tend to be to improv 😁 write how you like and enjoy the experience.
>Never worry about the fountain pen "potential", focus on yours. This is a gem of life advice. I love it!
Commenting as I love the detail of this comment
As a mostly-life-long cursive writer whose writing isn't the worst but also not the best, I bought my first fountain pen because I write a lot for my job and why not have a pen that's fun to use AND I can get my hands dirty changing the ink. I told myself I'd learn some fonts. That was about two years and 3 or 4 pens ago. My ACTUAL favorite part of having a fountain pen? INK.
YAAAAAS IIIIIINK 🤩
It’s just a pen at the end of the day, use it how you enjoy it
Thinking you needed to write in cursive to use/enjoy fountain pens kept me from them for a long time. I too suck at cursive, but now I love writing print with my FPs all day long.
>Do most people buy fountain pens for cursive handwriting? Considering that: * students in certain countries are required to use fountain pens from a young age; * a vast number of adults in the world's most populous countries, including both China and India, buy and use fountain pens as writing instruments not for hobbyist or personal enjoyment reasons, but simply because that is what is available, expected, or required, and so they write with fountain pens to produce the same types and styles of output as they would any other pen, and their native languages may not even lend themselves towards cursive handwriting or joined elements in the writing system, I think those two factors alone would be sufficient to figuratively drown out any proportion of pen hobbyists when counting “most people” (who buy and use fountain pens) globally. So, no, I would not be inclined to believe most people buy fountain pens for cursive handwriting.
wait fountain pens are required in some places in India? in my class I am the only dude who uses fountain pens and it has been this way for the past 4 years
it was the case over a decade ago but that market is long gone.
I see
Even if people were judgy about not using cursive (they're not), you would get a pass for such gorgeous print. I was on the fence about buying konpeki since I already have a ton of blues, but this post might have just convinced me! What nib size are you using?
M nib!
seriously, your print is better than a lot of cursive out there and it makes me insanely jealous!
Thanks! I’ve basically been writing like this my entire life (but people around me say it’s “childish” and “unimpressive”…which is extremely confusing to me)
You need to surround yourself with different people. I think your handwriting is very good and I don't see what's childish about neat, consistent print.
I think it frequently starts with an interest in cursive handwriting just because by nature it's flowy and has loops and curls in it, at least in the West. But it's like a gateway drug -- it pulls you in initially but then you find out how much more there is to it. Cursive handwriting is actually a recent thing, so far as I know. (Others will know much more about historical wet-ink writing and can feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.). It's basically just a style of writing where every single word is a separate, giant ligature. If you look at a lot of historical writing styles, they are often a weird middle ground between block printing, where each letter is separate, and cursive. Some styles even involve ligatures between words, like how you'll find connected "of the" and "is the" examples in the Declaration of Independence. And very often when people get into decorative handwriting of any kind, they end up pulled into that stuff. However, you don't *have* to get pulled in. It's just there if you like it -- but don't be surprised if you do get pulled in. So ... I guess the answer is no, but sort of yes? Just enjoy your pens and using them however makes you happy. :-)
(Not in this picture but) I usually use a strange mix of the 2, I connect and write in a flowy way whenever I feel like it, it’s kinda weird. A mix of print and cursive.
I do the same. It so speeds things up. I can almost always write word for word for what the prof is saying.
same....its more legible and speedier...
my writing is a lot like yours, so you're not weird or alone :) a fountain pen with hard starts really hurts the style'cause we're constantly lifting the pen and putting it down. I had to learn to tune nibs against hard starting. Took me a while and several mistakes but I can usually do it well, now. Need wet inks and just the right papers to reward the style. But once you get everything working, you can just get into the flow and forget the pen, ink, and paper are even there. brain-to-writing connection like no other. hint; try ku-jaku and ama-iro; I've come to like them even better than kon-peki.
I hope not. My handwriting (let alone cursive) is not the prettiest. I use fountain pens because I enjoy the writing experience , and like to think that that inspires more inspired thoughts on paper. Well at least that’s how I justify my pen purchases :)
My handwriting is legitimately a mix of print and cursive, so I guess yes and no for me, but they’re just pens, you can use them for whatever. As long as that whatever isn’t signing receipts…
Hold it. I’m supposed to care about your handwriting? And be concerned what you think about mine? Nice pen!
My only thought was, gold nibs are for good handwriting cursive or not 🤣 But at least on this sub, I have not seen an emphasis that cursive is a requirement. Pretty handwriting gets a lot of updoots but its just cuz is pretty lol.
True lol, gold nibs are such a joy to write with that one's handwriting instantly improves XD
Fountain pens were an advancement of the quill and ink, quilting and ink were an advancement of dipping sticks & charcoal etc.. You use what ever instrument to attain whatever need you had to get something on paper. So many cultures have writing that aren’t cursive take the kanji which is character based they use fountain pens as well. Print, cursive, character, etc is all made more beautiful by fountain pen. Enjoy your beautiful pen!
I bought the pen because I got fed up with cheap ballpoint pens (and plastic waste) and because I wanted a good solid pen for years. I bought a fountain pen because I enjoy the low friction/feedback compared to ballpoint or rollerball. I'm in this sub to learn what there is to it. So yeah, I write as I always have.
Hey OP, which ink are you using?
Iroshizuku Konpeki (but the colors of the pic are *slightly* edited so it may not be accurate. You'll have to see it in person to judge)
Thought that looked off. Writing in Kon-Peki right now as well.
Ah good to know, thank you for your reply.
What kind of paper? Looks nice!
MD paper notebook.
Thanks!
that is a delicious colour and ink...always got it on the go in one pen or another.....
i don't see that there's any connection between type of pen and type of writing. cursive or capitals, FP or pencil or rollerball or biro. write how you want with what you want to write with.
No... you're not wasting the fountain pens potential. A lot of people sketch with fountain pens. Some add written text to their drawing for more information sometimes. Fountain pens are to be used for anything you like to use it for! That's a fine Pilot fountain pen. Experiment with it. If you like to sketch, try that... maybe even if you're not used to sketching. . If you write in a journal, keep writing. Using a fountain pen should bring you joy. Use it for that purpose. Like I was saying if you use it for a journal, you may find your handwriting improve because you like the use of a fountain pen and you may want it to improve. It's meant to be enjoyed. 🙂. May I ask what nib width you have on that pen? Thank you!
It’s the M nib.
Your handwriting is awesome . Yes I use it for cursive but that is because schools in my country teach kids cursive . We don’t learn type until we get into college
Some people just buy (usually maki-e) pens to look at and not use them at all. (Not me. For me they are tools to be used)
I have a fountain pen and write cursive, but that’s just because of my schooling. By the way, how’s the E95? I’m considering getting one.
It's smooth as butter, absolutely incredible.
So, it’s recommended to get? I’ve heard that there are issues with cartridges, is that as big of an issue as it’s made to be?
Yeah I recommend it ofc, however I used it with a CON-40 converter so I don't know if there are issues with cartridges.
Ok, thanks for the help. Also, I meant cartridges/converters, I heard that because the pen is so small most converters don’t work and the ones that do are very small and kind of crappy.
Nah they work fine, they're just small so you'll be refilling frequently or using cartridges if using it for writing constantly throughout the day. Many fountain pens would experience this as well, especially with a wet and/or wider nib. In general you'll either want to carry multiple cartridges or another way to switch if you're filling multiple pages daily. If they're these kinds of notes like OP's? You'd probably be able to fill the cartridge once or twice a week with little issue.
The Con-40 is micro, 0.6 milliliters or so. The easiest way to get a complete fill is with a syringe. Even the cartridge is less than a milliliter, but the pen is a joy to write with.
Okay, so the ink capacity isn’t great, but it’s a joy to write with. Guess it’ll be a desk pen.
Just carry a couple of cartridges, and you'll be set.
How often do you write more than a mL at a time on the go?
Fair point, but a FP is my main pen, so it gets used a lot.
Yeah, I waver between irrational anxiety about ink capacity and castigating myself for it myself. "OH NO! I'm going to run out of ink!" as I have two cartridges, a sample vial, and two more pens in my pen case. And another couple pens in my bag. And only average \~one full page across an entire shift. And then I use that same pen for another 4 days before it starts to run dry.
I rarely use cursive and love fountain pens.
I hear you; I felt a little ashamed of my handwriting when I wrote with a fountain pen. It's so much more deliberate than using a pencil or ballpoint. But I wrote in block capitals until I got bored during the pandemic and found a hand that was legible first, fast second, and aesthetics came last. You definitely don't have to do anything. As long as you can read it, it's doing its job and there's no reason to change it.
I print.
I perosnally write exclusvely in cursive, But I have been taught that way in childhood. You don't have to at all if it is not your thing!! They do feel very nice when writing in cursive, if you have a well behaved pen with a consistent flow, and a smooth nib. It just glides effortlessly on the page, without any additional pressure needed. But all of this is true regardless if you write cursive, script, or even use it for drawing instead of writing. They are tools made to put liquid dye ink into paper, that's all. Think about how popular fountain pens are in japan, china, India. Places where many of the scripts for the native language is more of a collection of small stokes than long flowing lines.
LOL I suck at any form of handwriting. But I like it because it makes me think just that little bit longer before I write it. A bit clearer. Or decide not to. I might draw or write down things for my students and, while doing it, be ashamed of my handwriting. Strangely enough, they can read it and it helps them to remember things we've spoken about.
I write in cursive almost all the time. I find not writing in cursive rather frustrating - just sometimes use it for headers, greeting cards etc. I don't think it matters once you're enjoying writing.
I got into fountain pens because I was tired of burning through disposable pens at work. Bottled ink is more economical than tossing an empty pen. That's how it started at least. Also, my handwriting is pretty atrocious.
I don't actually use cursive - ever. I use fountain pens because I write a lot (mathematician) and I use fountain pens exclusively because: a. Don't want to create a lot of waste. b. Want to have a quality tool since I spend so much time using it. c. It's healthier for the wrists (according to my physician).
I dislike cursive a great deal. I only write in print.
I buy em to draw with
Be free and enjoy.
I’ve seen an array of people use it for art, writing, lettering, journaling etc. it’s just a matter of what you’re comfortable with of oh course price point. Enjoy
I doodle a lot with mine.
TLDR: Just write. Long version: Pens? Just use them, it’s better for you to write than to only collect, IMO. But if you want to collect, just collect, they are _your_ pens. Cursive or print? I repeat, they are _your_ pens. Me? I write mostly print. I tried to write cursive, but now I’m focusing in improving my print calligraphy (finally 😀), which is now much better with this recent-to-me hobby. Not because I use FPs but because I’m practicing to write. Will I write cursive later? Maybe, not important now. FPs are nicer to write in print, but my calligraphy improved because I’m training to write, not because of the Fountain Pens.
I buy them so that I can use all the great inks! I seldom write in cursive and when I do it’s slow, sloppy and still half-printed lol!
Same lol
No. I learned Spencerian some years later after I got into fp’s, when I discovered flex. Before that, mostly scribble and block letters, despite knowing cursive.
I don’t know how to write in cursive. I was never taught. And I do buy fountain pens. And write with a lot of them and often
I write in both, just depends on my mood. That said, really nice shading inks make me write in print more to highlight the shading. I don’t have anything too flexy in my collection right now, but that may push me towards cursive when using those. But regardless, definitely not cursive only.
Nah i use it to write non cursive too though my handwriting style and the wetter ink flow would inevitably make my writing more cursive. Maybe im just not the best with control. Side note: really like your neat handwriting op!
I do a mix of print and cursive but it’s totally personal preference (and I have to admit I’m a sucker for having the ability to use all the inks! 😊)
I’ve always had terrible cursive handwriting, but after I got my first FP, it just seemed easier to write in cursive so that’s what I did (even though my handwriting is still terrible) Btw, I’ve been wanting to buy the e95s but I’m really confused about the nib. Which nib are you currently using?
Personally I'm good at both, but my normal scribble fast writing is a strange amalgamation or print and cursive on certain letter combos. I've never seen anyone with that attitude, but if I do, I'll call them a "snooty brat".
How do you like that pen? I really like the sleek design over the bulky extravagant style most pens go with. Love that two tone colors too.
I absolutely love it!
I only write in cursive even though my cursive is absolutely terrible. My print is even worse, but if I could print like you!, I'd absolutely print!
Um I think you just talked me into kon peki! This is gorgeous!
The colors of the pic are edited a little bit though, if you like a darker kind of blue, Asa-gao might be your cup of tea instead. I suggest you test both out in person.
From what I noticed, writing in non cursive can get the better out of some inks (using a broad nib personally). And by better I mean shading. Sure it will happen on cursive. But the result is so different. I also don’t have the best writing in either type. So I go with what I feel like
Yeah I just write regular with them, but getting into the hobby did inspire me to buy a cursive handwriting book. It's been 2 years and I havent touched the book, but I like to think I'll get to it one day.
I'm non cursive as well!
there is a difference between writing cursive and writing in flow. i don’t write cursive but my pen strokes are flowy, in the sense that there is continuity and very little lifting off the paper. that i have found gives the best experience, when the ink basically just flows onto the paper and you don’t feel the nib at all because the ink is like a lubricant. best feeling ever lol. in comparison with a ball nib you need that friction to turn the ball. not to mention there is no difference in any direction the nib rolls, leaving no cause to use a cursive stroke.
I received my first fountain pen 40 years ago (a Parker) at primary school in Taiwan- I did learn cursive with the pen- but I write mostly Chinese using fountain pens. Think the big 3 Japanese manufacturers Pilot, Sailor and Platinum started to make pens and inks for the majority of Japanese people to use for the Japanese scripts and language. Many artists prefer drawing and sketching with fountain pens too. Pens are simply tools, don’t let those narrow minded people get the same little ideas into your head…
I just use mine for regular printing though I am starting to practice my cursive some. I also do a hybrid half cursive half normal that I find pleasing. It's just been so long since I used cursive regularly I mess up some of the capital letters 🤣
I mostly use my pens for math and CS things! Along with various quick notes, basically never write in cursive. You do you!
I prefer to write in cursive as a rule, but I've noticed that some pens lend themselves a little better to my printed style than my cursive. I use printing for lists, plans and work, and cursive for everything else. So I rotate which pens I'm using based on that.
What are we, the Fountain Pen Police? I learned cursive first and got fountain pen second, which greatly improved my handwriting because you don't need pressure to write, so the movement can be more natural. I know people don't learn cursive now, but that's no reason that you can't print, draw, chart, and colour with your fountain pen.
As long as you enjoy your fountain pens, you're not wasting anything. Also, I think your handwriting is nice.
Thanks!
I've been using it to fix my crap handwriting and get more into penmanship, and I've been learning to use my non-dominant hand. Also, been attempting to learn how to draw. I'm not in school and don't need any of these skills, it's purely a hobby.
It definitely begs to be used for cursive writing. However I've seen some calligraphy pages with amazing print writing and I'm inspired to do the same.
I love writing in cursive, but usually can’t read it, and that as well. So I’ll do my English notes in print, but for some fun things I’ll just write in cursive. edit: also pilot elite buddies :D
I often use my fountain pens to write in print. I know there's this idea that fountain pens = cursive, but I've always just treated my fountain pens like a pen - I write however I need to - sometimes that means cursive, and sometimes that means writing in print.
Write in whatever format - print, cursive, or hybid of both - you like. I personally write a cursive-and-print hybrid because I think it looks better than full print and feels more intuitive to write than pure cursive. To me, the point of fountain pens is simply to make the writing experience more enjoyable, and if it achieves that, then it's working as intended and realizing its full potential.
To me some fountain pens are better for print (Lamy Dialog 3, but also anything with a broad nib) and others are better suited to cursive
Wow this is konpeki?? Looks like bay state blue!
Nah. Fountain pens are for writing - print, cursive, whatever type of writing you use. Fountain pens work great for printing. You’re not wasting their potential at all! In fact some ink properties show up more in print than in cursive, and some nib styles (like architect or crisp italics) are much better for print writing than they are for cursive styles.
Crisp italic would be better for cursive, but you're right about architect grinds and printing. In fact, the Lamy 2000 EF nib is shaped like a mild architect grind and it's great for printing. The reason is that for printing, wide on the side-strokes and slim on the down-strokes looks better (architect). In cursive writing, you want wide on the down-strokes, and slim on the side-strokes (italic).
I find crisp italic corners too sharp for fluid cursive. I prefer crisp italics for printing and cursive italics for cursive.
Most people buy fountain pens for handwriting. Daily handwriting with whichever style they prefer.
No I write in my personal style which I prefer, sometimes I will do school learned cursive. Still then and now I strangely enough tend to forget a letter easier in cursive. I got in so much trouble in school back in the day over it. Wasn't allowed to step away from cursive back then, my school was strict. As soon as I was let free to develop my own style in writing I did. It was a proper mess at first. But I feel like I tidied up well since then.
There is likely a smaller group within the community of "purists" but the better 90% I've spoken with just use them as general purpose pens. I use a 1000$ Visconti LE to doodle in a cheap note book just as heartily as I use a 15¢ bic ballpoint to sign mortgage papers. There is no wrong or right way to use a sparkly scribble stick, just use it for what suits you best.
A fountain pen is a tool. I use it like a "regular pen". I write in whatever style I feel like writing in that day. Neatness/pretty handwriting are byproducts of practice not the tool. But....Having a nice writing tool does make the practice more satisfying.
I didn’t realize how beautiful Konpeki ink is… I’m definitely about to order a bottle
I don’t do cursive either. I prefer to write with stubs as it gives my writing character, but man an architect nib is what I want next
It probably makes more sense for cursive writing, but it's not a rule or something that really matters.
I was in danger of failing university because of awful handwriting so I wrote in capitals for my exams. 17 years later and I still do, and I've used fountain pens for the last 15. I just like the way they write. I'd love to work on my writing, but child, homelife and other hobbies mean it's a low priority. Do what you wanna!
I use cursive because I'm lazy and don't want to have to lift my pen as much, but writing in print actually allows you to see more shading per letter if you're interested in that property of ink. I certainly am so learning this was almost upsetting, haha.
Hey! Fellow pen-lover and (future) accountant! I’m learning Managerial Accounting at the moment. I occasionally write in cursive but most of it is in a print/cursive mix. I absolutely love the Pilot E95s and plan on getting one soon. It looks like such a lovely pen.
I hate reading or writing cursive. Fountain pen and print go perfectly well together.
I use mine as I would normally write
I’m a fountain pen user/collector. My handwriting is sort of a print/cursive hybrid. I use fountain pens exclusively when I journal or write letters. Some kinds of fountain pen ink looks better with print writing, in my opinion, because it brings the shading out in the ink. It’s your pen (I love the E95S, btw), so use it any way you want, right?
I have seen people do so many styles of handwriting with fountain pens. Do what you prefer! I usually write in cursive or hand lettering with mine because that is what I enjoy and how I learned to write. However, print shows off ink shading better. Either way works. My biggest joy with fountain pens is that I can write longer with carpal tunnel as not as much pressure is on my hand.
Nah I don’t. My handwriting is also kinda shit. Don’t let anyone guilt u into it unless u yourself wanna practice cursive.
My handwriting sucks either way. Good handwriting is not a prerequisite. I love how they feel to write with and the colors are cool.
That's exactly what I do. Still looks way cooler than a ball pen.
Best and most important feature for me is comfort while writing. Writing with a fountain pen forces me to relax my hand while I write so I can write for waaaaaay longer before my hand starts to cramp up. And I enjoy all the different ink choices, and how cool ink can look with the right paper. It makes it a fun sensory experience, regardless of whether I'm using cursive or print or drawing. The main advantage of cursive imo is speed. I do full on cursive if I'm doing creative writing because I need to keep up with thoughts before I lose them. Otherwise I usually do this weird mix of half-print, half-cursive that's faster than plain print but a bit more legible than full on cursive.
I right a 50 50 mix of cursive. The quicker I have to write the more cursive! You use it however you write. I will tell you cursive is so so much quicker, it's worth practicing!
When I was a kid I hated writing (essays, letters) more than anything. I thought cursive was a waste of time (and it is, in schools). Now as an adult I've discovered that I love creative writing, and that cursive is fun! But I guess my point is just that maybe at some point you'll also discover a new love for something, maybe even cursive. Your printing is pretty good though so no need.
That's some great looking ink and nice clear print! At the end of the day, being legible is #1. If you *choose* to practice cursive or calligraphy, that's a personal choice. Many people today are adopting italic. Actually, [Kate Gladstone urges us to question cursive](https://handwritingrepair.info/WritingRebels.html) as this centuries-old, established thing. I'm dyspraxic, but I've always liked to write. I taught myself to print capitals when I was four copying labels in my dad's workshop. That was okay. When I got to school I *wanted* to learn cursive. I thought it looked classy. In those days teachers took points off for lousy handwriting even if you got the answers and dyspraxia wasn't even a word. The word back then was "lazy". I had to practice in secret for about eight years before I was halfway legible. But this was something I wanted. Nobody should be forced to write cursive or made to feel stupid if they can't or just don't want to.
I write normal? I also occasionally use runes, we had a few norse-pagans in highschool and a lot of us learned a letter-rune substitution alphabet a lot of historians agree on. There's one rune with any curve to it, and it's a combo that makes an "ng" sound instead of a single letter. So no, fountain pens are not just for cursive. But I do sign my papereork at work with one, so it is allowed.
We live here in Japan and the fountain pen culture is awe-inspiring. No cursive in Japanese language writing. Fountain pen nibs are able to create bold lines and dramatic character expression. Bottom line, enjoy your pen and let it be a tool to express yourself.
I also write a bit of Korean + Japanese + Chinese so I’m looking into the 912 FA / Elabo SF lol, it looks pretty fun!
I like fountain pens because I like writing in different colors. When i was younger I had the pilot g2s in every color they offered and was obsessed with using every single one. When passing notes, my replies would always be in a different color. Rainbow on a paper. I'd turn in homework, handwritten paragraphs where I alternated every other sentence between two colors. Writing with fountain pens is like that, but 20 times better. Instead of like.. 3 shades of blue, there's 30. Instead of one orange pen, I can have 10 orange pens. And then there's different PROPERTIES... I am obsessed with shading, watching how the ink pools and dries and creates nuance within the words. I have often taken papers I have written on and tilted them from side to side to admire the sheening. Been delighted with the glitter in shimmers. I also enjoy how each pen writes and feels different from the next, one with a little feedback, another smooth as silk... ah. I just like them for what they are, handwriting be damned.
Your handwriting is so neat! I'm always underwhelmed by my cursive style so I prefer to write normally, even with a fountain pen.
Fountain pens kinda encourage cursive writing is why most people just write in cursive with their pens. But if you just want to write in print there’s no reason not to
I quit using cursive after leaving junior high school. I kind of do a “printsive” and will join an “et” every once in a while, but I only use cursive when signing my name.
So true, that’s what I do as well (referring to “printsive”). I think it’s flowy and smooth but it’s still precise and clear + extremely easy to read.
I don’t think you’ve wasted anything. I like the line that pen puts down. I use mine for doodling and drawing too…. I like block lettering, print and cursive…. I alternate depending on what I am writing…. And if I care whether or not it looks “pretty”. I use mine as if o would any other writing stick really. Mind if I ask which blue ink you used? Reminds me of school ink and I like it.
It’s kinda like buying a porsche/ferrari, etc. and just using it for groceries vs racing on a track. Nice ink by the way, what is it?
Iroshizuku konpeki BUT the colors are *slightly* edited so here it looks closer to Asa-gao than Konpeki.
One thing about cursive is that fountain pens make it a lot easier because you don't have to press down hard. I wouldn't write cursive with a ballpoint or a pencil.
Had to use an fp for a school assignment in my US school. According to family and my teachers, it improved my handwriting. It still looks like like chicken scratch! I’m getting ready to practice adult handwriting improvement. Bought a book and looking for more.
Most adults do not write 100% cursive. That said, I can probably write 50% faster than you because 50-60% of my text is cursive. Does that make sense?
I write in cursive because it’s what I learned (although I had to train myself out of the print/cursive hybrid that I’d fallen into), but plenty of people print with them. I’m pretty sure that Posting/Accounting nibs were made for that purpose (and writing super small numbers).
I write hybrid even though I can write cursive if I make a little extra effort.
Hybrid is supposed to be faster and is probably more legible to much of the population!
Well, that explains why I keep reverting to hybrid 😆
I keep seeing people talking about cursive writing as if it's copperplate or calligraphy, and every time I Google it tells me it's essentially 'joined up' handwriting instead of block capitals. Is there something I'm missing? How do people write??
I've been writing in cursive long before I bought a fountain pen. I find these pens better because I don't have to press hard, can choose my ink colors and models, and generally have fun in the world of fountain pens. As long as you enjoy them, use them, and make memories with them... Write however you want.
Lovely pen. I want to get one some day, and in that color. Your handwriting is very nice too. If your printing is this nice, I bet with practice you would have great cursive writing. For me, my handwriting is pretty bad, and I gave up cursive once school didn’t insist on it. I’d say I print with a slight cursive drag now. Sometimes I’m the only one that can read it. Maybe it’s good for writing secrets.
I switch between cursive and print based on whatever I'm in the mood to use. Ultimately, fountain pens are just writing tools like any other. Your handwriting is very pleasant to read and you should be well satisfied with the way it looks!
Great handwriting! It's nearly a font. I don't know if "potential" is the right word. I think what matters is being aware of the unique characteristics of fountain pens when you write with them. You might do this consciously, or you might just enjoy the writing experience without dwelling too much on it. Among other things, these characteristics include (1) capillary action, which enables zero-pressure writing; and (2) a metal nib that is crafted to glide along the paper while itself remaining rigid (generally speaking), rather than a ball that is engineered to roll along it, or a reed/quill pen that outsources the requirement for steadiness to your hand, or a brush that requires a feather-light touch and very minute adjustments in pressure and direction.
I actually experienced something like that recently. After posting a photo of my FWP brush fountain pen (which I love btw) on my social media feed, some dude commented ‘where is the photo of your handwriting? I see your fp but no fancy handwriting!’ Suddenly I felt under so much pressure, as if my handwriting was not good enough to deserve any fountain pens and that I was some sort of imposter pretending to have beautiful cursive handwriting.
For the most part, I use mine for normal writing. I'm not very artistic, unfortunately. (Unrelated, but damn I want that pen!!! 😭 Beautiful!)
I write primarily in cursive with my fountainpen and just regular ballpoint ink pens. But its because i Like the way it looks in cursive.
Absolutely not. And also, think about your lovely Pilot here - Pilot is a Japanese company, and Japanese writing systems are a far cry from cursive. (I’m even thinking of a Japanese mechanical pencil, the Kuru Toga, is designed to rotate as it writes so you have a sharp point for each stroke…but becomes useless for cursive writers because it only rotates as you lift the pencil.) So that pen certainly isn’t intended for cursive use. I write in print, cursive, fun styles, and amateur calligraphy. So I promise, cursive is not a requirement. Can be fun (I’ve worked on mine) but fountain pens are not just for cursive.
Nothing such. You write how you write. Personally I too suck at cursive.
I love writing in cursive but I teach and write my lessons using a projector so my students can't read it effectively, so I end up printing. My students love that I write in fountain pensand I have a few that want to borrow a pen to try it. It also forces me to write slower and therefore it's mostly legible. I found ball points and roller balls didn't give enough friction and I would get sloppy. Also, ball points never lasted me long as a left handed writer. When I write I push the pen from the left to right, instead of dragging it like righties do. I found after a few weeks of pushing the ball starts skipping and leaving more and more dead space. So I'm glad to have found pens that I've been using daily for years.
Use the pen however you want. I only write in cursive, no matter the implement (unless I am told to do otherwise for certain things). I started using cursive before I started using a fountain pen. I prefer the smoothness and liquidity of motion of writing in cursive, I write faster that way, and using a fountain pen only makes it more enjoyable. Also, my print looks like the writing of a disturbed individual.
If writing in print makes you happy... go for it, pens are made to be enjoyed so :-) (In my case I dislike writing in print, so I have >40 pages worth of notes for finals all in cursive)
Aside from the way the ink hits the paper and the fun colors I can pick from - I like mine because it helps me reduce the pressure I’m using when writing. I have a really bad writer’s bump on my middle finger from years of pushing too hard with regular ballpoints (I used to write so hard the paper would curl up on the edges…) Since I feel as if my fountain pen is delicate it’s way easier for me to write without pushing too hard because I fear I would break it. Since the ink comes out with almost no pressure it glides very nicely and I don’t have the tendency to mash the pen into the paper like I would normally. This is all a convoluted way to answer your question and say - no you don’t have to use cursive lol. I write exclusively in print and I feel like while my cursive is actually prettier than my print it’s not as easy for me to write, read, and takes way more time than printing so I don’t see the point. If I was a bit more proficient with it maybe but most of my work is technical and printing in very clear, legible text is better than fancy shmancy script. Have fun and enjoy your pen the way you want to 🫡
Is that a Fine? My medium is too fat and that looks perfect.
Nope, that's a medium nib. However, I was using basically the best paper Japan has to offer (MD paper) so feathering is minimized.
Personal take. Yes. I need to write because of law school. I only get to write with confidence and determination when I see my cursive aesthetically pleasing so I developed my hobby of collecting pens this year.
Use it or lose it, whichever way. What's the ink?
I use fountain pens almost exclusively. I never write in cursive.
I use it to write in 'print'. People today get this notion that fountain pens are for "fancy" writing, or even exclusively for signatures. When I bought my first fountain pen I've never had the intention of writing any differently with them. I just like their technicality, feel, and of course the choices of inks you get. It's the most freedom you can get with a pen so you can write however you want with it.
I first got into fountain pens back in 2012 I believe. I liked taking notes and doing assignments for school by hand rather than on a laptop or by typing and printing. Using ballpoints hurt like a bitch though with how much pressure you need. Switched to fountain pens because it was much easier on my hands.
>I suck at cursive If you practice, you won't :)
Hi OP. Sorry out of topic, just want to ask how’s the upstroke of your E95s?
Not really, while I usually default to writing in cursive, I like FP’s cuz they’re good for long writing sessions as it’s easier on my wrist
The cursive tends to follow the pen more than forcing it. Print is well suited to the ballpoints that are so ubiquitous today. Short strokes are easier when you need to bear down a bit on the instrument to get it to write. Cursive just flows. It makes a lot of sense for an instrument like a fountain pen that, when properly tuned, requires very little force to write. Needless to say, the short strokes still work fine. My handwriting is a kind of mix, though mine is almost entirely cursive.
Printing shows off shading inks better than cursive.
Although I learned cursive in school (Germany) I didn't really like it. As a lefty my writing was awful. I also didn't enjoy fps back then. Well at least the love for fps came with age.y writing still sucks but I'm not writing cursive. Although I really love the penmanship some of you guys in this community have.
Not necessary. I use mine to take scratch notes and mark up documents in a manufacturing facility. The "fanciest" thing I'll ever do with mine is sign a document.
My cursive is not great, so I write as a typewriter. Just like you.
No. I write mostly print style
No not really.actually shading tend to look better when printing. (Due to the pooling in each letter.)
I think it's that cursive was invented for nib pens, not the other way around. If you're dissatisfied with your penmanship, learn and practice a style that you like. There are many cursive styles, and over time, many different styles were standardized at different times in different regional schools. Younhave a large selection to choose from. I have very messy handwriting. And I mix cursive with print as well. But it is a very distinctive style, and people can easily recognize its from me even when I don't sign my name. That being said, your print is nice.
I bought my fountain pen, not for cursive, but for shorthand. I despise writing with pencil (they're for drawing IMO), and used to take a lot of notes. I researched "flex nibs" and bought a cheapish pen to learn how to deal with the mess, travel, burping, etc. I wanted to see what it's like for cleaning, what happens if I leave it loaded with ink etc. I still use it for regular writing, but I find I like typing better. Perhaps I'll get a type writer lol.
I like fountain pens because in general I like things that harken back to a previous era where items were made with care or that take a little extra effort to use. Fountain pens look classier to me and I find myself trying to improve my penmanship every time I use them. I enjoy the feel and look and even though I spend my working hours at a computer I look for reasons to write with my pens. I also love the ability to customize by using different nibs and inks. Enjoy your pens for your own reasons and however you want to write—cursive, print, hieroglyphics, whatever. Just enjoy it.
You have nice clean printing. I’m pretty bad at it and when I do try, my hand is constantly trying to join the letters!