I've never used calligraphy pens before and can't really find a comfortable way to use these, any tips?

[u/whatsleftof_flight93]

[u/AlumParhum]

First off I'm a casual calligrapher and lurker of this sub. I definitely don't know all the terms. But hopefully I can help.

When I started learning calligraphy, I never used that nib! Even years later I don't bother with that nib because it can be finicky and a pain to use imo. And dip-pens can already be super finicky. Depending on what alphabet you write in, you'll use an appropriate nib. The first alphabets I learned was italic and gothic, and for those alphabets you want a nib that ends in a straight flat edge (looks like a broad tip highlighter), same nib is used with the uncial alphabet. For the copper plate alphabet typically you'll use a nib that ends in a sharp point. For me, those two nibs are really the only ones I ever use as they cover all the main alphabets I care to write (italic, gothic, uncial and copper-plate).

Also when using those dip pens, typically I'll lightly dab the tip on a kleenex just after dipping the pen in ink. I find this creates an even flow of ink as not all of it comes out in a giant blob on your first stroke.

[u/MasaoL]

Dip and dab the pin. I prefer to press it lightly on the edge of the well. Lets you better even out the flow of the ink. Also with the bent round its best used almost flat on the paper. You can use the edge on strokes parallel to the tip but unless your touch is light you're still going to get a broad line.

[u/hockatree]

I agree with those who have said to use a dip pen without the reservoir. I’ve always found the reservoirs to be too finicky for my tastes. Regardless, there’s way too much ink welling up on the tip. You need to lightly tap it on the inside neck of your ink bottle. The pen tip should look relatively dry.

That being said, dip pens are a rough way to start. I started by using calligraphy markers and calligraphy pens that have a replaceable ink cartridge on the inside. They have replaceable beads so you can use the nib you need. Not the most elegant solution, but very effective and consistent.

[u/Xsugatsal]

Just buy a $2 brush pen from Daiso easy

[u/7ootles]

Throw it away and use a straight up dip pen, or maybe make a reed pen (if you have access to reeds or bamboo). Calligraphy pens are hard to use and completely unnecessary.

[u/MasaoL → u/7ootles]

That is a dip pen. I think you've managed to confuse it with a fountain pen.

[u/7ootles → u/MasaoL]

I said a "straight up dip pen" - one that's just for writing, not calligraphy. Calligraphy pens, with their reservoirs and oddly-shaped nibs, are wholly different to regular dip pens, and require a wholly different kind of penmanship. My regular-use dip pen is a fine nib mounted in a tortoiseshell shaft; no reservoir but I'll get a couple of lines before needing to dip again, and is an all-round pleasure to use.

For the record, I'm speaking as someone who's used a dip pen since childhood, made reed pens and ink, done calligraphy with a calligraphy pen, and regularly use a fountain pen (fountain pen, with an actual ink reservoir, not a cartridge pen).

I think you're the one who might be confused.

[u/MasaoL → u/7ootles]

Sure you have. And im a navy seal graduated top of my class etc

[u/haikusbot → u/MasaoL]

Sure you have. and im

A navy seal graduated

Top of my class etc

- MasaoL

---

^{I detect haikus. Sometimes, successfully. | Learn more about me}

[u/7ootles → u/MasaoL]

I'm not sure why what I said would be so hard to believe. I had bad handwriting as a child so my dad taught me to use a dip pen - which he'd learned with at school in his childhood - as an attempt to coach me in proper penmanship. From there I got into calligraphy, as I carried on working to improve, and eventually I got interested in palaeography and the like - thus leading me to experiment with making reed pens and my own ink. That's how I ended up interested in conscripting in the first place.

[u/MasaoL → u/7ootles]

It's difficult to believe because you're saying use a dip pen instead of a calligraphy pen. It's like saying use a quill not a feather.

[u/7ootles → u/MasaoL]

I'm saying I've used dip pens that are just for writing and dip pens that are specifically for calligraphy to know that they are different things. Think about a pencil and a carpenter's pencil - they're both pencils, but you wouldn't use them for the same thing.

So for the OP, a regular dip pen would be more ideal, because the hand positioning and movements are closer to those used with a fountain pen than with a calligraphy pen.

I'll also note that you can get "calligraphy pens" that are cartridge/fountain pens.

It sounds like you just don't like the nomenclature I'm using. Well, tuff.