Two notable pen fans are actor Nicolas Cage and Welsh opera phenom Katherine Jenkins who commonly use Montblanc pens - we would recommend the Waterman Exception for Montblanc users.
by: ThePenWorks
There are many ways to engrave (or mark) pens, the most common being laser engraving or marking, which is normally done on low cost production pens that have a special coating. This coating turns color when the hot laser comes in contact with it. A laser engraver is also good for marking the barrel of a plastic pen because of the high heat generated. And finally you can use a laser to mark a brass or sterling silver pen but it must be done with a spray on coating which changes to a black (or sometimes gold) lettering when hit by the laser.
Another high volume personalizing method is imprinting using a pad printer or screenprinting, this prints the letters on the surface of the pen using inks and is especially good for logos or designer names.
But, is a $150 pen with someones name printed on the surface in ink what you wish to give as a gift? The perceived value would drop instamatically!
Better quality name brand pens are not designed for laser engraving, they do not have coatings or plastic barrels and most people do not want even a $50 pen marked with BLACK or even GOLD letters (tacky!).
To engrave pens at this level you need to precisely cut your names and letters into the surface of the pen using a rotary engraver (same as watches or jewelry) - holding the pens immovable and engraving them indelibly with a special name or phrase - turning a nice pen into a 'Custom' pen and adding value to your gift.
by: ThePenWorks
There was a reason President Ronald Reagan chose a handwritten note to inform the nation of his affliction with Alzheimer's disease. Known as the great communicator, Reagan knew a handwritten letter was the most powerful form of communication. No other medium is as far-reaching or long-lasting.
It is our responsibility as pen lovers to keep the tradition of letter writing alive.
by: ThePenWorks
A magazine ad for the Parker Duofold fountain pen, circa 1920's, reads:
It whets a man's appetite for writing -
And gives him the speed and character in penmanship that lead to a bigger pay check!
Ah! Would such a pen do as much for us today?
by: ThePenWorks
Women love pens - they like that they come in a variety of styles and colors, they serve a purpose in our everyday lives, and they are great multitaskers - just like today's busy woman. Some pens are pure workhorses and are the ones to choose for specific tasks, such as letter writing, journaling or signings. Others are fashion pieces - the ones to complement a specific outfit, occasion or mood. Still others are meant just as wonderfull additions to a collection.
While many pens are designed for use by both genders, today's pen manufacturers have their ear to the ground, listening to what woman want and need from their pens. Expensive or affordable - fountain pen, rollerball, ballpoint or pencil - a great pen is the perfect accessory, keepsake or collectible.
by: ThePenWorks
In this age of cell phones, text messages and computer keyboards, one Scottish school has returned to basics. It's teaching youngsters the neglected art of writing with a fountain pen.
"The pens improve the quality of work because they force the children to take care, and better work improves self-esteem," principal Bryan Lewis said. "Proper handwriting is as relevant today as it ever has been." Students as young as 7 have been instructed to forgo their ball point pens and get to grips with its more artful predecessor. By the time they reach grade five, at age 9, they are expected to write mainly with fountain pens. At an English class recently, students worked at perfecting a skill that is under threat from the onset of e-mail — the art of writing a letter by hand. Each child's work was meticulous and clearly presented in the upright, graceful strokes of a fountain pen. Ten-year-old Cailean Gall has been using fountain pens in class for two years. It took the keen soccer player one month to master the pen and, like all pupils at the school, still has regular handwriting lessons. "At the start it was hard because I kept smudging, but you get used to it," he said.
" Parent Susan Garlick supports the school and believes the use of fountain pens has improved the work of her daughter Elisabeth, an 11-year-old in grade 7. "Her handwriting is beautiful," Garlick said. Some people in wealthy nations argue that handwriting is becoming less important because of the growing use of cell phone text messaging and typing on computers, but the school disagrees. In August, for example, examiners at the Scottish Qualifications Agency complained they had difficulty deciphering the scrawl of many students on exam papers used to determine admission to universities. "We talk of the paperless office and the paperless world, but this is not true," Lewis said. "You still need to have proper handwriting skills."
by: ThePenWorks
