How to Buy a Pen

Tips on buying a pen

I know an individual who is at a loss to explain his disdain for the nearly-universally-acclaimed Parker Duofold. He admits that it’s good looking. He admits that it writes well. And he admits that he hates it.

Why, then, the disdain? Perhaps the pen doesn’t fit his hand. It may be the same size as other pens that he likes, but the weight or balance is wrong. Or the pen might be just the tiniest bit too small in diameter despite having the perfect weight…or too large. The nib might be ground just so as to make writing cumbersome or fatiguing. He may dislike the color or even the materials used. The point here is that there may be any number of factors, subtle or obvious, that drive this man to despise one of the best pens of the modern era.

All of these factors make buying a fountain pen online a bit of a gamble. That is why we offer a 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy. Buy with confidence and use the pen. If it doesn’t work well for you, exchange it or return it. We would rather you be happy as a non-customer than unhappy as a customer!

Pen Size Guide

Pen sizing is an inexact science or maybe just an art.  In any case, here are my recommendations based on my experience with many customers.

Measure loosely around your hand.  The measurement should be taken just to the palm side of your knuckles and should not include your thumb.

If the measurement is less than 8 inches, you will likely find our slender styles feel best.  If the measurement is 8-9½ inches, you will likely find the medium styles to feel best.  Over 9½ inches and our large styles will probably feel best.

There's room for overlap here, and there is a lot to be said for personal taste.  I have a customer who is a professional football player and writes with my slender pens all the time.  Conversely, I have a lady customer who is 5' tall and barely 100 pounds who prefers the large pens!