Choosing the Ideal Pen for your Exams

During an exam I write furiously, and don’t want to be distracted by writers cramp or writing strain. Also I want a pen that is comfortable to hold and reliable. Exams are stressful enough without suffering from a leaking pen or aching hand. So what is the ideal pen for an exam?

Many people believe that fountain pens in an exam are a bad idea because they may leak or break. Whilst some fountain pens are prone to leakages, good quality fountain pens are very reliable and have advantages over other writing instruments. Because they use liquid ink, fountain pens need very little pressure on the paper whilst writing, meaning less risk of writing strain. The most popular pen for taking exams is the ballpen due to its reliability and economy. The disadvantage of a ballpen though is that it requires a lot of pressure to be applied to the paper. Perhaps the best solution is the rollerball pen because it uses liquid ink, and is very reliable like a ballpen. For more information on pens avialable, take a look at the Writing Equipment Society.


One of my favourites is the Lamy Safari, a highly dependable and comfortable pen that has an ergonomic grip. Lamy Pens are known for excellent quality and functional design. The Safari has a triangular grip for comfort, and a little barrier to stop the fingers slipping down the nib. The body is lightweight but very durable, and the fountain pen benefits from taking large ink cartridges. Lamy also has another range called the Studio, which is a bit heavier but very comfortable to use because the barrel is made from a ‘grippy’ surface. Thus Lamy pens are an excellent choice for an exam, and all their models are avialable in rollerball.

There are various ergonomic pens that I have seen on the market, but none are as good as the Yoropen. Ergonomic pens aim to make writing more natural and comfortable, and are therefore a very good choice for taking into an exam. The Yoropen has a bend above the nib, creating a finger support. It also changes the angle at which you write, meaning less pressure is required whilst writing. My own personal favourite pen for taking into an exam is the executive Yoropen, because it is beautifully weighted and writes like a rollerball. The good news is that the Yoropen will soon be available in gel ink.

If you have young children and are concerned about the standard of their handwriting, have a look at the website ‘handwriting for kids’. It has loads of good tips for teaching children how to hold the pen correctly and much more.

It is worth spending a bit of time choosing the right pen for your exam, because many people overlook this detail but regret it afterwards. It is a big mistake to take in a BIC biro or other cheap pen, because they will make your hand seriously hurt, thus damaging your performance. Also, your handwriting will deteriorate, making it illegible. To read some tips on improving your handwriting, click here. If you do buy a new pen for an exam, make sure you break it in beforehand. This is particularly important if it is a fountain pen, because it takes a while for the nib to adjust to the owners writing style.

Calligraphy – An Art Form

Calligraphy has been considered an art form for centuries, and I feel very encouraged to see the ancient practice still being used. A highly skilled practitioner can elevate the practice of Calligraphy to stunning works of art that inspires others. Lettering and calligraphy have been used as forms of expression ever since we, as a human race, have learnt to write. It can be learned and enjoyed by everyone, and can become an absorbing hobby.

A modern definition of Calligraphy is ‘the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious and skilful manner’. Modern calligraphy ranges from functional hand lettered inscriptions and designs to fine art pieces which focus on abstract expression rather than readable text. Calligraphy is still flourishing in the form of wedding and event invitations, font design/typography, original hand-lettered logo design and religious art. To learn more about the art of Calligraphy visit ‘Learn Calligraphy’ and the ‘Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society’.

The traditional implement for writing Calligraphy is the dip pen. It consists of a metal nib attached to a wooden handle, and has been used since the early 19th century. Before the dip pen, the feather quill pen was the most common writing instrument. A skilled craftsmen could cut the quill so that it would create some very beautiful Calligraphy effects. A whole range of exquisite Calligraphy Sets including Feather Quill Pens can still be purchased today. Why not liven up your handwriting with the art of Calligraphy.

Pocket Pens - Product Comparisons

Having a pen ‘on the go’ in incredibly useful. Very often I need to write down notes whilst out of the home or office, and a small size pen that can fit in my pocket is a vital tool. Many pen manufacturers have created pocket sized pens, each one varying slightly in size and characteristics. In this blog I will compare the different compact pens, and offer some recommendations.

Perhaps the most well known pocket pen is the Fisher Space Bullet Pen. A sleak and streamlined looking pen, it was invented so that astronauts could write in zero gravity. The Bullet pen measures 9.5cm closed and has quite a slim profile, making it fit very easily into a pocket. The cap fits on the back to fit comfortably in your hand. The Fisher Space Pen is available with a clip.

Lamy have invented a truly unique compact sized pen called the Lamy Pico. The Pico is very small and neat, and has no cap which makes it very easy to use. By squeezing the pen in the middle, the Lamy Pico extends so that it fits comfortable in your hand. The pen measures 9.3cm, and extends to 12.5cm.

Laban have manufactured some beautiful handbag pens made from resin. The ballpen has a sculpted grip for extra comfort, and measures 10cm. The Diva lipstick pen by Monteverde is also a perfect size for a handbag, and opens telescopically just like lipstick. If you are after something extra glamorous, then the Swarovski Crystal pen by Online is perfect for you. The pen is encrusted with crystal and comes with a leather pouch.

Each of the pocket pens I have described have something positive to offer. The Fisher Space Bullet Pen is perfect if you want the shortest and slimmest pen, allowing it to go unnoticed in your pocket. The Lamy Pico is not the slimmest pen, but is the easiest to use with its innovative extend mechanism. For a woman, the Laban mini resin is my top pick as it is glamorous but still robust.

Pens for Father’s Day

Father’s Day will be here on the 15th June, and as usual we are all hunting for a perfect gift for dad. A nice bunch of flowers usually suffices for mother’s day, but finding a gift for father's day is that much harder. Dad’s usually like something practical, but also with a bit of style and luxury. An excellent solution is a designer pen with an engraved message to make it really special.

There are different types of pens that particularly appeal to a man. Gadget type pens are always a good idea, and offer something unique for the wow factor. Why not try the Yoropen, a very different looking Ergonomic pen that really makes writing easier. Or how about the Fisher Space Pen. Your dad will be able to impress his golf chums by writing upside down, and even in water.

Some pens have a particularly handsome line such as the Waterman Carene, its design influenced by the tail of a speedboat. The Sheaffer Prelude has an elegant cigar shaped profile. Pens with luxury finishes are always much appreciated such as leather, solid silver and even snakeskin. Check out the pen range by Coles Deluxe, and the solid silver pens by Laban (very reasonably priced). Pen Heaven offer an excellent range of pens for him that are sure to impress your dad on father’s day.

Fountain Pens versus Ballpoint Pens

Fountain pens have been the most popular writing instrument since the beginning of the 20th century, but are being caught up by the ballpoint pen. In my opinion the fountain pen is the ultimate writing instrument, and has many advantages. Firstly they are so stylish in appearance, epitomising traditional elegance from a bygone era. Secondly they write much more smoothly, and require less pressure to be applied to the paper. The reason for this is that fountain pens take liquid based ink, whilst ballpens have oil based ink. There is an added benefit here, because fountain pens allow much more expressive penmanship due to the liquid ink. Fountain pens are much more collectible, with some vintage Parker pens worth thousands of pounds. To read more about fountain pen collecting visit Nibs website. This isn’t to say that ballpoint pens don’t have their benefits too; they are much more convenient and less messy. But in my opinion a fountain pen has the edge. To view an excellent collection of fountain pens for sale, visit an online pen store called Pen Heaven.

A Very Bling Pen

I recently came across a pen that totally blew me away, because it was so incredibly glamorous and unique. I am talking about the Swarovski Crystal pen by Laban (http://www.laban.com) .

The finest white Swarovski crystals decorate the clip and the band, transforming this pen into a piece of jewellery that anyone would be proud to show off. The pen is made from solid sterling silver, but is relatively inexpensive and thus is great for any occasion. They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, well these crystal pens are the next best thing. It makes an ideal gift for a woman and if you want to treat someone special in your life, you can’t go wrong with these stunning pens.

Swarovski is the luxury brand name for the range of precision-cut lead crystal glass and related products produced by companies owned by Swarovski AG of Feldmeilen, near Zürich, Switzerland. To read more about Swarovski, visit their website at http://www.swarovski.com.
The pen is available in pink or black resin, although the pink makes a great gift for a woman. The retail price starts at about £60, and is available from a London based online pen store called Pen Heaven, who also offer engraving. http://www.penheaven.co.uk/Laban_Pens.php.
So if you are looking for a gift that sparkles, look no further than the Laban Swarovski Crystal Pen

Engraved Pens Make a Superb Pen Gift

A luxury pen can make a wonderful gift for an occasion such as a birthday, anniversary or wedding. It is a practical present that will get a lot of use, and won’t be put away like many other gifts. A personalised pen with an engraved message makes a pen gift even more special. A pen is ideal for engraving because the long barrel allows a perfect space for a good sized piece of text. A message can also be engraved on the pen cap. Most pens can be engraved, as long as they have a flat surface. Today, engraving is carried out by a computer controlled machine that works to pinpoint accuracy. To read more about the process of pen engraving view the Gravograph website at;
http://www.gravograph.co.uk/Engraving%20Machines/Laser_Engraving.php.
Metal pens, when engraved, leave a very clear mark behind. Metal pens that have a lacquer or coloured finish usually leave a bronze or silver mark behind. Pens with a patterned finish, particularly resin, can be engraved by using a silver or gold leaf to fill in the engraved portion. If you are looking for a personalised pen, have a look at Pen Heaven at;
http://www.penheaven.co.uk./engraving.html.
They have a very large range of leading designer pen brands that can be engraved, and offer 2 elegant font choices.