Trying Out Dip Pens and What I Learned

This feels weird not writing about a usual fountain pen but it still has to deal with ink. Now so far I have two dip pens and I learned a lot of stuff which I will go over.

I did not review any dip pens because I know little to nothing about them and I am still learning how to use them and take care of them. What I do hope to do in the future is review inks in detail!

The first dip pen was the Kaweco AL dip pen which is nice but came with one nib which was an extra fine and when using it felt like it was digging into the paper. Either way, I didn't take care of it properly and the nib plus the metal holder part rusted. I learned after this experience that after use I need to take the nib out and dry both the nib and holder completely. 

Now I have acquired a second dip pen from a J. Herbin La Perle des Encres Wooden box set. It came with five nibs and one J. Herbin 30ml bottle. Must say that I have been enjoying this one more, maybe it is cause it is lighter in my hand and I found a nib I like to use in my Hobonichi Techo.

J. Herbin top, Kaweco bottom

My favorite nib

I learned a lot which includes a few inks that show up better with a dip pen. I have Ferris Wheel Press Cream of Earl which comes out super light in fountain pens but with a dip pen is darker gray and easier to read. Same with Morningside Mint from Ferris Wheel Press as it is a light blue-green but looks better written with a dip pen. I have been using these on my English Hobonichi Techo which uses Tomoe River paper.

Dip pens are great with drawing and sketching ink too if you want to use ink to draw. Hope to try dip pen only inks in the future once I get better at using them. I do recommend the J. Herbin wooden box set as it does have different nibs and ink which makes it great for beginners like me.

 If you have any inks that are dip pen only, let me know in the comments! Until next time, stay hyped!