Daniel Ouimet
Fountain Pen Won’t Write?
When your fountain pen won't write, it's time to disassemble and clean. Strategies for rescue presented from simple to more difficult.
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Mostly True Stuff About Pens
Mostly True Stuff About Pens, a refreshing blog that distinguishes itself with a relaxed need for accuracy (in some cases.) From the instructional discussions of handmade pens in the The Art of Penmaking to the more entertaining Dry Humor of an Empty Pen, you'll find something to keep you distracted from what you should be doing.
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Daniel Ouimet
- Oct 29, 2022
- 4 min
What's the Difference...Ballpoint Pen, Rollerball Pen, Fountain Pen?
Ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, and fountain pens...what's the difference? Which type of writing pen might be best suited for you? Read on!
Daniel Ouimet
- Oct 24, 2022
- 2 min
Art of Penmaking 5: Squaring the Blank
The Art of Penmaking requires a pen blank's end faces to be perfectly square and flush with the interior brass tube. Learn how it's done!
Daniel Ouimet
- Nov 11, 2021
- 2 min
The Summer Shop Slumbers
The Parus Pen summer workshop is a place for creating and enjoying the natural world's sights, sounds, and smells before its winter slumber.
Daniel Ouimet
- Jul 24, 2021
- 2 min
Did the Ballpoint Pen Kill Cursive?
Blaming the ballpoint pen or typewriters and computers for your poor penmanship? Perhaps it's our own complacency. Learn more!
Daniel Ouimet
- Jun 11, 2021
- 2 min
When Is National Ballpoint Pen Day?
Are you celebrating National Ballpoint Pen Day on June 10th every year? Learn a bit of ballpoint pen history and celebrate!
Madeline and Daniel Ouimet
- Dec 18, 2020
- 2 min
When and Where Was the First Writing?
How did we come to the point in history where the tools of writing are taken for granted? Learn about early writing called cuneiform.
Daniel Ouimet
- Oct 28, 2020
- 2 min
Which Ballpoint Pen Refill Do I Need?
50,000 words or less...a marginally useful datum about ballpoint pen life expectancy. Learn about the ballpoint pen refill you will need!
Daniel Ouimet
- Oct 20, 2020
- 2 min
What Is the Best Writing Pen Tip Size?
Does size matter? The dilemma of when to choose a medium or fine tip writing pen is nearly resolved. Learn more!
Daniel Ouimet
- Aug 28, 2020
- 1 min
Art of Penmaking 4: Bonding Pen Tube and Blank
The Art of Penmaking requires the brass pen tubes to be prepared for bonding with pen blanks by sanding their surfaces. Learn how it's done!
Daniel Ouimet
- Jul 26, 2020
- 2 min
Hybrid Pen Blanks
Hybrid pen blanks are beautiful combinations of colorful resins and natural materials like pinecones or burl. Learn how they're made!
Daniel Ouimet
- Jul 23, 2020
- 2 min
Art of Penmaking 3: Drilling the Pen Blank
The Art of Penmaking requires accurate centering and drilling of a variety of materials at appropriate speeds. Learn how it's done!
Daniel Ouimet
- Jul 15, 2020
- 2 min
Art of Penmaking 2: Preparing the Blank
The Art of Penmaking requires measuring and cutting pen blank material long enough to accommodate the pen tubes. Learn how it's done!
Daniel Ouimet
- Jul 4, 2020
- 2 min
Art of Penmaking 1: Thoughtful Design
The Art of Penmaking requires thoughtful design —what pen style will complement the pen body and hardware? Learn about the process!
Daniel Ouimet
- Jun 1, 2020
- 2 min
Will a Ballpoint Pen Work in Space?
How is a ballpoint pen like a roll-on deodorant and will either one work in space? Let's hope the deodorant does and the pen probably will!
Daniel Ouimet
- Apr 17, 2020
- 2 min
Does Ballpoint Ink Wash Out of Fabric?
"Oops, I did it again" in this case refers to leaving your pen in a pocket for an eventful trip through the washing machine.
Daniel Ouimet
- Apr 2, 2020
- 2 min
Can Those "Free" Ballpoint Pens Be Recycled?
"Disposable" pens in bank lobbies; a boon to kleptomaniacs, a burden to our limited landfill space. Find out if they can be recycled!
Daniel Ouimet
- Mar 17, 2020
- 2 min
Are Precious Metals Used on Writing Pens?
Precious are the metals that coat the beautiful pens we covet. Find out how each type of plating holds up for durability.
Daniel Ouimet
- Mar 12, 2020
- 1 min
Are Writing Pens Made from Deer Antlers?
Believe it or not, deer don't have horns, cows don't have antlers, and drilling antler to make a pen smells like a dentist office!
Daniel Ouimet
- Mar 9, 2020
- 2 min
Will My Pen Leak or Explode on an Airplane?
Failure to heed some simple advice about potentially leaky pens and air travel will please your drycleaner to no end!
Daniel Ouimet
- Mar 6, 2020
- 1 min
Ballpoint Pen Emergency Tracheotomy?
Leave the emergency tracheotomies to the professionals and put your pen back in your pocket protector!
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