Choosing between a fountain pen and a dip pen for my journal

I was setting up a new daily journal last month and got stuck on the writing tool. I could either use my reliable fountain pen with cartridges or try a glass dip pen with bottled ink. I went with the dip pen, which forced me to slow down and think about each sentence while dipping. After three weeks, my handwriting is a lot neater and I'm actually finishing entries instead of rushing. Anyone else pick a slower tool on purpose and find it changed how you do the hobby?

3 comments

3 Comments

lucasschmidt20d ago

Honestly, drew_reed62 is onto something about that tiny cost. Tbh I see it everywhere now, like using a french press instead of a keurig. The extra minute makes the coffee feel earned, not just handed to you.

robinf5118d ago

That bit about paying for each word in effort really hit home. I switched to a safety razor for shaving last year and it's the same feeling, you know? You can't just zone out and go through the motions, you have to pay attention to every stroke. Makes a simple task feel way more real.

drew_reed6220d ago

See, that's the REAL magic of a dip pen. It's not just about slowing down, it's about making each word a choice you PAY for in effort. With a cartridge, you're just dumping thoughts. But having to dip FORCES you to consider if the next sentence is worth the ink. It turns writing from a spill into a pour. My entries got way more honest when I had that tiny physical cost for every line.