How to choose a ballpoint pen?

Accessories

Ballpoint pens are one of the most popular writing instruments in the world. Today, this accessory surrounds us everywhere. We bet that one of them is right next to you right now: lying on the table, in your pocket, purse or briefcase. One of the undeniable advantages of ballpoint pens is that they are easy to use, affordable, and besides, you do not have to worry about unreliable ink - the special design of the stem does not allow them to spread or get dirty, they dry quickly.

History of the ballpoint pen

Despite the feeling that the ballpoint pen is a modern invention, in fact, its history dates back to the distant XNUMXth century. Thanks to the efforts of the thought of a gentleman named John Lud, who worked as a leather tanner, a qualitatively new principle of ink supply was used. Alas, the first sample of the pen did not turn out to be fully functional, but the idea itself became the starting point for further experiments and the search for a solution.

History has preserved the names of people who tried to improve the idea of ​​​​John Lud and develop their own design of a ballpoint pen, among them - George Parker and Van Vechten Reisberg. In different years, each of them patented their own invention, but the matter did not end there.

Ballpoint pen Benu Sublime Sub-010

Time passed and, finally, in the 1930s, a series of unsuccessful attempts was completed, the Hungarian journalist Laszlo-Jozsef Biro contributed to this. Once, when on duty he was in a printing house, he noticed that the printing ink used by a rotary printing machine dries quickly.

This curious fact deeply interested Biro, and the journalist decided to create a pen, the ink of which could dry just as quickly on a sheet of paper when writing. Laszlo did some research and, together with his brother, a chemist, set about developing a pen design, as well as ink of a special consistency. Efforts turned out to be a success - thus began a new era of ballpoint pens. However, this writing accessory did not immediately become available, the first ballpoint pens were produced by order of the Royal Air Force of Great Britain.

We advise you to read:  Cannes Film Festival 2023: Opening ceremony highlights
Ballpoint pen Cross Beverly AT0492-2

Types of ballpoint pens

There are two main categories of ballpoint pens. The first is basic inexpensive products that you can buy, for example, in a supermarket or at a gas station. Such pens are purchased if you urgently need to write something down or as a backup option, which is stored in the car glove compartment or in a bag just in case. They are made of inexpensive plastic or metal and come in a variety of colors, but for the most part are relatively uniform in quality.

Ballpoint pen Parker Sonnet Core K539 Slim Intense Red GT S1931476

The second category is a refined and elegant writing accessory. Typically, quality materials are used for these pens, such as steel, ceramics, precious resins, platinum, rhodium, silver, and even gold. They are most often made by hand or in small batches using adjustable machines, they draw much smoother lines and contain high-end inks.

You can also find disposable and reusable products. The former are usually found among the cheapest, their body is a monolithic structure, there is no access to the rod. The latter make it easy to replace the ink tank with a new one as soon as the need arises.

Ballpoint pen Parker Sonnet Special Edition Contort Purple S1930058

Status accessory

Purchasing a pen can be a daunting task due to the wide variety of options available. Different shades, textures, shapes and materials. Start from the tasks that you set for the accessory.

The first and most important question to ask yourself before buying a pen is “What will I use it for?” If you are choosing, first of all, a status accessory and are going to use the pen as an element of style, then in this case you should pay special attention to the external design and materials. Bright or more restrained options - the choice is huge, be guided solely by your own taste.

We advise you to read:  Stones, chains and unusual pearls: the main jewelry trends of this summer
Ballpoint pen Parker Jotter Whiteness S0946000

Handle for active use

If you choose a product that you plan to use frequently and actively, then in this case the most important parameters for you will be the shape, weight of the pen body, and the quality of the ink. Between design and convenience, choose convenience.

Arrange a test drive for each instance you like. Pay attention to your feelings - do you have to make an effort while writing, does the accessory feel comfortable in your hand, is the ballpoint pen too thin or thick, how easily does the tip slide over the paper, is the ink supply even depending on the direction, do you notice you gaps or gaps. Pay special attention to this. Ultimately, it is these characteristics that determine how comfortable the accessory will be when writing.