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Defining “Pretty Ink Stick”

Posted in Fountain Pens

As I’ve mentioned a few times now, one of my rules for this year is to not purchase any “pretty ink sticks” — which I’ve broken. As the DC Pen Show has approached, “pretty ink sticks” have come to mind more, since I know I’ll see lots of them. But, recently, I’ve been considering, what qualifies as a “pretty ink stick?”

Before I really get into this post, I want to make clear that I don’t consider “pretty ink stick” derogatory in any way. It’s a classification of pen — along the lines of urushi, black pen, and painted — one which many people love. I feel like many people, though, use “pretty ink stick” as an alternate term for “indie pen.” And that, to me, is derogatory. So I want a better definition.

Focus is the material

I think this was the thought from whomever is quoted as saying “I don’t want another pretty ink stick,” on episode 15 of the Gourmet Pens Club podcast at around the 19 minute mark. But — there are a lot of buts in this post — what about pens that are made from “boring” materials?

Let’s imagine a pen maker who makes basic, flat-top, cylindrical pens. The focus is 100% on the materials, so, “pretty ink sticks”, right? But, what happens when this theoretical pen maker creates a pen out of a plain black resin? Is it still a “pretty ink stick?”

And what about pens that are an interesting shape? Like Black Robin Pens’ Ophelia, or Mayfair Pens Eowyn? Are they “pretty ink sticks” even though they aren’t just about the material? You can see why my brain has been mulling this over.

Nib holders

If we expand the definition to cover the “not-so-pretty” materials and uniquely shaped pens, we get to nib holders. You know the ones, pens that hold Bock or Jowo nibs. But, that made me wonder what makes those two nib brands different?

I can imagine some would say that it’s because they’re easy to buy replacements for. A quick Google search, though, show you can also easily buy nibs by Schmidt, Lamy, TWSBI, Kaweco, Pelikan, Vanishing Point, Visconti, Aurora, Waterman, Parker, Graf von Faber Castell… The list goes on. But I don’t think anyone would call Pelikan, Visconti, Aurora, etc. pens “pretty ink sticks.”

Filling System

So, perhaps we can narrow it down some by filling system. Are pens only “pretty ink sticks” if they have cartridge/converter or eyedropper filling systems? Maybe, but what about pens that most would think of a “pretty ink sticks” that have other filling mechanisms? Think Edison pens, for example.

And does that mean we have to expand the category to include Sailor pens, for example, since they have cartridge/converter filling systems and are often bought for the materials?

My Conclusion

So, where does that leave us? Ultimately, I think you’ll have to come up with your own definition. But, I’ve come to a decision for myself. Here are my “pretty ink stick” conditions:

  • Replacement nibs can be easily purchased
  • The company does not obviously make their own nibs
    I say “obviously” because there are several companies, for example, that use nibs made by Bock, but you have to buy a nib for that company, rather than a standard Bock nib.
  • The material is the primary interest
    • This excludes pens with unique or interesting shapes, as the shape is as much of an interest as the material.
    • This also excludes pens with work on top of the material, like urushi, painting, etc.

This means that the majority of “pretty ink sticks” are made by indie makers. But, my definition also includes some large manufacturer pens like Benu, Retro 51, Conklin, etc.

I feel comfortable with this definition, and will work with it for my continued endeavors to not buy “pretty ink sticks.” Or, at least, not buy any more.


What do you think about “pretty ink sticks?” How do you feel about my definition? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.

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3 Comments

  1. Derek
    Derek

    I think of pretty ink sticks as pens where the aesthetics are the main (and sometimes only) selling point.
    Bock and Jowo make all kinds of nibs in any way you want them as long as you’re willing to buy a large enough number and pay their asking price.
    Pretty ink stick makers often go with the most basic and generic model which can give a feeling of sameyness. It also sets them apart from pen companies like Faber-Castell (which uses Jowo nibs, but not the generic ones), Lamy, Visconti, etc.

    August 7, 2024
    |Reply
  2. I’d never heard this phrase before, but as soon as I read it, I knew exactly what you meant! It definitely makes me think more of the handmade pens in pretty resins, but I can see how some larger pen brands could fit the bill too (especially brands like Benu!).

    August 1, 2024
    |Reply
  3. Following that rule may not be easy. You have to admit that much if you’re defining “pretty ink sticks”…

    August 1, 2024
    |Reply

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