What are the desired characteristics when choosing a Fountain Pen?

Review of the The Joule Fountain Pen – Viola Mulberry by Ferris Wheel Press

Writing with a fountain pen is considered a true experience. I remember that when I was given my first fountain pen (I was 10 years old), the exact words I heard upon receiving it were: “Take good care of it, don’t drop it, and don’t lend it to anyone.” In other words, it is a unique and non-transferable object — something very personal.

The right combination of weight, shape, and filling system depends greatly on each person, their writing style, and personal taste. At a time when these tools accompany us everywhere, I want to share with you the characteristics I consider important when choosing a fountain pen:

• Nib: material type, size, flexibility, and ink flow.

• Ergonomics and weight: comfort, balance, grip diameter, and lightness.

• Filling system: cartridge, converter, piston, lever, vacuum.

• Quality: materials, cap closure system, disassembly system (for cleaning), storage case.

• Aesthetics: color, finish, engraved elements, special editions.

• Inks: compatibility with other brands, use of shimmer or sediment inks.

So, the time has come to evaluate “The Joule,” one of Ferris Wheel Press’s iconic fountain pens, which projects elegance and identity from its very packaging. I invite you to join me in discovering the writing experience with this tool.

“The Joule” fountain pen I have in my hands is the Viola Mulberry, an intense violet color with a sapphire-lacquered finish, a rounded cap with a screw-on closure system, and a cylindrical grip that features beautiful intricate details and double gold plating. In addition, it comes with an embossed leather sleeve for transport and storage.

Evaluating “The Joule”

For me, a very relevant characteristic when choosing a pen is ergonomics and weight. I like relatively heavy pens because they require less pressure when writing, which results in less fatigue when you write slowly and for long periods of time. In addition, a good weight makes it easier to execute long, consistent strokes, especially if you write large letters or create flourishes. When you hold “The Joule” in your hand, you can feel its weight 45.3 grams so it can be considered “heavy,” and I loved that.

As for its shape, a thicker body also requires less pressure, reduces writing fatigue, and is preferable if you have large hands or even if you have an injury or suffer from arthritis, so “The Joule” earns another point here. Its thick body is great for prolonged writing (such as note-taking) or for slow, mindful calligraphy; it feels comfortable and does not slip in the hand. However, the grip of this pen is cylindrical, which works very well for me, but it may cause unstable grips and involuntary nib rotation for beginners, since it does not “indicate” where and how to place the fingers. With a bit of practice, though, you will find the most comfortable position for yourself. Although this is not the case here, cylindrical grips are ideal if you use a broad-edge nib for italic or Gothic scripts. Still, if your hand and/or your handwriting is very small, or if you want to work on tiny details, it may take a bit more practice to fully master this pen.

Keep in mind that when writing with “The Joule,” you should avoid placing the cap on the back of the barrel — first, because it does not fit properly and you may scratch it, and second, because it alters the balance of the pen, which can negatively affect your writing. Instead, place the cap on a flat surface, making sure it does not get scratched or roll away.

Like the vast majority of fountain pens, “The Joule” features a non-flexible, medium-sized round nib, so you will achieve a consistent line width throughout each stroke. The nib is made of two-tone steel (gold and silver) with beautiful engraved details, and it is compatible with the brand’s Adventurers interchangeable nib collection. It glides very smoothly across the different types of writing paper I tested; it feels soft, and the ink flows properly, making writing enjoyable even during long sessions without causing fatigue.

The “ink reservoir,” or filling system, is the mechanism that allows you to store ink inside the pen and refill it when it runs out. There are several common types (cartridges, converters, pistons, pumps, vacuum systems, eyedroppers, etc.), each with different advantages and disadvantages. “The Joule” features an ink reservoir that consists of a standard converter, which guarantees good ink capacity and is very easy to use (similar to a piston), as well as simple maintenance and cleaning. You can find recommendations regarding nib changes, cleaning, and care on the Ferris Wheel Press website. If you take “The Joule” with you while traveling or to a long writing session, remember to bring your ink bottle. And don’t forget something I already mentioned and one of the aspects I liked most about this pen: it comes with a comfortable and beautiful leather sleeve to protect it during transport or for storage.

“The Joule” is an instrument full of details, such as the engravings on the nib and the grip, with a glossy finish, as well as the cap’s trim ring — everything contributing to the pen’s beauty and elegance. Ferris Wheel Press states that it can be used with inks that contain sediment as long as a medium (M) nib is used, and my suggestion would be to do so with inks from the same brand.

In summary, the “The Joule” fountain pen fulfills, to a great extent, the set of desirable characteristics I look for in a tool of this kind. Its design, performance, and the experience it provides make me highly recommend it both for everyday use and for occasions that call for a special instrument.

To conclude, I would like to remind you about the care of this type of instrument: please do not let the ink dry on the nib, and rinse the reservoir with lukewarm water. I also recommend always having a cloth to place the pen on, so you can avoid friction with the table and prevent the cap from rolling off and falling.

Remember that one of the greatest pleasures of our time is writing. This act allows us to connect with ourselves and put our ideas down on paper, so it should be the best possible experience!

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