Pens: A Subtle Yet Amazing Writing Tool

How old were you when you discovered pens and finally started writing with them? Maybe you were too young even to remember this. Pens have been a perfect writing tool for decades. Their introduction and evolution have served humanity well. Today, you use the modernized versions of a pen. But have you ever stopped for a second and thought, how did pens look when kings and queens ruled? Were there any good quality luxurious pen available for writers like today? Let's answer a few questions like this.

The Early Period:

Research pieces have concluded that the traces of pens can be found even 5000 years back. But the versions we use today are not the same as before. Earlier, writers, scholars, etc., used quills with ink to write their pieces. These quills were sharpened, dipped in ink, and used for writing on paper.

The use of quills is one example of early pens. Civilizations also used reed straws and shaped them in a nib for better writing control. And for the ink, they mixed beeswax with soot. This practice went ahead for decades and centuries until someone finally decided to change it.

The Rise of Fountain Pens:

Quill and inkpot were an unmatched combination that worked the same everywhere. However, there were some associated issues. This combination was serving the purpose until someone realized if it was the only solution. Ma’ād al-Mu’izz was an African calligrapher who was annoyed with ink spills. He despised how his creations became vague after these spills.

He had an idea of installing an ink container in the pen that could control spills. It was the time of introduction of the finest writing pens. He created fountain pens, which are still a part of the writing tool world after almost several centuries. However, his designs are refined with time for better use.

The Modern Pens:

Fountain pens were a Kickstarter in the pen world. Their introduction led to several innovations. People realized issues with the current designs and tried to solve them with improved solutions. For instance, fountain pen inks smudged a lot, making written pieces a mess. However, these issues were addressed by gel-based, oil-based, and waterproof inks.

Similarly, these innovations led to improved versions, like lightweight pen, metal pens, wooden pens, customized pens, etc. The world of pens is entirely different, and it is due to consistent efforts put in for improvement.

Check out S&R Somit, a brand that contributed to the world of pens as well. Explore the options now!