Every activity, both hobbyist and professional, benefits from the use of appropriate and high-quality tools. When painting, for example, a poor-quality brush of the wrong size may make the project frustrating and prevent you from achieving the desired result. Using the proper fasteners and materials makes all the difference in appearance and durability when constructing furniture. And when writing or drawing, the right implement not only makes the work easier but also makes the final result look that much better. When it comes to pens, one of the best tools you can use is a first-rate fountain pen, such as those offered by Esterbrook Pens.
Fountain pens are a mix of multiple writing implements, offering the best of both worlds in a stylish and long-lasting package. Like ballpoint and gel pens, fountain pens function via the use of an internal ink reservoir. However, like a calligraphy pen, that ink flows through a nib, creating smooth, unique lines as the nib glides over the page. And that’s not all. Among their many advantages, fountain pens offer an easier and more sustainable writing experience than both offerings via the use of a refillable or replaceable ink reservoir.
Esterbrook Pens, however, is more than just your typical fountain pen company. They also offer high-quality products, innovative designs, and over a century and a half of history. Originally founded in 1858, the company made its mark as a leader in the manufacturing of steel pens, a popular implement for both writers and artists worldwide. At the time, their pens not only held the fifth registered trademark in the United States but were also used by a variety of notable figures. These included Charles Schulz, of Peanuts fame, and former President John F. Kennedy. Despite its success, however, no company can last forever. In the 1970s, due in part to declining sales, the brand ceased production and closed its doors.
But this was not the end of Esterbrook Pens, merely a pause. In 2018, around 50 years after Esterbrook Pens shut down, Kenro Industries, a fountain pen-focused distribution company, acquired the Esterbrook brand. New life was breathed into the faded company, with offerings including ink, rollerball pens, nibs and, of course, the company’s famous fountain pens. Once more, the company took its place as a staple in the writing implement industry, using its durable materials and attention to detail to craft its high-quality offerings. Today, Esterbrook continues to be a favorite of artists and writers around the world, the perfect tool for bringing creative ideas to life on paper.
Personally, I have loved fountain pens for years, but only rarely used them. The fountain pens I acquired required the use of ink cartridges, and the constant clogs and replacements ended up tempering my interest in the implement. Esterbrook, however, overcomes that hurdle with their button-piston pens, which utilize a built-in mechanism to make refilling the pen’s internal reservoir quick and easy. The process takes only four steps: firstly, unscrewing the cap at the pen’s base to reveal the plunger. Then, the nib is dipped into your preferred bottle of ink, and the plunger pressed down until the reservoir is full, about 7 or 8 times. Finally, the cap is replaced, and the pen is ready for use.
Choosing the type of Esterbrook pen you want, however, is only the first step. Next come some harder choices, including color and style. Esterbrook Pens offers a range of options, including my personal favorite, the Nouveau Bleu Estie. Swathed in varying shades of blue shot through with veins of gold, it’s a luxuriously elegant pen reminiscent of a babbling brook. This romantic, art nouveau-inspired piece is not only a gorgeous addition to any desk, but the perfect tool for writing or drawing in style. The pen fills easily and flows smoothly over paper, two factors that ensured its meteoric rise to the position of my favorite writing accessory.
Looking for something in a different pattern or shape? Esterbrook has plenty of options for you to choose from. Where the company’s Estie collection is rounded, for example, the Model J and JR Collections offer wider pens with straighter lines, ensuring customers can choose the style they like best. And for those who love bright colors, models such as the Botanical Garden and limited-edited Sweet Dreams Esties fit the bill perfectly.
Writing and drawing, like any other activity, are best completed with the right tools, and Esterbrook Pens is one of the best in the business. With their range of pen styles, nibs, and accessories, they have everything a budding hobbyist or experienced professional could need. And while their pens are something of an investment, ranging from about $125 to $350, the quality and longevity of their products make them more than worth it. Ready to take the first steps on this journey of creativity? Visit Esterbrook Pens’ site HERE to find your perfect pen today.
