Jacques Herbin Glass Dip Pens
Glass dip pens are exquisite writing instruments, handcrafted in France and each one a unique piece of art. Their history dates back to the mid-17th century, a time when Herbin first began crafting fountain pen ink in 1670.
While they may not be a go-to pen for everyday use, glass dip pens serve a distinct purpose for fountain pen enthusiasts. They offer a beautiful and functional way to test and explore inks, combining historical charm with artistic elegance.
Jacques Herbin glass dip pens offer a variety of designs and colors, giving enthusiasts plenty of options to find their ideal writing companion. Each pen features a spiral, fluted glass nib designed to hold a generous amount of ink and is available in four vibrant colors. A quick tap or roll along the mouth of the ink bottle removes excess ink, and you're ready to write!
While the writing experience differs from a fountain pen, glass dip pens have their own unique charm. They write thicker lines, require a bit of practice for consistency, and won’t be as smooth as a fountain pen nib. Some variation may occur, as the tip isn’t uniformly ground all the way around. Additionally, glass dip pens tend to write very wet, which can make inks appear more saturated than they would in a fountain pen.
You'll need a paper that will hold up to it and repel ink very well like G. Lalo Vergé de France, Rhodia, or Clairefontaine, just to name a few!
Beyond their aesthetics, the greatest advantage of glass dip pens is their practicality for testing inks. Whether it's a rarely used ink you have lying around or a brand-new acquisition, these pens let you sample and experiment without the hassle of flushing and filling a fountain pen.
If you're aiming for a specific look, such as a vintage early-American writing style, you can quickly test multiple inks on your paper of choice using the glass pen before committing to inking up your fountain pen. However, it’s important to note that glass dip pens tend to lay down ink heavily at first. To get the most accurate representation of how an ink will appear in a fountain pen, pay attention to the way it writes during the last few words before needing to be re-dipped.
Jacques Herbin glass dip pens are a fun and versatile addition to any writing collection, giving enthusiasts a great way to explore inks. If you have any questions or need any recommendations, don't hesitate to reach out to our Customer Care team who'll be delighted to help. Write on!
