Taking Better Notes - Analog Tools for Success

Although we may be reluctant to acknowledge it, Summer is coming to a close and many of us are going back to our studies or the office after a vacation. If you love stationery and office supplies as much as we do, the silver lining to all of this is "back to school" shopping. However, for fountain pen enthusiasts, the local office supply store doesn't provide the selection or expertise to outfit your writing needs.

We pulled together suggestions from pen users that are part of the /r/fountainpens subreddit community to bring you an A+ list of pens, inks, paper and accessories that are must-haves for your everyday carry.

Ideal Instruments

Most pen enthusiasts that responded to the survey question were students who often had more than one pen. The purpose is to adapt to the needs of the situation. Some use pens with different nib sizes for making note headers, highlighting, and calling out important concepts. Keeping a couple of Preppies on hand is an excellent idea in case someone is interested in trying a fountain pen.

Lamy Safari

Ergonomically designed, hard-wearing and inexpensive, the Safari is a go-to for many students and professionals. The array of available fountain pen nib sizes (EF, F, M, B and calligraphy styles) adapt to your note-taking preferences.

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Platinum Preppy

If you're an avid fountain pen user, you know that uncomfortable feeling when someone asks to borrow your prized pen. Hand them a Platinum Preppy to try and they'll get hooked. The pens are inexpensive enough that you won't mind if someone walks away with one or accidentally breaks the nib. You can also convert them into eyedropper filling pens to expand the ink capacity and provide simple entertainment of ink sloshing around.

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Pilot Vanishing Point

Convenient and fidget-worthy, the click-action of the Pilot Vanishing Point is a fountain pen that is "quick on the draw." The high-quality 18kt gold nib provides a next-level writing experience. If you'd like to learn more about the world's most renown retractable fountain pen, check out our Guide to the Pilot Vanishing Point.

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Pilot Metropolitan

Another favorite from Pilot (Japan) is the #1 pick for affordable starter fountain pens - the Metropolitan. Don't let the low price point fool you, these pens are built for long-term use. They are fitted with stainless steel nibs in fine, medium or 1.0mm stub nib sizes. Manufactured in Japan, the nibs tend to run thinner than their European counterparts. A Pilot fine point, for example, produces a thin line similar to a European extra-fine point. Students prefer using a thinner nib that have better results on cheaper paper that is provided by the school on exam booklets and worksheets.

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Everyone learns differently. Try adopting one of these tried-and-true approaches to taking more effective notes and see if it improves your ability to digest new information. Click links below to explore each method.
 

Inspired Inks

Proper Paper