Flourish Forum
General Categories => Tools & Supplies => Topic started by: Erica McPhee on January 20, 2018, 04:41:27 PM
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While researching for my upcoming book about Flourishing, I completely relearned Engrosser's Script from the old journals and calligraphy masters' lessons. In doing so, I came across this interesting blurb by Charlton V. Howe:
Personally, I do not think the average oblique holder is well adapted to script writing unless the top side is flattened so the forefinger can rest upon both the holder and the tin at the same time, thus overcoming the tendency to grip or turn. The triangular oblique holder is well adapted to engrossing script.
I have learned through experience that the nearer the point of the pen is grasped, the better control of the pen is the result. In writing Engraver’s script, I place my forefinger on the pen below the side piece of the oblique holder about half an inch from the point of the pen, which results in perfect control of my pen.
I was intrigued and researched some more. The only reference to a triangular holder I could find was for the Ransomerian Pen, advertised in many of the old journals.
So I contacted Edward Curran @Edward , one of my favorite pen makers and told him I wanted a curvilateral pen - a somewhat triangular shape but with rounded edges for better comfort, a flat top, and a shallow bottom. I sent him some sketches and photographs of a model I made out of paper clay. After a few trials, Edward created what I think is the perfect holder for Copperplate, and especially flourished Copperplate.
We call it the Curv-E Holder - representing its curvilateral shape, Curran, and E for Erica and Edward. ;D
I have been using it now for many months and will most likely never go back to a round holder. It allows a natural, comfortable tripod grip which helps me execute both muscular and whole arm movement - both of which facilitate better flourishing. I can glide my hand on either the side of my little finger or the finger nail, whichever feels more comfortable.
I'm sharing some photos below. Would love to hear your thoughts. ;D
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Very interesting indeed.
I can also attest that your writing has improved in a major way over the last year.
I'll have a look at these holders.
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I've often wondered why penmakers don't flatten out the top of turned pens to allow a more comfortable and 'stable' grip. I generally make ergonomic pens, where the top is already flat, but have also experimented with making similar modifications to a couple of turned pens I've made. I assumed that there wasn't much demand for them, so didn't bother pursuing it any further - but from my experiments, I agree that it makes a more comfortable pen.
Looking forward to seeing some more.
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Hi All,
Lots of interest in the new (old) penholders. Looking forward to the new book from Erica!
If anyone has any questions about the new pen holders please don't hesitate to ask me or Erica.
Below is a little info on how the pen came about....more in the book I'm sure...I'm sure Erica can add to this too if I've left anything out!
When Erica got in contact about the pen design I was a bit sceptical as I had tried the ergonomic pen holders before and they didn't feel right to me ( I know there are lots of people who love them and swear by them! ), but for me I like the simple round pens. As I learned more about the shape from Erica I began to think there may be something in it, after all the great Madarasz flattened the top of his holders. It was a bit of a trial and error when it came to the over all design, we didn't want a straight triangular shape and we didn't want the intricacies of an ergonomic holder, we really wanted it to be as close as we could get it to what we were used to. The only thing which was 100% nonnegotiable was the triangular element. After many attempts I managed to get a holder which had the elements of both a standard ( for the want of a better word ) and the Ransomerian. On using the pen it felt a little strange at first, but once I got used to it I found it incredibly comfortable to hold. The flat area on top of the pen feels fantastic when executing shades and the pen sits in the hand at exactly the same position every time. When it comes to pen designs everyone has there preferences, thick, thin, short, long, heavy or light, we are just delighted to be able to give penmen one more choice in their search for the perfect pen. I'll be making a few simple Curv-E holders in the near future so if anyone wants to try one just get in contact, let me know your budget and we see if we can get one made for you. Hope this helps clarify the pens a little more and again like I said if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
Regards,
Edward
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Sounds great Edward! I've also just seen your instagram post showing the design in more detail - there are quite a few changes you've made to a normal pen. It looks like a happy medium between a traditional turned pen, and a full blown ergonomic. Well done!
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Thank you Melanie,
It does look very different on the video but thats because I'm trying to show all the angles. It's really just a normal oblique with the grip areas sanded flat. It did take a few goes to get the angles right but well worth it. I'll put up some more images and video which should give everyone a better understanding of the difference.
Edward
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One other thing that I think people should understand about designing the new pen is just how much work and time goes into finding a name. Erica and I must have come up with 50 names each....thankfully it was Erica that hit the nail on the head and the Curv-E Holder was born!
Edward
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It looks gorgeous is all I can say :)!
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Very interesting!
Love the blue and white, by the way. Good luck!
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I'm dying to try that holder!
Janis
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One other thing that I think people should understand about designing the new pen is just how much work and time goes into finding a name. Erica and I must have come up with 50 names each....thankfully it was Erica that hit the nail on the head and the Curv-E Holder was born!
Edward
Haha, always the hardest bit when starting a business too! ::)
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Interesting design. I have an ergonomic holder from Melanie (EnglishPenCrafts) that feels in my hand exactly the way the holder in this thread is described. It's not triangular. It is kind of like a free-form Tower Strahm holder. The upper surface of the grip is flat (and dipping slightly), and the thumb sits behind the flange also on a flat plane. The side that is hidden by the hand is curved - though as this plays little part in the holding it is not so relevant beyond aesthetics.
This image doesn't show those planes as clearly as I would like.
(https://i.imgur.com/GHD0BLVl.jpg)
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Hi All,
Lots of interest in the new (old) penholders. Looking forward to the new book from Erica!
If anyone has any questions about the new pen holders please don't hesitate to ask me or Erica.
Below is a little info on how the pen came about....more in the book I'm sure...I'm sure Erica can add to this too if I've left anything out!
When Erica got in contact about the pen design I was a bit sceptical as I had tried the ergonomic pen holders before and they didn't feel right to me ( I know there are lots of people who love them and swear by them! ), but for me I like the simple round pens. As I learned more about the shape from Erica I began to think there may be something in it, after all the great Madarasz flattened the top of his holders. It was a bit of a trial and error when it came to the over all design, we didn't want a straight triangular shape and we didn't want the intricacies of an ergonomic holder, we really wanted it to be as close as we could get it to what we were used to. The only thing which was 100% nonnegotiable was the triangular element. After many attempts I managed to get a holder which had the elements of both a standard ( for the want of a better word ) and the Ransomerian. On using the pen it felt a little strange at first, but once I got used to it I found it incredibly comfortable to hold. The flat area on top of the pen feels fantastic when executing shades and the pen sits in the hand at exactly the same position every time. When it comes to pen designs everyone has there preferences, thick, thin, short, long, heavy or light, we are just delighted to be able to give penmen one more choice in their search for the perfect pen. I'll be making a few simple Curv-E holders in the near future so if anyone wants to try one just get in contact, let me know your budget and we see if we can get one made for you. Hope this helps clarify the pens a little more and again like I said if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
Regards,
Edward
Wauw @Erica McPhee and @Edward super interesting!! I’m a lefty and using a right oblique, I’d love to see how this penholder would fit when holding left handed. I find that I fiddle a bit getting the right hold with my current holder, and your ideas are very appealing.
Lemme know if you need a lefty tester - I’d love to help out
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Hi Vlatorn,
It's something I'm looking into at the moment, lefty's using right-handed pens throws up a few problems. Firstly the flange will hamper the middle finger from extending towards the top of the pen, and secondly the index finger is parallel with the flange as apposed to meeting it at an angle. These are not huge problems but the design will need tweaking to get it right!
Do you use a tripod grip using the right-handed pen?
Edward
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Hi Vlatorn,
It's something I'm looking into at the moment, lefty's using right-handed pens throws up a few problems. Firstly the flange will hamper the middle finger from extending towards the top of the pen, and secondly the index finger is parallel with the flange as apposed to meeting it at an angle. These are not huge problems but the design will need tweaking to get it right!
Do you use a tripod grip using the right-handed pen?
Edward
Hi Edward
I do not use a tripod grip. I have a somewhat dark video on my Instagram where you can see my grip. I’d be happy to do some better videos for you to see how I’m gripping if that could be interesting?
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Hi again,
Just watched your video on instagram ( nice work ) it's a little difficult to see but I can make out your grip and you really have a serious death grip going on there!
I had a bad grip a few years ago and it took me a while to get over it. I had to take the step back to go forward if you know what I mean. It was difficult as I work as a calligrapher here in the uk and I do a lot of work for stationers in London amongst other places, so I had to keep going back to my original ( bad ) grip to get work done and then try and use the new tripod grip again only for more work to come in and you can see how difficult it was. I stuck with it and I am soooooo glad I did, my new grip is working out brilliantly couldn't be more happy.......SOOOOOO I would highly recommend you try and lose the death grip as you really are putting a lot of pressure on those fingers and that in turn is causing your forearm to tense up which is not good for writing. I don't think a Cure-E pen is going to help you with your current grip as your fingers seem to be gripping the pen at the same section of the neck of the pen which is not where any of the flat sections of the Curv-E pen are. I hope I'm making sense here let me know your thoughts on this.
Regards,
Edward
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Hi again,
Just watched your video on instagram ( nice work ) it's a little difficult to see but I can make out your grip and you really have a serious death grip going on there!
I had a bad grip a few years ago and it took me a while to get over it. I had to take the step back to go forward if you know what I mean. It was difficult as I work as a calligrapher here in the uk and I do a lot of work for stationers in London amongst other places, so I had to keep going back to my original ( bad ) grip to get work done and then try and use the new tripod grip again only for more work to come in and you can see how difficult it was. I stuck with it and I am soooooo glad I did, my new grip is working out brilliantly couldn't be more happy.......SOOOOOO I would highly recommend you try and lose the death grip as you really are putting a lot of pressure on those fingers and that in turn is causing your forearm to tense up which is not good for writing. I don't think a Cure-E pen is going to help you with your current grip as your fingers seem to be gripping the pen at the same section of the neck of the pen which is not where any of the flat sections of the Curv-E pen are. I hope I'm making sense here let me know your thoughts on this.
Regards,
Edward
I definitely see your point, re. the pressure of the grip. I looks pretty deathy ( ;) ) in that clip. I do believe I hold it a bit more loose usually, but this oblique is very light and sort of slippery. Do you have some resources for learning grip, as I'm very open to learning and correcting - it'll only add to the fun :)
Thanks!
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There is a thread somewhere about the dangers of death grips.
It includes problems with thumb-wrist-elbow-shoulder-neck-back.
I developed a classic tennis-elbow injury from my death grip and forging through overtime jobs.
Once you have an injury to a joint, that joint never forgets.
It is now a weak spot and at the slightest amount of over-doing, it will flare up.
So, it is more than a helpful tip - to change your grip - it is a serous warning.
I think the thread includes all kinds of ergonomic information.
Your posture - while sitting.
Stopping every 20 minutes to look out the window and relax your eyes.
I think it is a pretty long list -
Many of us old-timers wish we had taken better care of ourselves when we were younger.
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Hi,
Couldn't agree more with Jean, once the joints go they are never the same so giving them less to do is only a good thing.
I've added this pic of my grip which I took some time ago. As you can see from my fingers there is no force coming from anywhere, also the tail of the pen sits in a little grove between the knuckle of the index finger, this gives a lot more control of the pen due to less surface contact with the thumb. The two fingers underneath give the support to the whole hand and it makes it very easy to slide on the fingernails. Finally the biggest difference that I noticed from adopting this grip is the freedom it gives to the index finger and the middle finger ( the gap between the middle finger and the ring finger and the little finger ) this is fantastic for lower case writing. BUT it does take a while to get used to it......BUT very worth while!
Hope this helps!
Edward
Ps. I find keeping the wrist of the table great for capitals ( muscular movement ) the two fingers give plenty of support once you get used to it!
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Just a sample of my writing to go with the grip pic!
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Here is thread on Posture and Ergonomics (http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=3512.0). ;D
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Thanks again for all your wonderful advice, I have practiced an altered grip since and I feel I have improved a lot. It takes a lot of mindfulness and constant self correction, and some of my consistency is definitely suffering, but I will keep at it :)
I’ve just uploaded a video to my IG, if you’d like to see my progress https://instagram.com/p/Bg7Wqv5Fjc1/ (https://instagram.com/p/Bg7Wqv5Fjc1/)
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After reading all the posts here about the pen Erica and Edward developed, I ordered one. I absolutely love it. My hand fingers rest so nicely on the flattened areas, and I find less hand stress after a 15 minute session. I love this pen holder, and thank Edward for his patience as I bombarded him with emails awaiting the pen holder's arrival from across the big pond. It was worth the wait for customs here to inspect it. It added a week to the delivery, but oh, putting my favorite vintage Gillotts 604EF into the flange and using it for the first time was pure Nirvana! Thank you Edward, for a most beautiful and practical pen holder.
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That is wonderful news @NevadaDeb ! And another beautiful holder @Edward ! ;D
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Hi Debi,
So glad you like the pen, always nice to hear someone benefitting from the new design. Happy scribbling!
Regards,
Edward
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hello guys, just wanted to share my experienced. I finally tried this oblique and since it arrives I honestly never use any other holder that I have. whenever I try to go back to the normal round one I immediately feel so much discomfort. it is an absolute must holder in my opinion, I can't wait to have another one in a different style because I love it too much! thank you so much, Erica and Edward, to make this holder happen.
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I am so happy to hear that @ratna_89 ! :-* I am the same way. I now only use the Curv-E holders! The round holders feel awkward now. ;D
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hello guys, just wanted to share my experienced. I finally tried this oblique and since it arrives I honestly never use any other holder that I have. whenever I try to go back to the normal round one I immediately feel so much discomfort. it is an absolute must holder in my opinion, I can't wait to have another one in a different style because I love it too much! thank you so much, Erica and Edward, to make this holder happen.
So glad you like the design @ratna_89 , I don't use or make the round holders ( unless asked ) anymore as I find them so uncomfortable now. All the feedback from people who have tried the new design has been fantastic. Let me know by email if you see any pen you like on my page and I'll drop the price for you, or let me know if there is a design you like and I can make it for you!
I think we should have a pen give-away soon ah Erica?
Edward
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Here is a holder for the giveaway.
Erica, please decide how to choose a winner. I'll abide by your decision.
(https://i.imgur.com/j8BNXJ0l.jpg)
Crafted from iconic English Yew - as used to make longbows!
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Stunning pen! What kind of wood did you use, Edward?
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Wow! Let me follow up in a bit. I am on my way out the door to a weekend wedding. Gorgeous holder. :-*
@Edward Don't forget turquoise and lilac are my favorite colors. LOL. ;D
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Stunning pen! What kind of wood did you use, Edward?
Hi, That pen is English Yew wood, it's a thicker grip than normal!
Edward
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Offer is still open. :)
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Ooh, I would love to get involved in that giveaway! *drool*
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hello guys, just wanted to share my experienced. I finally tried this oblique and since it arrives I honestly never use any other holder that I have. whenever I try to go back to the normal round one I immediately feel so much discomfort. it is an absolute must holder in my opinion, I can't wait to have another one in a different style because I love it too much! thank you so much, Erica and Edward, to make this holder happen.
So glad you like the design @ratna_89 , I don't use or make the round holders ( unless asked ) anymore as I find them so uncomfortable now. All the feedback from people who have tried the new design has been fantastic. Let me know by email if you see any pen you like on my page and I'll drop the price for you, or let me know if there is a design you like and I can make it for you!
I think we should have a pen give-away soon ah Erica?
Edward
yes, very gladly, I am thinking of purchasing more, Ill update you when time is right, right now I am caught up on a project with my husband for my small shop makin Calligraphy Metallics colors , thank you so much again for creating such masterpiece!
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I may just bite the bullet and get me one as a birthday present to myself. ;) Maybe this is the missing link in my holder/nib issues. 8)
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Kozibe, I think it would be a marvelous birthday present to yourself! Edward's pens are not only beautiful, but so incredibly functional and comfortable to use. I love the flattened areas for my finger and thumb to rest, and with this design, I can write longer without hand stress. Here's a photo of the new one I just received from him a few days ago. It's olive wood and ebony. It is so nicely balanced, and just a delight to use, not to mention lovely to gaze upon. I hope you will give yourself that present -- I don't think you will be disappointed! Whichever colors and materials you choose to your liking, the bottom line is it will make writing more comfortable and delightful.
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Thanks so much for posting @NevadaDeb Yours is beautiful! I love the black and wood combo, so classic. Did you get a medium grip? I know I suffer from death grip so I am thinking that a thinker grip would be better for me. I am leaning toward the Wild Olive and Red Resin one he has on Etsy. It looks like its the thickest and shortest out of the bunch. The Snakewood and Ebony is gorgeous but so slim and over 10 inches long! I cannot imagine writing with a pen that long. LOL! But then again, I paint with long brushes so I am not sure why it is striking me as so weird. HA! So hard to decide!
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Thank you! I hope you find JUST the pen you want. I like the very thin grips myself. Mine is a medium/small, and it’s not too thick for me. I have a Zanerian Fine Art pen holder that is very slender and I actually love the size. But I’m now very hooked on Edward’s ergonomic pen shapes, and find that they are narrow enough for my smaller hand. I LOVE the extra long ones, and hope to have one some day! They have nice balance to them. Edward’s slightly shorter ones work well, though as his finial is larger, and that lends itself nicely to a weighted balance at the other end. That balance also helps to keep my hand from getting overly tired overly quick! Whichever you choose, I know you will end up loving it. They are all finished so nicely, and Edward is just the most ethical, delightful and courteous person you could ever hope to meet. I’ve seen pens from others that are not nearly as nice or as varied as Edwards, but two or three times the price. I think Edward’s pens are very, very reasonable for all the work put into them. They are all labor intensive. I have my pens stored on a shelf next to my writing desk, and on a plexiglass horizontal jewelry holder — It holds them in a good position so the water doesn’t drain back down into the base of the pen. Pen collecting can get very addictive. And the worst part, is they are sort of like potato chips. You can’t have just ONE!!! Get that pen for your birthday. You won’t be disappointed. Whichever one you like, it will become a treasured partner in your calligraphic journey.
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Wow this is so interesting, at the beginning of this year I took the Copperplate class with Paul Scribes and as you know he encourages the use of Straight pen holder for Copperplate and specifically for flourishing citing the problems you mentioned before with a regular oblique pen, but this new oblique holder is the perfect solution for everything!
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Although I am no calligrapher I can and will thoroughly endorse these beautiful pen holders. Great ergonomic design and really high level of workmanship by Edward.
I suspect that I will buy one in the not too distant future. ;D
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Its funny that you mention about Paul and the straight holder @esmy77 I feel most comfortable using a straight holder, but when I am taking a lesson I was to adhere to the teachers recommendations as closely as I can and with a lot of copperplate lessons out there there recommend using an oblique. So I am really trying to find an oblique that works for me so that I am as versatile as I can be. I am hoping this one could be the one.
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Kozibe, think how flexible you are to be able to use both an oblique and straight holder! It’s sort of like being ambidextrous. I’ve used a straight holder for 40 years for broad pen calligraphy, but find my hand is too torqued to remain comfortable in a straight holder while doing copperplate style lettering. I wish I COULD use both, interchangeably! I do like the straight holder for some flourishing, though. I sure hope the Curv-E works for you. And, of course, I love it when calligraphers support other calligraphers who also are pensmiths. Good luck, Kobize!
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Though two years ago, I wonder if the Curv-E holder is the answer to the post I just put up asking folk's favourite oblique holder. Erica, are you STILL enamored with this holder? Yours is sure pretty.
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Kozibe, I think it would be a marvelous birthday present to yourself! Edward's pens are not only beautiful, but so incredibly functional and comfortable to use. I love the flattened areas for my finger and thumb to rest, and with this design, I can write longer without hand stress. Here's a photo of the new one I just received from him a few days ago. It's olive wood and ebony. It is so nicely balanced, and just a delight to use, not to mention lovely to gaze upon. I hope you will give yourself that present -- I don't think you will be disappointed! Whichever colors and materials you choose to your liking, the bottom line is it will make writing more comfortable and delightful.
Excuse me while I uwww and ahhh. This is a beautiful instrument. Going to recheck out his site with renewed mental clarity. :)
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Very interesting indeed.
I can also attest that your writing has improved in a major way over the last year.
I'll have a look at these holders.
But could it have been practice vs. the holder? If a holder can do all that I really need to take a look. :o
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@lyric The Curv-E holders are the only pens I use now. I have not gone back to a round pen at all over the past two years. And I don’t ever plan to. Edward has said the praise has been so great, they are now the only pens he makes. ;D
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I love the finish and shape of this holder. Unique style and polish have given it a mirror finish. Great product.
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@lyric The Curv-E holders are the only pens I use now. I have not gone back to a round pen at all over the past two years. And I don’t ever plan to. Edward has said the praise has been so great, they are now the only pens he makes. ;D
Good news. I hope to order one soon. I was hoping for a shorter one; but he informs me he no longer does re-dos.
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I am too interested in this holder and I am already disappointed with several other pen I got.
That's because I believe I have a different hold and feel when I write so I believe I can get my hand to adopted to this pen.
This is a beautifully craft pen. So my interest is to try this ~Curve -grip pen. :D
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I recently re-started Copperplate Foundations and began using my Curv-E. I adore it.
I hope you purchase one.
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Hooray! I love to hear that! :-*
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My Hunt 22b's arrived today. Guess what, it does not fit into either three of my pen holders :'(; especially my Curv-E.
It does fit into one of my straight holders; however, I was really looking forward to breaking in my Curv-E NOW. I am thinking I should not be messing around with my Curv-E flange.
What holder do you use with your Hunt 22?
Thanks.
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Oh that is such a bummer! I have an old oblique that I don't mind messing around with the flange on. I use that to try different nibs. You can adjust your flange on your Curv-E to fit any nib but once you start changing it around, it does make it less easy to manipulate. You can email Edward to see if he has any tips for making it fit.
Back in the day, they didn't make flanges to fit any specific nib. We just used a little plier to adjust it for whatever we were using. Although I did have one pen that had a little screw in the flange which made it a bit easier.
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Oh that is such a bummer! I have an old oblique that I don't mind messing around with the flange on. I use that to try different nibs. You can adjust your flange on your Curv-E to fit any nib but once you start changing it around, it does make it less easy to manipulate. You can email Edward to see if he has any tips for making it fit.
Honey, I ain't messing around with my Curv-E; nope, nadda, not. I will leave it as is for my now second-choice Leonardt Principle EF's and whatever else size it fits.
Back in the day, they didn't make flanges to fit any specific nib. We just used a little plier to adjust it for whatever we were using. Although I did have one pen that had a little screw in the flange which made it a bit easier.
I saw a nice Russian made holder yesterday with adjustable flange ($40). Not gorgeous and all like my CE, but it works for what it is supposed to do, right? Perhaps as funds come to me I "may" purchase. Meanwhile, My Hunt 22 is doing fine in a straight holder. Not sure why/how I got hung up on obliques anyway. I am thinking when I first starting reading up on calligraphy that was what I saw most [shoulder shrug]. I do not believe (especially using guidelines) that my slant is suffering for using a straight vs. oblique; so there I have it. It is a matter of keeping on practicing and learning. Plus, that hole pascribe "thing" about supposing to use straight anyway.
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I highly suggest sticking with an oblique. The straight holder has its advantages when doing extensive flourishing but will produce a ragged right edge and wear your nib unevenly. ;)
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I highly suggest sticking with an oblique. The straight holder has its advantages when doing extensive flourishing but will produce a ragged right edge and wear your nib unevenly. ;)
Ohh, my!
Ok . . . my Hunt 22 does not fit my Curve-E adorable pen. I will try again. Practicing now.
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My Curve-E is doing fine I am having a kind of "Writing -block" these days and trying to recharge myself back to get things going. ;)
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Cyril, when that happens to me, I take a break and go back to books and old calligraphy journals to get reinspired. If that doesn’t help, I try to learn a new hand or do some drawing. It usually helps break the block and get the creativity flowing again. That feeling of not being able to do what we want creatively can be so painful.
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I highly suggest sticking with an oblique. The straight holder has its advantages when doing extensive flourishing but will produce a ragged right edge and wear your nib unevenly. ;)
Ohh, my!
Ok . . . my Hunt 22 does not fit my Curve-E adorable pen. I will try again. Practicing now.
I closed my eyes (figuratively), bent that flange and WOW. Now my Hunt 22b fits. Phew.
LOL, I'll bet now it won't work with my Tach G :D :D 8). I don't care because I have several pens that fit that. I wanted/needed my Curv-E to fit my newfound friend, Hunt.
Thanks, all.
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@lyric In the front section of Dr. Joe Vitolo's apple book to learn Engrosser's Script, he gives a detailed description of how to use a pair of rounded pliers to adjust your flange. ;D
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Yes, he does. I'm 🐔. Saw it last year I think.
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LOL…same. I never change them. ;D
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@lyric The Curv-E holders are the only pens I use now. I have not gone back to a round pen at all over the past two years. And I don’t ever plan to. Edward has said the praise has been so great, they are now the only pens he makes. ;D
Hi Erica,
How many have you collected thus far? Enjoying mine by the way. Get this, my nib is SO tight in there I try to not remove it and thus have to be very careful when dipping in water to clean the nib. I manipulated with pliers ONCE. Don't plan on doing it again. Unable to replace this bad boy so working to leave well enough alone.
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I’m sorry I never saw this @Lyric ! I think I have 5 so far. They are really the only pens I use now. I don’t like to take the nibs in or out either so I put different ones in each one. ;D
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I’m sorry I never saw this @Lyric ! I think I have 5 so far. They are really the only pens I use now. I don’t like to take the nibs in or out either so I put different ones in each one. ;D
I would not mind a short handled one. Last I visited seems he is no longer making them kinda sorta. There were none available. But, it has been a while. I baby mine compared to the other holders. They are in a cup when not in use. My Curv-E is kinda in my way because I keep it sideways in the groove of my water cup which is on my desk. The long pointy handle really gets in my way. Would have purchased a short handle style IF he would have sold one.
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There are four available on his website (just looked), at the bottom of the page of for sale items.
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He took a brief break as he was studying fine art, I believe in Italy.
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Personally, I do not think the average oblique holder is well adapted to script writing unless the top side is flattened so the forefinger can rest upon both the holder and the tin at the same time, thus overcoming the tendency to grip or turn. The triangular oblique holder is well adapted to engrossing script.
I have learned through experience that the nearer the point of the pen is grasped, the better control of the pen is the result. In writing Engraver’s script, I place my forefinger on the pen below the side piece of the oblique holder about half an inch from the point of the pen, which results in perfect control of my pen.
So I contacted Edward Curran @Edward , one of my favorite pen makers and told him I wanted a curvilateral pen - a somewhat triangular shape but with rounded edges for better comfort, a flat top, and a shallow bottom. I sent him some sketches and photographs of a model I made out of paper clay. After a few trials, Edward created what I think is the perfect holder for Copperplate, and especially flourished Copperplate.
We call it the Curv-E Holder - representing its curvilateral shape, Curran, and E for Erica and Edward. ;D
I have been using it now for many months and will most likely never go back to a round holder. It allows a natural, comfortable tripod grip which helps me execute both muscular and whole arm movement - both of which facilitate better flourishing. I can glide my hand on either the side of my little finger or the finger nail, whichever feels more comfortable.
I'm sharing some photos below. Would love to hear your thoughts. ;D
Those pens are GOOORGEOUS, Ms. Erica. When I finally was able to order one, though lovely, it is not gooorgeous. I was simply glad to get one in my hand. Hmmm, I wonder if I would be able to find really pretty ones at this time? 8)
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@Lyric - Edward is no longer making the pens. However my husband and I are making our version of the Curv-E. You can see more about them here: Curv-E Pens (https://theflourishforum.com/pens). We will have another batch released next Thursday in honor of Earth Day and then another batch for Mother’s Day with more pastels. ;D
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I got mine (from Erica) some days ago and it is so beautiful and comfortable :)!
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Yay! :-*
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Out of curiosity - would you consider a customer colour request for an oblique, when you start another manufacturing run, if the pen was paid for fully in advance?
Mark
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Absolutely! Adam loves creating and crafting these pens and we aim to please! So if anyone wanted something custom, he could work within their budget.