Lefties are often criticized. Even the positive news doesn't always look so great. Have you heard about how a lot of U.S. presidents were left-handed? Unfortunately only 14% of them were southpaws. This is higher than the overall lefty population, however not by many. Some studies show that left-handers are more proficient in math and the ability to express themselves verbally. However, there are studies that claim that it's completely untrue.
Can Lefties Use Fountain Pens?
There's a common myth that southpaws and fountain pen do not mix. But it's only an assumption.
The pen itself aren't made to be used in one way and the opposite. The difference lies with the nib. In the first place, the angle of the nib can be a factor. Additionally, certain nibs and materials might be more comfortable to use on one hand on the left, but it's mostly a matter preference.
For instance Gold nibs are flexible and soft and stainless nibs are stiff, but are smoother to move. It's worth trying to determine the best fit for you.
The tragedies:
- Ink flow is poor. Writing left to right, as we do in a variety of languages, means that when you're a right-handed person, you're just pulling the pen with ease when you write that romantic note or sign the check. It's like a flowing stream, don't you think? It's not so for lefties. Writing left handed is difficult. Lefties need to press off the writing instrument from the hands while making legible loops and slants by crossing 't's and crossing the 'i's. Pushing can mean that the tip of the pen skips and the line breaks.
- The inkblot and asphalt mentioned above? When your hands plow through the freshly dried ink to make phrases on paper, then what could be expected other than an messy palm and an inky paper?
- Hand fatigue. It's tough business writing left-handed Pushing rather than pulling, bending hands to avoid wet ink creating an angle that's not right, or right-handed.
The victory:
- Ink with low viscosity. Hurray! Lefties require smooth ink to ease the nebulous nature of writing as lefties. Low viscosity is yet another method of describing smooth flow of ink. It is perfect for all however it is essential for those who are lefties. It is easier to control pressure for flow of ink, which means more comfort and less stress when writing. The terms "low viscosity" and "best pens for lefties" go together (er left hand in left).
- Ink that quickly dries. Another win for Team Leftie! Rapid Dry Ink dries in less than a second, offers an even flow and is made to be used by people who are left handed. Fast-drying pens designed for left handed individuals are an absolute must.
- Features for ergonomics. With computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) which is a term used to describe the wide range of grips for pen, barrel widthsand weights is virtually unlimited. That means that lefties who are under-represented can now choose from a myriad of options to make it better writing.
Left-Handed Writing Tips
You might not be aware of this that there are many ways to write left-handed. Underwriting, overwriting and sides writing all are options that are a possibility for left-handed people.
Overwriting
Overwriting, also referred to as hooking, is the process where you sit in a high place and then curl your hands. The paper is roughly the same orientation as the right-handed person would have, however it has a slight counter-clockwise rotation.
Underwriting
Underwriting employs a neutral hand position in which your hands are between you and the line of the writing. The paper is placed facing the other direction, then rotate it clockwise.
Side Writing
Side writing happens when your hand is placed in between the baseline as well as the ascender line. You move the pen across an almost vertical paper and make slight tilt in either direction.
Writing with an underwriter is usually the most effective option, however when you've learned some other method you can use it, consider practicing your grip. No matter what style you write in there are a few fundamental tips to help to improve your left-handed fountain pen writing.
Be attentive to your grip. A well-groomed grip allows you to maintain a steady flow of writing effortlessly. If you have to write lengthy pages of clean, clear text, this is crucial.
Next, concentrate on the pressure. When you press too hard, your fountain pen can harm the nib or damage the paper. The excess ink could cause it to pool on your paper. In addition, pressure that is too high creates wrist and hand strain. It is therefore recommended to make time to practise before using your fountain pen in office work.
