Hobbies… The Finer Things?
Recently I picked up a new hobby — fountain pens. I know there are probably some of you out there who have used them before (some schools used to utilize them in teaching handwriting). However, most of you probably have never used nor have ever thought about using a fountain pen.
Let me tell you — it’s a cool experience. Of course, one of the first things you have to get used to is spending a bit more money on a pen. A great starter pen can be found for around $50 brand new. I’m sure I’ve already lost people there. The nice thing, however, is that it is likely the pen will last a lifetime. There are many collectors who are using pens that were made in the early 1900’s. Unless you’ve tried it, it’s hard to describe what it is like using a fountain pen. I actually find that I can write more for longer since I don’t have to press down on the paper very hard to get the pen to write. Choosing an ink for the pen is another story altogether. It’s pretty cool using a pen that you fill from a bottle of ink.
Anyway, fountain pens are one way that I like to use to identify with the past. Another way I do that is through mechanical watches. I won’t delve too deeply into this subject here, though (maybe a future post). If you almost had a heart attack at the price of a single pen, you don’t want to see the prices of nice mechanical watches. However, there is something cool about using a watch that needs no electronic equipment at all. Springs and gears alone keep very accurate time — it’s quite amazing.
I think it is funny how fountain pens and mechanical watches are now considered luxury goods (depending on the brand, model, etc). Not too many years ago they were the standard. I like to think that these are my way of slowing the pace of life down a bit. I like technology as much as the next guy (heck, my degree is in computer science), but it is nice taking a step back every now and then.
If you are wondering if you can buy any of these things in Great Falls, the basic answer is no. I think Office Max has a single fountain pen that you can buy. As far as mechanical watches, I haven’t seen anywhere that carries them.
Does anyone out there share these hobbies? I’d be interested in your hobby or hobbies — feel free to comment!
November 15th, 2007 at 8:50 am
Rob, first, welcome. Second, I think ‘World of Time’ downtown has mechanical watches.
November 15th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Hutch, thanks for the info. I don’t remember seeing any in there but that doesn’t mean they don’t have them. I’ll have to swing in there sometime and check the store out again.