The premium look and feel of a fountain pen are undeniable, but there’s a small learning curve when first using the tool. This is because fountain pens simply do not write the same way as ballpoint pens. The ink is delivered to the page in a completely different way, with a heavier flow and longer drying time. And because of the nib design, the pen needs to be held at a certain angle so ink flows properly. The common rule of thumb is to hold the pen at a 45° to 55° angle. This allows the nib to glide across the paper smoothly. If the angle is too steep or shallow, the nib won’t have healthy contact with the page and you may notice skips or a scratchy feeling. In addition to a proper angle, you might need to adjust the way your hand rests on the page. Remember, fountain pen ink dries slowly, which increases the risk of smudging if you tend to drag your hand when you write.