Choosing The Perfect Oblique Pen Holder For Wedding Invites

When it comes to creating elegant wedding invitations with calligraphy, an oblique pen holder can be a game-changer. Oblique pen holders are designed for calligraphers who work with pointed nibs and scripts that require a consistent slant, such as Copperplate and Spencerian. The angled design of the holder offers better control and alignment, making it easier to achieve the precise, flowing lines that characterise these elegant styles. This is especially useful for right-handed calligraphers who want to achieve a more pronounced right-slant angle or simply write at a more comfortable angle.

Oblique pen holders for right-handed calligraphers

Oblique pen holders are a great tool for right-handed calligraphers, especially when working with pointed nibs and scripts that require a consistent slant, such as Copperplate and Spencerian. The angled design of the holder offers better control and alignment, making it easier to achieve the precise, flowing lines that characterise elegant calligraphy styles.

When choosing an oblique pen holder, consider the material. Options range from lightweight plastic to finely crafted wood, each designed for comfort and balance. For instance, the Isomars Wooden Vintage Oblique Holder is crafted from high-quality wood and brass metal, offering both durability and elegance.

Another important factor is nib compatibility. Ensure that the oblique pen holder you choose is compatible with the nibs you intend to use. Some holders are designed to work with specific nibs, so check for compatibility before purchasing.

You can find oblique pen holders in various designs and materials from different brands and craftsmen. Some popular options include:

• Speedball Oblique Pen Set - Comes with one penholder and four nibs.
• Yoption Wood Calligraphy Oblique Dip Pen Holder Set - Includes a removable nib pen handle and five flat nibs.
• English Calligraphy Pen Holder - A plastic dip pen handle with a black oblique nib and a removable metal flange.
• Calligraphy Set for Beginners - A dip pen set that includes a wooden pen, 19 nibs, and an oblique pen holder.

Experiment with different grips to find what works best for you. The traditional grip involves placing your index finger on top of the pen and resting the tip of your thumb just above the flange. If you have long thumbnails or find the traditional grip uncomfortable, you can try the alternate traditional grip or experiment with your own unique grip.

Oblique pen holders for beginners

Oblique pen holders are a great tool for beginners looking to improve their calligraphy skills, especially when working with pointed nibs and scripts that require a consistent slant, such as Copperplate and Spencerian. The angled design of the holder offers better control and alignment, making it easier to achieve the precise, flowing lines that characterise elegant calligraphy styles.

When choosing an oblique pen holder, consider the material. Options range from lightweight plastic to finely crafted wood, each designed for comfort and balance. For instance, the Isomars pen holder is made of high-quality plastic and brass metal, providing durability and comfort during long calligraphy sessions. On the other hand, the Isomars Wooden Vintage Oblique Holder combines high-quality wood and brass metal, offering both durability and a touch of classic elegance.

When setting up your oblique pen, you'll need a small screwdriver and pointed pliers. First, use the screwdriver to gently prise open the flange and insert the nib. Then, adjust the angle of the flange to your comfort. Finally, use the pliers to tighten the flange and ensure the nib is snug.

When writing with an oblique pen, grip it as you normally would with a straight pen. Remember, you don't need to rotate the paper as much compared to a straight pen, making it more comfortable and easier to see your work.

Oblique pens are not for everyone, but many calligraphers find them easier to use and prefer them for their angled slant and improved control.

Oblique pen holder materials

Oblique pen holders are a great tool for calligraphers who work with pointed nibs and scripts that require a consistent slant, such as Copperplate and Spencerian. The angled design of the holder allows for better control and alignment, helping you achieve the precise, flowing lines that are characteristic of elegant calligraphy styles.

When it comes to materials, oblique pen holders offer a range of options to choose from. Here are some of the most common materials used in the construction of oblique pen holders:

Wood

Wooden oblique pen holders are crafted from high-quality wood, such as rosewood or walnut, and sometimes feature brass metal accents. They offer a classic and elegant look while providing durability and a comfortable grip. Wooden pen holders are designed to be well-balanced and provide precision during extended writing sessions.

Plastic

Plastic oblique pen holders are lightweight and affordable options that are perfect for beginners or those on a budget. They are designed to be comfortable and easy to control, allowing you to create consistent lettering.

Resin

Resin oblique pen holders offer a unique and modern aesthetic. They are often crafted with attention to detail and can feature a range of colours or designs. Resin holders provide a comfortable grip and are built to last.

Metal

Metal oblique pen holders, such as those made from aluminium or copper, offer a sleek and contemporary look. They are durable and designed to be well-balanced, ensuring precision and control during calligraphy work.

Glass

Glass oblique pen holders provide a unique and elegant writing experience. They are often hand-blown and crafted with attention to detail, offering a range of colour options. Glass holders are built to be functional while also serving as beautiful display pieces.

The variety of materials used in oblique pen holders allows calligraphers to choose the option that best suits their style, comfort, and aesthetic preferences. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of wood or the modern appeal of metal, there is an oblique pen holder material that can enhance your calligraphy experience and help you create beautiful, consistent lettering.

Oblique pen holder maintenance

Oblique pen holders are a fantastic tool for calligraphers, offering better control and alignment for consistent, elegant lettering. To maintain your oblique pen holder, there are several steps you can take to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.

Firstly, it is important to understand the components of your holder. The body of the holder contains a slit where a small piece of metal, known as the "flange," is inserted. This flange holds the replaceable writing tip, or nib, at a slanted angle for calligraphic scripts. The flange is the key to the performance of your pen, so it is important to ensure it is well-adjusted and maintained.

When purchasing your holder, you may find that some makers provide a pre-adjusted flange, which can be useful for beginners. However, for a truly personalised experience, you can create your own flange. To do this, you will need tools such as bail-making pliers and duckbill pliers, as well as a strip of brass metal. By cutting, bending, and shaping the brass, you can create a custom flange that suits your unique writing style and anatomy. This process may take a few attempts to perfect, but it will give you complete control over your pen's performance.

Once you have a flange that suits your needs, it is important to ensure it is securely attached to the holder. Some holders may use glue or pins to affix the flange, but these methods can make it difficult to adjust or replace the flange in the future. If your flange becomes loose, you can try using super glue to reattach it, but be cautious as this may limit your ability to make future adjustments.

To get the most out of your oblique pen holder, it is essential to find the right angle for your flange and nib. Adjusting the angle can help you apply even pressure on both tines of the nib, preventing ink spatter and sloppy strokes. As a beginner, it is recommended to position the flange and nib at a low angle to the paper, avoiding an upright position which can hinder your ability to form upstrokes.

By following these maintenance and adjustment tips, you can ensure your oblique pen holder performs optimally and lasts for years to come, helping you create beautiful and elegant calligraphy.

Oblique pen holder setup

Oblique pen holders are a fantastic tool for calligraphers, providing a more comfortable writing experience, especially when using pointed nibs and scripts that require a consistent slant, such as Copperplate and Spencerian. The angled design allows for better control and alignment, helping you achieve those precise, flowing lines.

When setting up your oblique pen holder, it's important to ensure it's well-adjusted to your needs. The relationship between the body, flange, and pen is delicate, and you may need to make adjustments to suit your unique anatomy, writing posture, and aesthetic preferences. These adjustments are known as the yaw, pitch, and roll.

Most oblique pen holders come pre-adjusted to suit most people, but you can further customise your setup. To have total control over your oblique holder, you'll need a body that doesn't affix the flange permanently in place. This way, you can create your own flange or adjust the existing one to suit your preferences.

To create a flange, you'll need a few tools, including bail-making pliers and duckbill pliers. You'll also need a sheet of brass, which you'll cut into strips, sand, and fold to create the flange. This process may take a few tries to perfect, but with practice, you'll be able to create a flange that fits your nib snugly.

When adjusting the flange, it's important to ensure it's angled correctly. If it's angled incorrectly, you may experience uneven pressure on the nib's tines, leading to ink spatter and sloppy strokes. Adjust the flange so that it's positioned at a low angle to the paper, especially if you're a beginner. This will ensure that your nib glides smoothly across the paper without catching on the fibres.

In summary, setting up your oblique pen holder involves understanding the relationship between its components and making adjustments to suit your personal needs. By creating or adjusting the flange, you can ensure a comfortable and controlled writing experience, allowing you to achieve elegant and consistent lettering.

Frequently asked questions