Dry Humor of an Empty Pen

Mostly True Stuff About Pens

Mostly True Stuff About Pens, a refreshing blog that distinguishes itself with a relaxed need for accuracy (in some cases.) From the instructional discussions of handmade pens in the The Art of Penmaking to the more entertaining Dry Humor of an Empty Pen, you'll find something to keep you distracted from what you should be doing.

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Daniel Ouimet

Nov 24, 20223 min read

Fountain Pen Won’t Write?

When your fountain pen won't write, it's time to disassemble and clean. Strategies for rescue presented from simple to more difficult.

What's the Difference...Ballpoint Pen, Rollerball Pen, Fountain Pen?

Daniel Ouimet

Oct 29, 20224 min read

What's the Difference...Ballpoint Pen, Rollerball Pen, Fountain Pen?

Ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, and fountain pens...what's the difference? Which type of writing pen might be best suited for you? Read on!

Daniel Ouimet

Nov 11, 20212 min read

The Summer Shop Slumbers

The Parus Pen summer workshop is a place for creating and enjoying the natural world's sights, sounds, and smells before its winter slumber.

Daniel Ouimet

Jul 24, 20212 min read

Did the Ballpoint Pen Kill Cursive?

Blaming the ballpoint pen or typewriters and computers for your poor penmanship? Perhaps it's our own complacency. Learn more!

Daniel Ouimet

Jun 10, 20212 min read

When Is National Ballpoint Pen Day?

Are you celebrating National Ballpoint Pen Day on June 10th every year? Learn a bit of ballpoint pen history and celebrate!

Madeline and Daniel Ouimet

Dec 18, 20202 min read

When and Where Was the First Writing?

How did we come to the point in history where the tools of writing are taken for granted? Learn about early writing called cuneiform.

Daniel Ouimet

Oct 28, 20202 min read

Which Ballpoint Pen Refill Do I Need?

50,000 words or less...a marginally useful datum about ballpoint pen life expectancy. Learn about the ballpoint pen refill you will need!

Daniel Ouimet

Oct 20, 20202 min read

What Is the Best Writing Pen Tip Size?

Does size matter? The dilemma of when to choose a medium or fine tip writing pen is nearly resolved. Learn more!

Daniel Ouimet

Jun 1, 20202 min read

Will a Ballpoint Pen Work in Space?

How is a ballpoint pen like a roll-on deodorant and will either one work in space? Let's hope the deodorant does and the pen probably will!

Daniel Ouimet

Apr 17, 20202 min read

Does Ballpoint Ink Wash Out of Fabric?

"Oops, I did it again" in this case refers to leaving your pen in a pocket for an eventful trip through the washing machine.

Can Those "Free" Ballpoint Pens Be Recycled?

Daniel Ouimet

Apr 2, 20202 min read

Can Those "Free" Ballpoint Pens Be Recycled?

"Disposable" pens in bank lobbies; a boon to kleptomaniacs, a burden to our limited landfill space. Find out if they can be recycled!

Are Precious Metals Used on Writing Pens?

Daniel Ouimet

Mar 17, 20202 min read

Are Precious Metals Used on Writing Pens?

Precious are the metals that coat the beautiful pens we covet. Find out how each type of plating holds up for durability.

Are Writing Pens Made from Deer Antlers?

Daniel Ouimet

Mar 12, 20201 min read

Are Writing Pens Made from Deer Antlers?

Believe it or not, deer don't have horns, cows don't have antlers, and drilling antler to make a pen smells like a dentist office!

Will My Pen Leak or Explode on an Airplane?

Daniel Ouimet

Mar 9, 20202 min read

Will My Pen Leak or Explode on an Airplane?

Failure to heed some simple advice about potentially leaky pens and air travel will please your drycleaner to no end!

Daniel Ouimet

Mar 6, 20201 min read

Ballpoint Pen Emergency Tracheotomy?

Leave the emergency tracheotomies to the professionals and put your pen back in your pocket protector!