The Binder Master Class: Soul of the Fountain Pen

The Master Class. Richard Binder, sculptor of the fountain pen soul, offered me the chance of a lifetime - to study his way of traditional specialty nib grinds. In a private three-day training course, he led me through years of experience and the creation of his art. I guess dreams can sometimes come true.

Italics, needlepoints, stubs, architects, and obliques; just a few of the numerous ways a fountain pen nib can be shaped to provide a writer a better way to express themselves. Richard Binder is among a handful in the world who has reached mastery in all these forms. With the mind of an engineer and the soul of an artist, Richard is a true craftsman of line-variation and sensation.

Traditional nib grinds have been a secret weakness of mine. Steady hands, persistence, and the willingness to make mistakes could only get me so far. I lacked the knowledge to create my art properly. While I love working on nibs, there are times I suffer. There’s a certain pain that comes from watching a week’s worth of work literally fall apart right in your hands. A single Crown Epilogue nib, for example, often required three to be made at once in order for just one to be successful. After overcoming the risks of numerous cuts and welds, I expected two to be destroyed during the final grind. The truth is, I shouldn’t be making many of these nibs. But I do, because I want them to exist.

Now with new knowledge, after months of fear, I can finally pursue my own art more confidently.

The opportunity to learn under Richard Binder was a long-time dream of mine, before ever meeting him, or even starting Regalia. I would watch his segment on National Geographic over and over, staring at his hands in fascination. The chance to meet him was enough. To have learned from him is more than I could have ever asked for.

Join me in this video for a peek of the experience.