When most people take up calligraphy they begin with a cheaper calligraphy pen such as a fiber-tipped one or perhaps a basic disposable calligraphy pen set. After a little bit of intense practice at the newly acquired calligraphy skills and the basic pen techniques are mastered the next step is to think about moving up to the next level. The pen might be more expensive and there will be some new skills to learn but there's no reason not to buy a new calligraphy pen.

There will be some decisions to make over whether you buy a calligraphy pen with removable nibs or a pen with a fixed nib. Naturally, it will come down to your own personal preference. Some calligraphers like the convenience of simply picking up a different pen depending on what nib width they need to use. Others enjoy the familiarity and feel of the same pen holder and replace the nibs to suit their work. Adding and removing pen nibs will become second nature as you become get used to your pen. If you're working with removable nibs you will have to take a little care in the beginning to ensure that the nib has been positioned properly in the holder. Failing to do so will affect your work.

Next, you may be faced with another choice to make. Do you buy a removable ink reservoir or one that is attached permanently? The permanently attached reservoir has the advantage of holding more ink, reducing the interruption of constant refilling. Filling the ink reservoir, whether with an eye-dropper or by dipping the pen lets the calligrapher exert more control over their work. As you get accustomed to your pen you will appreciate this control too.

It will take some practice to add ink to your calligraphy pen to get it right. Making a mistake could affect your work causing inconsistent lines, particularly if the nib is overloaded. It's also necessary to be very meticulous when repositioning removable ink reservoirs, that the flange is properly located every time. It only has to overhang the nib by a tiny amount to cause thin or ragged edges on one side of your lines.

There may still be a lot of maintenance required to keep your pen in good working order. A particular part that will need to be constantly attended to are your pen nibs. Pen nibs are susceptible to getting choked with dried ink, some faster than others which depends on the sort and quality of ink you write with. By keeping a clean absorbent cloth and a glass of water close by while you work, your pen will remain as able to create sharp, clean lines as it was on the day you took it out of the package.

The quality of calligraphy that you produce will depend heavily on the calligraphy pen you use. The better the choice and maintenance of your pen will mean that you have the best chance to create work that you will be proud of and that the work you produce will last a long time.

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