Types of Folded Pens

Why Folded Pens?

Every so often on InstaGram (@olovey1 -- https://www.instagram.com/olovey1/) I get asked about my folded pens (how to make, do a demo, etc.) so I thought I'd dedicate a whole blog to them, hopefully explaining as best as I can and answering questions.

First, read through each of the pages in order (Left to Right), then check out my Pinterest board:  https://www.pinterest.com/opretty1/folded-pens/

I also started a youtube channel, but since I'm a novice at videos, bear with me! I'm also going to try to post a quick demo each Friday on my IG account.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/1FabMum/videos

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/olovey1/

Folded pens fall under basically the same category but with different names (Ruling Writer, Ruling pen, Folded nib, Cola Pen...) --  much like a broad-edge chisel nib (Hiro Poster nibs, Speedball C-nibs, Brause, Automatic pens...).  Just like chisel nibs, Folded pens write the same and give the same basic strokes.

The main difference with these pens is that basically "anything goes". There is no right or wrong. (With a chisel nib, you have follow the slant, x-height, etc., and with a folded pen, it's more abstract lettering.)

I love these tools (my faves!) and find them so fun to use. Probably b/c I love abstract art. Also, the great thing about these tools is that you can make your own!

So, here are a few that I have acquired over the years:

Random selection

Store-bought:  2 Ruling Writers, Slim brass nib, 2 Horizon Nibs, 3 ruling pens, 2 altered Parallel pens (slant tip & radius cut)

Homemade (various sizes and metals)

Ruling Writer. Was introduced to this fab tool in the early 90's at a workshop I took from the late, great Glen Epstein. As far I know, you can only find these at either Paper & Ink Arts (P&I) -- https://www.paperinkarts.com/rulwrt.html; or JNB (John Neal Books)  https://www.johnnealbooks.com/product/ruling-pe, although JNB sells more similar to it (Luthis Pens, Tim's Pens, etc.)  --  https://www.johnnealbooks.com/category/s?keyword=folded+pen .

These can be adjusted by turning the screw to make the opening bigger or smaller. 

(a few years ago, I thought I had ruined mine, as it got rust on it -- accidentally left it in water to soak, BUT I was able to get the rust off! whew.) 

*I will discuss this on another page. However, there are many ways to get rust off metal, so you just need to google your preferred way, as I cannot remember what i did!)

Someday I do want to treat myself to a new one, but for now, after 25 years, it still works great! 

Folded Nib (slim) -- brass, store-bought. I have no idea where I got this, but am pretty sure it was from P&I. Have had it since the early 90's (probably shortly after getting my Ruling Writer), but didn't use it for the longest time, as I wasn't sure how to manipulate it. Finally figured it out and now I love it, as it produces a similar script to that of a pointed brush.

Horizon Folded Nib -- again, Brass Store-bought from P&I.  Decided to treat myself as I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to make a decent homemade one. (Then, got another, as a back-up!)

Both P&I and JNB sell folded nibs, however the one at JNB is sold WITH the holder (https://www.johnnealbooks.com/product/folded-ruling-pen), whereas at P&I you can just buy the nib itself: https://www.paperinkarts.com/nibf07.html

If you have plenty of holders, this is the way to go, and what I did. But P&I also sells it with the holder as well: https://www.paperinkarts.com/hafl07.html

This is the only size they sell. (I got both of mine at P&I) Not sure if the one at JNB is the same size as P&I's (I'm assuming so), BUT this is the great thing about making your own -- you can alter the size! And speaking of making your own...

My first attempt at a homemade folded pen. Had awful vague instructions. It actually works, but you can only get one letter out of it. I could easily fix it (which I will address later), but I'm keeping it this way because it's too funny (and "sentimental").  :D   

 Cola Pen, homemade -- First perfect one I made that turned out (after 4 attempts and finally some decent instructions! See "Homemade Pens" page.) It's actually made from a beer can, but same material! -- Again, will show how to do this.

*the rest are homemade, but with various metal.

Folded Pen with metal flashing. LOVE this pen -- one of my faves. Hard to make, as the material isn't as pliable as aluminum from a soda can.

Slim Cola Pen -- made my own template for this one, as I wanted to emulate my slim brass one.

Two others made from Metal Flashing (thicker & harder to make). *Metal Flashing can be bought at a hardware store with the roofing materials. VERY inexpensive.  

Another one from Metal Flashing.

As you can see in the group picture, there is a big one in the middle, with 2 small ones to the right. The big one is my attempt to "copy" the Mariposa/Butterlfy Luthis pen (sold at both P&I and JNB). I still want to buy it, but for now, mine works great! 

The 2 small ones are my attempt to copy my slant tip Parallel (one of my faves!) They're only about 7mm. The main reason I made them so small is to dip into my trial vials of ink (Ferris Wheel Press) -- the openings are so small, and none of my other pens fit.

It's funny as sometimes I prefer the homemade ones to my store-bought nibs! But again, love, love, love them all!

Ruling Pen. These pens were originally used by architects to make fine lines, as you can adjust the opening like the Ruling Writer. But now, lettering artists use these for writing. I finally decided to treat myself to some Cmas 2019. Got a 3 pack on amazon for less than $10. They are more tricky to hold than a regular pen, but still creating fun letterforms, etc.

They're especially great for thin, script writing.

I also like using them for pearlescent/ metallic acrylic inks. The ink seems to flow more smoothly.

*A note on cleaning your pens: Be sure to rinse well and dry thoroughly after each use. Depending on the ink (especially acrylic or metallic inks), I may also clean them with a little Windex and/or a toothbrush. If ink does tend to build up on them, soak in some white vinegar (for at least an hour), and that does wonders!

Slant Tip Parallel Pen. This pen was specifically altered from a regular Parallel pen. I got mine from P&I; JNB sells a radius cut version. (Side story: I had really wanted the JNB one for so long, but didn't want to pay for s&h, so I thought I'd try this instead. Turns out, i love, love LOVE it! -- one of my fave folded pens! So glad it worked out that way.  😊 💗)

There is only one size offered from P&I -- 6mm. (I don't think JNB sells this version.) At first, I found this a little tricky to use, just b/c of the ink flow and slant, but now, it's one of my absolute FAVE folded pens! (So much so I bought a 2nd one!) Such a fun tool to play with.

(See other posts under this label, to view the cool splatters it makes -- almost every time!)

And another fun one I got in early 2023 -- the Brody Neuenschwander Ruling Pen (only sold at JNB). Again, see posts under this label/tag.