To dip or not to dip?
In general, the better “real” pen stores will allow you to test a pen by “dipping”. What is dipping? It’s exactly what it sounds like: the salesperson will dip the nib into some ink and hand you the pen to test. You can then try writing with the pen. This will allow you to actually feel what that pen feels like when you try it. Write a few sentences with it. Test the nib’s flexibility. Write with different hand pressures. Feel the nib. See whether the weight of the pen feels right in your hand. Then, be brave, gather up your courage, and ask, “May I dip this?” It’s possible (and very probable) that the sales person will say “Sure!” and reach for a bottle of ink. The ink that is used varies from store to store, so don’t be afraid to ask for Sheaffer if they hand you a bottle of Omas. I’ve even dipped at Staples. They need to have it explained to them, but every Staples (and OfficeMax) that I’ve gone to has been happy to get a bottle of ink and allow me to dip a pen. I actually got one o
