The new Handwritmic Bravo pens

After a few years of experimentation, Handwritmic produced and launched a family of 13 new pens. Many calligraphers will immediately think of Cola pens

After a few years of experimentation, Handwritmic produced and launched a family of 13 new pens. Many calligraphers will immediately think of Cola pens, because of the typical curved shape folded in two, or to 'folded pens', as they are actually made of a folded metal sheet. Handwritmic has called them Bravo 'dip pen', because this is a more understandable definition to a wider audience, not exclusively consisting of calligraphers. They are meant for graphic designers, artists, as well as calligraphers. It should not be overlooked that children and teenagers can have a lot of fun with these pens. Just take an E-series pen, one of the smallest like the E1 or E2, dip it abundantly in ink and draw or write. With these pens, you don't have to worry about the writing angle!

Unlike the pens just mentioned above, Bravo pens are products with high technological content and are a combination of craftsmanship and industry, as is the tradition of Handwritmic, a company with all-Italian production. So let's see what differentiates a Bravo from a homemade Cola pen:

• The tip is made of very thin yet robust metal, almost indestructible and easily washable thanks to the shiny surface treatment.
• The nib surface has micro splits, born from the search for the most useful details for the best performing of the pen.
• Strength and durability over time are guaranteed, thanks to an innovative and unique technical solution for fixing the metal nib into the staff.
• Acronym (letter and number) engraved on the pen, necessary for an easy distinction of the three models (C, E and H).
• Handle of fine wood (painted with anti-stain and non-toxic paint) with a pleasant shape.

The first two technical features were adopted for the user to write sharp strokes and fine serifs with constant ink flow. Furthermore, the edges and corners of the pen have been smoothed and this, together with the particular characteristics of the metal, allows to write strokes in all directions, both pulled towards oneself (as happens most often in calligraphy) as well as pushed away from the body (this is more difficult but it often happens in experimental calligraphy). The result is a very pleasant writing at any writing angle and even on the edges.

The handle is made of turned wood, in two essences: cherry and walnut. Cherry is a wood with a fine and compact structure, amber colour. Walnut, on the other hand, is a wood with a more marked grain, with different shades.

Finally, we would like to point out that the unique feature of these pens is a useful gadget, a very thin plectrum-shaped plate designed to clean the slit of the nib of paper and ink residues. It is important to take care of the pen and keep it clean.

Each pen has its own little box with a page of advice and explanations.

This family of Bravo pens is made up of 13 models with three distinct shapes each in different sizes.

There are seven pens in the C series and they are square cut calligraphic pens, like the well-known Automatic pens; in fact the dimensions of some pens coincide with some of the measurements of the latter. Obviously, the first use is for formal calligraphy but they are also suitable for new experimental and expressive forms. For example, they lend themselves to the creation of textures, both geometric and organic, and abstract compositions.

The three pens of group E have the classic shape of the Cola pen. They are therefore mainly used for expressive and gestural calligraphy. The resulting strokes are very similar to that which can be obtained with a traditional ruling pen but, unlike this, the Bravo must not be held in the hand with such an uncomfortable position, i.e. almost parallel to the horizontal plane. Fine strokes are obtained with the pen held vertical on the tip, while wide strokes are obtained by holding the pen more parallel to the paper surface. They are perfect pens for drawing and sketching, for those who like to dip a pen in ink and make a stroke with vigour and amazing effects. Handwritmic has wanted to produce a pen for everyone, not just experts.

The H series consists of three new shaped pens, with particular characteristics. The use that can be made of them is not immediately evident, you have to experiment a little to find out how many possibilities there are of using unusual angles. It seems incredible, yet with these H-pens you can interpret some traditional scripts that usually need a horizontal writing angle (like uncial). Even lefthanded calligraphers will be able to easily use this pen with an oblique cut edge like the normal nibs for lefthanders. There are many ideas and possibilities for writing with this pen which you will discover by yourself.

In fact, the motto chosen by Handwritmic and calligraphed by the hand of Alex Barocco “To invite you to embark on a journey to unexplored lands” invites you to indulge in experimentation and improvisation, without the goal of producing a piece according to set rules.