As we’ve mentioned, one of the defining characteristics of copper and brass metals is their ability to develop a patina over time. This natural aging process is caused by exposure to oxygen, moisture, and other elements, and results in a darkening of the metal’s surface.

The balance and feel in the hand are perfect. You can hold it by the grip, which is concave, or by the section, which is where I do. it's not usable unposted unless you have tiny Donald Trump hands, but you could write a few words with it that way. Posted it will fit any size hand, including my XL paws. It's quite thin at the grip, not the thinnest, but very thin, something I love for portable pens, as it makes them agile and nimble and unobtrusive. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. For pen manufacturing, brass has a relatively low melting point and is more workable than other metals like bronze or zinc. It is corrosion resistant and has a heavier weight than other common pen materials like resin and aluminum. Depending on how much zinc is present, the color of brass can range from a reddish hue to a muted golden yellow. If you plan on using your pen regularly, we recommend choosing a brass model. But, if you are looking for a pen to add to your collection, a copper model will age gracefully and develop a rich patina over time. Both pens will need some cleaning but the addition of zinc in brass helps it to withstand oxidation and age more slowly than copper. Unique Properties of Brass and Copper Made from solid lead-free 'eco' brass, which is left untreated and uncoated, it weighs in at 44g which is more than most other pens currently available. The untreated finish means this pen will - like the Al-Sport Raw that came before it - wear over time and develop a unique patina depending on use and storage conditions. The finish can either be left to develop or can be restored using brass polish and a liberal application of elbow grease.For starters, both metals are highly conductive, meaning that they’ll absorb the heat of your body, creating a pleasantly warm writing experience. However, this conductivity can also cause the ink in your pen to dry out faster than usual. As a result, we recommend storing your copper or brass pen in a cool, dry place when not in use. All you’ll need is a soft cloth, some water, and a mild detergent or metal polish. First, wet your cloth with warm water and add a small amount of detergent. Gently rub the cloth over the surface of your pen, taking care to avoid the ink reservoir.

I left the container outside overnight. After a couple of hours, I noticed the colors started to change. Out of curiosity, I wanted to see just how far I could take it. Taking out the pens after 18 hours - the results were dramatic and ...slightly disturbing.Comparing the two metals, brass is stronger and more durable than copper. It is also more resistant to tarnishing, making it a better choice for everyday carry pens. That said, some people prefer the softer color and vintage appeal of copper. However, when I was removing the nib, I was surprised to see it's a standard Schmidt nib unit. So I don't know who makes the nib, but the feed and housing are the same, so you can unscrew the nib and feed from the pen (don't have a cardtirge in it) and screw in any schmidt #5 nib unit. I just wanted to play around with it, so I pulled the nib out and tried several various nibs. Copper is a reddish-brown metal that’s been used by humans since the Chalcolithic period. This metal is found all over the world, but the highest-quality copper comes from mines in Australia, Chile, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia, and the United States. It is valued for its malleability, conductivity, and iconic color, making it one of the most expensive non-precious metals.

The innovative Kaweco Supra can literally shapeshift. A standard sized pen at first glance, this ingenious fountain pen has a removable central piece allowing it to be condensed into a small-scale portable writing instrument. The interchangeable design allows you to personal the size and weight for your specific needs. The sleek barrel accentuates the modern simplicity of this pen, which features a robust solid brass construction and durable stainless steel nib. Over time the raw brass will weather creating a truly unique finish, individual to yourself and your pen usage. Key Features Finally, it is worth noting that both metals carry some weight, helping to create a pen that not only looks stylish and old-worldly but also feels substantial and valuable in hand. If you prefer a lighter pen, you may want to look for a model made from another material. Understanding Patina and How to Care for Your Pen Copper Patina Rinse your pen with clean water and dry it off with a soft, dry towel. If your pen is particularly dirty or tarnished, you may need to use a metal polish. We recommend using a dedicated brass or copper polish, as these products are specifically designed to clean and protect these metals. The Top 5 Brass and Copper Pens for Your Collection Tactile Turn Copper Pen with an Ugly Books notebook

Now that my hands smell like a bag of pennies, I'd like to share with you the bonus fact that raw brass pens are also antimicrobial. Studies show while pathogens are capable of living on other inanimate surfaces for days or months, the brass' copper content kills them in hours.

It is worthwhile to note: the inside barrel threads of the Fisher pen became crusted and needed to be polished to properly screw on the front grip section. Polishing was also needed on the threads of the Retro 51 where it connects with the nose cone. I opted for the standard pen, and you can see below how it compares to the two short Tactile Turn pens I own. I will say it feels very hefty in the hand, but I really like the feel of it. Yes, this method does leave your pen smelling like ketchup. So, you might want to rinse it off after you're finished polishing the pen. Patina can add character and uniqueness to a pen, helping it to stand out from the crowd. However, some people prefer the look of a shiny, new pen. If this is the case, you’ll need to regularly polish your pen to maintain its original luster. Fortunately, polishing a brass or copper pen is a fairly simple process. A couple of years ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a pen made out of solid, untreated brass. Fortunately nowadays they are much more common, in part due to the contributions of German pen manufacturer Kaweco! Brass is different from most other metals that are commonly used in pens; it’s about three times as dense as aluminium, and it forms a beautiful patina after some use. Put those properties in a pen, and you get something quite unique!To remove tarnish, I'm going to show you a couple of methods using materials you can find at home as well as a product made for this specific purpose. If you want a pen that you can keep mirror-polished, don't buy it. This pen must be allowed to develop a patina. I'll explain more.