The four virtues of a pen are sharp, straight, round, and strong.
The tip refers to the sharp tip of the brush, so that the written words can be sharp and expressive. A good writing brush should have a pointed end when the vellus hairs are gathered together, so that it can show fine and smooth lines when writing.
Qi means that the edge of the brush should be neat. A good brush should have neat and even hairs after soaking in ink, so as to ensure smooth and even ink when writing.
Round means that the hair of the brush should be rounded. A good writing brush should have round hairs in the shape of a date stone, so that it can show a round and textured effect when writing.
Jian refers to the elasticity of the brush. A good writing brush should have the characteristics of having vellus hairs that are glued together and firmly together, so that it can show a strong and powerful feeling when writing.
These four characteristics are aimed at the functions of the pen itself. Therefore, when purchasing a new pen, you should consider these four aspects in order to choose a good brush. At the same time, different inscriptions also have different characteristics, so the characteristics of the inscriptions to be copied should also be taken into consideration when choosing a pen.
Classification of pens:
1. Classification according to ink type:
Fountain pen: uses ink refill and absorbs ink through ink absorber, suitable for formal writing documents or important correspondence.
Ballpoint pen: uses ink. Because the ink of the ballpoint pen has good fluidity, it can ensure smooth writing.
Watercolor pens: use water-based ink, rich colors, suitable for painting and sketching.
Pencil: Use wooden or plastic materials to make the pen holder, and use graphite or colored lead.
Brush: A pen tip made of animal hair or synthetic fiber, usually using water-based ink, suitable for calligraphy and painting.
2. Classification according to use:
Calligraphy pens: specially designed for practicing calligraphy, with good elasticity and ink absorption.
Markers: used to mark drawings and documents, available in different colors and thicknesses.
Signature pen: specially designed for signing important documents, with a thicker pen barrel and different colors of ink.
Drawing Pen: Used for drawing professional diagrams and sketches, often used with CAD software.
3. Classification according to structure:
Needle pen: The pen tip is needle-shaped and can write very thin lines.
Fiber pen: The pen tip is made of fiber and can write lines of different thicknesses.
Mechanical pencil: It has the function of automatic rotation or retractable refill, suitable for technical drawing and fine drawing.