The Grip
Based on the popular and typical “ergonomic” modifications to pencils and pens, I strongly believe that I hold mine very differently than most other writers. Whilst my righty privilege is fully understood, my grip seems to be tighter and more square in shape than the assumed position for which most pens and pencils are constructed.
Let’s start with a writer’s-eye view of what my hand looks like when I write: Whilst most pictures of writer’s hands I’ve seen in popular culture and pen or pencil demonstration videos show the instrument held somewhat far from the palm, with the gripping fingers pointing toward the paper in a cone shape, my grip is all right angles, with my fingers pointing at one another in a tight fist shape.
One result of this grip is that a space opens up at the bottom of the writing instrument. This essentially makes my grip a u-shape, or a trapezoid with a missing side. As a result, many pen and pencil grip shapes actively cause me discomfort.
Typical hex pencils trying to fit into a quad shape mean I feel those edges, especially with sharp-hex pencils like Musgrave.
Even rather mild ergonomic shapings like the grip of the Lamy Safari don’t quite match my needs. Most grips are triangular, and based on an assumption that the index finger and middle finger will pinch two sides of the instrument. I prefer to keep my index finger over the top of the nib or point, pushing with that finger whilst my thumb and middle finger pull back up.
The most extreme example of triangual grips just not working for me is the Pelikan Twist, a pen I bought online thinking it looked very cool, but which just might be the first fountain pen I toss out. With a cap that does not post, and a sharp triangular grip that digs deep into all my digits, it’s easily the most uncomfortable pen I have.
This likely explains my long-standing preference for round pencils, and simple round grips. I also have a set of Lego pens, markers and a mechanical pencil, all in a rather unique square shape that other users have often called uncomfortable. In my case, they fit my grip perfectly.
How do the typical grips out there fit you? Do you think you have a “normal” grip? What do you think manufacturers could do to account for varying grip types? Drop me a line if you have any tips - moisturizer recommendations also welcomed.
