Wow!!! Another dip pen user! Good for you!!! I have several; love to write with them! Just dip, give it a gentle "flick of the wrist" to remove any excess ink, and write. It'll let you know when to re-dip it!! As you get used to the pen/nib, you'll develop a "dipping" routine (i.e., how many letters you get per nib full of ink, each nib being different). Now, I have never used any of the fancy glass dip pens; nor have I done any significant calligraphy. BTW, the late Civil War author, Shelby Foote, did all his manuscripts for his books with a dip pen. Never even used a typewriter; said the slower pace using the dip pen helped him think!! Enjoy!! FTRPLT