These handmade reed pens are a standard resource for one of the classes at a private school where we taught a unit on the history of writing. We're offering them here as part of our range of bookbinding and calligraphy products.

They're great fun to use and kids just love to try them out. For a serious calligrapher, they're also a tool over which you have lots of control. Our pens are made from seasoned bamboo, and each has a unique patina, and its own characteristics as a pen.

We make these with a tip about 3mm wide, but you can easily shave that down or modify the tip to make it wider.

As the diameter of the pen is up to 12mm, the scalloped section near the tip allows you to grip the pen more securely. We have prepared both ends of the pen for use. Each end is split to allow the ink to flow easily. It's best to try them out on scrap paper before committing yourself to the project you're working on.

These are sold in a set of three pens to give you a variety of sizes.