Fountain Pen FAQs
- How do I clean my fountain pen and load an ink cartridge
- How do I use a converter?
- Does my fountain pen require a specific brand or may I use other ink brands in my pen?
- Which pens brands use the 1/2" standard international size ink cartridge?
- Which pens brands only use their own branded ink cartridge?
- How do I prolong the life of my fountain pen?
- What size fountain pen nib should I choose?
- What are oblique fountain pen nibs?
- Should I purchase a gold nib?
- Why does my pen sometimes leak on an airplane?
Q1: How do I clean my fountain pen and load an ink cartridge?
A: Instructions: Best to do this over a sink.
Things You'll Need: water, paper towel, paper cup, ink cartridge
1. Gently unscrew the tip and remove and discard the old ink cartridge. Be very careful not to bend or damage the end of the tip while cleaning it.
2. Hold the tip of the pen under the faucet and turn the faucet on. Rinse the pen's tip under cool running water until the water runs clear of any old ink. Sometimes it helps to leave the nib sitting in a cup of water for several hours; rinsing, soaking and repeating this process several times if the pen has not been used for a while.
3. Remove any excess water and let the pen and nib dry completely.
4. Look at the ink cartridge to determine which direction to insert it into the fountain pen.
5. Puncture the bottom of the ink cartridge into the nib section. Make sure it is securely attached to the bottom of the nib before you screw your pen back together.
6. Gently shake the pen downwards and scribble on the paper towel or scratch paper to induce the ink flow from the cartridge through the tip.
7. Be sure to clean your pen once a week to ensure the best ink flow and a trouble-free writing experience.
8. WRITE ON!
Q2: How do I use a converter?
A: Instructions:
Best to do this over a sink.
Things You'll Need: water, paper towel, paper cup, converter, ink bottle
1. Follow the instruction above to cleaning your nib. Let dry.
2. Rinse out the ink converter with cool running tap water if needed. Let dry.
3. Prepare the converter by screwing the piston until it is all the way at the bottom.
4. Submerge your converter into the bottle of ink, then twist the end of the converter and suck up some ink. Wipe any excess ink off with the paper towel.
5. You will use the converter instead of the ink cartridge. Place the converter into the nib section and press down. Make sure it is securely attached to the bottom of the nib before you screw your pen back together.
6. Gently shake the pen downwards and scribble on the paper towel or scratch paper to induce the ink flow from the cartridge through the tip.
7. Be sure to clean your pen once a week to ensure the best ink flow and a trouble-free writing experience.
8. WRITE ON!
Q3. Does my fountain pen require a specific brand or may I use other ink brands in my pen?
A: Most fountain pens can use a cartridge or bottled ink with a converter. A few brands such as Pelikan, primarily use bottled ink. They have their own "piston" reservoir inside the pen which holds the ink for you. These types of pens have their own twist fill mechanism to draw the ink from the bottle into the pen directly through the nib section. Any ink that we sell will work with your fountain pen. We recommend using Pelikan or Waterman bottled ink.
Q4. Which pens brands use the 1 1/2" standard international size ink cartridge? International standard fountain pen ink cartridge
A: 1 1/2" standard international ink cartridges can be used with these brands:
Bossert & Erhard
Caran d'Ache
Itoya
Cartier
Colibri
Conklin
Conway Stewart
Delta
Dunhill
Faber Castell
Inoxcrom
Itoya
Jean Pierre Lepine
Jorg Hysek
Libelle New York
Museum of Modern Art
Montblanc
Montegrappa
Monteverde
Pelikan
Recife
Retro 1951
Rotring
Schmidt
ST Dupont
Stipula
Visconti
Waterman
Q5. Which pens brands only use their own branded ink cartridge?
A: Brands that use only their branded ink cartridge:
Aurora 
Cross 
Parker 
Sheaffer 
Q6. How do I prolong the life of my fountain pen?
A: By cleaning your fountain pen on a regular basis or before storing it in the case provided will keep your pen working flawlessly for many years. Keeping it safe from scratches and outside elements and dust as well as protecting the nib from mis-alignment or damage will keep you fountain pen in excellent condition for many years to come.
Q6. How do I prolong the life of my fountain pen?
A: By cleaning your fountain pen on a regular basis or before storing it in the case provided will keep your pen working flawlessly for many years. Keeping it safe from scratches and outside elements and dust as well as protecting the nib from mis-alignment or damage will keep you fountain pen in excellent condition for many years to come.
Q7. What size fountain pen nib should I choose?
A: It depends on various factors, including what kind of writing you do most frequently and your personal style. A medium nib is recommended for everyday writing. A fine nib is preferable if your handwriting is small, you work with numbers or draw. Some individuals prefer a broad nib for signatures and bold writing. We recommend you start out with a medium nib. Keep in mind, there are no standards among manufacturers. If in doubt, consult with us.
Q8. What are oblique fountain pen nibs?
A: They are nibs, usually medium or broad, especially suited to natural handwriting. All nibs, especially gold ones, will conform to your individual handwriting, but oblique nibs will be especially comfortable with a more extreme slant.
Q9: Should I purchase a gold nib?
A: Gold is generally more flexible than other materials and will conform to your handwriting more readily. Most gold nibs are coated with iridium at the tip for longevity. Steel nibs can be perfectly acceptable for everyday writing.
Q10: Why does my pen sometimes leak on an airplane?
A: The newest pen technology is virtually immune to this problem. However, low cabin pressures can wreak havoc if there is a significant amount of air in the refill. Take precautions and protect your belongings when flying with a pen.