What is a fountain pen?
The least understood of all the technologies. If one was to choose the primary reason for the existence of fountain pen writing it would be simply the fun and enjoyment of the interaction with the 'tool' and the creative result it produces. Just plain fun with pens and inks. The range of color ...
- How do you improve inkflow in a fountain pen?
I you thump, shake, and sometimes resort to squeezing the converter or cartridge, then here is a tip for you. One reason fountain pens clog is there must be an equal exchange of air for the ink that flows out - if air is blocked from coming in, ink won't flow out. Take it all apart and soak the ...
- What is the best choice for a calligraphy fountain pen for addressing wedding invitation envelopes?
I am hand-addressing wedding invitations and would like to use a calligraphy pen to do that. I tried out some ink pens today and found they were too wide. A friend suggested calligraphy fountain pens instead. I don't know anything about them and would like more information. Keeping in mind that ...
- Why buy a fountain pen?
Many people buy fountain pens as collector's items. The history is fascinating, the range of different makes and models is huge, the challenge of tracking down a particular pen in a particular color, etc. can be great fun and following the development of ink flow controls and filling systems ...
- How much do fountain pens cost?
Well with fountain pens, the sky really is the limit. The most expensive pen I've seen sold at auction was around $30,000 - thankfully you don't have to pay such prices normally! A serviceable pen can cost less than $10.00 - it will be simply made from cheap materials at that price, but it'll ...
- What are nib styles?
The term "style" is used to describe the shape of the nib, the most common being regular, italic and oblique. Italic nibs are shaped rather like a chisel - broad and flat. Not surprisingly they produce italic writing. They come in different widths and as an approximation, the broader line ...
- Open Nib vs. Hooded Nib?
Open nib - traditional pen design, where the whole nib is exposed - often attractively decorated. The nib can feel slightly more flexible but it can dry up quicker if the cap is left off for a minute and it is easier to get ink on your fingers. Hooded nib - only the tip of the nib is exposed, ...
- What is the best nib width for me?
The most common nibs by far are fine and medium, these terms referring to the width of the writing line. For the majority of people, either of these styles will work well. As a rule, the broader the nib, the better it suits large or fast writing and the finer nibs suit average or small writi ...
- How do I use a lever filler?
With a lever filler, opening the lever completely compresses the ink sac, by means of a flat pressure bar operated by the end of the lever. To fill you simply open the lever fully, immerse the nib in ink and then close the lever. You need to wait several seconds to allow the ink to be drawn u ...
- How do I hold and use a fountain pen?
When properly held, the fountain pen nib should be upright so you can see the engraving on the nib. Both tines at the tip of the pen should contact the paper at the same time. Be sure not to apply pressure when writing, the weight of the pen is enough. Most of us who are used to writing with ...
- How should I store my fountain pen?
Always store your fountain pen with the nib in an upright position. This allows the ink to drain from the nib when not in use. Doing this will also prevent clogging issues over time.
- How can I clean and maintain my fountain pen?
Fountain pens should be cleaned once a month and every time you change ink brands or colors. Remove the ink cartridge/converter from the nib and flush with cold water. It may be necessary to soak the nib for several hours if it is clogged. Use the converter to flush the nib and feed with col ...
- Why does my fountain pen clog? How do I clean my fountain pen?
It may need cleaning. You should clean your fountain pen at least every two months if used daily. Use lukewarm water only, never hot water, ammonia or any other type of cleaner. You should remove the nib section and flush it under a stream of water. If it doesn't flow clear, place the entire ni ...
- Are there pen's for left-handers?
"How can a pen be left-handed?" is a question we hear all the time. Well, writing with a fountain pen can be a real problem for left-handers, as we are pushing the pen across the page rather than pulling it, which leads to difficulty with ink flow and the possibility of the nib digging into the ...
- What size fountain pen nib should I use?
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 signature ...
- What are oblique fountain pen nibs?
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.
- Should I purchase a gold nib?
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.
- How do I fill a fountain pen?
A number of different inking systems are utilized by pen manufacturers. Here are instructions for the most common. Cartridge: Make sure you have the correct ink cartridge. Point the pen away from you and unscrew the barrel. Remove the empty cartridge and insert the new one (push past the initi ...
- How do I use a fountain pen ink cartridge?
To install a standard ink cartridge, simply press the ink cartridge onto the nipple of the feed until firmly seated. Gently write on a scrap piece of quality paper to begin the ink flow. Sometimes you have to be patient here as it could take a minute to get the ink started and flowing. If it ...
- How can I repair my fountain pen?
If your fountain pen skips, try a few simple solutions before sending it in for repairs. First, clean it thoroughly, even soaking the nib overnight in water if necessary. Make sure you are filling it properly (some pens must be "bled" before writing). If you are writing on chemically coated pap ...
