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 choices arcross the brands of bottles ink is nearly endless. Many people will try brand after brand until they fall in love with exactly the blue/black they desire. Fountain pens can be filled in three ways. With a cartridge of ink, with ink from a bottle which is drawn into the 'converter', or with ink drawn into an internal reservoir called a bladder. Some fountain pens are only this latter type and are usually referred to as 'piston fill only'. Meaning they will not accept a cartridge or converter as they have only provided for an internal reservoir in their design. Some very high-end fountain pens (above say $300) are only available as piston-fill.

The vast majority of fountain pens are cartridge or converter filled. Ask if you don't know as this will determine your choice of inks (bottled only) or the convenience of cartridges.

Refills for fountain pens. Most fountain pens have been designed for an 'international' cartridge. This refers to the length and the fitment of the cartridge into the fountain pen's ink feed system. Examples of brands which use the common international cartridge would be Pelikan, Montblanc, Delta, Aurora, Monteverde, Rotring, Romet, Cartier and Waterford. Some brands require their own proprietary cartridge. Examples would be Lamy, Cross, Waterman, Sheaffer, Pilot and Parker.