Fountain Pen Tips

Please find below a list of our most frequently asked questions. To help with your search, please select a category that is closely related to your question.

How do I fill a built-in piston or converter Fountain pen?

Either a built-in piston fill or converters work on the same principle. A converter is removable so it can be replaced with an ink cartridge, while the built-in pistons are permanently affixed in the pen. Both systems have end knobs that rotate.

Rotate the end knob counter clockwise until it stops. Do not force anymore after stop.

Dip the nib of the Fountain pen into the bottle of ink. Ensure the entire nib is submerged into the ink for maximum fill.

Whilst the nib is still in the ink, turn the end knob clockwise back into the original position.

Lift the nib slightly out of the bottle and place a few drops of ink back into the bottle by turning the end knob slightly counter clockwise. (For Piston fill only, go to next stage).Wipe off any excess ink.

Remove the nib from the ink bottle, invert the pen (point the nib upwards) and turn the knob clockwise until it is closed. Wipe off any excess ink.

How do I care for my fountain pen?

Do not press hard when you write. The beauty and advantage of a Fountain pen is that it flows with the touch of paper. Pressing hard may result in ink flow problems. And never lend your Fountain pen to others. A nib adjusts to your handwriting and yours only.

Always use fresh ink. If the bottle has been open for more than 12 – 18 months, it needs to be replaced.

We recommend cleaning every three months, every time you change the ink colour, or when not in use for any length of time. Simply flush the nib with cold water as if you were filling the pen with ink. If ink has congealed around the nib area, leave the nib immersed in cold water over night and flush through as previous.

Never wash a Fountain pen with hot water or alcohol, use cold water only. If you are unable to clean your pen successfully yourself, it may need to be sent to the manufacturer for a professional strip down and service. Please go to the repairs and service page.

How does a Fountain pen actually work?

The writing properties of a fountain pen are largely determined by the thickness, design and material used for the nib, in combination with the ink feeder. The fountain pen writes because of the capillary action of the ink feeder system, in combination with the nib and the surface tension of the ink on the nib. Due to this combined effect, the ink ‘flows’ on to the paper. The nib acts as a carrier and positioner. It is also very important that the space vacated in the cartridge by the used up ink is well filled with air, otherwise a vacuum is created and the capillary action stops.

There are three main types of Fountain pen nib Solid Gold, Gold or Rhodium plate and steel nibs, the main difference in the nib is flexibility and smoothness. As a general rule pens under sixty pounds have a steel nib, smooth and rigid. pens from sixty to one hundred pounds have gold plated or rhodium nibs offering a smother writing and pens over this price offer solid gold nibs giving the ultimate in writing experience often moulding to your writing style over a few years.