What Is a Fountain Pen?

A fountain pen is a refillable writing instrument that uses liquid ink delivered through a nib via capillary action and gravity. Unlike ballpoints, fountain pens glide on paper, offering a smooth, customizable writing experience.

• Ideal for: journaling, calligraphy, note-taking, signatures, and gifts
• Customizable: nib sizes, ink colors, and filling systems

Why Use a Fountain Pen? Key Benefits

1. Smooth Writing Experience
   • Less pressure needed, reducing hand fatigue
2. Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective
   • Refillable with bottled ink or cartridges
3. Personalization
   • Choose nib sizes, materials, and inks to match your style
4. Improved Handwriting
   • Consistent ink flow encourages better penmanship
5. Timeless Aesthetic
   • Elegant, professional, and collectible

Parts of a Fountain Pen

1. Nib
   • The metal tip that touches the paper; made of stainless steel or gold
2. Feed
   • Regulates ink flow from the reservoir to the nib
3. Section/Grip
   • Where you hold the pen
4. Barrel and Cap
   • Protect the nib and hold the filling system
5. Filling System
   • Cartridge, converter, piston, eyedropper, or vacuum

Types of Fountain Pens

1. Cartridge/Converter (C/C)
   • Convenient and versatile; easy to swap inks using converters
2. Piston Filler
   • Larger ink capacity; great for daily writers
3. Eyedropper
   • Maximum capacity; may require silicone grease to prevent leaks
4. Vacuum Filler
   • Clean, efficient filling with high capacity

How to Choose the Right Fountain Pen

1. Set Your Budget
2. Pick the Right Nib Size
   • Extra Fine (EF): small handwriting, notes
   • Fine (F): versatile, everyday writing
   • Medium (M): smooth, bolder lines
   • Broad (B) and Stubs/Italic: expressive, calligraphy-like
3. Consider Nib Material
   • Steel: durable, affordable
   • Gold (14k/18k): softer feel, often smoother
4. Grip Comfort and Weight
   • Test posted vs. unposted; choose a shape that suits your grip
5. Filling Preference
   • Convenience (C/C) vs. capacity (piston/vacuum)
6. Brand Reliability
   • Popular beginner-friendly brands: Jinhao, Hero, Lamy, Moonman, Pilot, TWSBI, Platinum, Kaweco

Browse the fountain pen collection currently in stock at our store.

Best Inks and Papers for Fountain Pens

1. Ink Types
   • Dye-Based: vibrant, easy to clean (most common)
   • Pigmented/Iron Gall: water-resistant; clean pens regularly
   • Shading/Sheen/Shimmer: decorative effects; use broader nibs and good paper
2. Paper Recommendations
   • Look for smooth, fountain pen-friendly paper (e.g., 80–100 gsm and up)
   • Avoid cheap, fibrous paper to reduce feathering and bleed-through
3. Popular Ink Brands
   • Pilot Iroshizuku, Diamine, Waterman, Sailor, Monteverde, Noodler’s (test for your pen)

How to Use and Maintain a Fountain Pen

1. Filling Your Pen
   • Cartridge: insert until you hear a click, wait for ink to flow
   • Converter/Piston: dip nib, twist to draw ink, wipe excess
2. Writing Tips
   • Hold at a 45–55° angle
   • Use light pressure; let the pen glide
   • Keep the nib aligned with your writing direction
3. Cleaning Routine
   • Flush with cool water every few weeks or when changing inks
   • For stubborn ink: use a pen flush (avoid alcohol/acetone)
   • Disassemble only as recommended by the manufacturer
4. Storage
   • Cap when not in use
   • Store horizontally or nib-up to prevent leaks

Common Fountain Pen Problems and Fixes

1. Hard Starts/Skipping
   • Cause: dried ink or misaligned tines
   • Fix: flush with water; check nib alignment; try a wetter ink
2. Scratchy Nib
   • Cause: misaligned tines or rough tipping
   • Fix: realign gently or consult a nib specialist
3. Ink Blobbing/Leaking
   • Cause: heat/pressure changes, overfilling
   • Fix: leave air gap in reservoir; keep capped; avoid leaving in hot cars
4. Feathering/Bleed-Through
   • Cause: paper quality or very wet inks
   • Fix: switch to better paper; use finer nib or drier ink

Fountain Pen FAQs

1. Are fountain pens good for beginners?
   • Yes. Start with a Fine or Medium nib and a reliable brand.
2. Can left-handed writers use fountain pens?
   • Absolutely. Choose quick-drying inks and finer nibs; try lefty-friendly grips.
3. How often should I clean my pen?
   • Every 2–4 weeks with regular use, or when changing ink colors.
4. Are fountain pens allowed on planes?
   • Yes, but fly with the pen full or empty, and keep it nib-up during takeoff/landing.

Final Thoughts

Fountain pens combine functionality, sustainability, and style. By choosing the right nib, ink, and paper—and maintaining your pen properly—you’ll enjoy a smoother, more personal writing experience. Whether you’re journaling, sketching, or signing documents, a fountain pen elevates every word.

Ready to upgrade your writing? Explore our curated fountain pen collection, discover premium inks, and find the perfect paper to match your style. Have questions? Contact us for personalized recommendations.Share feedback

Explore Our Collection of Fountain Pens