Fountain pen Q&A
Fountain pen Q&A
On this page, we answer how to use and how to choose a fountain pen.
About fountain pens
1. What is a fountain pen?
Fountain pens appeared about 200 years ago after the era of quill pens and dip pens.
About 130 years ago, the structure of the current fountain pen using capillary action was created, and it continues to improve and evolve.
The ink inside the barrel of the fountain pen is led to the pen tip by capillary action, and the ink is drawn to the paper fibers where the pen tip and paper come into contact with each other.
In order for the ink to flow smoothly from the nib to the paper, the same amount of air as the ink that comes out must be put inside the barrel.
For this reason, the pen core has an ink groove through which ink passes and an air groove for taking in air.
The more you use a fountain pen, the more comfortable it will become as the tip of the pen adapts to the writing angle of the person using it.
2. What are the nib thicknesses EF, F, M, and B?
Choose the width of the pen tip according to the purpose of use and the size of the characters you want to write.
There are EF (extra fine/extra fine), F (fine/fine), M (medium/medium), and B (broad/bold).
Unlike ballpoint pens, there are no standard widths for fountain pens. It also changes depending on the pen pressure and writing angle.
About how to use
1. I don't know how to use a fountain pen.
Use a fountain pen with ink.
There are two ways to put it in: the "cartridge type" that installs an ink cartridge, and the "inhalation type" that inhales from a bottle of ink.
The way to hold it is the same as other writing instruments. When writing, write with the stamped side of the pen tip facing up.
With a fountain pen, just placing the nib on the paper will dispense ink, so you don't need to use strong pressure to write.
Let's relax and write. If you originally write with the pen upright, try laying it down.
The writing angle is not particularly determined, but about 60 degrees is a guideline.
2. The ink output is poor.
It may become clogged with dried ink or pieces of paper, resulting in poor ink output.
Clean with water.
Also, do not use old or deteriorated ink as it may cause clogging.
3. Do you write with the cap on the back?
Depending on your preference, the cap can be attached to the back of the main unit or removed.
4. What kind of fountain pen ink should I use?
It depends on the type of ink intake in your fountain pen.
If it is a cartridge type, it uses cartridge ink, and if it is an inhalation type, it uses bottle ink.
If it is a dual-use type, you can use either cartridge ink or bottle ink using a converter.
5. How should I clean my fountain pen?
Wash with water when the ink is not coming out well, when you change the ink color, or when you do not use it for a while.
In the case of a cartridge type, remove the cartridge and place the nib and neck in a container (such as a cup) filled with water.
The ink flows naturally from inside. Replace the water when it becomes dirty.
In the case of inhalation type or converter type, wash by pouring water in and out as you inhale ink. Repeat until the ink color runs out.
In the case of a converter, the converter can be removed and washed separately. (Some converters alone do not allow water to be put in and out.)
6. Is it possible to change the character width in the middle of the nib?
Yes, depending on the pen. If possible, please keep it and exchange it at the manufacturer.
Some characters were originally created with only one character width.
7. Will the ink leak on an airplane due to air pressure?
Fountain pens are not good at changing atmospheric pressure. When the air inside expands due to changes in atmospheric pressure, it pushes the ink out of the pen tip.
We recommend that you keep your ink tank full or empty on the plane.
About how to choose
1. How do I choose the width of a fountain pen?
Choose according to the purpose of use and the size of the letters you want to write.
For example, ultra-fine for notebooks, fine for notebooks and letters, and medium to bold for signatures and address writing.
Please choose freely as you like as it is a guideline.
2. Are domestic and foreign fountain pens the same thickness?
Compared to overseas brands, Japanese brands have thinner writing lines even with the same character width display.
Japanese М and overseas F may be about the same.
If possible, it would be nice to be able to test write and check if it is the desired writing line.
3. What is the price difference?
The price of a fountain pen varies depending on the material and design of the nib, body, and cap material. Even with the same design, the price will differ depending on whether the nib is steel or gold.
4. Do you have different types of nib materials?
The nib material is mainly divided into gold and steel. Gold nibs are further divided by gold content. Steel products include stainless steel and gold-plated alloys.
Many gold pen nibs are engraved with numbers that indicate the percentage of gold content.
About purchase/repair
1. Can I purchase just the parts?
Basically, you can't just buy parts. We will take your fountain pen and have it installed and replaced by the manufacturer.
2. If it breaks, can it be repaired?
Although it depends on the state of the failure, it is possible to send it to the manufacturer after taking care of it. It is up to the manufacturer to decide whether or not it can be repaired.