Are fountain pens easy to use?
Even with their exquisite appearance, delicate and shiny nibs, fountain pens are perfect for elevating your everyday writing experience. Often confused as a ‘calligraphy pen’ or a ‘dip pen’, rest assured they are neither as tricky or messy as those!
Can I learn calligraphy using a fountain pen?
Not all fountain pens are calligraphy pens, and not all calligraphy pens are fountain pens. So, the answer is only sometimes, and more specifically with the correct nib type and some practice. Read more…
What is line variation?
Line variation refers to how much of a difference you can get in line thickness from a nib. Read more…
Are fountain pens dip pens?
No, fountain pens aren’t designed to be dipped. Fountain pens contain an ink reservoir, which are designed to be refilled using either a converter or a pre-filled disposable ink cartridge. Unlike dip pens, fountain pens are self contained and typically capped, so you can easily carry it with you and make use of it every day.
Are fountain pens okay for left-handed writing?
Yes, there are nibs designed for left-handed writers. For example, the Lamy left-handed nib which is slightly oblique, making it ideal for left-handed writers who frequently tilt their hand when writing.
As another option, left-handed writers can try a finer nib for a speedier dry time to avoid ink smear.
How do I clean my fountain pen?
For converter and cartridge filled fountain pens, simply disassemble your pen and wash each piece through with water.
For a simple clean:
- Disassemble your fountain pen into 4 parts - lid, body, feed (with nib attached) and remove the cartridge or converter.
- Under the tap, run a slow stream of water into the feed so that it trickles through the nib on the other side. Do this until it runs clear.
- Wash the other parts with water, then set everything aside and allow to dry.
- Reassemble.
For a more thorough clean, you can remove the nib and clean it with water as well (please note that not all fountain pens are designed to do this).
How often should I clean my fountain pen?
It’s common to clean you pen between changes of ink colour, mainly to avoid colours mixing.
Troubleshooting: If you leave your fountain pen idle, with ink inside, over an extended period of time you may find writing to become scratchy or even impossible. In this case, ink may have dried in the feed, blocking ink flow. Try cleaning your fountain pen throughly, re-ink it and then attempt writing again.
Pictured: Bespoke Letterpress Writing Pad, Lamy Safari Fountain Pen in White.
