how to use a fountain pen

To use a fountain pen, you must first fill it with ink.

Ink filling is mainly divided into two types, the inhalation type and the type that uses a cartridge or converter, depending on the specifications of the fountain pen.

The inhalation type is an old-fashioned method in which the fountain pen has a built-in inhalation mechanism and inhales the ink from the bottle into the fountain pen.

A cartridge is a disposable standard product that is filled with ink from the beginning, and a converter is an ink inhaler. Dual-use fountain pens, which can use both cartridges and converters, are now the most common.

Cartridges and converters have different shapes depending on the manufacturer. As a general rule, please attach the product of the same manufacturer as the fountain pen.

use cartridge ink

Remove the cap and shaft. Insert the cartridge straight in until you feel a hole in the tip of the cartridge.
Be careful not to insert it while turning it as it may damage the inside of the fountain pen.

use a converter

1. Remove the cap and shaft and insert it straight. If you turn the knob at the end of the converter to the left, the internal piston will go down, so it will go all the way down.

2. Dip the pen tip into the bottled ink until it is completely hidden, turn the knob to the right, the piston will rise and the ink will be sucked. Air is often mixed in, so please repeat inhalation 2-3 times so that air bubbles do not enter the converter.

3. Wipe off excess ink on the pen tip and neck with a tissue.

In writing

1. With the imprinted side of the pen tip facing up, hold the pen tip parallel to the paper.

2. It will be easier to write if you hold the pen at an angle of approximately 45 to 60 degrees, slightly lying down than when using other writing instruments. If you write upright like a brush, the ink will be less likely to come out and the pen tip will be easier to damage.

3. The characteristic of fountain pens is that they can be written smoothly by the "capillary phenomenon" in which the ink bleeds onto the paper. Even if you don't apply pen pressure, the ink flows just by touching the pen tip to the paper. Conversely, if the writing pressure is too strong, not only will it not be possible to write well, but it will also cause damage.

4. Close the cap frequently when not in use. If it dries out, the ink will not come out well, and it will cause clogging. There are two types of fountain pen caps: a screw type that is removed while turning, and a fitting type that is pulled straight out.

About cleaning and maintenance

Prepare water in a container. It is best to use lukewarm water that is about human skin temperature and the ink dissolves easily.

cartridge ink

1. Remove the shaft and pull out the cartridge.

2. Completely submerge the nib. As the ink runs out and the water becomes dirty, I usually leave it on for 1-2 hours while changing it several times. If you haven't used the fountain pen in a while, it's safer to let it sit overnight.

3. Remove from the container, rinse with running water from the neck shaft to the pen tip, drain with a soft cloth or tissue, and dry the pen tip.

converter

1. If there is still ink left, put it back into the bottle.
Remove the shaft, attach the pen tip to the container with the converter attached, and pour in and out the water in the same way as you inhale the ink. While changing the water several times, repeat until the ink runs out.

2. If it is very dirty, remove the converter and then do the same as cartridge ink 2.

3. Same as cartridge ink 3.

Types of nib width (thickness)

Manufacturers offer a wide variety of variations.

It is important to choose a character width that suits your purpose, preference, and pen pressure.

The thicker the pen, the smoother the writing, but the easier it is for the characters to be crushed.

Typical character width

Extra Fine (EF: Extra Fine)
Fine lines can be written sharply, making it ideal for detailed writing on system notebooks and bookkeeping.

Fine (F: Fine)
It can be used for a wide range of purposes such as notebooks, diaries, and letters. One of the most popular character widths in recent years

Medium (M: Medium)
A standard type that can be used everyday, and you can enjoy the color and shade of ink and the unique writing feel of a fountain pen.

Bold (B: Broad)
address, signature, etc. Recommended for those who want to write freely and happily

I would be happy if you could be patient with me

Fountain pens can be difficult to use at first, but they have a unique writing feel, ink shading, and a wide variety of colors. You can enjoy various things such as changing the color depending on the mood of the day.

In addition, the more you use it, the more you will become accustomed to your own writing habits, and it will grow into a one-of-a-kind writing piece that feels like a part of your body. Structurally, there is a minimum basic usage, but it does not mean that "this is the correct answer". In principle, the grip is also free. Depending on how you use it, the possibilities of expression are endless.

It is a writing instrument that can be used for a long time with minor maintenance. I would be happy if you could be patient with me without worrying too much.

(Hachimonjiya, Tomohiro Higashine)