How to Use a Fountain Pen

The use of a fountain pen is almost a lost art. First came ballpoint pens, then roller balls, then gel pens and the eloquence of the fountain pen was forgotten. Yet, fountain pens are still sold in every price range. From the cheapie version found at the local super center to the expensive name brand found only at upscale office supply or department stores, the fountain pen will always find new devotees. Using a fountain pen is really no different than using any other type of ink pen. Once you learn how to fill the ink, the rest is simple.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A fountain pen
• Liquid ink or cartridges

1. Determine what type of refill unit your fountain pen requires. Some fountain pens have a converter, others a bladder and still others use a simple cartridge.

2. Dip a converter into liquid ink and use the screw-type top to fill the converter with ink. Insert into the pen and use as normal.

3. Dip the nip fully into the liquid ink for bladder type refills. Use the tiny bar to siphon the ink into the bladder. Once filled, insert the bladder into the barrel of the pen and use until a refill is needed.

4. Remove old cartridge and replace with a new cartridge if the pen uses cartridge refills. These are the simplest fountain pens to use and are often the cheapest.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only liquid ink that is specifically made for fountain pens. While some people have luck filling bladders and converters with inkjet ink, this can damage the pen.
• Fountain pen ink comes in a variety of colors in both liquid ink and cartridges. Purchase the colors that you will use most often.
• Writing with a fountain pen will give a touch of eloquence to your correspondence. Be sure to allow the ink to dry before folding and sealing into an envelope.
• Some fountain pens come with different size nibs (tips) so that you can change from fine to thick lines. These are wonderful if learning the art of calligraphy.
• Never press down too hard on a fountain pen nip (tip), as this can ruin the pen.

Resources

• Levenger's Guide to Fountain Pens

[thenking2]

on 12/28/2008 i bought a classic pen set a fountain pen came in it, i liked it but it takes time to master the skill of writing with it its even harder if you don{t know ot to write in cursive and it gets very messy when touch the nib, now i know why its called a fountain pen. hahah

[hiigaran]

on 11/23/2008 This article is seriously lacking in details, such as how to clean pens, steps to take when changing inks and how to handle pens when not being used for writing.

[Penman]

on 8/27/2008 Wonderful article Kat. Id like to invite you and everyone else to stop by my FP message board with any questions or comments you may have on FP's

http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=111780&p=1&a=45

[clevergirl]

on 7/21/2008 fountain pens are resilient as well, though. my phileas fountain pen fell onto tile floor from five feet directly onto its nib. i thought it was toast, as its nib was bent 90 degrees away from where it should be. but i bent it back into shape and it's been just fine, if a little broader, ever since.

[asamsky]

on 1/17/2008 Inkjet ink contains a variety of harmful chemicals and is totally unsuitable for use in a fountain pen. India ink is also unsuitable since it contains shellac. Follow the author's advice and use only inks designed specifically for fountain pens!