PRODUCT USE QUESTIONS
Where can I find general fountain pen education?
If you're new to fountain pens, we recommend checking out our Fountain Pen 101 video and blog series. It's a five-part series going over all the basics:. We also have a lot of helpful articles in the "Beginner's Guide" section of our blog.
How do I fill a fountain pen from an ink sample vial?
Ink samples are a fantastic way to try out new colors, but getting a small volume of ink into a small ink reservoir can sometimes be logistically challenging. If you can't directly fill your pen from the vial, we recommend using an ink syringe, or fi
How do I install an ink cartridge?
Since individual brand cartridges don't look the same, it's not always as straightforward as just "install the ink cartridge". That's why we've made this video, which shows how easy it is to install cartridges from across different brands!.
Why is there moisture in the cartridge-converter?
Please be assured that your pen is indeed brand new. The moisture-like appearance is due to an excess of silicone grease in the converter, which is sometimes present in the production process. This is not indicative of prior use. We hope this informa
How should I hold my fountain pen to avoid writing difficulties?
It's important to hold the fountain pen at the correct angle to facilitate smooth writing. Fountain pens can be sensitive to the rotation and tilt of the nib against the paper. If ink flow is not consistent, adjusting the angle of the pen and ensurin
Can I refill a cartridge?
Yes! We have a great video on how to use Ink Syringes to refill a cartridge. This trick is also a great way to fill converters without the mess. You can watch the video below.
Cartridge and Converter Compatibility Guide
This blog post serves as a general guideline for which brands of cartridge/converter pens accept proprietary cartridges/converters, and which can use the standard international size (cartridge generally implies short). Please refer to each specific p
Where can I compare writing examples?
Did you know that the Nib Nook is a tool we've created that allows you to browse and compare writing samples from every single nib/pen we carry? If you've ever asked the question "should I get a fine or a medium?" or wondered "how does a Japanese med
Where can I compare inks to each other?
Have you checked out our Swab Shop? It’s a great way to compare colors or search by color groupings. You can select up to six colors to visually compare them directly side-by-side, and then also click to view the corresponding products (bottles, samp
Do you sell ink samples?
Yes, we do! We offer our 2ml ink samples individually or in discounted curated package sets. They're the right size to fill a converter about two times. If you like the element of surprise, we also offer a "Surprise Me!" random ink sample, sold indiv
My pen has a high ink flow!
If you're experiencing a high ink flow there are a few things to check before reaching out!. 1. Change ink and see if the same thing happens with new ink. 2. Check around the grip section for any cracks in it, or with the housing unit. 3. Check the f
Do you offer pen tests?
Most of our pens do not require additional onsite testing. In general, we do not test pens from LAMY, TWSBI, Conklin, Monteverde, Sailor, Magna Carta, Visconti, or Pilot. However, if you have a specific pen in mind and would like it tested, please co
Why isn't my ink sample full?
We use 6ml sample vials, but fill them with 2ml of ink. You should be able to see the faint ml marker lines in the vial. If it is lower than 2ml please let us know.