At Kakimori, we offer a wide selection of fountain pens.
For beginners, writing with a fountain pen may seem like a daunting task. However, once you experience the joy of using a fountain pen, you’re likely to fall in love and never look back. At Kakimori, we take pride in helping you discover these delightful tools and enjoy them with confidence.
This article covers everything you need to know about the fountain pen: what it is, how to use it, and what makes it so appealing. Whether you’re simply curious, are considering your first fountain pen, or have purchased one but aren’t sure how to use it, this guide is for you.
What is a fountain pen?
A fountain pen is a writing instrument with a distinctive nib, designed specifically for writing with ink. Just as a ballpoint pen uses a refill, a fountain pen allows you to refill it with ink.
What are the different types of fountain pens?
1. Design
Fountain pens come in a wide variety of colours, shapes, lengths and materials, with different brands offering their own designs. The best way to choose is to try them out in person. If that’s not possible, finding a design that you like is a good place to start.
2. Nib
The writing experience can vary greatly depending on the nib you choose. The key is to find a nib that suits your writing style and needs.
There are two main types of nib materials:
・Gold nibs
Gold nibs offer a smooth and effortless writing experience with a little flex. The price point is generally higher due to the gold content.
・Stainless steel nibs
These nibs are often sleek in design and provide a firm writing experience. They are typically more affordable, making them a great option for beginners.
Examples of a gold nib (left) and a stainless steel nib (right).
Next, let’s look at the nib size. Many fountain pens offer a range of line widths, with fine (F) and medium (M) being the most common. Other options may include fine-medium (FM) or bold (B), and there are even specialised nibs designed for musical notation. (Note: Not all types are available at Kakimori).
It’s worth noting that nibs of the same size can vary in line width depending on the brand, material and design. The best way to choose a nib is to try a few and find the size and feel that best suit your writing style. When shopping online, you can refer to sample images for guidance.
3. Ink
Another consideration when choosing a fountain pen is the ink filling system. Each system uses a different method, so you can select one based on your preferences and intended use.
There are three types of ink filling systems (front to back): cartridges, converters, and built-in.
1) Cartridges
This system uses pre-filled ink cartridges, similar to ballpoint refills. While the choice of ink colour is more limited, it offers the convenience of an instant refill. Some cartridges are interchangeable, but many pens use proprietary cartridges, so be sure to check compatibility before purchasing.
2) Converters
This system uses refillable ‘converters’ to draw ink from a bottle. Although the refill process takes an extra step, it allows you to use ink from a variety of brands. Using bottled ink is also more economical in the long run. Depending on the manufacturer, a converter may be included with the pen or sold separately.
Most fountain pens are compatible with both systems, so you can start with cartridges and transition to a converter as your experience grows.
Now, let’s take a look at the built-in system.
3) Built-in
This system features an integrated ink reservoir, allowing you to draw ink directly from the bottle. It offers a larger capacity than the other two systems, requiring fewer refills, and is ideal for those who prefer to use one ink colour over an extended period.
There’s a system to suit every preference, whether it’s the choice of colour or a quick refill. To get the most out of your fountain pen, it’s just as important to consider the ink mechanism as it is to choose the right pen.
Writing with a fountain pen
Holding the pen
Position the metal side of the nib to face upwards and hold the grip section lightly. Fountain pens work best at a roughly 45-degree angle to the writing surface.
When writing, the small rounded tip on the underside of the nib should make contact with the paper, allowing the ink to flow smoothly with minimal pressure.
One of the advantages of fountain pens is the effortless writing experience – unlike a ballpoint pen, you don’t need to apply pressure to make the ink flow. With time, most writers will adjust to this way of writing, allowing for more relaxed and comfortable writing sessions.
At the Kakimori shop, we also offer a selection of fountain pens suited to left-handed writers.
Fountain pen care
It’s a good idea to clean your pen when refilling your ink or if the nib starts to dry out. Simply detach the nib from the cartridge or converter and soak in water overnight to restore its performance.
For more information on cleaning your pen, read our comprehensive guide.
While it can feel intimidating at first, writing with a fountain pen is a pleasurable and rewarding experience, especially in today’s digital age. We hope you find the perfect pen to become your daily companion.
If you have any questions, feel free to chat with us in-store or contact us online.
