My First Time Using a Fountain Pen
In honor of Fountain Pen Day celebrated worldwide and annually on November 6th.
I recently used a fountain/calligraphy pen for the first time. While I liked using it, I did encounter a few challenges that led to lessons learned.
In case it's helpful, below are the main points covered in this post:
My First Fountain Pen
Years ago, my dad gifted me a Royal & Langnickel Calligraphy Art Set that he bought for about $10 USD at a local store.
I hesitated to try it because I attempted and failed to use a feather quill pen and ink years prior. I could not figure out how to get the nib of the feather quill pen to hold enough ink to write more than one letter. I shelved the calligraphy set (which I will refer to as my first fountain pen going forward) alongside my old feather quill pen and ink.
Last month, I decided to do the Peachtober and Inktober (31 days) art challenges. I saw people online use dip and fountain pens to complete their Inktober prompts. I dusted off my fountain pen case and gave it a try for one quick drawing.
I opened my fountain pen set and inserted a black ink cartridge. I used the medium nib that was already set up with the section and barrel. Anyway, I put pen to paper.
I Fell in Love
Wow! I was impressed by how the nib glided over the page. Well, I only noticed this after I used very light pressure to write.
Initially, I wrote with what I believed was regular writing pressure. Not much ink came out of the nib. I also scratched the paper with a few failed strokes.
As soon as I changed my writing pressure, everything worked smoothly, literally. I only meant to do one quick drawing to test the pen, but I ended up spending much longer drawing with the pen in my sketchbook (130gsm drawing paper).
The way it slid over the page with no resistance against the paper did not trigger pain in my thumb ('thumb tendinitis' because I forgot the official name of it). I found using the lightweight pen comfortable.
Yes, there are other types of pens that also write just as smoothly and do not require pressure to use. However, I happened to already own this fountain pen and enjoyed drawing and writing with it.
Challenges
While I fell in love with my first fountain pen, I encountered two challenges not long after my first use.
Challenge No. 1: Dried Ink
Empty Converter in Ink Bottle Filled Converter in Ink Bottle Converter Attached to Nib
I assumed because my fountain pen sat untouched for years, the ink cartridges dried out. I thought I ran out of ink during my third drawing with the amount of skipping the ink did. However, I noticed when I pulled the cartridge out that it was not empty.
Since the ink was water-based, I added a few drops of water to get the ink flowing. It worked long enough to finish the drawing, but I was unable to start a new painting. None of the other ink cartridges that came with the old set worked.
I decided to fill the converter/piston filler with my old ink which was also water-based. It was thick, but I assumed it would work well enough. Yes, it worked for a short while but quickly led to my next challenge.
Challenge No. 2: Clogging
Nib and Feed Submerged in Clear Water Nib and Feed Submerged in Inked Water Ink Flowing Out From Nib
Novice me did not know that I was supposed to flush and clean the nib and feed in-between ink change. I believed missing this step led to the nib and feed clogging from ink contamination (two different types of inks).
After a YouTube binge session, I learned how to properly maintain my fountain pen. I started by soaking the nib, feed, and emptied converter into distilled water for a few minutes. I only soaked it this time because it was clogged. I would only flush distilled water through for regularly cleaning.
Distilled water does not contain minerals, contaminants, and impurities that could prevent thorough cleaning.
It took time for the parts to dry, especially the enclosed feed. This meant that I was back to my other writing and drawing pens for a while.
My Second Fountain Pen
I only intended to buy fountain pen ink cartridges, but I bought a new fountain pen set instead. The twenty-four ink cartridges and coupon encouraged my decision to splurge.
I bought the Wordsworth & Black Fountain Pen with a medium nib and twenty-four ink cartridges. I never bought a pen for this much money. At the time of writing, the blue pen with gold nib is listed for $32 USD, but I paid about $25 USD with the coupon available on Prime Day.
I quickly realized that the new fountain pen was heavier with better ink flow, but just barely compared to my first fountain pen. I likely spent the higher price on the additional ink cartridges which would not go to waste.
Fortunately, the ink cartridges that came with my new pen fit my first pen perfectly. Now I have two functional fountain pens to choose from.
When I Use Both Fountain Pens
Ink Drawing of an Orc Ink Drawings of a Wizard, Watch, Dog, & Boat Ink Drawing of Braided Hair Ink Drawing of a Quokka Ink Drawing of a Picnic Basket Ink Drawing of a Seal Lounging
I primarily use my first fountain pen for doodles and drawings in my sketchbook. I use it a few times a week, but not daily. I still choose to use archival ink pens regularly with watercolor because I prefer to outline before painting.
However, when I want to take very little art supplies when I head out of the house, it is convenient to just grab this pen, a waterbrush, and a small DIY travel book.
I primarily use my second fountain pen for daily writing in my journal/diary (160gsm dotted journal) and planner (100gsm dotted journal). In fact, I write journal/diary entries now that I can write longer before my thumb starts to hurt or go numb.
Lessons Learned
I am still a novice when it comes to fountain pens. Yet, nearly a month after I used my first fountain pen, I learned a few basic things that should allow me to continue using my fountain pens for years to come (and almost discouraged me from 'wasting' my time with them).
Regular maintenance is a necessity. This is a pen that could potentially be used for many years, but care must be given for it to 'live' a long time.
Not all inks are created equally. Dip pen ink should not be used in fountain pens due to the ink's thicker consistency and composition (for a lack of a better word). The wrong ink could clog and damage a fountain pen's nib and feed.
Clean often. A fountain pen should be flushed and cleaned regularly. Otherwise, dry ink, clogged feed, and damaged nib could be a pain to address. Some product companies urge people to clean in-between every ink change, especially if you are changing ink colors or brands. Others say every three months should suffice if you are consistently using the same ink brand and color.
Use distilled water to flush and clean. As I mentioned earlier, distilled water does not contain minerals, contaminants, and impurities that could prevent thorough cleaning. Unlike tap and most drinking waters, distilled water will leave no unwanted residue that could damage the nib and feed.
Dry the nib with a lint-free cloth. I made the mistake of drying my nib with a plush microfiber cloth. A few fibers got stuck in the slit of the nib causing an unwanted feathered look while writing or drawing. As I mentioned earlier, distilled water does not contain minerals, contaminants, and impurities that could prevent thorough cleaning. It will not leave unwanted residue on the nib or within the feed, unlike tap water or most drinking waters.
Do NOT store with the nib facing down. Storing the nib facing down could clog the nib and feed. Some product companies recommend storing a fountain pen with the nib facing up. Others recommend storing it horizontally. I have been storing my fountain pens horizontally without issues so far.
Many Nibs to Choose From. There are many nib sizes and types. It is worth trying different nibs, provided that you have access to a variety, to see which you prefer for different writing or drawing scenarios. As for now, I like using a medium nib, but I can see how a larger nib could be used for more expressive drawings.
What's Next?
As of today, I have no interest in buying a third fountain pen. I am good with the two that I have. While I love them now, there is a possibility that I would not care to use them in the future. I do not need to build a collection of fountain pens before I know for sure that this love will last.
I also have a feather quill pen that I should give another chance to see if I fall in love with it as well.
Comment below to brag about your favorite type of pen(s)!
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Thanks, and have a great day!
~Simply Jelly Jam
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