A Beginner's Guide to Fountain Pens

Beginner’s Guide to Fountain Pens

Introduction

If you've come here, you're probably looking at fountain pens and wondering what's so special about these timeless writing tools? Fountain pens combine classic elegance with a surprisingly smooth writing experience, and provide their users with customization and personalization like nothing else in the world of writing. Unlike ballpoints, markers, or rollerballs, a fountain pen delivers ink through a tiny capillary feed, allowing you to vary line width simply by adjusting pressure and angle. For newcomers, the learning curve for utilizing a fountain pen is accessible and gentle, and the rewards—personalized handwriting, reduced hand fatigue, and a touch of nostalgia—are well worth the time and investment.

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How a Fountain Pen Works

When you write, the nib’s split creates a tiny channel that draws ink from the reservoir through the feed onto the paper. Proper ink flow is essential—too much causes blotting, too little results in skipping.

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Choosing Your First Fountain Pen

1. Budget – Entry‑level pens range from $7–$30 (e.g., Platinum Plaisir, Faber-Castell Grip 2010, Platinum Prefounte). These provide reliable performance without breaking the bank.
2. Nib Size – Most beginners start with a fine or medium nib. Fine offers crisp lines and less ink usage, while medium gives a slightly broader stroke and a smoother writing experience, useful for larger handwriting.
3. Versatile Filling Systems – Fountain Pens can utilize different systems for holding ink; the most versatile tends to be the cartridge/converter system, where a fountain pen is able to take cartridges or utilize a bottled ink converter. 
   • Cartridge – Easiest; just pop a compatible prefilled cartridge in. Some pens have proprietary cartridge systems (and thus also require proprietary bottled converters to use).
   • Converter – Allows you to use bottled ink while still allowing the pen to be cartridge‑compatible.
4. Built-in Filling Systems - Many other filling systems exist, which take up the whole pen (making them unable to take cartridges, but hold more ink from a bottle). The list below is non-exhaustive:
   • • Eyedropper – The original built‑in reservoir; holds more ink than a cartridge, but may require a bit more cleaning. Filled directly and thus somewhat prone to mess.
     • Lever Filler - A sac-based reservoir system that uses an exterior mechanical lever to press into the sac (taking less force for more action). 
     • Piston - A screw-driven piston filling system that you screw/unscrew to move a plunger inside the pen for filling.
     • Vacuum/Vacumatic - A filling system that utilizes a screw prep and single button press to fully fill a built-in reservoir in a fountain pen. 
5. Ergonomics – Look for a comfortable grip section (often rubberized or textured). A well‑balanced weight reduces hand strain during long writing sessions. 

As you learn more about this world, you'll likely want to branch out and try more pens to determine what brands and styles you like best. We know that a fountain pen can be a life-long investment, so we'd recommend checking out local pen community meetups, as many members are happy to share their pens and ink for others to try. Check out your local fountain pen store for pens to try out, tool; PenCat also has pop-up store locations for you to come demo products as well. 

Starter Recommendations

• Platinum Prefounte – Classic steel nib, interchangeable cartridge/converter system (converter not included), simple polycarbonate barrel, transparent body to monitor ink levels, and Platinum's slip-and-seal cap design to keep ink from drying out.
• Platinum Plaisir – Smooth aluminum body, ergonomic grip, interchangeable cartridge/converter system (converter not included), and platinum's slip-and-seal cap design to keep ink from drying out.
• Faber-Castell Grip 2010 - Soft grip zone, smooth steel nib, balanced pen with or without the postable cap, that includes a cartridge/converter system (converter not included).

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Getting Started with Ink

Tips:

• Start with a non-shimmer dye‑based ink (e.g., Wearingeul Human Issues, Wearingeul Inferno, Kuretake Meiji no Iro Kuroganeiro ).
  • Ink Cartridges that work with your particular pen are another option.
• Avoid “wet” inks (very high flow) until you’re comfortable, as they can cause feathering on thin paper.
• Store bottled ink upright, sealed, and away from direct sunlight.

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Basic Maintenance

1. Cleaning Frequency –
   • Every few weeks if you write daily.
   • After each ink change if you switch colors or brands.
2. Quick Clean – Flush the nib and feed with lukewarm water (no soap). Gently tap out excess water and let dry.
3. Deep Clean – Disassemble (if possible), soak nib and feed in water for 10–15 minutes, then rinse. For stubborn residue, a drop of mild dish soap can be used, followed by thorough rinsing.
4. Drying – Pat the nib with a soft cloth (paper towel is fine!) and let the pen sit uncapped for an hour or two before re‑assembling.

Avoid: Using harsh chemicals, hot water (can warp plastic feeds), or abrasive cloths.

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Writing Techniques & Etiquette

• Angle: Hold the pen at roughly 45° to the paper; this promotes smooth ink flow.
• Pressure: Light pressure yields consistent lines; heavy pressure can force excess ink, causing blobs.
• Paper Choice: Opt for “fountain‑pen friendly” paper (around 80–100 gsm, low absorbency). Brands like Rhodia, Clairefontaine, or Tomoe River make fountain-pen friendly papers that work well.
• Cap Safety: Always replace the cap after writing to prevent the nib from drying out or accidentally dropping your pen on its nib.

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Expanding Your Collection

Once you’re comfortable, you can explore:

• Different Nib Materials – Gold nibs often feel softer, flex easier, and can be tuned more easily (tipped, polished). Other materials like titanium can produce different feel as well.
• Specialty Inks – Shimmer, shading, or iron‑gall inks for artistic effects.
• Customizable Pens – Swappable barrels, caps, and nibs (e.g., Aurora).

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Resources for Further Learning

Ready to learn more about fountain pens? Check out these resources for more information and to connect with others interested in this hobby. 

*Please be aware, PenCat is not affiliated with any of these resources and provides them only as educational references.

• Online Communities:
  • r/fountainpens (Reddit)
  • Fountain Pen Network forums
  • The Penposium Discord Server
• YouTube Channels:
  • The Pen Addict
  • Doodlebud
• Books:
  • "Pen Repair: A Practical Guide..." by Jim Marshall & Laurence Oldfield
  • "Fountain Pens Vintage and Modern" by Lambrou, Andreas 
  • “Fountain Pens: The complete guide to repair restoration” by Frank Dubiel
• Resource Websites:
  • Richard Binder, Fountain Pens
  • Craftmanship.net - The Perfect Pen
  • Pen Collectors of America

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Quick Checklist for Beginners

• ✅ Choose a reliable entry‑level pen (Grip 2010, Prefounte, Plaisir).
• ✅ Pick a fine or medium steel nib.
• ✅ Start with a cartridge or a basic converter with a standard dye‑based ink.
• ✅ Write on good quality paper, hold the pen at ~45°.
• ✅ Clean the pen weekly (quick rinse) and deep clean monthly.