A standard fountain pen consists of a nib (Fig. 1), a barrel (Fig. 4), a protective cap (Fig. 5) and a converter (Fig. 2) or cartridge (Fig. 3):

Feather Piston converter

Ink cartridge Barrel

Protective cap

Today, Parker and Waterman fountain pens use a piston-action converter as a reservoir for storing and supplying ink, and standard and small-volume ink cartridges (spray cans) can serve as an alternative. The piston converter is designed for repeated use and has a larger volume than ink cartridges. Every owner of a fountain pen is familiar with the process of filling it with ink using a piston converter. An entertaining process requires a little time, a supply of ink in a bottle and a comfortable environment. However, circumstances do not always allow you to have a bottle of ink with you; in such moments, you can use an ink cartridge. The converter quickly and easily changes to a cartridge; moreover, the cartridge has a modest size and can always be kept with you, which is not always possible with a bottle of ink.

Refilling a fountain pen

Before refilling a fountain pen using a converter, prepare an inkwell (a bottle of ink) and a napkin. To begin, remove the protective cap and unscrew the barrel from the pen as shown in (Fig. 6).

Then completely immerse the pen in the inkwell (ink bottle), while trying to leave the body of the pen base above the surface of the ink as shown in (Fig. 7), then rotate the converter piston counterclockwise until it stops - this will help drain the remaining ink and get rid of bubbles to create a vacuum.

In the same position, rotate the piston clockwise until it stops, thereby filling the converter with ink (Fig. 8). After the converter is completely filled, remove the pen from the inkwell and carefully rotate the piston to drain three drops of ink (Fig. 8.1); then rotate all the way in the opposite direction - this will allow a small amount of air to be sucked into the tank (air lock Fig. 8.2) in order to prevent leakage. Screw the barrel into place, remove excess ink from the surface of the nib with a napkin, and the pen is ready for use.

Replacing the converter with a cartridge

Remove the protective cap and unscrew the barrel, carefully remove the converter by pulling it away from the pen. Insert the cartridge into the same place, with the colored end facing the pen, and press with a slight force with your finger until a characteristic clicking sound occurs (Fig. 9). The cartridge is installed, tighten the barrel and the pen is ready. A previously used converter can be rinsed with cool water and stored until next use.

How to extend the life of a fountain pen

Cleaning the pen is the procedure of washing the pen through the converter while filling it with water (repeat until the water becomes clear). Then pat dry with a paper towel. Be sure to use water at room temperature, in which case distilled or filtered water will do (tap water may contain particles that can clog the pen nozzle). Then pat dry with a paper towel or napkin. Never use warm or hot water, as well as solvents or alcohol-containing solutions - this will 100% harm the quality of the pen. If the pen uses a cartridge, it is necessary to disconnect it from the pen, and place the base with the pen in a glass or other container with clean water for 30 or 60 minutes, depending on how dirty the pen is, and the water level should completely cover the pen. After the procedure, pat dry paper napkin or a towel. If necessary, as the pen becomes dirty, you can soak it overnight. It is recommended that you wash your pen every two weeks or whenever you change the ink color.

Despite the fact that modern fountain pens most often come with convenient converters, there are still fans of traditional converters, and there are many of them. Many even specifically buy vintage models to be able to select ink to their liking and mix various colors. A converter is the easiest way to try hundreds of shades that can easily be found in bottles. Cartridges are forced to be refilled.

How to use a fountain pen refill converter

A converter is a device that is inserted into the pen body in the same way as a cartridge. There are several types of converters: classic piston converters (the most common today) and vintage pipette converters. There are also push-button ones, but they are also quite rare. The principle of their operation is slightly different.

Piston rotary converters

A simple and reliable option that many manufacturers choose today. It is enough to unscrew the body of the pen (the back part is called the barrel, the front part with the nib is the grip section or grip section), place the converter in the pen and set the piston in motion: the ink will be drawn in, obeying the force of the vacuum.

Step 1. Insert the converter into the pen if not already done. Pay attention to whether there is a thread on the converter; if there is, it must be screwed in, not inserted. This happens on some pens (for example Cross).

Step 2. Dip the pen and some of the grip section into the ink bottle. Make sure that the entire pen is immersed, up to the grip section, otherwise the mechanism may not work.

Step 3. Turn the converter handle to lower the piston and release the air. You should see air bubbles coming out of the pen.

Step 4. Turn the handle of the converter in the opposite direction to raise the piston and draw ink inside. If there is air left inside, don't worry, it's normal.

Step 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the converter is completely filled with ink and no more air bubbles come out.

Step 6. Use a paper towel or lint-free cloth to clean the pickup section and nib of any excess ink that has not drained back into the bottle.

Step 7. Assemble the handle by screwing the barrel, now you can use it.

Do not forget that before refilling a fountain pen with ink, it must be thoroughly rinsed with running water (or better yet, soaked for a couple of hours) and dried. It is especially important to do this if the tool has not been used for a long time and the ink has dried out, or if you are using a new ink color.

If the ink has dried in the converter, do not rush to turn it, soak it first - then you can turn it.

Piston converters with rod

Same thing as previous point, just do not twist, move the piston through the rod along the converter body. Simpler and usually cheaper design.

The sequence of actions and precautions are similar.

Pipette converters

The principle of its operation is simple: the tool collects ink thanks to the compression of air, the release of which creates a vacuum that draws the ink into the pen.

Built-in piston system

If the pen has a piston filler (usually expensive pens), then proceed as follows:

1. Disassemble the pen body.
2. Turn the ink piston located inside the housing counterclockwise.
3. Dip the pen completely into the ink bottle.
4. Turn the clamp all the way in the opposite direction.
5. Unscrew the clamp slightly (until the first drop appears) to remove air from the container.
6. Remove the pen from the bottle and wipe it cloth napkin.
7. Reassemble the handle in reverse order.

Cartridges

The replacement cartridge is inserted into the writing accessory very simply:

1. Remove the barrel.
2. Remove the used cartridge.
3. Insert the new capsule until it clicks.
4. Screw all parts of the pen back.
5. Wait until the ink reaches the pen through the feeder, gently shake the pen if necessary (splashes may occur).

• Before refilling, it is always better to soak the pen for a couple of hours in cold water (it contains less impurities and salts).
• You can soak all the pens at once in one container.
• The cartridge can be easily refilled from a can of ink with a syringe, but it is also better to wash it of old ink.
• Look at the handles.
• Dry the pen before refilling.
• Don't refill a lot of ink; if you don't write much in the coming weeks, it will most likely dry out.
• In addition to the described refill option, you can refill the ink directly into the converter or cartridge, for example, with a syringe and then insert it into the pen.

An ink pen is a great accessory for business people. It emphasizes a person’s high status, makes his handwriting smoother and neater, and turns writing text into a whole ritual. You need to know how to properly refill and use such a pen.

How to refill an ink pen

There are two types of such pens: with a cartridge and with a converter. In the first case, everything is as simple as possible. You need to unscrew the handle, remove the empty cartridge, insert a new one and press until there is a characteristic click, which will mean that the feeder has entered inside the cartridge.

An ink pen is an element of a business person’s style

However, if you are a fan of the classics, give preference to a pen with a converter. Refilling it is a little more difficult, but over time you will get the hang of it and do it quickly.

• Prepare ink of the desired color and a couple of paper napkins.
• Disassemble the pen - unscrew the barrel from the nib. You should still have the pen and the converter attached to it in your hands.
• Dip the pen into the liquid so that the metal part is completely immersed in it and the body of the pen remains dry.
• Rotate the handle of the envelope and tighten the piston.
• As soon as you reach the stop, begin to unscrew the handle back. At this time, you will see the container filling with ink.
• Remove the pen from the liquid, spin the plunger slightly so that the drop returns to the inkwell, and screw it back on. This is necessary to protect the handle from leaking.
• Wipe the handle with a napkin and assemble.

Be extremely careful during assembly and disassembly. Ink pens are very fragile, so one awkward movement can break them.

How to use a pen with a nib

Do not put pressure on the ink pen. It should glide easily across the sheet. Do not use a pen on glossy paper. This paper does not absorb ink.

Always use fresh ink. One year after production, the ink is considered old

All that remains is to figure out how to paint an ink pen if it doesn’t write. This usually happens after it has not been used for a long time. There is no need to scribble or press on the pen. Just hold the pen nib under the stream warm water. When it dries, it will start writing again.

If you do not plan to use the pen for a long time, it is better to remove any remaining ink and clean it before storing. Ink that has completely dried inside can permanently damage such a pen.

A pen with ink is a wonderful gift. Once a person learns how to use and refill it, such a pen will become an integral element of his style.

Despite the fact that fountain pens have long been replaced by ballpoint and gel pens, many people prefer ink. And the ink pen of the world famous company Parker is not only a stationery item, but also an attribute of prestige. To enjoy using it, you need to know how to fill the pen with ink and the nib.

How to refill a fountain pen

Stationery stores usually stock several types of ink, which differ in shade, consistency and quality. For refilling ink pens, ink labeled “fountain pens” is suitable, that is, “for fountain pens.” The way the pen is filled with ink depends on the refill mechanism.

Piston filler

1. Disassemble the handle body.
2. Inside the case there is an ink piston with a clamp at the end, which must be rotated counterclockwise.
3. After immersing the pen in the ink, turn the clamp all the way in the opposite direction.
4. To remove air from the container, the clamp must be slightly unscrewed until the first drop appears.
5. Wipe the pen with a cloth and assemble the pen.

Converter

1. Free up access to the converter.
2. Having lowered the pen into the ink, turn the converter head to the right.
3. Remove air from the container, clean the pen and tighten the body.

Replacement cartridge

1. Remove the upper part of the housing.
2. Replace the used cartridge with a new one.
3. Open the safety valve and release air until ink appears.
4. Wipe the nib dry and screw the housing back on.

How to refill a Parker pen

A Parker pen is not only a writing instrument, but also a stylish accessory for a business person. To extend the life of this expensive item, you only need to refill it with branded ink, since Parker ink capsules contain cleaning solvents. In addition, Parker ink meets a number of other requirements:

• retain rich color for a long time;
• instantly absorbed into writing material;
• have high wetting ability without spreading over the paper;
• correspond in thickness to the handle design.

Parker pens have an ink capsule refill system. To replace the capsule, remove the cap and unscrew the sleeve located on top of the body. After removing the empty capsule, a new one is inserted in its place, wide side down. To pierce the capsule, you need to push it slightly and screw the sleeve.

Parker QUINK capsules are equipped with a reserve capacity. To release additional ink, simply click on the end of the capsule.

Today you can find many stylish and status gifts that are also convenient to wear. Everyday life things. One of them is the Parker automatic fountain pen with ink cartridge. The first pen of this type, which looked like a quill pen, appeared around 600 AD. in Seville (Spain). The metal version was patented at the beginning of the century before last. Gradually, the use of goose feathers decreased significantly due to the improvement in the quality of steel analogues.

What is a fountain pen

A pen-quill, first of all, is a stylish accessory with which you can emphasize the image of a successful person. High-quality products from well-known brands are expensive, and not everyone can afford to buy them. The products consist of a body, a pen and an ink capsule. The bodies of the first fountain pens were made of ebonite, after which celluloid became widespread. Body parts of modern products are made of plastic, brass, stainless steel

How does it work

Pens with automatic ink supply have become very popular. Unlike ball ones, they should not be pressed hard. The writing unit of modern products consists of a feeder-pen block, a reservoir and a body with a cap. The speed of ink flow is regulated by the width of the channel, or more correctly, its cross-sectional area. The ink goes into the bottom of the channel and is fed to the metal tip. The pressure difference is compensated by the air entering the ink container - for this there is a special hole in the pen.

How to use

Before purchasing, the question arises: is it comfortable to write with a fountain pen? Out of habit, it may seem like no, but if you understand how to hold such a device correctly, then you will no longer have any difficulties with writing: whether it is a non-refillable or reusable product, you won’t need to put much pressure on it. This pen glides across the paper with ease, allowing you to write without interruption for much longer.

Using a fountain pen is very simple - the peculiarity is that the ink is supplied to the tip according to the capillary principle. The pen type can be open, semi-closed, closed, or disposable plastic. A certain amount of ink is transferred to its tip, the excess of which goes back. Feather pens require special care because... They must be washed with water and refilled as the ink is consumed. Manufacturers offer special replaceable cartridges for convenient refilling.

The best fountain pens

On the modern market you can find pens made from a variety of materials, with different sizes of the writing unit and reservoir volume. There are pens in inexpensive metal cases made of steel, and products made of precious metals. Some well-known brands sell expensive products from collection series with an iridium tip. For lovers of all things natural, there are wooden handles. If you are looking for a gift, a pen with a gold nib would be a great choice. Pens with a cartridge-converter refilling system are widely used. There are also products with:

• pipette filling system;
• pre-installed piston screw converter;
• pre-installed piston slide converter;
• with snorkel;
• cartridgeless-converterless.

Fountain pen with cartridge

You can find a large number of branded luxury pens on sale, but the modern market also offers a choice of relatively inexpensive products with an ink cartridge. A good purchase would be a Parker Sonnet pen, which has a piston filling mechanism. Ink cartridges can be used for refilling. The Sonnet series combines originality and tradition. The uniqueness lies in the classic forms:

• Model name: Parker Sonnet F528;
• price: RUB 12,199;
• characteristics: materials – brass, stainless steel, 23K gold plated, finish – matte varnish, color – black/gold;
• pros: high quality, thoughtful design;
• cons: expensive.

The writing unit of the Parallel Pen model has a unique design. Compared to its conventional flat nib counterpart, its tip consists of two metal plates. This classic type device is great for calligraphy and lettering:

• Model name: Pilot Parallel Pen FP3-24-SS;
• price: 680 rub.;
• characteristics: cartridges included – 6, line thickness – 2.4 mm;
• pros: quality, design;
• cons: none.

With piston converter

In Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of the country you can find dozens of models of pens with a piston mechanism. Some of them are sold together with a case or cover for ease of carrying and storage. The color of the case can be different, so each buyer can choose an option according to personal preferences and tastes. The converter for a piston pen can be screw or slide, the difference between them lies in the filling method. A good purchase would be:

• Model name: Parker Duofold F77;
• price: RUB 36,300;
• characteristics: size – F, color – black;
• pros: excellent design, style, quality;
• cons: high cost.

Check out another product with a pre-installed piston converter and metal nib. This purchase is perfect as a gift:

• Model name: Parker Urban Premium Vacumatic;
• price: 4590 rub.;
• characteristics: F206, 0.88 mm, body color – silver;
• pros: reasonable cost, optimal quality;
• cons: none.

Cartridgeless-converterless pens

The body of such products acts as an ink reservoir. In most cases, disposable pens with a polyethylene body are produced in this format. The advantage of such products is the largest amount of ink that can fit inside the body. As for the disadvantage, it includes a high risk of ink spillage in case of damage to the seals or housing. One of the products in this category:

• Model name: Parker IM CORE;
• price: 2440 rub.;
• characteristics: size – F321, color – white;
• advantages: reasonable cost, volume;
• cons: high risk of spillage.

You can order suitable products with delivery by mail in any specialized online store. For example, a good purchase with a spacious capacity is:

• model name: Parker Urban Core;
• price: 3240 rub.;
• characteristics: size – F309, color – dark blue;
• pros: good volume;
• cons: high risk of spillage.

With open pen

Products with open nib have gained considerable popularity. It is characterized by a completely open surface of the metal tip. The latter is often covered with an engraved design. Dear and a beautiful gift for any celebration can be:

• model name: Waterman S0920710;
• price: 7900 rub.;
• characteristics: size – F, material – stainless steel, color – black;
• pros: gold-plated, epoxy resin finish;
• cons: expensive.

The advantage of an open nib is that it is more difficult for them to stain your fingers, because... the ink in them is more resistant to drying. In addition, it has increased rigidity and strength. Another product in this category:

• Model name: KIT Accessories F001101;
• price: 6000 rub.;
• characteristics: material – silver (925), brass, steel nib, size – M, color – black, silver, refill system – cartridge;
• pros: excellent design, good quality;
• cons: high cost.

With pen closed

Once you've learned how to write correctly with a fountain pen and familiarized yourself with several options, take a closer look at a product with a closed nib. This option differs in that almost the entire surface of the pen, in addition to the writing tip, is covered by the body. It is believed that with the help of such pens you can write more smoothly, because... the distance from the tip to the attachment point is minimal. One of the inexpensive options:

• model name: Parker Vector Standard F01;
• price: 980 rub.;
• characteristics: color – red, nib – stainless steel, writing unit thickness – F (thin), body – molded plastic;
• pros: low cost, good design;
• cons: none.

Take a closer look at the product with a removable cap. It can become not only a good gift, but also a convenient everyday accessory necessary for work:

• Model name: Ancora classic-blue-fp;
• price: 35,000 rub.;
• characteristics: color – blue, gold, size – M, finishing – gold plated, material – acrylic resin, 925 sterling silver, 18K gold nib, system – cartridge-converter;
• Pros: Durability, build quality, luxury option;
• cons: very expensive.

With plastic pen

Products with a plastic nib have gained some popularity. At the beginning of this century, disposable fountain pens of this type began to be produced for everyday use. Later, Parker began producing products with replaceable ink cartridges, designer bodies and a built-in plastic pen. If we take into account the structure of the power supply system, then products in this category are closer to felt-tip pens. One of the popular products:

• Model name: Pentel JL30;
• price: 1000 rub.;
• characteristics: type – disposable, plastic nib, non-slip body;
• pros: reasonable cost, good quality;
• cons: difficult to find in stores.

Another great one stylish option from the same manufacturer. Using it, you can achieve soft and clear writing:

• model name: Pentel Tradio Stylo;
• price: 790 rub.;
• characteristics: ink color – black, writing length – 1200 m, weight – 9.9 g, plastic nib, feed system – capillary;
• pros: design, reasonable cost;
• cons: none.

Gift wrapped

A pen in the form of a feather, complete with gift packaging, can become a good gift for any occasion. Your boss or work colleague might especially like this gift. In addition, a fountain pen is a good alternative to a rollerball. Check out the characteristics of the gift set from the Waterman company, which consists of a pen, a case and an ink set:

• model name: Waterman W1978716;
• price: 13600 rub.;
• characteristics: material – jewelry brass, nib – stainless steel with engraving, size – F, color – black, silver, filling system – converter;
• pros: excellent finish, rich set;

W1978713 – another gift set from the French trademark"Waterman." The kit, compared to the previous one, does not include an ink set, but the cap is decorated with an interesting engraving:

• model name: Waterman W1978713;
• price: 13,700 rub.;
• characteristics: material – brass, nib – steel with engraving, size – M, color – blue, silver, refill system – cartridge-converter;
• pros: good design, finishing;
• cons: expensive.

Automatic fountain pen

Products with an automatic mechanism are convenient and practical, but in most cases they are expensive. To save money, look for a suitable purchase in large stores, because... they often organize sales and promotions. During these events, as a rule, good discounts are offered. Automatic product with plastic case (17x6.3x3 mm):

• Model name: Pilot Capless 18K;
• price: RUB 18,815;
• characteristics: metal/plastic body, color – blue, nib – 18K gold, ink – blue, writing line thickness – 0.5 mm;
• Pros: Luxurious, good build quality;
• cons: expensive.

Check out the parameters of another Pilot brand product. There is a built-in piston mechanism designed for refilling from the bottle:

• Model name: Pilot Capless 14K;
• price: RUB 18,815;
• characteristics: metal case coated with plastic, gold-plated button and clip, color – black, writing line thickness – 0.5 mm;
• pros: finishing, design, assembly;
• cons: high cost.

Cheap fountain pens

It is not necessary to spend tens of thousands of rubles on purchasing products for everyday use. Modern manufacturers offer dozens of budget solutions. One of them is the Sheaffer VFM pen. The relatively thin but elegant body with softly rounded contours is very comfortable to hold. It is made of metal, which is coated with a matte silver varnish. The grip section is made of glossy plastic, and the nib is made of polished steel. More details about the product:

• Model name: Sheaffer VFM F;
• price: 1130 rub.;
• characteristics: materials – metal, steel, plastic, color – silver, size – F, refill system – cartridge;
• pros: design, eye-pleasing shade, low cost;
• cons: none.

The next option is refilled using ink cartridges or from a bottle using a converter. The cost is one of the most affordable:

• Model name: Parker Jotter F61;
• price: 1210 rub.;
• characteristics: material – stainless steel, writing unit thickness – M, finish – chrome;
• pros: cheap, good build;
• cons: none.

Parker pens

The legendary Parker company was founded in the USA in 1892. Over its 125-year history, it has become one of the most famous manufacturers handles During its existence, its engineers offered the market a large number of improvements. Appearance products sold actually determined the development of the entire writing instrument industry in the last century. Cheap buy from Parker:

• Model name: Parker Vector Fo3;
• price: 1350 rub.;
• characteristics: material – stainless steel, writing unit thickness – F (thin), refill – ink cartridges;
• pros: low cost, good quality;
• cons: none.

The following product has a body and cap made of brass. The surface is covered with blue varnish, which has a beautiful metallic sheen, more details:

• Model name: Parker Inflection Marine Blue M;
• price: 8200 rub.;
• characteristics: material – brass, finishing – blue lacquer, 23K gold, there is a hard leather cover;
• pros: design, finishing;
• cons: high cost.

Lamy

The history of this company's products begins in the 30s of the last century. During this period of time, Lamy has gone from a small company that specialized in the production of components to an international company. Products keep up with the times, they use new solutions and impressive designs. A pen with a bright yellow body and a clip that is plated with yellow gold:

• Model name: Lamy Lx F;
• price: 4710 rub.;
• characteristics: materials – anodized aluminum, glossy black steel, color – bright yellow, there is decorative engraving;
• pros: modern design, build quality;
• cons: not the most affordable price.

The following product is a pen from the Lamy 2000 collection, which was dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the brand. The cap, clip and brushed body are made of galvanized steel:

• Model name: Lamy 2000 F;
• price: 45,000 rub.;
• characteristics: material – steel, 14K gold nib, plated with platinum, filling system – piston;
• pros: spacious tank, excellent design, luxury;
• cons: expensive.

Waterman

Another world-famous brand that is in great demand among people of different categories is Waterman. It is noteworthy that in the collections it is easy to find writing accessories for any budget. This is the answer to the question, how much does a Waterman fountain pen cost? One of them is a product that is refilled with ink cartridges and ink from a bottle using a converter:

• Model name: Waterman S0963290;
• price: 16,700 rub.;
• characteristics: materials – jewelry brass, stainless steel, size – F, color – black, silver, refill system – cartridge-converter;
• Pros: Satin lacquer finish, ruthenium coating, style;
• cons: high cost.

Another stylish option with a sophisticated design and comfortable body will appeal to men. The cartridge is included, more details about the product:

• model name: Waterman S0951840;
• price: 11900 rub.;
• characteristics: materials – jewelry brass, stainless steel, size – F, color – black, finish – lacquer, palladium coating, refill system – cartridge-converter;
• pros: great style, luxurious option;
• cons: high cost.

Pierre Cardin

The market is filled with a lot of offers, for example, you can buy a product with a metal body and dropper case, with gold plated, colorful and eye-catching finishes, etc. If you are interested in purchasing an inexpensive option with gift packaging, then take a closer look at the PC6300FP. Good build quality, excellent finish, cartridge-envelope refill type. More details below:

• Model name: Pierre Cardin PC6300FP;
• price: 2250 rub.;
• characteristics: materials – brass, steel, color – green, size – M;
• pros: reasonable price, stylish packaging;
• cons: none.

Those looking for a product with a more refined design should take a look at the Pierre Cardin PC5009FP-B10. Gift wrap included:

• Model name: Pierre Cardin PC5009FP-B10;
• price: 4790 rub.;
• characteristics: materials – brass, steel, size – M, color – black, silver, finish – varnish and chrome;
• pros: assembly, design, finishing;
• cons: more expensive than analogue.

How to choose a fountain pen

First, pay attention to the design, shape and color scheme. These parameters do not affect the letter, but are of no small importance for the owner. Choose a pen that will look attractive and fit comfortably in your hand. If the size of the product is too small or large, this will lead to rapid hand fatigue. Other recommendations:

• Features of the pen. This metal tip has a big impact on how you write. It’s up to you to decide what it will be: rigid or flexible, chiseled or straight, narrow or wide.
• Tip size. The main types include “M”, “B”, “F” - medium, wide and thin. The preferred option is generally the latter size.
• Type of filling mechanism. Many modern fountain pens use ink cartridges, which are replaced with new ones after use. They are convenient and simple.

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