My first fountain pen

Kakimori carries a wide range of fountain pens.
When people hear the word "fountain pen," many of them think it sounds difficult to write with. I think there are many people who would like to use one, but find it difficult to get their hands on one.

However, once you use a fountain pen, you will never be able to go back to other pens. At Kakimori, we want to spread the word about its merits to as many people as possible.

In this article, we will introduce fountain pens in detail, including "What is a fountain pen?", "How to use a fountain pen?", and "Good points of fountain pens." Please read this article for reference if you are thinking about choosing your first fountain pen, if you are interested but have never used one before, or if you have bought one but are not sure how to use it.

What is a fountain pen?

It is a writing instrument with a uniquely shaped nib that uses ink to write. Just as ballpoint pens have refills, fountain pens are used by refilling them with ink.

What kinds are there?

1. Design

Many brands make a variety of fountain pens.
There are a wide variety of colors, shapes, lengths, materials, etc., so the best way to choose is to actually hold and write with them. If you find it difficult to write with the pens on a trial basis, it might be fun to start by searching for a design you like.

2. Pen tip

The writing feel will vary greatly depending on the nib you choose, so choose a nib that suits your usage and writing habits.

First, there are two main types of pen tip material.

- Gold nib (sometimes called a "gold pen")

It is characterized by its smooth touch and light writing feel with good flexibility. Since it contains gold, it is relatively expensive.

・Stainless steel nib

Many of them have a clean design and a firm writing feel. Many of them are priced so that beginners can easily pick them up.

Left: An example of a gold nib / Right: An example of a stainless steel nib

Next is line thickness. Many fountain pens offer a choice of multiple line thicknesses for the same design. Generally, fine (F) and medium (M) are the most common, but some also offer finer options such as medium-fine (FM) and bold (B). For more unique nibs, there are also fountain pens for music notation, which are suitable for writing musical notes. (*Some nibs are not available at Kakimori.)

The thickness of the writing line varies depending on the brand, material, and design, and even if it is called "thin", the thickness often varies depending on the item. Please try writing with the pen at the store and choose the thickness and writing comfort that best suits your handwriting. If you are using an online store, please refer to the images that show the writing line.

3. Ink

Another important thing to consider when choosing a fountain pen is the ink. Each pen has a different method for refilling, so you can choose the ink that best suits your needs and how you plan to use it.

From the front, there are three types: 1) cartridge type, 2) converter type, and 3) built-in type.

1) Cartridge type

This type uses a "cartridge" that contains ink in a small container, like a refill for a ballpoint pen. There are only a few colors to choose from, but when the ink runs out, you can easily replace it with a new cartridge, so it is recommended in terms of ease of use. Some cartridges are compatible, but many only work with certain types, such as genuine manufacturer cartridges, so make sure that they can be used with the pen you have chosen in advance.

2) Converter type

This type can be used over and over again with bottled ink. You can refill the ink by using a part called a "converter" that draws up the ink. It takes a little effort to refill, but since you can use bottled ink from various manufacturers, you can choose from a much wider range of colors. Also, since you can keep using one bottle, it is economical in the long run. Depending on the manufacturer, converters are included or sold separately.

Most fountain pens can be used with either cartridges or converters, so it might be a good idea to start with cartridges and then move on to converters.

Next, we will look at the third built-in expression.

3) Built-in

This type has a tank-like function inside the pen to store ink. Since you refill it by sucking up the ink directly, you need to prepare a bottle of ink. It has a larger ink capacity than the two types above, so you can use it for a long time with one refill. It is recommended for those who want to continue using one favorite color for a long time.

For those who want to use their favorite colors even if it takes time, or those who want to reduce the time it takes to change ink, the ink is an important point to choose with the same care as the pen, because it can be used in a wide range of ways.

Let's write it

How to hold it

Place the metal plate on top and hold the grip lightly. Holding the fountain pen at a slight angle will allow the ink to flow more easily and make it easier to write. We recommend that the writing surface and the nib are at about a 45-degree angle.

When writing, you place the small round metal "pen point" on the back of the pen against the paper. The ink flows smoothly without any pressure.

Unlike a ballpoint pen, you don't need to use force to rotate the ball, and many people find that they can write with less pressure as they use it. Another good thing about a fountain pen is that you don't need to use unnecessary force and it doesn't tire you out as easily.

At Kakimori's physical stores, we also carry varieties that are easy for left-handed people to write with.

maintenance

Try cleaning the pen when you need to refill the ink or when the tip has dried out and become difficult to write with. Simply remove the tip from the cartridge or converter and soak it in water overnight to restore ease of writing.



For detailed cleaning instructions, please see this article.





It may be difficult to get your hands on a fountain pen, but we want you to try one out, especially in this day and age when we are writing less and less. We hope you will find your favorite pen to accompany you every day.

If you have any problems, please feel free to contact us at any time, either in store or by contacting us .