Fountain Pen Ink | Cult Pens (2024)

FAQs

Which is better fountain pen or ink pen? ›

The first major difference is in the ink. Ballpoints use a thicker ink that lasts much longer over time, this can lead to a scratchy writing experience, however. Fountain pens use a liquid-based ink which doesn't dry as quickly and allows for the pen to flow more smoothly.

Pilot Iroshizuku ink is among the best fountain pen inks for everyday use that can be found today. This ink is worth every penny when you take into consideration the quality and quantity of ink you get.

They were invented in the 1880s and became popular in the 1920s up to the 1950s. However, their popularity dipped when the more affordable and convenient ballpoint pens took over. After all, back then, fountain pens were messy to use and inconvenient.

While many pen manufacturers make pens that will take standard international size ink cartridges, some do not design their pens this way. Other popular fountain pen brands require what is called a proprietary ink cartridge. This means that the fountain pen model requires ink cartridges that are from the same brand.

Many fountain pens are produced using machines, but some models are made by hand. This makes the pen more valuable and, thus, more expensive. Some people look for the value that expert craftsmanship adds to a handmade fountain pen.

Popular from the 1920s through the 1950s, they were first developed in the 1880s. Although once widely used, their use has declined due to the widespread availability of cheaper and more practical ballpoint pens. After all, fountain pens were unwieldy and inconvenient to use back then.

One of the drawbacks is that they have the potential to be quite filthy, and another is that the ink often bleeds through paper that is too thin. Let's take a more in-depth look at the drawbacks so you can choose whether or not a fountain pen is the correct choice for you.

Sometimes, ink can harden in the nib reservoir, making it difficult for wet ink to flow through the feed. To remedy this, give the nib of the dried fountain pen a thorough clean. Dip a stiff paintbrush into warm water mixed with washing up liquid and use the bristles to scrub residue off the nib.

* With such pens, be very conservative in your choice of inks – stick to brands such as Waterman, Parker, Sheaffer, and Pelikan, avoiding reds and purples and browns. If you use a highly pigmented ink in such a pen, staining is likely, and it may not be reversible.

You can take any fountain pen you have, dip the nib into an ink bottle (make sure it's clean!), and then write like you would normally. In fact, this is how many people try new fountain pens for the first time. However, the capillary action of the nib and feed will only soak up enough ink for a few sentences.

What is the smoothest writing fountain pen? ›

Smooth writing experience: Fountain pens use liquid ink, which flows smoothly onto the paper. This makes writing with a fountain pen feel effortless compared to ballpoint or gel pens that use dry ink & require more pressure on the paper. The result is a more comfortable and enjoyable writing experience.

With a little practice, most fountain pen users also believe their handwriting improves. The smooth flow of ink on paper is freeing, making a more natural connection to the art of writing. Over time, the pen adapts to your writing style, making it much more personal than any other writing instrument.

Liquid inks like Fountain Pens and Rollerballs are better for longer writing. Oil-based or gel inks like Ballpoints and Gel pens are ideal for periodic writing and writing on the go.

With that said, I wonder how many other fountain pen folks would agree with me that in terms of true usability, roller gel pens are hard to beat for sheer writing pleasure. They are incredibly smooth on far more types of paper than any fountain pen I own.