Writing with a fountain pen for the first time is an unforgettable experience. It feels like stepping into another era - one where pens were used more frequently and the quality of the writing experience reflected that. The moment you put nib to paper, you’re not just scribbling notes—you’re carrying on a long tradition of craftsmanship that has charmed writers for centuries. But what exactly makes a fountain pen different from its rollerball or ballpoint cousins? And how does it actually work?

A Brief History

Fountain pens date back to the 19th century when inventors sought a more convenient alternative to dip pens. Over the years, they’ve evolved into a blend of vintage grace and modern engineering. Today, you can find models ranging from basic student-friendly options to elaborate, hand-crafted works of art.

Why People Love Fountain Pens

For many writers and note-takers, a fountain pen isn’t just another office supply—it’s a blend of form and function that can elevate everyday writing. Yes, the designs can be beautiful and the history fascinating, but there are also plenty of practical advantages that draw people to fountain pens. Here are a few reasons why they continue to charm:

Smooth Writing Experience

The free-flowing ink reduces friction, making each stroke feel fluid and smooth. This can significantly help reduce hand fatigue, especially if you write a lot.

Personalized Touch

From nib grinds to ink color choices (ranging from classic deep blacks to glittery neon pinks), fountain pens invite you to tailor your writing experience to you.

Eco-Friendliness

Rather than disposing of entire pens (or even ink cartridges), fountain pens are refillable with ink converters. This also opens the door to endless ink varieties - no more being stuck with standard black or blue.

Heritage & Aesthetics

Fountain pens possess a timeless allure, showcased in their elegant designs and materials. They effortlessly elevate everyday tasks like journaling, note-taking, or signing documents.

The Core Components

At the heart of every fountain pen are three main components:

The Nib

The nib is the metal tip that contacts the paper. It’s usually made from stainless steel, gold, or other alloys, and comes in a wide variety of sizes like fine (F), medium (M), or broad (B). The choice of nib material and width plays a big role in how your handwriting looks and feels.

The Feed

Directly behind or beneath the nib is the feed - often made of plastic or ebonite. Its job is to channel ink from the reservoir to the nib in a controlled, consistent flow. Think of it like a small highway system, ensuring your nib always has the right amount of ink to write smoothly.

The Ink Reservoir

Behind or beneath the feed is the ink reservoir. There are various types of reservoirs that can be used with fountain pens (see the Filling & Ink Options section below), but ultimately all ink reservoirs do the same thing - store ink within the pen until it is time to be used.

How the Ink Flows

One of the most fascinating aspects of fountain pens is the way ink naturally travels through the feed and onto the nib. This process relies on:

Capillary Action

Capillary action is the fundamental process that pulls ink from the reservoir, through the feed, and onto the nib - all without mechanical pumps. Picture dipping a corner of a paper towel into water: the liquid quickly travels upward, defying gravity, because the towel’s fibers act like tiny channels. In the same way, a fountain pen’s feed is engineered with narrow grooves that “wick” ink along its length. At the same time, the pen balances air intake so that, as ink exits, air replaces it - ensuring a steady flow from the first stroke to the last.

Gravity & Pressure

Gravity also plays a role once the pen is tilted nib-down, guiding ink toward the tip. Meanwhile, only light hand pressure is needed to keep the nib in contact with the paper - fountain pen ink is less viscous than ballpoint ink, so you don’t have to press firmly for a consistent line. In fact, pressing too hard can disrupt the flow or even damage the nib. By allowing gravity and a gentle touch to do most of the work, fountain pens deliver that signature effortless, glide-like writing experience many enthusiasts adore.

Ink Refill Options

When it comes to getting ink into your fountain pen, there are several methods to explore. Each approach has its own pros and cons—some are fuss-free, while others offer more flexibility. Here’s a quick overview:

Cartridges

Ink cartridges are pre-filled, disposable plastic tubes of ink. They are ideal for beginners and anyone who wants a no-hassle refill process while on the go.

Pros:

Super easy to swap out
Minimal mess

Cons:

Not eco-friendly - the cartridge is trashed after it is empty
Limited color selection

Converters

Ink converters are reusable mechanisms (often piston or squeeze-based) that fit into your pen in place of a cartridge.

Pros:

Eco-friendly - the converter is refilled with liquid ink when it is empty
Enables the use of bottled ink, opening up an enormous world of ink colors and other properties

Cons:

Not eco-friendly - the cartridge is trashed when it is empty
Limited color selection

Maintenance and Care

While fountain pens are more involved than rollerball or ballpoint pens, proper maintenance ensures they’ll last for years:

Regular Cleaning

Flush your pen with water (or use a pen cleaning solution) whenever you change ink colors or notice flow issues.

Safe Storage

Store your pen nib-up if possible, and keep it capped when not in use to prevent the ink from drying out.

Nib Adjustments

If your pen feels scratchy or inconsistent, a simple nib tune-up can make all the difference, either through DIY techniques or a professional nibmeister.

Ready to Take the Plunge?

Fountain pens may feel like a throwback to another time, but their elegant blend of form and function still resonates today - perhaps more than ever. If you’ve never tried one, consider starting with a beginner-friendly fountain pen and an ink color that excites you. You might find that putting pen to paper becomes more than just routine - it transforms into a small but meaningful ritual.

Interested in exploring our curated selection of fountain pens? Check out our Fountain Pen Collection to find the perfect match for your writing style. From minimalist starter models to exquisitely crafted statement pieces, we’ve got something for everyone who’s ready to embrace the joy of fountain pen writing.

Fountain Pen Fundamentals