I'm totally new to this kind of pen. What is the 'converter' for and how do you fill a pen like this with ink? What is the best archival ink?
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The converter is much easier to use than the disposable refills,. You need to buy a bottle of ink if you get this pen.. The converter sucks up the ink then you put it in the pen and your ready to go! Whenever you run out of ink, just suck up some more with the converter and continue to write on.... You'll never want to write with a regular pen again once you use this one!
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Hi Supermom: You can use this pen with the little ink cartridges made for it or you can use the refillable one that comes with it. You just hold the valve end into a bottle of ink while pulling up on the little plunger which sucks the ink into the chamber and, bingo! Insert it into the nib just like you would a prefilled cartridge. Get ink specifically for fountain pens. Other inks may clog the nib too often. If it is archival quality it will say so on the bottle. These pens are not maintenance free at all. But if you get one that flows really well, it is a joy to use. Certain people just like the scratch and flow of liquid ink vs. ball point pens. The calligraphy squared-off nib on this peb is especially fun and there aren't very many fountain pen manufacturers that make a really high end pen with a calligraphy nib. This one is not considered high end, but it is much nicer than the plastic ones. (I'm not knocking the plastic ones - I like anything with different width nibs and a good flow!) Lots of Duke owners love this pen. Mine won't flow so I'm going to try a higher quality ink to see if that helps. There are other adjustments I can try before I give up on it - it's a great looking, good-feeling pen and the nib is nice quality. TMI?
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The converter is for siphoning ink out of a bottle so you can use it in the pen instead of a cartridge. Don't know about archival. I think this is a great pen for the money--works better than several $100 pens I have owned! It did take my months to figure out that the calligraphy nib was inserted into the cap when the pen arrived--when I finally pulled that nib out I realized how beautifully the pen works--the cap posts nicely and clicks on satisfyingly. I prefer the medium nib to the calligraphy nib, but all in all a great pen and a phenomenal buy.
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http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qPmRVAs0L._SL1050_.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5197OwjmdvL._SL1050_.jpgYou can use this replacements to fill this pen. Also, you have 2 nibs, one is used to write thin or gross, like to do a signature, and the second is to write normal.To re-fill is too easy, but I can't explain in few words, so sorry. The pen is excellent!!
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Can anyone be more specific about how? I cant seem to find a good youtube video and I don't want to ruin my pen? Does the ink cartridge replace the factory fillable catridge? Do we take out the factory one, load new catridge and that's it?
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That pen has a "Removable ink converter included - Cartridge compatible." So you should not need this converter since it already comes with one. This converter can be used with most any Fountain Pen that uses cartridges, however. So, with the included converter, all you have to do is suck up the ink from a bottle or ink well and insert in the pen like a cartridge.
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I recommend searching on YouTube if you want to see it's done - that's how I learned. In short, unscrew the pen, attach the converter to the half that has the nib, twist the red part of the converter so it's all the way down (close to the nib), stick the nib in the ink, and then twist the red part back up. Text + picture instructions: http://www.jetpens.com/blog/how-to-use-a-fountain-pen-converter/pt/221 Note: I have seen videos where people fill the converter alone (not through the nib), but there very few of them compared to the through-the-nib fills, so I assume you're supposed to go through the nib. I recommend searching on YouTube if you want to see it's done - that's how I learned. In short, unscrew the pen, attach the converter to the half that has the nib, twist the red part of the converter so it's all the way down (close to the nib), stick the nib in the ink, and then twist the red part back up. Text + picture instructions: http://www.jetpens.com/blog/how-to-use-a-fountain-pen-converter/pt/221 Note: I have seen videos where people fill the converter alone (not through the nib), but there very few of them compared to the through-the-nib fills, so I assume you're supposed to... » Read More I recommend searching on YouTube if you want to see it's done - that's how I learned. In short, unscrew the pen, attach the converter to the half that has the nib, twist the red part of the converter so it's all the way down (close to the nib), stick the nib in the ink, and then twist the red part back up. Text + picture instructions: http://www.jetpens.com/blog/how-to-use-a-fountain-pen-converter/pt/221 Note: I have seen videos where people fill the converter alone (not through the nib), but there very few of them compared to the through-the-nib fills, so I assume you're supposed to go through the nib. « Show Less
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Hello Jennifer, I have bought two of these pens at different times and both came with a converter so you could fill from a bottle. Hope that helps
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The pen uses a standard cartridge so you can just pop in a new one. But I'm not sure which cartridge it uses. The pen works great.
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I found it easier to get ink from my local art supply store. Not all office supply stores carry a full line of fountain pen ink. You can refill the cartridge converter with a good fountain pen ink but I find the cartridge refills more convenient when I'm on the go. I think the art supply person said these take an international style. I hope this helps.
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Elaine here again: just checked the item and it comes with a converter, cartridges, and a suede wrap; this is a lovely, light pen to use. Pen & Ink Sketch Fountain Pen Set X-fine
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One of two ways. You can use an ink cartridge which are sold at office supply stores or you can insert the converter that was shipped with the pen. It either has a twist or slide on it that activates a plunger within the converter. Place the entire nib in a bottle of fountain pen ink and draw the ink into the converter by either twisting the top of the converter to drive the plunger up and down or sliding it up and down. Do this several times to fill the converter then push it down to expel some of the ink and pull it back so you have an air gap at the top of the converter. I usually leave about 1/4 of the converter as an air gap.
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You know, funny enough, I bought this converter for a specific pen - but once I got it, I can't remember for the life of me which pen it was for, and it doesn't fit any that I own! I was going to buy a few different pens around that time, and may have bought it for one of those, but as of now it's just waiting for a future purchase to fit into. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help, but if you'd like measurements on it, or pictures or anything else, I'd be happy to help. Be warned. If you do order it, it takes a little bit of time to get it. No quick turn around by any means.
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John This, just the best writer I've ever had, was leaky with the converter and I had to switch to cartridges. I found a converter at http://www.coloradopen.com/product/waterford-kilbarry-edge-fountain-pen/graduation and may try with another so I can mix my ink again.
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Basically...what the converter does is draw ink up into it's storage area and out of the ink bottle. When your converter is empty, remove from your pen and put the black tip, the end that draws the ink into the converter, into your ink bottle using one hand. Then gently turn the "red" plastic handle counter clockwise, with your other hand, until it's again full of ink. I draw and write every day with my pen and this converter saves me a lot of money! :)
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I use a platinum fountain pen converter instead of the normal cartridges; they only hold about half as much ink, but they let one easily use any ink that can flow through the brush.
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No. You'll need to pick one up. I bought one convertor for drawing my own ink, but I wish I'd have snagged 2 or 3 just in case.Pen works great. I have the extra fine nib and the feel while writing is similar to a 0.5mm mechanical pencil, which I love (used to do drafting).Great pen for the money.
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Shake it upside down gently.... the ink needs to flow down to the tip.... Once the ink is flowing you should not have a problem again. Sometimes I wet the nib under some running water, and then blot it on a paper towel, this starts the capillary effect to pull the ink down also. When you change the ink you might want to rinse the nib, or flush the pen with water, and then put a new cartridge in, not every time, but every few weeks. I store the pen laying flat on my desk so the ink neither runs back out of the tip, or all into the tip endlessly. It always starts smooth and does not dry out quickly. I also carry it in my pocket most of the time I am not at my desk. I am loving this pen, even much more so than my more expensive ones. If you end up becoming a fountain pen lover, and use it a lot, google how to convert it to "dropper fill" Which is not hard, get an "o" ring that fits where the bottom screws up, then you just use an eye dropper, or syringe to fill the whole bottom body with ink, then screw it closed, you have a LOT more ink that way. 5ml instead of 0.75ml or so. http://www.gouletpens.com/Preppy_Eyedropper_Package_Set_p/package-preppyed.htm
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Very simple...Open as you would any regular pen by twisting the Nib which opens it and allow you to remove the converter and replace it with the ink cartridges...
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Your most welcome. if I may make a suggestion: use the cartridges. Unless your a big journal enthusiast and using the converter a lot. Cartridges seal better. Last longer in a pen that you just use a few times here and there. They are more expensive, but the clean change over, and the longer life in a normally used pen is worth it. I use a converter in my journal pen, which has to be attended to more often, and can cause a mess if your not experienced. But I use cartridges in the pen I carry in my messenger bag...hope this helps helps you. And it will make your experience more pleasant. Respectfully: M.C. Your most welcome. if I may make a suggestion: use the cartridges. Unless your a big journal enthusiast and using the converter a lot. Cartridges seal better. Last longer in a pen that you just use a few times here and there. They are more expensive, but the clean change over, and the longer life in a normally used pen is worth it. I use a converter in my journal pen, which has to be attended to more often, and can cause a mess if your not experienced. But I use cartridges in the pen I carry in my messenger bag...hope this helps helps you. And it will make your experience more pleasant.... » Read More Your most welcome. if I may make a suggestion: use the cartridges. Unless your a big journal enthusiast and using the converter a lot. Cartridges seal better. Last longer in a pen that you just use a few times here and there. They are more expensive, but the clean change over, and the longer life in a normally used pen is worth it. I use a converter in my journal pen, which has to be attended to more often, and can cause a mess if your not experienced. But I use cartridges in the pen I carry in my messenger bag...hope this helps helps you. And it will make your experience more pleasant. Respectfully: M.C. « Show Less