this post was submitted on 17 Apr 2024
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AskBeehaw
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I love the feel of writing with a fountain pen but they tend to leak. Also it's hard not to smear the ink.
I always use the ones with the plastic capsules, not the real refillable ones. They're more expensive and I don't look after my pens well enough.
Don't buy the 1$ ones for kids, and they don't. For 4-5$ on AliExpress they don't leak at all. I carried a few in my bag, and the worst that happened was that the nib got a bit dirty. If you need to be extra careful, get a one with a screwed cap.
Also, I'm pretty sure the converter makes it safer. When you draw in the ink, it creates a vacuum (pretty sure), and I've had ink literally defy gravity.
Not really if you're not using the cheapest possible ink. Decent cheap ink through an extra fine nib dries in about the same time as a gel pen for me. As in, don't try to smear it, and you won't.
You can buy a converter if you still have any. Big companies make their own, Chinese have a standard most of them are using and coming with. A Parker converter literally cost me more than 2 Chinese pens though.
My current favourite is Jinhao x750. It's less than 5$, metal body, refillable, doesn't leak. I've replaced the nib on the one I'm using, but the default is still way ahead of a ballpoint. The plastic models cost even less, but don't feel as nice IMO.
Easier again? A dip pen. Doesn't sound so easy, but you never get leaks on the paper or where you store your pen, can change ink on the fly, not limited to nib choice or handle choice by manufacturer of either.
Great fountain pen nib could cost you upward of $50 plus barrel it will go into, plus reservoir or facility for cartridges. Stellar dip nib could be $20, you can tape it to a twig, and just dip it in ink - no converter or pricey cartridges needed.