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Fountain pen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Main page A fountain pen is a nib pen that, unlike its predecessor, the dip pen,
Contents contains an internal reservoir of liquid ink. The pen draws ink from the
Featured content reservoir through a feed to the nib and deposits it on paper via a
Current events combination of gravity and capillary action. Filling the reservoir with ink
Random article may be achieved manually, via the use of a Pasteur pipette
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(eyedropper) or syringe, or via an internal filling mechanism which
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creates suction (for example, through a piston mechanism) or a vacuum
Interaction to transfer ink directly through the nib into the reservoir. Some pens
Help employ removable reservoirs in the form of pre-filled ink cartridges.[1] Close-up of traditional fountain pen
About Wikipedia with an iridium tip
Community portal Contents
Recent changes 1 History
Contact page 1.1 Early prototypes of reservoir pens
1.2 European reservoir models
Tools
1.3 First patent
What links here
1.4 Mass-manufactured nibs
Related changes
1.5 New patents and inventions
Upload file
Special pages 1.6 Pen leakage
Permanent link 1.7 Further innovation Modern, demonstrator and
Page information 1.8 Popular usage traditional fountain pens
Wikidata item 2 Feed
Cite this page 3 Nibs
3.1 Nib plating
Print/export
3.2 Nib tipping
Create a book 3.3 Capillary action
Download as PDF 3.4 Types of nibs
Printable version
3.5 Nib flexibility
In other projects 3.6 Different nib styles
Wikimedia Commons 4 Filling mechanisms Various contemporary and vintage
4.1 Eyedropper filler fountain pens (left to right) Pilot Justus
Languages 4.2 Self-filling designs 95, Pelikan Souverän M1000,
4.3 Piston filling innovation Montblanc Meisterstück 149, Pilot
Heritage 912, Parker Duofold
‫اﻟﻌرﺑﯾﺔ‬ 4.4 Modern filling mechanisms Centennial, Sheaffer Snorkel Admiral,
Azərbaycanca 5 Cartridges Lamy Dialog 3, Welty, Parker Sonnet,
বাংলা 5.1 Standard international Conway Stewart 55, Waterman
Bân-lâm-gú 5.2 Proprietary offerings Thorobred, Mabie Todd Swan 3220
Български 5.3 Concerns and alternatives
Català
6 Inks
Čeština
7 Today
Dansk
Deutsch 8 See also
Ελληνικά 9 Notes and references
Español 10 Bibliography
Esperanto 11 Further reading
‫ﻓﺎرﺳﯽ‬ 12 External links
Français
한국어
Hrvatski History [edit]
Bahasa Indonesia
Italiano Early prototypes of reservoir pens [edit]
‫עברית‬
Kaszëbsczi An early historical mention of what appears to be a reservoir pen dates back to the 10th century. According to
Қазақша Al-Qadi al-Nu'man (d. 974) in his Kitab al-Majalis wa 'l-musayarat, the Fatimid caliph Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah
Kurdî demanded a pen that would not stain his hands or clothes, and was provided with a pen that held ink in a
Latviešu reservoir, allowing it to be held upside-down without leaking.[2]
Lëtzebuergesch
Lietuvių There is compelling evidence that a working fountain pen was constructed and used during the Renaissance by
Magyar artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo's journals contain drawings with cross-sections of what
Mìng-dĕ̤ng-ngṳ̄ appears to be a reservoir pen that works by both gravity and capillary action. Historians also took note of the
Nederlands fact that the handwriting in the inventor's surviving journals is of a consistent contrast throughout, rather than
日本語
the characteristic fading pattern typical of a quill pen caused by expending and re-dipping. While no physical
Norsk
Polski item survives, several working models were reconstructed in 2011 by artist Amerigo Bombara that have since
Português been put on display in museums dedicated to Leonardo.[3]
Română
Runa Simi European reservoir models [edit]
Русский
The fountain pen was available in Europe in the 17th century, and is
‫ﺳﻧڌي‬
Slovenščina shown by contemporary references. In Deliciae Physico-Mathematicae
Српски / srpski (a 1636 magazine), German inventor Daniel Schwenter described a pen
Srpskohrvatski / made from two quills. One quill served as a reservoir for ink inside the
српскохрватски
other quill. The ink was sealed inside the quill with cork. Ink was
Suomi
Svenska squeezed through a small hole to the writing point.[4] In 1663 Samuel
The world's first patent on the
தமி fountain pen awarded by the French Pepys referred to a metal pen "to carry ink".[5] Noted Maryland historian
ెల గ Government to the Romanian inventor Hester Dorsey Richardson (1862–1933) documented a reference to
Türkçe Petrache Poenaru on 25 May 1827 "three silver fountain pens, worth 15 shillings" in England during the
Українська reign of Charles II, c. 1649–1685.[6] By the early 18th century such pens
Vahcuengh
were already commonly known
Tiếng Việt
文言
as "fountain pens".[7] Hester
粵語 Dorsey Richardson also found a
中文 1734 notation made by Robert
Edit links Morris the elder in the ledger of
the expenses of Robert Morris
the younger, who was at the
time in Philadelphia, for "one
fountain pen".[6]

First patent [edit]

Progress in developing a
M. Klein and Henry W. Wynne reliable pen was slow until the
received US patent #68445 in 1867 for Deliciae physico-mathematicae,
an ink chamber and delivery system in mid-19th century because of an 1636
the handle of the fountain pen imperfect understanding of the
role that air pressure plays in
the operation of pens. Furthermore, most inks were highly corrosive and
full of sedimentary inclusions. The Romanian inventor Petrache Poenaru received a French patent on May 25,
1827, for the invention of the first fountain pen with a barrel made from a large swan quill.[8]

Mass-manufactured nibs [edit]

In 1828, Josiah Mason improved a cheap and efficient slip-in nib in Birmingham, England, which could be added
to a fountain pen and in 1830, with the invention of a new machine, William Joseph Gillott, William Mitchell, and
James Stephen Perry devised a way to mass manufacture robust, cheap steel pen nibs (Perry & Co).[9] This
boosted the Birmingham pen trade and by the 1850s, more than half the steel-nib pens manufactured in the
world were made in Birmingham. Thousands of skilled craftsmen were employed in the industry.[10] Many new
manufacturing techniques were perfected, enabling the city's factories to mass-produce their pens cheaply and
efficiently. These were sold worldwide to many who previously could not afford to write, thus encouraging the
development of education and literacy.[11]

New patents and inventions [edit]

In 1848, American inventor Azel Storrs Lyman patented a pen with "a combined holder and nib".[12] From the
1850s, there was a steadily accelerating stream of fountain pen patents and pens in production. However, it
was only after three key inventions were in place that the fountain pen became a widely popular writing
instrument. Those were the iridium-tipped gold nib, hard rubber, and free-flowing ink.[8]
The first fountain pens making use of all these key ingredients
appeared in the 1850s. In the 1870s Duncan MacKinnon, a Canadian
living in New York City, and Alonzo T. Cross of Providence, Rhode
Island, created stylographic pens with a hollow, tubular nib and a wire
acting as a valve.[13] Stylographic pens are now used mostly for drafting Waterman 42 Safety Pen, with
and technical drawing but were very popular in the decade beginning in variation in materials (both red and
black hard vulcanized rubbers or
1875. In the 1880s the era of the mass-produced fountain pen finally ebonite) and retracting nibs
began. The dominant American producers in this pioneer era were
Waterman, of New York City, and Wirt, based in Bloomsburg,
Pennsylvania. Waterman soon outstripped Wirt, along with many companies that sprang up
to fill the new and growing fountain pen market. Waterman remained the market leader until
the early 1920s.[14]
At this time, fountain pens were almost all filled by unscrewing a portion of the hollow barrel
or holder and inserting the ink by means of an eyedropper – a slow and messy procedure.
Pens also tended to leak inside their caps and at the joint where the barrel opened for
filling.[15] Now that the materials' problems had been overcome and the flow of ink while
writing had been regulated, the next problems to be solved were the creation of a simple,
convenient self-filler and the problem of leakage. In 1890, W. B. Purvis, an African-
American, patented a self-filler. Self-fillers began to arrive around the turn of the century;
the most successful of these was probably the Conklin crescent-filler, followed by A. A.
Parker
Waterman's twist-filler.[16][17] The tipping point, however, was the runaway success of Duofold, c. 1924
Walter A. Sheaffer's lever-filler, introduced in 1912,[18] paralleled by Parker's roughly
contemporary button-filler.

Pen leakage [edit]

Meanwhile, many inventors turned their attention to the problem of leakage.[19] Some of the earliest solutions to
this problem came in the form of a "safety" pen with a retractable point that allowed the ink reservoir to be
corked like a bottle. The most successful of these came from Francis C. Brown of the Caw's Pen and Ink Co.
and from Morris W. Moore of Boston.[20]
In 1898, George Safford Parker released the Parker Jointless, named so because its barrel was single-piece to
prevent leakage. The section assembly fit into the pen's end like a cork stopper; any leaked ink was kept inside
the nib.[21]
In 1908, Waterman began marketing a popular safety pen of its own.[22] For pens with non-retractable nibs, the
adoption of screw-on caps with inner caps that sealed around the nib by bearing against the front of the section
effectively solved the leakage problem (such pens were also marketed as "safety pens", as with the Parker Jack
Knife Safety and the Swan Safety Screw-Cap).[23][24]

Further innovation [edit]

In Europe, the German supplies company which came to be known as
Pelikan was started in 1838, and first introduced their pen in 1929.[25]
This was based upon the acquisition of patents for solid-ink fountain
pens from the factory of Slavoljub Penkala from Croatia (patented 1907,
in mass production since 1911), and the patent of the Hungarian
Theodor Kovacs for the modern piston filler by 1925.[26] Lever filler pen made of celluloid by
Mabie Todd & Co. New York (1927)
The decades that followed saw many technological innovations in the
manufacture of fountain pens. Celluloid gradually replaced hard rubber,
which enabled production in a much wider range of colors and designs.[27] At the same time, manufacturers
experimented with new filling systems. The inter-war period saw the introduction of some of the most notable
models, such as the Parker Duofold[28] and Vacumatic,[29] Sheaffer's Lifetime Balance series,[30] and the
Pelikan 100.[31]
During the 1940s and 1950s, fountain pens retained their dominance: early ballpoint pens were expensive,
were prone to leaks and had irregular inkflow, while the fountain pen continued to benefit from the combination
of mass production and craftsmanship.(Bíró's patent, and other early patents on ball-point pens often used the
term "ball-point fountain pen," because at the time the ball-point pen was considered a type of fountain pen;
that is, a pen that held ink in an enclosed reservoir.)[32] This period saw the launch of innovative models such
as the Parker 51, the Aurora 88, the Sheaffer Snorkel, and the Eversharp Skyline and (later) Skyliner, while the
Esterbrook J series of lever-fill models with interchangeable steel nibs offered inexpensive reliability to the
masses.[33][34]

Popular usage [edit]

By the 1960s, refinements in ballpoint pen production gradually ensured its dominance over the fountain pen
for casual use.[35] Although cartridge-filler fountain pens are still in
common use in France, Italy, Germany, Austria, India, and the United
Kingdom, and are widely used by young students in most private
schools in England and at least one private school in Scotland,[36] a few
modern manufacturers (especially Montblanc, Graf von Faber-Castell
and Visconti) now depict the fountain pen as a collectible item or a
status symbol, rather than an everyday writing tool.[37] However,
fountain pens continue to have a growing following among many who
view them as superior writing instruments due to their relative Lamy 2000 piston filler made of
polycarbonate and stainless steel,
smoothness and versatility. Retailers continue to sell fountain pens and designed in 1966 and still in production
inks for casual and calligraphic use. Recently, Fountain Pens have
made a resurgence, with many manufacturers of fountain pens saying
sales are climbing. This has led to a new wave of casual use fountain pens and custom ink manufacturers, who
utilize online stores to easily sell fountain pens to a wider audience.[38]

Feed [edit]
The feed of a fountain pen is the component that connects the nib of
the pen with its ink reservoir.[39]
It not only allows the ink to flow to the nib (in what is often described as
a "controlled leak") but also regulates the amount of air flowing
backwards up to the reservoir to replace this lost ink.[40]
It does this through the use of a series of narrow channels or "fissures"
that run down its lower edge. As ink flows down these fissures, air is
simultaneously allowed to flow upwards into the reservoir in an even
exchange of volumes. The feed allows ink to flow when the pen is being
put to paper but ensures ink does not flow when the pen is not in use.
The feed makes use of capillary action; this is noticeable when a pen is Diagram of the operation of a
refilled with a brightly coloured ink. The ink is taken up and into the feed modern fountain pen
by way of capillary action (and is often visible in clear demonstrator
pens), but is not dispensed onto the paper until the nib makes contact.[39]
How the feed is shaped may determine the wetness and flow of a particular pen. For this reason, feed material
alone and its surface roughness may have a significant effect on the way two pens of the same nib size
write.[41][42]
Pen feeds are crucial to preventing ink from dripping or leaking. Feeds often feature finned structures intended
for buffering fountain pen ink. Buffering is the capacity to catch and temporary hold an overflow of ink caused
by other conditions than writing towards the nib. When a fountain pen nib receives such an overflow it will result
in ink blobbing or dripping also known as burping. A pen with a misconfigured feed might fail to deposit any ink
whatsoever.[43]

Nibs [edit]
According to Mathur et al., "the modern fountain pen nib may be traced
back to the original gold nib which had a tiny fragment of ruby attached
to form the wear-point."[44] Following the discovery of the platinum group
of metals which include ruthenium, osmium and iridium, "a small quantity
of iridium was isolated and used on the iridium-tipped gold dip pen nibs
of the 1830s."[44] Today, nibs are usually made of stainless steel or gold
alloys, with the most popular gold content being 14 carat (58⅓%) and
18 carat (75%).[45] Titanium is a less common metal used for making
nibs. Gold is considered the optimum metal for its flexibility and its Detail of a Visconti stainless steel
nib and feed with a finned ink buffering
resistance to corrosion, although gold's corrosion resistance is less of structure at its rear half
an issue than in the past because of better stainless steel alloys and
less corrosive inks.[45] Visconti uses a nib made out of palladium as it is
more flexible and corrosion resistant than gold.

Nib plating [edit]

Further gold plating provides favorable wettability, which is the ability of a solid surface to reduce the surface
tension of a liquid in contact with it such that it spreads over the surface.[46]
Nib tipping [edit]
Gold and most steel and titanium nibs are tipped with a hard, wear-
resistant alloy that typically includes metals from the platinum group.
These metals share qualities of extreme hardness and corrosion
resistance. The tipping material is often called "iridium", but there are
few, if any, nib or pen manufacturers that used tipping alloys containing
iridium metal since the mid-1950s.[47] The metals osmium, rhenium,
Tip of a fountain pen nib
ruthenium and tungsten are used instead, generally as an alloy, with a
little bit of osmium, rhenium, ruthenium and tungsten in a mix of other
materials, produced as tiny pellets which are soldered or welded onto a
nib tip prior to cutting the nib slit and grinding the tip into its final
shape.[48] Untipped steel and titanium points will wear more rapidly due
to abrasion by the paper.[45]

Capillary action [edit]

The nib usually has a tapering or parallel slit cut down its centre, to
convey the ink down the nib by capillary action, as well as a "breather
An example of a type of an italic nib
hole" of varying shape.[49] The breather hole has no actual function used in fountain pens. Often used to
regarding controlling the ink or air flow. Its main function is to provide an make art.
endpoint to the nib slit and forestall inaccuracies during nib slit cutting.
Adding distance between the breather hole and the nib tip adds elasticity or flexibility to the nib. The breather
hole also acts as a stress relieving point, preventing the nib from cracking longitudinally from the end of the slit
as a result of repeated flexing during use.[39]
The whole nib narrows to a point where the ink is transferred to the paper. Broad calligraphy pens may have
several slits in the nib to increase ink flow and help distribute it evenly across the broad point. Nibs divided into
three 'tines' are commonly known as music nibs. This is because their line, which can be varied from broad to
fine, is suited for writing musical scores.[50]

Types of nibs [edit]

Although the most common nibs end in a round point of various sizes (extra fine, fine, medium, broad), various
other nib shapes are available. Examples of this are oblique, reverse oblique, stub, italic and 360-degree
nibs.[49]
Broader nibs are used for less precise emphasis, with the benefit of a greater level of ink shading and/or sheen
on less absorbent paper. Finer nibs (e.g. EF and F) may be used for intricate corrections and alterations, at the
expense of shading and sheen. Oblique, reverse oblique, stub and italic nibs may be used for calligraphic
purposes or for general handwritten compositions.The line width of a particular nib may vary based on its
country of origin; Japanese nibs are often thinner in general.[51]

Nib flexibility [edit]

Flexibility is given to nibs in several ways. First, the thickness of the nib metal changes flex. When the nib alloy
has been pressed thick it will result in a hard nib, while thinly pressed nibs are more flexible. Nibs can be
pressed so that they are thinner at the tip and thicker at the feed to mitigate stiffness or to give a more
controlled flex. Second, the curve of the nib determines in part how stiff the nib will be.[52]
Nibs pressed into more deeply convex curves, or into three or five faceted curves, will be stiffer than flatter nibs.
Third, the "breather hole" size, shape, and position alter the stiffness. Heart shaped holes will improve flex as
they widen, while round, small holes stiffen the pen. Fourth, the length of the tines determines how far they can
spread under pressure, shorter tines make a stiffer nib. Fifth, the alloy used can affect stiffness: as mentioned
before, gold is considered superior for its flex compared to steel. Moreover, purer gold (18k and 21k) is softer
than most lower gold concentration (14k) alloys.[45]
Fountain pens dating from the first half of the 20th century are more
likely to have flexible nibs, suited to the favored handwriting styles of the
period (e.g. Copperplate script and Spencerian script). By the 1940s,
writing preferences had shifted towards stiffer nibs that could withstand
the greater pressure required for writing through carbon paper to create
duplicate documents.[53]
 Mabie Todd Swan flexible 14k nib. Furthermore, competition between the major pen brands such as Parker
and Waterman, and the introduction of lifetime guarantees, meant that
flexible nibs could no longer be supported profitably. In countries where this rivalry was not present to the same
degree, for example the UK and Germany, flexible nibs are more common.[54]
Nowadays, stiff nibs are the norm as people exchange between fountain pens and other writing modes. These
more closely emulate the ballpoint pens modern users are experienced with. Despite being rigid and firm, the
idea that steel nibs write "horribly" is a misconception.[55] More flexible nibs can be easily damaged by ballpoint
users who write with excessive pressure. Ideally, a fountain pen's nib glides across the paper using the ink as a
lubricant, and requires no pressure.
Good quality nibs that have been used appropriately are long lasting, often lasting longer than the lifetime of
the original owner. Many vintage pens with decades-old nibs can still be used today.[56]

Different nib styles [edit]

Other styles of fountain pen nibs include
hooded (e.g. Parker 51, Parker 61, 2007
Parker 100 and Hero 329),[57] inlaid (e.g.
Sheaffer Targa or Sheaffer P.F.M) or
integral Nib (Parker T-1 and Falcon, Pilot
Myu 701), which may also be ground to Hooded nib of a Hero
have different writing characteristics.[58] Pen
The Integral Nib of a Parker 50
(Falcon)
Users are often cautioned not to lend or
borrow fountain pens as the nib "wears in" at an angle unique to each
[54]
individual person. A different user is likely to find that a worn-in nib does not write satisfactorily in their hand
and, furthermore, creates a second wear surface, ruining the nib for the original user. This, however, is not a
point of concern in pens with modern, durable tipping material, as these pens take many years to develop any
significant wear. [54]

Filling mechanisms [edit]

Eyedropper filler [edit]

The reservoirs of the earliest fountain pens were mostly filled by
eyedropper. This was a cumbersome and potentially messy process,
which led to the commercial development of alternative methods that
quickly dominated the industry.[15] However, newer, more convenient
filling mechanisms have never entirely displaced "eyedropper-filling"
pens in the marketplace, and they remain widely manufactured today.
For some the simplicity of the mechanism, coupled with the large volume Left to Right: Gama Supreme
of ink it can encapsulate, compensates for the inconvenience of ink eyedropper, Jinhao 159 and X750
using international standard converters
transfer.[15] or ink cartridges and Lamy Studio
After the eyedropper-filler era came the first generation of mass- stainless and Nexx M using proprietary
Lamy converters or ink cartridges.
produced self-fillers, almost all using a rubber sac to hold the ink. The
sac was compressed and then released by various mechanisms to fill
the pen.[59]

Self-filling designs [edit]

The Conklin crescent filler, introduced c. 1901, was one of the first
mass-produced self-filling pen designs. The crescent filling system A squeeze filler by Hero
employs an arch-shaped crescent attached to a rigid metal pressure
bar, with the crescent portion protruding from the pen through a slot and the pressure bar inside the barrel. A
second component, a C-shaped hard rubber ring, is located between the crescent and the barrel.[60]
Ordinarily, the ring blocks the crescent from pushing down. To fill the pen, one simply turns the ring around the
barrel until the crescent matches up to the hole in the ring, allowing one to push down the crescent and
squeeze the internal sac.[61]
Several other filling mechanisms were introduced to compete, such as the coin-filler (where a coin or 'medallion'
was supplied along with the pen), match-filler (using a matchstick) and a 'blow-filler' which unsurprisingly
required the pen owner to blow into the barrel to depress the internal sac.[1]
Piston filling innovation [edit]
In 1907, Walter A. Sheaffer patented the Lever filler, using a hinged lever set into the pen barrel which pressed
down onto a bar which in turn compressed the rubber sac inside, creating a vacuum to force ink into the pen.
Introduced in 1912, this innovation was rapidly imitated by the other major pen makers. Parker introduced the
button filler, which had a button hidden beneath a blind cap on the end of the barrel; when pressed, it acted on
a pressure bar inside to depress the ink sac.[18]
Following the crescent filler came a series of systems of increasing complexity, reaching their apogee in the
Sheaffer Snorkel, introduced in 1952. The Sheaffer "Snorkel" system filled the ink sac through a retractable
tube above and behind the pen point. This eliminated the need to dunk the point in ink, and the subsequent
need to wipe it.[62] With the advent of the modern plastic ink cartridge in the early 1950s, though, most of these
systems were phased out in favour of convenience (but reduced capacity).
Screw-mechanism piston-fillers were made as early as the 1820s, but the mechanism's modern popularity
begins with the original Pelikan of 1929, based upon a Croatian patent. The basic idea is simple: turn a knob at
the end of the pen, and a screw mechanism draws a piston up the barrel, sucking in ink. Thus they were easier
to fill. This is also why this filling mechanism is very popular in today's fountain pens. Some of the earlier models
had to dedicate as much as half of the pen length to the mechanism.[63] The advent of telescoping pistons has
improved this; the Touchdown Filler was introduced by Sheaffer in 1949. It was advertised as an "Exclusive
Pneumatic Down-stroke Filler."[64]
To fill it, a knob at the end of the barrel is unscrewed and the attached plunger is drawn out to its full length.
The nib is immersed in ink, the plunger is pushed in, compressing and then releasing the ink sac by means of
air pressure. The nib is kept in the ink for approximately 10 seconds to allow the reservoir to fill. This
mechanism is very closely modeled after a similar pneumatic filler introduced by Chilton over a decade
earlier.[65]

Modern filling mechanisms [edit]

A capillary filling system was introduced by Parker in the Parker 61 in
1956.[66] There were no moving parts: the ink reservoir within the barrel
was open at the upper end, but contained a tightly rolled length of
slotted, flexible plastic. To fill, the barrel was unscrewed, the exposed
open end of the reservoir was placed in ink and the interstices of the
plastic sheet and slots initiated capillary action, drawing up and
retaining the ink. The outside of the reservoir was coated with Teflon, a
repellent compound that released excess ink as it was withdrawn. Ink
Schmidt K5 piston-style standard
was transferred through a further capillary tube to the nib. No method of international size fountain pen
flushing the device was offered, and because of problems from clogging converter, containing a user inserted
with dried and hardened ink, production was eventually stopped.[67] 2.5 mm diameter Marine grade 316
stainless steel bearing ball
Around the year 2000, Pelikan introduced a filling system involving a
valve in the blind end of the pen, which mates with a specially designed
ink bottle.[68] Thus docked, ink is then squeezed into the pen barrel (which, lacking any mechanism other than
the valve itself, has nearly the capacity of an eyedropper-fill pen of the same size). This system had been
implemented only in their "Level" line, which was discontinued in 2006.[68]
Most pens today use either a piston filler, squeeze-bar filler or cartridge.[1] Many pens are also compatible with
a converter, which has the same fitting as the pen's cartridge and has a filling mechanism and a reservoir
attached to it.[1] This enables a pen to either fill from cartridges, or from a bottle of ink. The most common type
of converters are piston-style, but many other varieties may be found today. Piston-style converters generally
have a transparent round tubular ink reservoir. Fountain pen inks feature differing surface tensions that can
cause an ink to adhere or "stick" against the inside of the reservoir. Common solutions for this problem are
adding a small (rust-proof) ink agitating object like a 316 or 904L stainless steel or zirconium dioxide bearing
ball, spring or hollow tube in the tubular reservoir to mechanically promote free movement of the contained ink
and ink/air exchange during writing. Adding a very small amount of surfactant like Triton X-100 used in Kodak
Photo-Flo 200 wetting agent to the ink will chemically promote free movement of the contained ink and ink/air
exchange during writing. However ink might react adversely to adding a surfactant.
Vacuum fillers, such as those used by Pilot in the Custom 823, utilize air pressure to fill the ink chamber. In this
case, while the nib is submerged in ink, a plunger is pushed down the empty chamber to create a vacuum in the
space behind it. The end of the chamber has a section wider than the rest, and when the plunger passes this
point, the difference in air pressure in the area behind the plunger and the area ahead of it is suddenly evened
out and ink rushes in behind the plunger to fill the chamber.[69]

Cartridges [edit]
A patent for an ink cartridge system for fountain pens was filed in 1890. In the early 20th century, cartridges
made from glass and thin copper tubing were made. However, the concept only became successful and popular
after the introduction of moulded plastic cartridges, firstly by Waterman in 1953.[70] Modern plastic cartridges
can contain small ridges on the inside to promote free movement of the contained ink and ink/air exchange
during writing. Often cartridges are closed with a small ball that gets pressed into the cartridge during insertion
into the pen. This ball also aids free movement of the contained ink.

Standard international [edit]

Most European fountain pen brands (for example Caran d'Ache, Faber-Castell, Michel Perchin, DuPont,
Montegrappa, Stipula, Pelikan, Montblanc, Europen, Monteverde, Sigma, Delta, Italix and Rotring) and some
pen brands of other continents (for example Acura, Bexley, Retro51, Tombow and Platinum (with adaptor)) use
so called "international cartridges" (AKA "European cartridges" or "standard cartridges" or "universal
cartridges"), in short (38 mm in length, about 0.75 ml of capacity) or long (72 mm, 1.50 ml) sizes, or both. It is to
some extent a standard, so the international cartridges of any manufacturer can be used in most fountain pens
that accept international cartridges.[71]
Also, converters that are meant to replace international cartridges can be used in most fountain pens that
accept international cartridges. Some very compact fountain pens (for example Waterman Ici et La and
Monteverde Diva) accept only short international cartridges.[72] Converters can not be used in them (except for
so-called mini-converters by Monteverde). Some pens (such as the modern Waterman models) have intentional
fittings which prevent the usage of short cartridges. Such pens can only take a proprietary cartridge from the
same manufacturer, in this case the long Waterman cartridges.[73]

Proprietary offerings [edit]

Many fountain pen manufacturers have developed their own proprietary
cartridges, for example Parker, Lamy, Sheaffer, Cross, Sailor, Platinum,
Platignum, Waterman and Namiki. Fountain pens from Aurora, Hero,
Duke and Uranus accept the same cartridges and converters that
Parker uses and vice versa (Lamy cartridges, though not officially, are
known to interchange with Parker cartridges also). Cartridges of Aurora Parker Vector stainless steel with
are slightly different from cartridges by Parker.[74] proprietary Quink cartridges containing
1.4 ml ink
Corresponding converters to be used instead of such proprietary
cartridges are usually made by the same company that made the
fountain pen itself. Some very compact fountain pens accept only proprietary cartridges made by the same
company that made that pen, for example Sheaffer Agio Compact and Sheaffer Prelude Compact. It is not
possible to use a converter in them at all. In such pens the only practical way to use another brand of ink is to
fill empty cartridges with bottled ink using a syringe.[74]
Standard international cartridges are closed by a small ball, held inside the ink exit hole by glue or by a very
thin layer of plastic. When the cartridge is pressed into the pen, a small pin pushes in the ball, which falls inside
the cartridge. The Parker and Lamy cartridges do not have such a ball. They are closed by a piece of plastic,
which is broken by a sharp pin when inserted in the pen.[71]

Concerns and alternatives [edit]

Pen manufacturers using a proprietary cartridge (which in almost all cases are the more expensive ones like the
ones mentioned above) tend to discourage the use of cheaper[75] internationally standardised short/long
cartridges or adaptations thereof due to their variance in ink quality in the cartridges which may not offer as
much performance, or be of lesser quality than the manufacturer of the pen; ink that has been designed
specifically for the pen. In addition, cheaper ink tends to take longer to dry on paper, may skip or produce
uneven colour on the page and less "tolerant" on lower, thinner grades of paper (e.g. 75gs/m).[75]
While cartridges are mess-free and more convenient to refill than bottle filling, converter and bottle filling
systems are still sold. Non-cartridge filling systems tend to be slightly more economical in the long run since ink
is generally less expensive in bottles than in cartridges. Advocates of bottle-based filling systems also cite less
waste of plastic for the environment, a wider selection of inks, easier cleaning of pens (as drawing the ink in
through the nib helps dissolve old ink), and the ability to check and refill inks at any time.[76]
Inks [edit]
Main article: Fountain pen ink
Inks intended for use with fountain pens are water-based. These inks
are commonly available in bottles. Plastic cartridges came into use in
the 1960s, but bottled inks are still the mainstay for most fountain pen
enthusiasts. Bottled inks usually cost less than an equivalent amount in
cartridges and afford a wider variety of colors and properties.[77]
Fountain pens are not as tightly coupled with their inks as ballpoints or
A bottle of green ink
gel pens are, yet some care must be taken when selecting their inks.
Contemporary fountain pen inks are almost exclusively dye-based
because pigment particles usually clog the narrow passages.[77][76]
Traditional iron gall inks intended for dip pens are not suitable for fountain pens as they will corrode the pen (a
phenomenon known as flash corrosion) and destroy the functionality of the fountain pen.[75] Instead, modern
surrogate iron gall formulas are offered for fountain pens. These modern iron gall inks contain a small amount
of ferro gallic compounds, but are gentler for the inside of a fountain pen, but can still be corrosive if left in the
pen for a long period.[75] To avoid corrosion on delicate metal parts and ink clogging a more thorough than
usual cleaning regime – which requires the ink to be flushed out regularly with water – is sometimes advised by
manufacturers or resellers.[78]
Some pigmented inks do exist for fountain pens, but these are uncommon. Normal India ink cannot be used in
fountain pens because it contains shellac as a binder which would very quickly clog such pens.[79]
Inks ideally should be fairly free-flowing, free of sediment, and non-corrosive, though this generally excludes
permanence and prevents large-scale commercial use of some colored dyes. Proper care and selection of ink
will prevent most problems.[75]

Today [edit]
While no longer the primary
writing instrument in modern
times, fountain pens are still
used for important official works
such as signing valuable
documents.[80] Today, fountain
pens are often treated as luxury
A 1970s model metal and plastic goods and sometimes as status
fountain pen symbols. Fountain pens may
serve as an everyday writing
instrument, much like the common ballpoint pen.[54] Good quality steel
and gold pens are available inexpensively today, particularly in Europe
and China, and there are "disposable" fountain pens such as the Pilot The Pilot Varsity, an inexpensive
disposable fountain pen.
Varsity. In France, in particular, the use of fountain pens is widespread.
To avoid mistakes, special ink can be used that can be made invisible
by applying an ink eraser.
Fountain pens can serve various artistic purposes such as expressive
penmanship and calligraphy, pen and ink artwork, and professional art
and design. Many users also favor the air of timeless elegance,
personalization and sentimentality associated with fountain pens,[81]
which computers and ballpoint pens seem to lack,[82] and often state
that once they start using fountain pens, ballpoints become awkward to
use due to the extra motor effort needed and lack of expressiveness.
A modern resin fountain pen fitted
For ergonomics, fountain pens may relieve physiological stress from with a vintage nib
writing; alternatives such as the ballpoint pen can induce more pain and
damage to those with arthritis. Some also believe they could improve academic performance.[83] In some
countries, fountain pens are usual in lower school grades, believed to teach children better control over writing
as many common mistakes of people not used to handwriting (like too much pressure or incorrect hold) feel
unnatural or are almost impossible when using traditional pen tips.[84][85]
Some fountain pens are prized as works of art. Ornate pens may be made of precious metals and jewels with
cloisonné designs. Some are inlaid with lacquer designs in a process known as maki-e.[86] Avid communities of
pen enthusiasts collect and use antique and modern pens and also
collect and exchange information about old and modern inks, ink
bottles, and inkwells. Collectors may decide to use the antiques in
addition to showcasing them in closed spaces such as glass displays.[87]
In 2007, collectors got "seriously hooked" when a set of Montblancs
went for $290,000 each in a fundraiser event for the Princess Grace A modern fountain pen, writing in
Foundation in Monaco. Each of these Montblanc pens came with 996 cursive script
diamonds and 92 rubies. It has been speculated that most collectors
hail from the United States of America and China, though pen dealers in England say the trend is likely to
sweep England imminently.[88]
News outlets report that, rather than declining, fountain pen sales have been steadily rising over the last
decade.[89] There is a clear resurgence in the appeal and culture of the fountain pen, whether for purposes of
collection, enjoyment or as a "lifestyle item".[90] Many agree that the "personal touch" of a fountain pen has led
to such a resurgence with modern consumers looking for an alternative in a world of digital products and
services.[91]
Amazon reported "sales so far this year [2012] have doubled compared with the same period in 2011. They are
four times higher than 2010."[89] The popularity of fountain pens continues to show growth. In 2017 the market-
research firm Euromonitor reported that fountain pen retails sales were up 2.1% reaching $1.046 billion. [92]

See also [edit]

Demonstrator pen
Fountain pen inks
Inkwell
IAMPETH
Category: Fountain pen and ink manufacturers
List of pen types, brands and companies
List of terms about pen and ink

Notes and references [edit]

1. ^a b c d Binder, Richard. "Filling Systems: Overview of How They Work and How to Fill Them" . Richard Binder's
Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
2. ^ Bosworth, C. E. (1981). "A Mediaeval Islamic Prototype of the Fountain Pen?" . Journal of Semitic Studies. 26
(1): 229–234. doi:10.1093/jss/26.2.229 . "We wish to construct a pen which can be used for writing without having
recourse to an ink-holder and whose ink will be contained inside it. A person can fill it with ink and write whatever
he likes. The writer can put it in his sleeve or anywhere he wishes and it will not stain nor will any drop of ink leak
out of it. The ink will flow only when there is an intention to write. We are unaware of anyone previously ever
constructing (a pen such as this) and an indication of 'penetrating wisdom' to whoever contemplates it and realises
its exact significance and purpose. I exclaimed, 'Is this possible?' He replied, 'It is possible if God so wills'."
3. ^ "La penna di Leonardo alla sala regia" . Tusciaweb.eu (in Italian). September 7, 2011. Retrieved 2016-11-09.
4. ^ Schwenter, Daniel, Deliciae physico-mathematicae … (Nürnberg, (Germany): Jeremias Dümler, 1636), vol. 1, pp.
519–520 : "Die III Auffgab. Ein schön Secret, eine Feder zu zurichten, welche Dinten hält, und so viel lässet als
man bedürfftig." (The third exercise. A nice secret: to prepare a pen which holds ink and lets [flow] as much as
one requires. [with illustration])
5. ^ Pepys, Samuel (August 1663). Diary entries from August 1663 (Pepys' Diary) . Samuel Pepys. Retrieved
27 July 2016.
6. ^ a b Richardson, Hester Dorsey (1913). "Chapter XLVII: The Fountain Pen in the Time of Charles II". Side-lights on
Maryland History, with Sketches of Early Maryland Families. Baltimore, Md.: Williams & Wilkins Co. pp. 216–17.
ISBN 0-8063-1468-0.
7. ^ Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible, Zechariah iv. 2 (1710), describing a type of self-replenishing oil
lamp: "Without any further Care they [i.e. the lamps] received Oil as fast as they wasted it, ('as in those which we
call Fountain Inkhorns, or Fountain Pens')".
8. ^ a b "Who Invented The Fountain Pen?" . Best Fountain Pen. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
9. ^ "Perry and Co" . Grace's Guide. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
10. ^ "Birmingham Heritage" . www.birminghamheritage.org.uk. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
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12. ^ The Times (London, England), 15 September 1885, p. 6: Obituary
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17. ^ "Crescent Filler" . His Nibs. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
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19. ^ Binder, Richard. "Fillers: Wring It Out!" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
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21. ^ "Middle-Joint, End-Joint & 'Jointless' Eyedroppers" . www.vintagepens.com. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
22. ^ "Waterman Safeties" . Vintage Pens.
23. ^ Binder, Richard. "Design Features: Safety Pens" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
24. ^ "The Mabie Todd Swan Safety Screw Cap Eyedropper Filler" . Good Writers' Pens. 7 May 2011. Retrieved
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26. ^ "1929–1950 – The piston filling mechanism – Pelikan" . Pelikan. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
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30. ^ Binder, Richard. "Sheaffer's Balance" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
31. ^ "Dating a Pelikan" . The Pelikan's Perch. 25 August 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
32. ^ "History of the pen" . Rick Conner. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
33. ^ "Sheaffer Snorkel 1952–1959" . Pen Hero. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
34. ^ "J Series Pens" . Esterbrook. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
35. ^ "Pens – Overview" . Collectors Weekly. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
36. ^ "Fountain pens boost 'self-esteem'" . BBC News. November 13, 2006. Retrieved November 25, 2006.
37. ^ "When Buying Fountain Pens, Splurging (a Little) Is Totally Worth It" . Wired. Condé Nast. September 2014.
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38. ^ Brocklehurst, Steven (2012-05-22). "Why are fountain pen sales rising?" . BBC News. Retrieved 2017-08-24.
39. ^ a b c "How Fountain Pens Work" . Explain That Stuff. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
40. ^ Binder, Richard. "Feeds: Revolution, Evolution, and Devolution" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July
2016.
41. ^ Gilmour, Jono (25 August 2012). "Fountain Pen Guide Series, Session 1: Nibs, Feeds, and How They Come
Together" . Pentorium.
42. ^ Feeds made of Plastic …and not hard rubber
43. ^ Conner, Rick. "Construction of a fountain pen" . Rick Conner. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
44. ^ a b Mathur, P.; Mathur, K.; Mathur, S. Developments and Changes in Science Based Technologies . ISBN 1-
4828-1398-X. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
45. ^ a b c d Binder, Richard. "To the Point: Nib Materials" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
46. ^ "Steel vs. Gold Fountain Pen Nibs" . Pen Heaven. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
47. ^ "Where's the Iridium?" . The Nibster. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
48. ^ Mottishaw, J. (1999). "How can we talk about Iridium?" . The PENnant. XIII (2).
49. ^ a b Binder, Richard. "Nibs I: The Basics" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
50. ^ Binder, Richard. "To the Point: Making Music with a Pen" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
51. ^ Binder, Richard. "Nibs II: Beyond the Basics with Specialty Nibs" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July
2016.
52. ^ "Grading Flex Nibs" . VintagePen. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
53. ^ Binder, Richard. "Rethinking The Value of Steel Nibs" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
54. ^ a b c d "Fountain Pen Guide" . Gentleman's Gazette. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
55. ^ Binder, Richard. "To the Point: Steal the Steel" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
56. ^ "How to Collect and Buy Vintage Fountain Pens" . The Art of Manliness. 19 November 2015. Retrieved 27 July
2016.
57. ^ Binder, Richard. "To the Point: Nibz 'n the Hood" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
58. ^ Binder, Richard. "Design Features: Integral Nibs" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
59. ^ Binder, Richard. "Filling System Histories: Capillary Pens – the Perfect Filler?" . Richard Binder's Pens.
Retrieved 26 July 2016.
60. ^ "Conklin Crescent Fillers" . Vintage Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
61. ^ "Conklin – Crescent Filler Collection" . Conklin Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
62. ^ "Sheaffer Snorkel 1952–1959" . Pen Hero. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
63. ^ "1929–1950 – The piston filling mechanism" . Pelikan. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
64. ^ "PenHero.com – PenGallery – Sheaffer Touchdown Filling System" . Pen Hero. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
65. ^ Binder, Richard. "How to Restore the Touchdown Filling System" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July
2016.
66. ^ Match, Richard (September 1956). "Things you never knew about your pen". Popular Science Monthly. New
66. ^ Match, Richard (September 1956). "Things you never knew about your pen". Popular Science Monthly. New
York. 169 (3): 278. "it drinks its fill automatically, by a reverse application of our old friend capillary action"
67. ^ Conner, Rick (2005-01-20). "Parker 61" . PRick Conner. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
68. ^ a b Binder, Richard. "Design Features: What Were They Thinking?" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July
2016.
69. ^ "Fountain Pen Filling Systems Explained - JetPens.com" . www.jetpens.com. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
70. ^ Nishimura, David. "Early Cartridge Pens" . Vintage Pens. Retrieved 20 May 2014.[permanent dead link]
71. ^ a b Goulet, Brian (30 June 2016). "Who Invented Standard International Cartridges? – Q&A Slices" . YouTube
(Goulet Pens). Goulet Pens. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
72. ^ "Fountain Pen Converters" . Nibs. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
73. ^ "Which Ink Cartridges Can Be Used With Which Fountain Pens?" . Nibs. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
74. ^ a b "Fountain Pen Ink Cartridges" . Nibs. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
75. ^ a b c d e Binder, Richard. "Inks: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" . Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July
2016.
76. ^ a b "Cartridge vs. converter" . Goldspot Pens. 2010. Retrieved 2016-07-27.
77. ^ a b "Fountain pen inks aren't all the same" . Penfountain. 2010. Retrieved 2011-02-20.
78. ^ "Pen maintenance" . Nibs. Retrieved 2016-07-27.
79. ^ Covington, Michael A. "A Few Notes About Fountain Pens" . A Few Notes About Fountain Pens. Retrieved
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80. ^ "Seal the Deal: The Mightest Fountain Pens" . Forbes. 17 June 2015.
81. ^ Yoko Hani (24 December 2006). "Find out why a fountain pen 'personalizes' your prose" . Japan Times. "the
key word I was left with was 'personal' – not only because a fountain pen will over time change to suit your writing
style, but because – unlike a typewriter or a keyboard – it will reflect your moods and feelings in the actual form of
your writing"
82. ^ Yoko Hani (24 December 2006). "Find out why a fountain pen 'personalizes' your prose" . Japan Times. "the
unique feature of fountain pens that differentiates them from workaday ballpoints – let alone pencils. Also,
ballpoints are in their best condition when they are brand new, whereas fountain pens get better the more you use
them, Toshifumi Iijima, another of the museum's staff explained."
83. ^ Mcginty, Stephen (November 13, 2006). "School brings back pens so pupils get write stuff" . Edinburgh:
news.scotsman.com. Retrieved December 11, 2006. "The school believes that mastering stylish handwriting with a
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84. ^ "Goulet Pens Blog: The 7 Biggest Fountain Pen Mistakes" . blog.gouletpens.com. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
85. ^ "The Beginner's Guide to Fountain Pens (By a True Beginner)" . PenAddict. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
86. ^ "Penna Magazine – Namiki Maki-e Guide" . Pen Magazine. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
87. ^ Morrison, Lennox. "The fascination with fountain pens" . BBC. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
88. ^ Think Ink: Why Pen Prices Are Soaring. 2010.
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90. ^ Canham, Jacqui (20 July 2007). "Write way to earn a profit: Fountain pens are gaining popularity as" . The
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91. ^ Hall, James (23 May 2012). "Fountain pen sales double" . The Telegraph. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
92. ^ http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-fountain-pen-sales-20170206-story.html
Bibliography [edit]
Finlay, Michael (1990). Western Writing Implements in the Age of the Quill Pen. Wheteral: Plains Books.
ISBN 1-872477-00-3.
Fischler, George; Schneider, Stuart (1992). Fountain Pens and Pencils. New York: Shiffer Publishing.
ISBN 0-88740-346-8.
Lambrou, Andreas (2003). Fountain Pens of the World. New York: Philip Wilson Publisher. ISBN 0-302-
00668-0.
Park, JongJin (2013). Fountain Pens. Seoul: LBIG Media Publishing. ISBN 978-89-94819-09-9.

Further reading [edit]

Lambrou, Andreas (2005). Fountain Pens of the World . ISBN 978-0-85667-615-4.
Erano, Paul (2004). Fountain Pens Past and Present . ISBN 978-1-57432-385-6.

External links [edit]

Reddit Fountain Pens
The Fountain Pen Network
 Wikimedia Commons has
media related to Fountain
pens.

v· t· e Fountain pen manufacturers by country

Australia Curtis Australia
Brazil Compactor · Crown
Canada André Juillet
China Baoer · Beifa · Deli · Hero · Jinhao
Croatia TOZ Penkala
Czech Republic Koh-i-Noor Hardtmuth
BIC · Cartier · Guy Laroche · Hermès · J. Herbin · Jean Pierre Lépine · Maped · Pierre Cardin · Récife ·
France
ST Dupont · Yves Saint Laurent
Diplomat · Faber-Castell · Garant · Graf von Faber-Castell · Kaweco · Lamy · Montblanc · Online · Pelikan
Germany
· Rotring · Schneider · Schwan-Stabilo · Senator · Staedtler
India Camlin · Chelpark · Luxor
Italy Aurora · Columbus · Delta · Marlen · Montegrappa · OMAS · Stipula · Visconti
Japan Nakaya · Namiki · Ohto · Pentel · Pilot · Platinum · Sailor · Tombow · Uni-ball · Zebra
Poland Zenith
Portugal MAB · Viarco
Russia Krasin · STAMM
Spain Inoxcrom
Sweden Ballograf
Switzerland Caran d'Ache
Turkey Adel · Scrikss
United Kingdom Ajoto · Conway Stewart · Dunhill · Onoto · Worcester Pen Company · Yard-O-Led
Bexley · Broadwell Sudios · Cross · Esterbrook · Eversharp · Krone · Paper Mate · Parker · Sheaffer ·
United States
Waterman · Wearever
v· t· e Pens
Active pen · Ballpoint/biro · Demonstrator · Digital · Dip · Fountain · Fudepen · Gel · Ink brush · Light ·
Types Qalam · Quill · Rastrum · Reed · Rollerball · Ruling · Skin · Stylus · Technical (rapidograph)
Markers Dry erase · Highlighter · Paint · Permanent · UV
Parts and tools Blotting paper · Ink blotter · Inkwell · Nib (Flex nibs) · Penknife · Pounce
Pen inks Alizarine · Fountain pen · India/Indian · Iron gall · Stark's
Ballpoint pen drawing · Ballpoint pen knife · Counterfeit banknote detection pen · Birmingham pen trade
Other (Birmingham Pen Trade Heritage Association · Pen Museum) · Kalamos · Pen computing · Penmanship ·
Pen painting · Pen spinning · Retipping
Related Calligraphy · Cartooning · Pencil · Mechanical pencil · Narayam
List of pen types, brands and companies

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