Fountain Pen Guide
From gold nig to clip
Fountain pen guide
The best model for your writing style, the right care, our exclusive service and guarantee offers: everything that crowns your joy in your fountain pen.
Fine or broad? How to find your perfect nib
The nib width of a fountain pen can greatly influence writing flow, style, and the smoothness of movements. Beyond the five common nib widths, our pens offer two specialized options to complement every writing style: the “O” (oblique) nib, which has a slight slant, lending a calligraphic touch to writing.
While trying out nibs in person at a stationery store is ideal, an online guide with illustrations can help match your style. Additionally, the unique nib tip design ensures suitability for left-handed writers.
Quality Ink with Special Rating:
"Indelible" ink refers to writing media suitable for official documents like certificates and contracts. This ink resists smudging, is light-fast, water-resistant, and cannot be erased. It also withstands exposure to chemicals and solvents. The criteria are outlined in DIN standard ISO 12757-2.
Cartridges & Converters:
Ink supply choice depends on personal preference and writing habits. Cartridges offer convenience for on-the-go use, while bottle-filling with converters is more eco-friendly. All Graf von Faber-Castell fountain pens come with a converter, allowing flexibility between cartridge and bottled ink.
Using ink cartridges
Cartridges are inserted by unscrewing the nib holder of the fountain pen and pressing the opening of the cartridge into the nib holder.
Direct filling
Remove the converter from the nib holder and turn the rotary mechanism counterclockwise until the piston reaches the bottom.
Dip the converter about 0.5 cm into the ink bottle and turn the mechanism clockwise to draw in ink like a syringe. After removal, release one to two drops of ink back into the bottle by turning it counterclockwise, then make a final counter-turn to prevent dripping.
Tap it gently against the bottle and dab any excess with a lint-free cloth. Insert the converter into the nib holder and reattach the barrel.
Tip: use lint-free material to stimulate ink flow by tapping the nib.
Filling through the nib holder
Insert the converter, just like an ink cartridge, firmly into the nib holder of the fountain pen. Turn the rotary mechanism counterclockwise until the piston reaches the bottom.
Submerge the nib fully into the ink bottle, then turn the mechanism clockwise to fill the converter. After removal, release one to two drops of ink back into the bottle by turning counterclockwise, followed by a final counter-turn to prevent dripping.
Dab the nib with a lint-free cloth and reattach the barrel.
