Care and Feeding of a Fountain Pen
Do's and Don'ts
These are a few of the things to be careful of when caring for a fountain pen.
Remember that the fountain pen is a precision instrument and as such deserves conscientious treatment. Always securely replace the cap when the pen is not in use. This way the nib will not dry out. Cap by holding the pen upright and placing the cap on top. Do not drop the pen into the cap. Remove the cap from a snap or clutch ring pen using only one hand.Do not loan your pen. The borrower may not treat it with the respect it deserves. If you do loan your pen keep the cap so that you will get it back.
Always travel with a full reservoir. This reduces the likelihood of the pen leaking due to differences in air pressure.
Do not use high pigment inks in vintage fountain pens such as Parker Penman. The feeds have a tendency to clog much more rapidly and clear sections can be discolored. Sheaffer's Skrip or Parker's Quink is recommended.
When changing ink brands be sure to flush the ink reservoir thoroughly because different inks can chemically interact and cause particle precipitation, blocking the feed.
Remember that when the ink in a pen seems to flow more freely that it is a sign that the reservoir is nearly empty.
Sheaffer Lifetime Flat Top c1928
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Material presented here is copyrighted Summit Lodge Publications 2001.
Last updated 3,15.2001