[Fountain Pen Beginner's Guide] I've compiled the things I wish I had known before my first purchase

Today's note is, at long last, a fountain pen-related note. That's because I've only been using fountain pens for a little over a year myself. I'm still a beginner.

However, I think I've become knowledgeable enough to explain the basics to those who might be thinking about starting.

Also, since I had quite a hard time finding information before I actually started, I want to thoroughly compile the information I wish I had known before purchasing for those who are thinking, "I'm interested in fountain pens, but they seem difficult..."!

My misconception: "Fountain pens are those things you dip in ink, right?"

It's truly embarrassing to admit, but this was my image of fountain pens before I bought one. You put the fountain pen into a bottle of ink (or "inki," as my favorite brand Pilot calls it) to pick up ink and write. When it runs out, you dip it again.

I imagined using them like calligraphy brushes or paintbrushes. Of course, some fountain pens can be used this way, but that method is more characteristic of glass pens or dip pens. *I'll explain those later, too.

For a small start when purchasing your first one, fountain pens in the 1,000 to several thousand yen range generally fall into these three types:

① Cartridge type where you replace the ink
② Converter type where you draw ink from a bottle and set it into the fountain pen
③ Type that supports both cartridges and converters

I will introduce them one by one in more detail.

Cartridge Type

The first one I'll introduce is the cartridge-type fountain pen. The point to note is that they basically only support the manufacturer's genuine products. *Because the shape and length differ slightly depending on the manufacturer.

Replacement ink cartridges come in sets of several, and the price isn't that high. Moreover, as long as it's a compatible ink from the same manufacturer, you can even switch from a black cartridge to a blue one after you've used up the black.

By the way, there are also cartridges for Pilot's incredibly cool "Iroshizuku" ink, which was the catalyst that drew me into the world of fountain pens once I started. If you want to enjoy deeper colors rather than just "black" or "blue," I highly recommend these!

Also, because I had an image that fountain pens must have a black body + a gold nib, I bought the F-Lapa series from a manufacturer called OHTO. This series is currently out of production, and the FF series is the successor model.

Infinite possibilities with a converter!

After making my ink debut with the cartridge type, I became captivated by the coolness of ink bottles, the variety of colors, and their names, and I started thinking, "I want to use a converter to draw ink from a bottle!"

But this is also a small start. I decided to step up little by little. First, I received a Pilot "cocoon" as a birthday present from my partner.

This cocoon is actually a model that supports both cartridges and converters. So, at first, I used Pilot's cartridge ink, and while looking at Pilot's ink, I grinned and agonized over which Iroshizuku color to buy next.

This is it! It's not just blue or light blue! I was immediately drawn to the incredibly diverse range of colors that value a sense of the seasons!

And for my first purchase, I chose "Shinkai" (Deep Sea) from the Iroshizuku series! A deep, rich blue. I keep it on the most visible shelf at eye level! I want to keep adding colors little by little and line up the empty bottles too!!

You can even mix your own original ink!

And for my birthday the other day, I visited to experience mixing my own original ink. This shading. Yes, I believe this expression of shading is the greatest feature represented by inks like those for fountain pens.

▽Here is the shop I visited▽

It was truly wonderful. Moreover, this shop, Kakimori, offers a wide range of original fountain pens, ballpoint pens, glass pens, and even original notebook production and custom paper.

There is a profession called "paper craft," and this space is truly a concentration of such dedication to writing; it seems like a shop I will love and use for many years to come.

The ink made here is either filled into their own brand of fountain pens or used with dip pens or glass pens. *Kakimori's fountain pens are not the type that use converters, but rather the type that can draw ink directly.

As an aside, the store has writing instruments like fountain pens from various companies carefully explained with comments. Naturally, those explanations were written using the pens themselves, and well, what can I say, it was simply a blissful space.

*While there are select shops that sell fountain pens, I had never been to a place where each one had such careful explanations.

Extra Edition: So, what exactly is a glass pen?

Well, then that leads to the question, "What are glass pens and dip pens?" Glass pens and dip pens do not have a structure to store ink inside.

Therefore, you dip them into the ink like the ones introduced at the beginning and write. When you can no longer write, you dip them again. Furthermore, when you want to change colors, you can rinse it with water and wipe it off to switch to another color. It is perfect for when you want to
enjoy various colors just like painting a picture!

The structure of the grooves at the tip is the most important point, but naturally, the overall form and the beauty of the glasswork are also important factors. Since the writing feel changes depending on the pen even more than with fountain pens, I want to try many different ones.

And speaking of trying many different ones, I must mention this person! It is the note by Mineno Momijiba, who also won an award at last year's 2024 Creative Awards!

It is truly nothing short of madness (a compliment), but when viewed from the perspective of someone who has started writing themselves, such as the pen trays and angles, it conveys how full of love and seriousness they are in their approach.

I also used the YouTube channel "Yurindo Shika Shiranai Sekai" (The World Only Yurindo Knows) as a huge reference as someone who has just stepped into the world of stationery!!

An extra, extra edition

I'm sorry, I think at this point it's probably not even worth mentioning, but there was something I really wanted to touch upon, so please let me introduce it.

I learned about "Kimwipes" from the same "Yurindo Shika Shiranai Sekai" video. To my surprise, something similar appears in Animal Crossing, which I love, so I watched this video with incredible interest.

And since they aren't ridiculously expensive, I bought them immediately. In conclusion, they are definitely the real deal, just as you'd expect from something that receives so much love from the community!

Regular tissues leave fibers behind or have poor absorbency. Paper towels are too stiff. When cleaning fountain pens, changing inks, or refilling, this was the product that made me realize, "This is the right answer!"!!

So, what did you think of this fountain pen introduction?
I'm savoring the fact that I was able to put out this note while going through my own trial and error!

I hope this is at least a little helpful for those who are curious about fountain pens or glass pens!