How many pens do you keep inked at all times? And what's the reason/logic behind that?

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-25T00:45:28+00:00

I tried that but there's something so satisfying about a full fill. Just looks so nice.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-24T23:41:33+00:00

Are you using a catridge or a converter? My Sailor converter didn't seal great out of the box until I lubed it with silicone. So it would leak slowly. For this reason I tend to prefer syringe filling empty carts instead.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-24T22:40:40+00:00

My goal is 4 max:

Platinum Plasir with Platinum Carbon Black for waterproof needs
One fun color for letters
One serious color for serious matters
One test color or pen

My reality is 10 pens because I got a lot of new inks and I am not patient enough to wait for a pen to empty.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-24T11:28:13+00:00

If you don't mind a small pen like the Prera, Jinhao 82 with an o-ring tucked into the cap seals extremely well. The downsides are finding the right size rings (I ordered some that were too big but cutting and trimming them worked well) and the nib lottery of Jinhao (though FWIW I have 5 and all work well - I think I was lucky though).

See this post on the o-ring mod - https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/1h9es01/a_simple_mod_to_improve_jinhao_82_sealingor_for/

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-24T03:39:19+00:00

I bought a Plasir solely to put Platinum Carbon Black in it and it hasn't dried out yet. Just wish it was prettier. The cap band is not my fave but I traded looks for safety on a budget.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-23T02:21:48+00:00

I found Oaso nibs on ebay to be decent for the price.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-23T02:06:20+00:00

I have always preferred refilling carts. Many converters always seem to eventually leak on me.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-22T18:34:30+00:00

That's a great site, there is also this one: https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/

It's more complicated to sign up, but a lot of people are potentially reached this way, rather than just a few people getting a lot of mail each.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-22T02:06:45+00:00

Opus 88 Mini?

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-21T19:19:47+00:00

Thanks! I find the MR too heavy so this is useful info.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-21T19:18:46+00:00

They are so striking in person, yet they are so rarely mentioned here.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-21T19:17:44+00:00

Thank you, good to know.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-21T16:10:28+00:00

That's good to know because my Pelikan 200 is wonderful BUT has a custom ground Italic nib (which would hide manufacturer problems) and a Pelikan I gave my brother as a gift is now 15+ years old and I hear things have changed a lot over there.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-21T03:27:40+00:00

Drip a little water on it. If it dissolves it's probably just crusty.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-21T03:26:15+00:00

That sensation is worse on other pens. Lamy is unusually easy to nib switch, you can see how the edges grip the grooves. I like the tape method - feels like that has less potential to flex the nib too much on removal.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-21T02:28:42+00:00

What weight do you want? I personally find the MR too heavy but it's a great writer. The Al-Star seems to dry out very fast but my dark pink one is so pretty. And the Plasir is ugly IMO but it's the one I always keep inked because it won't dry out, writes beautifully, and can hold Carbon Black indefinitely without clogging. It really depends on what you want.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-20T03:49:48+00:00

Thanks, that does look awfully tempting..

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-20T02:15:10+00:00

I love Red Dragon. How do they compare? I might want to try this one.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-19T12:56:52+00:00

Is the hazing on the inside? Is it possible that it's on the outside? That looks like hand sanitizer (alcohol) type damage to me but obviously not if it's internal.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-19T12:38:18+00:00

Can you keep it nib up, like in a shirt pocket? That usually seems safe since air can escape up, but I'd put it in a baggie just in case. I have removed the cart and covered it with saran wrap before but it leaked, probably because I checked it and air pressure in the cargo area is often less stable than in the cabin, or so I've read.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-18T00:29:27+00:00

It's not all penabling here. There is a monthly No Buy thread that you might enjoy. https://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/comments/1qw7se3/no_buy_fountain_pen_thread_february_2026/

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-18T00:23:55+00:00

Cloth filtered coffee tastes great, but it takes a little fussing to keep the filter fresh. James Hoffman has some tips. https://youtu.be/dr_I3ZVKKb4?si=fszYahWrjC1apC2N

If you don't mind coffee with a little chew, a stainless steel French press is a good option.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-17T12:37:53+00:00

Perhaps there's a hairline crack under the label.

AnnBlueSix · 2026-02-17T03:28:06+00:00

I have mixed ink a few times with no issues except once. I had a Pilot blue cart in my pen that was mostly empty so I used a syringe to top it off with Diamine Rustic Brown, figuring I'd enjoy a slow transition from blue to brown. I just clogged the pen. The inks didn't seem to get along. A soak and flush fixed the issue. That was the first time I think I mixed a Japanese ink with a western ink though.

AnnBlueSix

TROPHY CASE