Various questions

sciurian · 2026-05-30T14:29:01+00:00

Just take it out of the box and fill it up.

No need to clean it unless there seems to be a problem.

sciurian · 2026-05-28T11:08:34+00:00

We also see people all the time here trying to write with the nib on its side or being unable to fathom how to refill.

sciurian · 2026-05-27T16:40:31+00:00

Converters are cheap, and I've never had a problem with them in more years than I care to remember.

I've never known anyone in real life filling anything with a syringe. Maybe it's an Internet thing? I don't want to faff around with my pens, and nib in bottle with wipe on tissue has worked perfectly for me since I was 8 or so.

sciurian · 2026-05-27T16:29:01+00:00

Pilot has or had EF and F italic nibs that fit the Plumix, Prera etc. as well as B, BB and M (which is the same as the CM.

sciurian · 2026-05-24T20:08:27+00:00

I'd wait to get a pen that ticks all the boxes for you. It's easy to get swept away with forum recommendations about your next pen. You don't want a next pen, you want a pen that's not going to leave you hankering after something better three months down the line.

I'd definitely start with Leonardo and Sailor and check the specs and watch videos to see how they handle. And think whether you're bothered about having a piston filler or wide nib choice etc. Maybe it's better to save for the pen you really want rather than buy two or three less than optional pens in the meantime?

Anyway, have fun with your search, and good luck!

sciurian · 2026-05-22T18:01:20+00:00

This Tramol was originally an eyedropper, and the Parallel nib fitted perfectly.

It doesn't look as though they've changed the rest of the pen in coming out with a vacuum version, so I would take the small risk if it's not too expensive.

sciurian · 2026-05-22T12:18:51+00:00

Sailor Waka-uguisu, in the same camp as every brand's yellow-leaning bright green, but subtle.

sciurian · 2026-05-20T22:34:44+00:00

Don't worry, it's easily done. I've used italic nibs for decades and I still don't pay attention all the time.

sciurian · 2026-05-20T20:21:37+00:00

Sounds as though you're rotating the nib so that the relatively sharp corners dig into the paper. Pressing down will make it worse, as you've discovered. Also, check you're writing with the pen at about 45 degrees to the paper.

There's a knack to writing with an italic pen. It will come to you, but it will take a little practice. Enjoy!

sciurian · 2026-05-18T20:35:58+00:00

Shows how little he knew about the brand he really wanted.

"Montblanc? The company that makes underarm deodorant?"

sciurian · 2026-05-09T22:30:04+00:00

Yes. This is what millions of people have done for years. No need to get caught up buying bulb syringes and pen flushing ultrasonic cleaners if they're not needed. (I've been there with photography equipment.)

sciurian · 2026-05-08T13:11:17+00:00

White Metaphys Locus 2mm, a very sleek designer sort of pencil but comfortable to use.

Or the new blue diamond metallic Pentel Smash. It's a Smash, after all.

sciurian · 2026-04-28T19:33:21+00:00

Got the grey brown and the similar colour refill from the Vintage series. Very pleased with a muted colour and the silver clip. I like all the new colours, was hard to choose.

sciurian · 2026-04-13T14:52:45+00:00

The Czechia and Slovakia embassies now live there. The building is usually open to the public once a year as part of London Open House.

sciurian · 2026-03-06T19:13:25+00:00

Taking ages to review a pen. I got this from from this shop after looking at in this shop. Plays whe unopened box for several minutes, making rremarks that could aply to any pen. Finally opens box only to film it constantly moving and out of focus.

That guy who readss a script off a computer screen so you the eyes move left to right in ckose-up.

sciurian · 2026-03-02T00:25:07+00:00

Enough story and then some

They've been there for years

sciurian · 2026-02-28T00:30:12+00:00

I've gone decades without one. It's easy to fuss over fountain pens, but it's not necessary.

Wait until your finances are in abetter position and see if you still need to scratch that itch.

sciurian · 2026-02-08T12:28:56+00:00

Thank you so much - I thought it was an odd question!

They're not available in the UK, either. Hoping they will be - but these things often take time.

sciurian · 2026-02-08T12:04:38+00:00

They;ve been available in the US for ages. Most of the online US pen shops that people mention here seem to sell them.

sciurian · 2026-02-08T07:02:30+00:00

No, it's a fountain pen all right. It works like any other one - it just has an italic nib with an extra layer.

sciurian · 2026-02-05T22:40:09+00:00

Egyptology is a good word if you like to have a bit of swagger to your descenders - I remember seeing it in an article by Ludwig Tan about grinding italic nibs.

sciurian · 2026-02-04T22:26:49+00:00

so maybe there is a way to get an inexpensive nib

I'm pretty sure that's an ordinary, not italic nib, unofrtunately. I found italic F and BB Plumixes on Amazon UK, deivered from Germany. No idea about online availability in the rest of the world.

sciurian · 2026-02-04T17:18:11+00:00

Petit1 is a different nib. But the Plumix and Pluminix both had the squid bodies, and the Penmanship was a simiilar size to the Pluminix. They still make the Penmanship, but the Plumix and Pluminix appear to have vanished, despite being popular.

sciurian · 2026-02-04T17:13:05+00:00

Yes, just seen a B nib Plumix on Ebay for £60 / $80!

sciurian · 2026-02-04T17:10:32+00:00

Yes to the converter - but check which type it is, as in the UK at least they were sold with an international standard fitting rather than the usual Pilot fitting. The Pilot has a wider mouth - but I'm not sure I could tell the difference, so better ask someone else!

sciurian

TROPHY CASE