General Information:

All Cajun Pen Shop fountain pens, offer the option of either using a standard ink cartridge already filled with ink, or a screw pump ink converter that allows you to use any color of water based ink you wish.   Both are included with our fountain pens, with the exception of the Presidential model and Rosewood Fountain pen.   Fountain pen ink for use with the converter must be purchased separately.

Loading with Ink:

Using an Ink Cartridge:

A Fountain pen is a fine and delicate writing instrument - take good care of your pen and it will last a lifetime.
Do not press hard when writing, as this will this will damage the nib. A good fountain pen should glide effortlessly across paper. If you are used to pressing hard, as with a pencil, you will have to adjust to using a fountain pen. Often people will press hard, thinking that will cause the ink to flow faster. Usually adjusting the angle of the pen is all that is needed.
If your pen doesn't "start" right away ink has probably dried and clogged the nib and/or the feed. To start the ink flowing again, resist the urge to press down hard on the pen. Instead, wet the point of the nib with water or ink of the same color. If that doesn't work, wash the pen out.
If you will not be using your pen for extended periods, keep it stored vertically (i.e., in a cup or pen holder) with the nib pointing up.  This will prevent ink from settling in and clogging the feed.  Water soluble ink is recommended for all fountain pens.

The cartridge is the easiest to use. Simply unscrew the nib from the body of the pen and gently push the cartridge into  the base of the nib. To get the ink started, gently squeeze the cartridge until a drop of ink appears at the tip of the nib. Wipe off any excess ink and replace the nib. You are now ready to write. When the ink runs out, clean the nib, as described below, and install another cartridge.

Should you decide to use the ink cartridge, remember to save your ink converter for cleaning purposes.

Never use anything but water soluble ink made for use with fountain pens.

Using an Ink Converter:

Always use fresh fountain pen ink which is less than a year old. Ink will evaporate overtime and become thick and clog your pen.

Using the converter is like using an ink cartridge that you fill with ink yourself. It is very simple to do, once you know how. First, unscrew the nib from the body of the pen, then gently push the converter into

the base of the nib, just like you would with an ink cartridge. Next, twist the top of the converter counter clockwise until the piston moves all the way to the base of the nib. Place the nib of the fountain pen completely in the ink well. Twist the top of the converter clockwise with the nib still in the ink well and the ink should fill the reservoir as the piston moves back up. You may get nothing but air at first, don't worry.   Just bring the piston down again and repeat the process. When you have the reservoir full of ink, wipe excess ink from the nib and replace the nib on the body of the pen. You are now ready to write. When the ink runs out, clean the nib, as described below.

Cleaning:

You should clean your fountain pen nib every time you refill it with ink by flushing cold water through the nib section.  Never wash with hot water or alcohol.  If the nib is dirty, use a solution of two-thirds cold water and one-third household ammonia. Fill the converter with the solution and flush the pen several times, then repeat with cold water to remove the solution. If the nib is clogged with ink, soak it in cold water for 24 hours. Fountain pen ink is water soluble.   Allow the nib to dry thoroughly before filling with ink.

General Care:

If you will not be using your pen for several weeks, empty the ink and clean the pen by flushing with cold water.

When not in use, store your fountain pen in an upright position. Storing your fountain pen on its side or in a downward position may allow the ink to dry and eventually clog your pen.

When traveling by plane, carry your fountain pen with the nib up. To prevent air pressure from forcing ink through the nib, the ink cartridge should be completely filled or left empty.   An almost empty cartridge, where the amount of air is greater than the amount of ink, is more likely to leak than a full cartridge.

Do not press hard when you write. The beauty and advantage of a fountain pen is that it flows with the touch of paper. Pressing hard may result in ink flow problems.

Cajun Pen Shop offers Quality Writing Instruments and Fountain Pens – Fine Fountain Pens by Aurora, Bexley, Conway Stewart Conklin Delta, Krone Monteverde,Omas, Parker, Pelikan, Platinum, Rotring, Sailor Sensa, Sheaffer, Waterman and Fisher Space, Pen Chest by Reed & Barton, Leather Pen Cases, Laser Engraved Promotional Items, Hauser Refills, Noodlers Ink