Richard, Ink.

Quo Vadis Blog posts J. Herbin Ink Reviews + Gives Away Free Ink

Earlier today, the Quo Vadis Blog posted a few links of some reviews of J. Herbin Inks after they realized during their recent "planner review" that many Quo Vadis fans and customers are fountain pen users.

Get a FREE Bottle of J. Herbin Ink for you to review!
For a very limited time they are offering one free bottle of J. Herbin green or orange colored ink in exchange for your review.  If you want in on this, you should hurry as they only have a limited supply - one bottle per person. (See the blog post here for details)

If you're looking for a really nice planner or agenda using super high quality Clairefontaine paper -- have a look at quovadisplanners.com

Want to Write Better? See the WhiteSmoke Writing Tool Demo!

Fountain Pen Tips: "How-to Clean A Clogged Fountain Pen"

(photo: Merritt Handcrafted M1 "OceanSwirl" w/ Rhodium accents)
A very common question I get asked a lot is:
"How Do I Clean or Unclog My Fountain Pen?"

Last year I responded to a question on Yahoo Answers by Shelly V., and I decided to republish it here @RICHARDink.com. I've receieved many positive emails and feedback about the post there, and figured it would be helpful to have the information here as well for those of you that are interested in some tips on cleaning and unclogging your fountain pens.
Note: This is mainly for very minor clogging of ink and basic cleaning and ink refilling tips. There are other (more detailed) options that I don't discuss here for other types of pens and ink reservoirs and more serious clogging scenarios. 

QUESTION:

How do I clean my fountain pens?

I have a Cross pen and a Waterman Phileas pen, both of which don't seem to write when I put in a new ink cartridge. I think it could be because there's too much clogged ink in there. Anyone know of an easy way to clean these? I saw a tip that said to soak them in olive oil, but I'd rather not try that one because it's so hard to get oil out of anything. Or is there someone or someplace I can take the pens to to get them professionally cleaned?

ANSWER:

This is a very common problem, especially if you only use ink cartridges and not cartridge converters. It's normal for old ink deposits in between the nib and feed to build up over time and eventually restrict the ink flow to a sudden halt. No fun.

I always suggest (especially when changing ink brands or colors) to flush your fountain pen's nib & feed with cold water by using a cartridge piston converter -- most cartridge pens accept cartridge piston converters to be used with bottled ink. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to find -- and many cartridge style fountain pens come with one included, so it's possible you already have one.

You should flush your pens every 30 days at least if you don't use them daily. ( I recommend it every other refill or so). And be sure to use COLD WATER ONLY. If the clogging is extreme, then before you flush it with the converter, stand the pen up in a glass of cold water, and let the nib & feed soak for 24 hours. Be sure not to get water on other parts of the pen, just have enough water in the glass to soak the entire nib. Then after 24 hours give it a rinse under cold running water from the tap (protecting the pen body from the water with a cloth) for 10 seconds.

Now proceed to flush out the nib and feed with the piston converter using cold water. Repeat flushing until there are no signs of clogging or old ink deposits. Be sure to let your nib and feed dry out for a few hours or use a can of air to remove all of the moisture around the nib feed and nipple before re-inking your pen.

In some really extreme cases of clogging you can use a mixture of ammonia diluted with water to soak and flush with -- But I recommend a professional do this or if you decide to DIY then use extreme caution. Another solution is to soak the pen in an Ultra-Sonic Machine. I have one that I use and it really does a superb job. Again extreme caution should be used with these methods as you can really ruin a fine pen if you are not careful.

(*Voted Best Answer on Yahoo Answers)

► Want More Tips on Fountain Pen Care? (more)
"7 Simple Tips on How-to Use and Care for Your Fountain Pens"

Fountain Pen Ink: Private Reserve Ink

Private Reserve Ink — Is it the Best Fountain Pen Ink?

I'm always getting asked: "Richard. What's the best fountain pen ink?".  This is a very subjective topic, and honestly I don't think there is one answer. 

There are several good bottled and cartridge ink brands to choose from — and everyone has their "favorite" — but when it comes to smoothness and color choices, it's hard to not think of Private Reserve Ink.  

I don't just put any ol' ink in my pens...

For years I've favored Aurora Bottled Ink (Black) for its easy flow and superior non-clogging properties. But after trying and using Private Reserve for the last year, I find myself returning to the same bottles of Chocolat and  Velvet Black (deep chocolate brown & rich black) over and over again — and no issues with clogging.  It also takes to many types of paper where other fountain pen inks would of had a problem with feathering.  I still use and recommend Aurora Ink, but Private Reserve definitely gets my blessing.

Hard to beat...

And the price is right at only $8.40 for a generously sized (50ml wide mouth for easy filling) bottle, that will last practically forever, and only $5.60 for a pack of 12 Private Reserve Ink Cartridges. If you haven't tried Private Reserve Ink yet, I suggest you give it a try.  If you do—let me know what you think—I'd love to hear your opinion and your experience with it.  

So, is Private Reserve the Best Fountain Pen Ink? 
As for me personally, I would have to say yes.  In over one year of continuous use, I have yet a bad thing to say about this ink, and the color choices (available in 35 colors to be exact) just rock.

[Update: 1/15/2009: I have been informed by PR that there are actually 37 different colors available]

PRIVATE RESERVE HIGH QUALITY FOUNTAIN PEN INKS:

Private Reserve Fountain Pen Ink is available in more than 35 vibrant colors, and in both bottles and cartridges. It's a fast drying and non-clogging ink that provides excellent coverage and a smooth flow. Neutral ph. Private Reserve bottled ink comes in a classic deco bottle design and is made in the U.S.A.

PURCHASE THESE INKS AND OTHER FINE WRITING PRODUCTS AT EXECUTIVE ESSENTIALS

PRIVATE RESERVE INK BOTTLE: VELVET BLACK

Private Reserve Ink Bottle Velvet Black