So I've ordered my first fountain pen, a Lamy Safari. What kind of ink do I use? [more inside]
posted by Roman Graves on Apr 29, 2009 - 19 answers

Does anyone have direct experience taking a Rotring 500 fountain pen on an airplane in post 9/11 America? If so, your advice? [more inside]
posted by gyusan on Mar 11, 2008 - 8 answers

Graphic artist question: can anyone tell me how the old K&E Barch-Payzant lettering pens work? Do they hold a nib of some sort, or if not, what is the function of the knurled knob?
posted by fish tick on Feb 16, 2008 - 3 answers

Gel pens: Help me learn to make them perform consistently. [more inside]
posted by knave on Apr 10, 2007 - 9 answers

As a left-hander, I've struggled to find a pen that writes smoothly but dries almost immediately so the ink doesn't smear when my hand passes across it. The the Uni-ball Jetstream fits this bill nicely. Some have criticized it as too smooth, but I like it. It offers me the smooth lines of a gel ink without the goopyness. Unfortunately, I'm also a devotee of weighty, elegant, well-made writing instruments. Though I've given up on using fountain pens for anything other than a signature, I can live with the size and style of a good rollerball design. Are there any high-quality pen bodies (Waterman, Pelikan, Montblanc, etc.) that will accept a Uni Jetstream refill? I've had trouble finding any information regarding the cross-compatability of refill cartridges, and I'm unwilling to buy another $100+ pen only to learn that the ink is unsuitable for me. Of course, if you can recommend a fountain pen that will fit the bill, I'd love to hear about it. But my experience has been that, even using extra-fine nibs and specialty inks, I have to choose between smearing the page or literally scratching my letters into the page.
posted by strunkl on Jan 3, 2007 - 9 answers

Why do pens almost always burst forth their precious ink when they get put in your shirt pocket or pant pockets?
posted by Effigy2000 on Nov 24, 2006 - 20 answers

I'm not sure if these even exist - but is anyone aware of either ballpoint or rollerball pens that come in brown ink? [more inside]
posted by tastybrains on Jul 11, 2006 - 12 answers

Is the ink in a roller ball the same or pretty much like that in pens using gel? If not, what is the difference. If yes, what advantage if any to a roller ball pen?
posted by Postroad on Mar 7, 2006 - 7 answers

What are your favorite (preferably gel) pens for writing in a Moleskine that dry quickly and won't smudge or bleed? [more inside]
posted by aebaxter on Dec 2, 2005 - 35 answers

How do I remove a Pilot G2 ink stain from my pants? [more inside]
posted by redteam on Aug 12, 2005 - 12 answers