I have a Lamy Safari that I barely use from one month to the next - no issues with that at all, ink flows and writes just fine. But I bought a Parker IM (“Achromatic Matt Grey”, fine) recently and if I’m not using it daily, which I don’t, it dries out. I have to run it under gentle warm water to clear it out and get ink flowing again. I trust people here a lot more than randoms on Reddit, so… what the heck am I doing wrong here? Is there a certain way I should be cleaning it? Ps, I know Parkers aren’t the best pens out there. But there are… rather complicated and detailed reasons for me buying it… Besides, I’ve always liked the weight & feel of their pens; it’s a much more tactile and enjoyable thing to write with, it makes my Lamy feel like a cheap toy in comparison.
Are you using different ink in them? Might it be the ink rather than the pen, so could try a different ink. P.s. I am not an expert. I use Bics and nothing but
I do like a fountain pen. I did a quick google, much as you have I expect, and found quite a few comments about the IM. Had you read the comments about the large vent hole in the cap? A few people seem to have fixed the issue successfully by covering, or partially covering the hole. Might be worth a go.
I've just had a flick through my log book and it's been three weeks since I used my TWSBI XF / Diamine ink and it picked up perfectly when I tried it, so I suspect something is afoot with yours. I'd have a word with Parker first?
Maybe the Lamy ink is simply better. I believe rollerball pens use similar ink to fountain pens and, I have a Lamy rollerball. I've not used it for at least 2 years but, a few minutes ago I tried it and, it wrote as it should, right away.
Respect for keeping the fountain pen alive. Used one from the age of about 8(?) to 18 as one was mandatory at the schools I attended. Uni and onwards, I just got lazy! Hmm. Maybe I should start using one at work again...
Ive still got my left-handed one somewhere - need to dig it out and see if it still works! I used to have a similar issue with the Parker I used for school/uni - and sealing up the cap/lid worked well, there was a small vent hole.
As specified in BS 7272-1:Writing and marking instruments - Specification for caps to reduce the risk of asphyxiation. Now BS 7272-2:Writing and marking instruments - Specification for end closures on the other hand stops you choking on the end cap when you chew your pen
I'd try another ink for starters, I bought Noodlers ink on a friend's say so and it is wonderful, not the boldest hue but just doesn't dry out. I leave mine weeks.
