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.
Thanks for the replies Indeed, I can see what people are talking about, and I did see the same comments before I bought it. It’s in a really fiddly spot to get at, but I should be able to get some electrical tape in there. I might try a different ink first though, as it’s the easier fix! Aye, different ink sounds like the easiest thing to try. It’s a PITA to shop around to try and find somewhere that isn’t Amazon, but doesn’t charge a fortune for shipping. I did actually look at getting a “refillable” cartridge and ink pots instead of the disposables, but I’m trying desperately not to have this veer into “another hobby that sits on a shelf” territory It’s hard to describe, but I much prefer the “feel” of a fountain pen. On good quality paper, the tactility and feedback of a fountain pen is so much… “nicer”… than something like a ballpoint. I retain information much better if I physically write stuff down, instead of typing it out on a keyboard. So far I’ve tried various different rollerballs, mechanical pencils, tablets with “paperlike” screen protectors, the reMarkable 2, and so far nothing beats a fountain pen. But I will happily admit that there’s a lot more faff - see discussion above about inks . Well… That’s one way to make a point…
I'm sure you've already looked, but have you tried Cult Pens? Their shipping is quite reasonable as I recall. Not sure what their range of inks is like but they have a massive range of pens / pencils etc so might be worth checking.
It’s definitely one among many I’ve seen, but always good to have a recommendation from a reliable source, so I’ll check them out - thanks
No worries. They aren't necessarily the cheapest but they've always given me really good service. Fwiw, they started as an independent retailer but are owned by WH Smith now, but I haven't noticed any change in their service since the buyout (which was in 2018 iirc).
I know EXACTLY what you mean. The way my life worked out, I only used pencils before moving on to fountain pens (ball point pens were forbidden). The first time I did use a ball point pen, it felt really horrible, as though you were damaging the paper, not to mention they can be more inconsistent in laying down ink. However, I will give ball point pens some respect for never having leaked, resulting in a half blue pencil case...
I'm fairly sure there's a Pen Shop in St David's/The Hayes/St David's 2 (I tried to check, but their website doesn't have a store finder) There's also a stationery/artsy place in Royal Arcade.
