Fountain Pens

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How much should a pen be used to keep it in good shape? (self.fountainpens)

submitted 2 years ago by Natal to c/fountainpens

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Hello everyone,

I've got a pen I only use to write in a journal dedicated to my mother who passed away. When I wish I could still talk to her I get that journal and write whatever discussion I'd like to have with her. I have a Pilot Cavalier that is only used for this.

I'm worried the irregular use might damage the pen. Sometimes I write everyday, but not everyday I have ideas of what to say so sometimes I go a couple of days, even weeks without writing much if at all.

Can it be bad for the pen and what is the proper maintenance I should do on such a pen with such irregular usage?

I'm starting thinking about using it more for other occasions and let it loose its "sacred" aspect, but I'm not sure yet.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Irregular use shouldn’t be a problem at all. The pen will not magically deteriorate. Old style iron gall inks used to be able to eat away at the pen but my understanding is that with modern inks, even iron gall ones this is not a problem anymore.

If the ink dries out in one of my pens I just flush the nib under water and that’s enough for the pen to start writing again. This regularly happens with one of my pens because the cap is not airtight enough. I’ve had this pen for over 20 years and it doesn’t have any signs of damage.

[–] Natal 2 points 1 year ago

Thank you for your input! Glad to know I can use it freely.