Inside Fountain Pens: An Introduction to Cartridges, Converters, Inks, and How to Choose

By Susan Jones-Davis, Club President

Edited by Alicia S., Website Manager

Photos by Members Joveth G and Teresa Widdowon

Cartridges vs Converters: The Most Common Ways for a Pen to Hold Ink

Part of the fun of using bottled ink is, well, the bottles! Photo by Joveth G.

Inside most modern fountain pens, the ink is contained within a cartridge or a converter. There are other filler systems, but they are much less common.

Cartridges

Many newer fountain pens can use either disposable cartridges or refillable converters for bottled ink to hold their ink supply. Plastic cartridges come pre-filled with ink, offering convenience, but creating more waste (in the form of the used cartridges) than using a converter and bottled ink.

It is possible to refill and reuse cartridges if desired, but it can be a persnickety process. It depends on personal preference and physical ability. JetPens has a helpful guide.

Converters

A converter functions like a cartridge, but is easily refillable with bottled ink—it "converts" your pen from a cartridge pen to one that uses bottled ink. There are converters that offer several different filling methods—from plunger style to push button, piston to squeeze (also called bladder or aerometric).

Converters are inserted into your pen in the same space as the ink cartridge. Some attach just by friction, with a tight seal that fits over the nub at the back of the feed. Others are threaded at their insertion end and screw into the section. (Nibs Plus Ultra has a refresher on pen anatomy if needed.)

Like pens, converters need regular cleaning and occasional maintenance, especially when changing inks. (Here’s a detailed guide on cleaning modern pens. Vintage pens may have different needs.)

Standard Vs. Proprietary Cartridges & Converters (and Nibs)

Many pens use standard (also called "international" or "universal") cartridges and converters, meaning almost any brand of standard cartridge or ink converter will fit that pen. Other brands of pens use proprietary (i.e., brand-specific) cartridges and converters—only their own brand of cartridge or converter will fit their pens. This is something to consider when choosing a pen, especially if you plan to use only cartridges. There is a limited selection of inks available in cartridges to start with, and the brand you choose may limit that selection even further. You might also want to check whether your preferred brand of proprietary ink cartridge is easily available for refills.

Some of the major manufacturers that use proprietary cartridges include A.T. Cross, LAMY, Parker, Sheaffer, and Platinum.

Pen brands that use international cartridges include Caran d'Ache, Faber-Castell, Kaweco, OHTO, Pelikan, Rotring, and Schneider, among others.

Choosing an Ink

Caution! Not all inks are suitable for use in fountain pens—fountain-pen friendly inks are labeled as such. Any questionable inks should be avoided because using the wrong kind of ink can ruin your pen. Never fill your fountain pen with India ink, shellac-based inks, calligraphy inks, correction fluid, or anything else not specifically designed as an ink for fountain pens.

Bottled Ink Versus Ink Cartridges

Fountain-pen ink is available in individual cartridges and in bottles of many sizes and shapes. Each style of container has its pros and cons.

Bottled Ink

Pros

• Less waste—fewer containers to dispose of

• Less expensive per milliliter

• More choice—a broader variety of inks are available in bottles than in cartridges

Cons

• Requires a converter for cartridge/converter-fill pens

• Can be slightly messy to refill, especially for beginners or people with limited fine motor skills

Ink Cartridges

Pros

• Easier to carry and refill on the go

• Tidier to use than bottled ink

Cons

• Fewer inks available in cartridges than in bottles

• More waste—many small plastic containers to dispose of

Flexibility

Happily, with most pens it’s possible to switch between cartridges and converters as you wish and there is no need for a permanent commitment. If a pen takes a converter, it will also take a cartridge. If you desire flexibility, then that is very doable so long as you are mindful of your pen choice. 

Ink samples are often traded or gifted at SPC meetings and are a great way to try out different inks without committing to an entire bottle. Photo by Teresa Widdowson.

Friends with Inky Fingers

Ready to explore the vast world of beautiful inks? Seattle Pen Club meetings are a great way to see ink swatches in person, and there are often ink samples on the free table and ink bottles on the sale/trade table. You are welcome to dip into the inkwell with us!