26 March 2026
by wpAdmin
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An advantage of fountain pens is that, when the ink runs out, you replace just that component of the system rather than throwing out the whole implement. However, because I have been using ink cartridges, I haven’t been realising the full benefits of that. The plastic package is still a disposable item and you actually get less than 1.5ml of ink per cartridge. There is a measure of convenience – I have had situations where I’ve changed cartridges while away from home – but now that I’m mainly working from home that is a slim argument.
I’ve recently picked up some converters (refillable cartridges) that fit the Lamy pens I’ve settled on and some other bits and pieces: syringes to help filling with out too much mess, some brown ink and another pen! Given I already had half a bottle of black ink, I could have tried the experiment more cheaply but it will pay back for itself over time. Ink for one year in cartridge form costs about £10 and I’d be using about 15ml of ink as well as throwing away 12 plastic cartridges.
I did my first top ups (black for my main pen and the brown ink in the new pen) and it is all working neatly so far. I did take the precaution of doing the ink top ups in the bathroom sink but, with that facility, I don’t think I’ll end up in too much of a mess. I’m also looking forward to doing some sketching with the brown ink.