FAQ

Lamy Frequently Asked Questions

1.Why does the nib of my fountain pen scratch?
 
If a nib really scratches, it feels very uncomfortable when writing, because the nib does not glide smoothly over the paper but gets "caught" in the paper fibres.

Very thin nibs will never glide as smoothly as thicker nibs. This is not possible because of the way the nib is designed, as a very fine nib penetrates more into depressions in the paper. Depending on the paper used, the EF nib is therefore scratchier than thicker nibs. On very smooth paper, however, this effect should hardly be noticeable. Also, very thin nib glide smoothier after being used for a period of time.

If a nib (regardless of thickness) scratches on very smooth surfaces, there is something wrong with it: for example there is no clean grind of the nib or the nib legs offset (unclean production, drop on the floor or due to too much lateral pressure while writing). In this case, the nib need to be changed.

In the end, it is also a matter of taste. For some, a (very narrow) nib scratches, for others it is normal.

2.Why does my fountain pen stop writing and what can I do?

Whether is a new or used pen, the ink may stop flow due to a clogged or partially clogged feed system. New pens can come with sediment in the pen while the ink in used pens can dry over time clogging the feed system (So, we suggest you clean out your fountain pen when they are not being used).

Remember: when your fountain stop writing or the ink flow is unsmooth, Please clean your fountain pen thoroughly firstly. If it still doesn't work, feel free to contact us.

3. How do I clean my fountain pen properly?

There are various ways to clean a LAMY fountain pen:

With a piston fountain pen, it is sufficient to simply fill the fountain pen repeatedly with water and empty it.

To clean a cartridge fountain pen inbetween uses, hold the front part upside down under a running tap until the water no longer discolours. In case of heavy soiling, it usually helps to put the entire front part into a water bath with lukewarm water for 1-2 days. It is important to keep changing the water.

You can also use a converter for cleaning: Rinse the fountain pen over the nib with clean water rinse / clean by simply pulling out the converter several times - empty it, and repeat.

If you are not going to use your fountain pen for a long time, you can pour the remaining ink from the converter back into your ink glass. Very sustainable!

Important: Please never use washing-up liquid or similar for cleaning the fountain pen!

4.why does ink or ballpoint pen paste dry out?

LAMY ink is designed to dry quickly on the paper, usually after 6 to 8 seconds. On the other hand of course, we know it is essential to prevent the ink from drying out in the fountain pen or rollerball pen. In our ink laboratory at Lamy Headquarters in Heidelberg, the ink is tested under various temperature conditions. At higher temperatures, it can happen that the ink dries out more easily, but this should not happen regularly.
Writing instruments without cap (ballpoint pens or a rollerball pen like LAMY tipo) have a higher risk that a plug of crystallized ink / ballpoint pen paste forms at the tip of the refill at higher temperature (expansion with heat pushes the ink/paste out of the refill) If you wipe off the refill before the first use, however, you should be able to write fluently.

5. As a left-handed person, do I always need the LH nib as well?

The standard left-handed nib corresponds to the M-medium nib strength, the LH nib is only more specially sharpened. The LH nib is preferred for school fountain pens, because beginners and children in general can learn the correct writing posture better. This is an essential building block for the overall writing behaviour and handwriting style. Adults benefit from several years of writing and therefore do not necessarily need a special left-handed nib.

Many of our customers are left-handed and write with an F-fine or B-wide nib, but also with a fine one or with the gold nib. They get on very well with them.

Remember: Since all Lamy fountain pens, except for the LAMY 2000, have the same ink conduction system, you can use any nib of any thickness on all Lamy fountain pens.