Guides
The Best Fountain Pens for Left-Handed Writers
Left-handed writers can absolutely use fountain pens — with the right nib, ink, and technique. A guide to making it work from The Journal Shop.
The Best Japanese Fountain Pens — Pilot, Sailor, and Platinum
Pilot, Sailor, and Platinum — the three great Japanese pen makers explained. Which brand suits you, and which pen to buy first from each.
Fountain Pen Glossary — Every Term Explained
Confused by fountain pen jargon? This plain-English glossary covers every term — from breather hole to wet noodle — so you can buy and use pens with…
The Best Fountain Pen-Friendly Paper & Notebooks
Tomoe River, MD Paper, Rhodia, Leuchtturm — the best papers and notebooks for fountain pen ink, tested and compared. Find what works for your pens and…
Fountain Pen Troubleshooting — Why Won't My Pen Write?
Skipping, scratchy nibs, hard starts, or leaking? Our troubleshooting guide fixes the most common fountain pen problems quickly and clearly.
How to Clean a Fountain Pen
Clean a fountain pen in 5 minutes. Simple steps for cartridge pens, converters, and piston fillers — plus when to clean and what to avoid.
How to Fill a Fountain Pen
Cartridges, converters, piston fillers — every way to fill a fountain pen explained clearly, step by step. The Journal Shop's complete guide.
How to Choose a Fountain Pen Nib
EF, F, M, B, italic, stub — fountain pen nibs explained clearly. Find the right nib for your handwriting, your inks, and the way you actually write.
The Beginner's Guide to Fountain Pens
Everything you need to know about fountain pens — how they work, which to buy first, and how to fill, write and care for them. A complete beginner's guide.
