For the modern fountain pen, cartridges and converters are the way to go when filling your pen up with ink. These components are quite straightforward to use — simply fill them up (for converters), then slot them into the grip section of your fountain pen and begin writing.
However, no two fountain pen cartridges and converters are made exactly alike. There are different styles shared by different brands while others require that you use their specific product.
Cartridges and converters fall into one of two categories:
Standard International. Standard international ink cartridges have the same sized container and can be used with various fountain pen brands.
Proprietary. Proprietary fountain pen ink cartridges and converters, however, fit only the brand or specific pen it was designed for.
We’ve put together a list of cartridges and fountain pen converters here on Endless Pens to help you choose the right one for your pen. Here’s our guide to compatible cartridges and converters.
| Pen Brand | Cartridge | Converter |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Caran D'Ache | Standard International | Standard International |
| Diamine | Standard International | N/A |
| Graf von Faber-Castell | Standard International | Standard International |
| Kaweco | Standard International | Standard International |
| LAMY | Proprietary | Proprietary** |
| MD Paper | Proprietary | Standard International |
| Mont Blanc | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Montegrappa | Standard International | Standard International |
| Parker | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Pilot | Proprietary | Proprietary** |
| Platinum | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Pelikan | Standard International | Standard International |
| Sailor | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| TWSBI | Standard International | Standard International |
| Waterman | Standard International | Standard International |
Even with this guide available, there are still specific guidelines within some brands. Those marked with asterisks (**) are pen brands that use multiple cartridge-converter styles. It’s best to review the manufacturer’s use and care guide or consult with an individual who is familiar with the brand. You can also do some online research to find which specific cartridge or converter is compatible with your pen.
For instance, it’s important to know that the Kaweco Sport Fountain Pens use the Kaweco Mini Ink Converter. Other full-sized Kaweco pens, however, use the standard international converter.
The same goes for the Sailor Chalana fountain pen, which uses specific slim cartridges and converters. All other Sailor fountain pens except the Realo use Sailor standard cartridges or converters.
Selecting which cartridges or converters to use is up to you, but familiarizing yourself with your favorite brands is a must so you can select the right way to fill your fountain pen. Whether you love Aurora, Kaweco, or Waterman, the right cartridge or converter is just a click away with our guide.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
1 comment
Jon
All very interesting but I have newer pens and some older pens that use different types of cartridges and converters.EG. PILOT L100. This pen has no cartridges or converters available for purchase. It would be extremely helpful if people in the pen business would look in to pens like these to see if some other brands would work with them. And let the public know. Yes I have checked the forums