Test 01Tue 27
Nib Test
It all begins at the tip.
Find the nib that suits your hand.
Pen Week 2026 · The Writing Lab
Filling
Test_
Every pen has its ritual.
Cartridge, converter, piston or plunger. The way a fountain pen is filled can transform our relationship with it. Discover the different filling systems and find the one that best suits the way you write.
Find your filling system
TEST 04 / 06 · 30 OCTOBER
02 — The filling system
The same ink.
Different ways to begin.
Every fountain pen needs ink. But how it gets inside can be entirely different.
Some refill in seconds. Others invite us to open an ink bottle, work a mechanism and enjoy a small ritual.
Some systems are prized for their convenience, others for their versatility or their capacity.
Choosing a filling system isn’t just about understanding how it works. It also means discovering how we want to use our fountain pen.
01 — THE SYSTEMS
Four ways to enjoy ink.
CartridgeSimplicity
A practical solution for those who value convenience. When the ink runs out, simply pop in a new cartridge and wait for it to flow again.
Ideal for everyday use, travel and anyone who prefers simple refilling.
ConverterVersatility
A small refillable reservoir that lets you use bottled ink in many compatible fountain pens.
Perfect for those who enjoy exploring colours and changing inks.
PistonThe ritual
A built-in mechanism that lets you draw ink straight from the bottle.
An experience that combines function, engineering and the hands-on pleasure of every refill.
PlungerStaying power
A plunger-driven vacuum filling system, found in fountain pens such as the Pilot Custom 823.
It can hold a generous supply of ink for those who enjoy long writing sessions.
For some people, filling a fountain pen is simply a necessity. For others, opening an ink bottle and watching the reservoir fill is part of the pleasure of writing.
Cartridges prioritise simplicity. Built-in systems can turn refilling into a ritual.
Neither option is necessarily better.
Converters and bottle-filling systems open the door to a vast range of bottled inks.
Deep blues, vivid greens, burgundies and more unusual shades.
If you enjoy changing colours, ease of cleaning and refilling can matter as much as the reservoir’s capacity.
Greater capacity can be very useful if you write many pages or prefer to refill less often.
But if you change colours frequently, a smaller reservoir can also have its advantages.
It’s not about holding as much ink as possible. It’s about having the ink you need.
Changing a cartridge is usually simple. Flushing a converter makes it fairly easy to switch colours.
Piston and plunger fillers may need a specific cleaning routine.
Getting to know them will help you enjoy your fountain pen for longer.
Some fountain pens are recognisable not only by their design, but also by their filling system.
The piston filler of a Pelikan Souverän and the plunger mechanism of a Pilot Custom 823 show how engineering can become part of an instrument’s personality.
Sometimes the pleasure of writing begins long before the nib touches the paper.
Iguana Magazine · Writing guide
Cartridge, converter or piston?
Discover which filling system suits you.
From the convenience of cartridges to the generous capacity of plunger fillers. Learn how each mechanism works, its advantages and the details that can transform your writing experience.
03 — The experiment
Now it’s your turn.
Which filling system suits you?
You’ve seen the different ways to fill a fountain pen. Now it’s time to find out which system best suits your habits and the way you enjoy ink.
Filling Test · 3 questions
Three questions. Three choices.
One personalised recommendation.
- 01What do you prefer when refilling?
- 02How do you use your fountain pen?
- 03What do you value most?
04 — The results
Every way of writing
has its own ritual.
Discover the filling systems that may best suit your preferences.
Result 01 — Cartridge
The ease of writing without fuss.
You want a simple, practical experience.
Cartridges let you refill your fountain pen in moments, with no need to carry a bottle of ink.
Your trait
Practicality
A selection for you · Filling system: Cartridge
We’ve selected fountain pens with filling systems that may suit the way you write.
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Filling system: Cartridge · 01[Brand · Model][Price]
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Filling system: Cartridge · 02[Brand · Model][Price]
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Filling system: Cartridge · 03[Brand · Model][Price]
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Filling system: Cartridge · 04[Brand · Model][Price]
Your result is meant as a guide. Other mechanisms, such as plunger fillers, can be especially well suited to anyone who wants to write longer between refills.
05 — Iguana Personal Advisor
Your formula is personal.
So is our advice.
The Writing Lab tests are the starting point for discovering your preferences. But choosing a fountain pen also means finding the one that suits your hand, your writing and the way you like to use it.
Thinking of buying a fountain pen?
Our team of specialists can help you choose, with your needs, preferences and budget in mind.
ONLINE · BY APPOINTMENT
Speak to a specialist
Book an appointment with our team for personalised advice.
Book an appointment06 — The Writing Lab · Special experience
Your handwriting says a lot about you.
Because everyone’s handwriting is as unique as they are.
At The Writing Lab we explore writing instruments, but there’s something that makes them truly personal: the way you write.
Graphology invites us to look at the strokes, slant and size of our letters and explore what they might suggest about our personality.
Graphology offers interpretations for guidance only, not scientifically validated personality assessments.
07 — Analysis
The tests
Six ways to explore your writing. Find out which features suit you best through short interactive experiences.
Take the test
Test 02Wed 28
Material Test
Touch writes too.
Find the material that feels like you.
Test 03Thu 29
Design Test
Your style writes too.
Find the design that says who you are.
Test 04Fri 30
Filling Test
Every pen has its ritual.
Find your filling system.
Test 05Sat 31
Ink Test
Bring colour to your words.
Find the ink that’s unmistakably you.
Test 06Sun 1
Balance Test
Weight changes the feel.
Discover your ideal pen weight.