How do you use Glass dip pens?

Question

I just recently purchased a Glass dip pen to add to my collection, and i thought they were supposed to be smooth wrinting instruments, i find it to have a kind of scratchy effect, and the ink dries up really fast on the tip, mine has spirals on the tip for "larger ink capacity" but so far that claim doesnt seem to be holding up, can someone tell me how to use it if there is a special way, or do i just use it like a fountain pen? Thanks

Oh right and by the way, I am using India ink, does that have anything to do with it, i also have fountain pen ink (Royal blue).

I am no wusing my Montblanc ink, and i still cant write more than a sentence before it starts going dry, and scratchy is there some special way you have to use these murano glass pens to achieve half a page of writing?

Answer 1

Generally India ink is shellac-based and does dry fast, it also leaves a shellac deposit on the pen. Cheap ink is worse... be sure you get a good brand. Or try Calligraphy ink - it's not waterproof but flows more easily with some pens.

If you find the nib scratches the paper, you can smooth it off very gently with a nail file. We used to do this with metal nibs in college. And sometimes it's the paper that you're using that has a "fuzzy" surface - try a harder paper like Paris Paper for Pens or a good cotton vellum or parchment - tat makes a big difference.

Lastly, and this sounds gross but it works - lick the pen nib before loading it with ink - it makes the ink flow better... honest! Or just get a bit of spit on your finger and rub that on the nib.

I may be old, but sometimes the old tricks are the best.

Answer 2

Glass Dip Pen

Answer 3

It might have something to do with the type of ink that you use, and just use it like you would a fountain pen.
So really you answered your own question.

Answer 4

Honestly, I've never messed with the things. Glass is fragile and inflexible, so that means it'd break all too easily in my clumsy hands. I just use normal dip pens.