Is an Eyedropper Fountain Pen Worth it? Reviews on Top 5
eyedropper fountain pen

Pen aficionados and fountain pen users worldwide obsess over eyedropper fountain pens mainly for their mess-free ink writing experience. The conversion can be difficult to master for beginners –  but not impossible.

In this guide, we break down the advantages and disadvantages of using an eyedropper fountain pen, suggest ways to fill it up, show how to prevent leakage, and review the top five eyedropper fountain pens.

What is an Eyedropper Fountain Pen?

An eyedropper fountain pen is a traditional fountain pen but instead of an ink filling mechanism built in, it is inked up like a pipette through the nib. There are two types of eyedropper fountain pens: the Japanese kind and the cartridge-converter kind. 

Here’s a detailed description of each:

Japanese Eyedropper Pens

Found mostly in higher-end fountain pens, a Japanese-style eyedropper pen is crafted with a valve inside the barrel for ink storage. It is best known for its o-ring mechanism that works like a piston when the pen is closed so there are no leaks.

When writing with a Japanese-style eyedropper fountain pen, the valve needs to be opened for a consistent ink flow to the nib. It should not leak or even ‘burp’ ink. Such eyedropper pens are a favorite among fountain pen aficionados that like to enjoy the real deal instead of ‘hacking’ into an original fountain pen.

Cartridge-Converter Eyedropper Pens

A modern take on eyedropper pens, the cartridge-converter style is cooler and more efficient. Unlike Japanese-style eyedropper fountain pens, the cartridge-converter eyedropper pen does not come with a valve. Instead, it is sealed so that the barrel of the fountain pen is used as an ink reservoir.

Cartridge-converter eyedropper fountain pens usually have a transparent body so one can see the ink sloshing around. They also tend to have a variety of ‘colored’ barrels with multiple tones of ink. These pens are more beginner-friendly and cost-efficient so that everyone can enjoy them regardless of expertise.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Eyedropper Fountain Pens

Before you decide on an eyedropper fountain pen, let’s discuss the pros and cons of writing with one. As easy as it is to use, there are a few drawbacks that need to be kept in mind. Fortunately, they aren’t dealbreakers. 

Advantages

One of the main benefits of having or converting a fountain pen into an eyedropper pen is that it is simple to use. Yes, the conversion may be a feat for experts but once you get the hang of it, it’s as easy as using a traditional fountain pen.

Most eyedropper fountain pens can hold up to five milliliters of ink and the body lasts a lifetime, which is why they are worth the effort, time, and money. In the grand scheme of things, eyedropper fountain pens are quite cost-effective. 

Regardless of whether you’re a student writing notes all day or a professional signing business deals, the eyedropper fountain pen is a great instrument.

Disadvantages

The only drawback of an eyedropper fountain pen is that it can be high-maintenance. If it’s not properly maintained, it could leak. Since the ink reservoir holds a large capacity in nothing but the barrel, the leakage can produce large ‘burps’ of ink.

In addition, the cleaning procedure is quite involved, especially when changing the colors of ink, which can be rather time-consuming. But the end result is rewarding because it can last up to two weeks, or more, depending upon how much you write.

Steps to Fill an Eyedropper Fountain Pen When Converting

Before converting your fountain pen to an eyedropper, it is crucial to clean it from top to bottom. 

First, flush out the ink if it has a converter built in, and then fill it with water to flush it again and clean out any residual ink. Use clean tepid water with a mild detergent since hard water and soap crystals can block the nib reservoir and stop ink flow.

When it’s dry, it is ready to be converted to an eyedropper. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Ink syringe or pipette
  • Silicon grease or o-rings
  • Paper towel

Once you’ve gathered the ingredients, the next steps are easy: 

  • Dismantle the fountain pen by removing the nib section and grip from the body or barrel.
  • Make sure the ink filling mechanism (cartridge or converter) is removed.
  • On your finger, take a tiny bit of silicone grease. You can also use a Q-tip, just make sure it isn’t soaking in the grease.
  • Spread the silicone grease around the split halves of the section and body, also known as the threads.
  • Select your ink and fill the barrel up, making sure it reaches the threads but does not overflow.
  • Reattach the fountain pen grip section to the barrel or the body.
  • Allow the pen to rest until the ink flows to the feed consistently. If you need to use it right away, simply tap it down gently on a table so the ink works through the feed easily. 

How to Prevent a Burping Eyedropper Fountain Pen

Burping refers to large ink blots that leak out of the grip section of the fountain pen. It is particularly prevalent in eyedropper fountain pens but fortunately, it can be avoided by following a few simple procedures. 

Here are the necessary steps to take to prevent a burping eyedropper fountain pen:

Use Silicon Grease and O-Rings

The best way to enjoy a converted eyedropper pen is to spread a bit of silicone grease around the threads or between the grip section and the body. This essentially seals in the ink and prevents it from traveling up to the threads and burping out. 

If your budget allows, you can get an o-ring to place around the threads to ensure there is no leakage. An o-ring is present in professionally manufactured eyedropper fountain pens which guarantee there’d be no leak.

Travel with a Fully-Inked Pen

Changing altitudes can be the arch nemesis of an ink pen – especially one with a large ink capacity like an eyedropper fountain pen. When traveling by air or road, make sure the barrel is filled up with ink.

Unlike traditional fountain pens, the ink should be filled to the brim of the barrel eliminating any air pockets that would otherwise expand with changing pressure and temperature. 

Store it ‘Write’ Side Up

This is one of the most important steps of using an eyedropper fountain pen. When resting for a break or capping it up for later use, make sure to store the fountain pen with the nib facing up. This way the ink won’t be able to burp out unless there is a sudden change in temperature or pressure.

Make sure it is always capped so the majority of the ink can be contained in case of a leak. It isn’t generally recommended to clip an eyedropper pen since accidental falls can break the nib and splat large amounts of ink everywhere. Instead, store it in a pen case when traveling.

Reviews of Top 5 Eyedropper Fountain Pens

1. Majohn C1 Pocket Size Eyedropper Fountain Pen with Fine Nib and Converter Filling

Built with high-quality materials, the Majohn C1 eyedropper fountain pen is the perfect travel partner. It is polished and well-presented, the acrylic resin does not look cheap and it doesn’t chip easily. It comes with a converter, perfect for beginners to get the hang of using it, and an eyedropper to level up and enjoy the transparent barrel easily. 

Features:

  • Converter ink filler
  • Iridium 0.6mm fine nib
  • Eyedropper included
  • Presented in a gift box
  • Acrylic resin barrel
  • O-ring inserted
  • Colorful celluloid grip section

Pros

  • Comes filled with complementary ink
  • Huge ink capacity, up to 5ml
  • The o-ring ensures no leakage

Cons

  • Does not come with a clip on cap

2. Majohn M2 Large Transparent Eyedropper Fountain Pen with Fine Nib

Packed in a sturdy, padded box, the large Majohn M2 eyedropper fountain pen is a neat writing instrument that holds up to 5ml in its transparent reservoir, writes smoothly with a fine pointed nib, and does not skip while writing. The resin body is smooth, lightweight, and doesn’t leak.

Features:

  • High-quality PMMA resin body
  • Gold plated nib
  • Fine point 0.5mm nib
  • Eyedropper included
  • Presented in a plastic box
  • Three-seal anti-burp design

Pros

  • Lightweight, does not cause strain on the wrist
  • Affordable, only $20
  • Stainless steel nib, does not corrode

Cons

  • The cap comes off even with a light push

3. Majohn S5 Eyedropper Fountain Pen with Fine Nib

Feature-fed, elegant, and constructed with high-quality materials, the Majohn S5 eyedropper fountain pen is a unit with great value for money. The sturdy barrel is transparent, seals in ink well, and the attached fine nib delivers great feedback.

It is filled with complementary ink when you first receive it and it comes with two extra nibs, of which one is a wide 0.9mm nib and the other is a bent nib which offers great variation in lines.

Features:

  • Fine nib attached
  • Wide and bent nib included
  • O-ring sealed
  • Crystal ring on the cap
  • Eyedropper included

Pros

  • Variety of nibs added: 0.6mm to 0.9mm
  • The crystal ring on the cap prevents rolling off the table
  • O-ring seal prevents ink burps

Cons

  • The grip section is better suited for small hands

4. Majohn Q1 Mini Eyedropper Fountain Pen with Medium Nib

With a size as small as a wallet, the Majohn Q1 eyedropper fountain pen comfortably fits in the curve of the thumb and glides on paper smoothly. The medium point nib is perfect for calligraphy and signatures.

Features:

  • Screw-on cap
  • Iridium medium point nib
  • Acrylic resin body
  • Eyedropper included
  • O-ring sealed

Pros

  • Pocket-size, travel-friendly pen
  • Lightweight but sturdy
  • Holds almost half a bottle of ink

Cons

  • The medium nib may not be beginner-friendly 

5. M2 Large Eyedropper Fountain Pen with Extra Fine Nib

With a classy champagne body, the M2 eyedropper fountain pen is an impressive addition to any pen connoisseur’s gear. It features a gold-plated extra fine nib that delivers great feedback and a three-seal design that keeps 3ml of ink from leaking onto paper.

Features:

  • Clear acrylic barrel
  • Gold plated nib
  • Extra fine point nib
  • Eyedropper included
  • Gift box added
  • Three-seal anti-leak design

Pros

  • Holds at least 3ml of ink
  • Fine point nib does not scratch paper
  • Ergonomic grip

Cons

  • No clip, rolls off the table easily

Frequently Asked Questions

How to tell if a fountain pen can be converted to an eyedropper?

Generally, any fountain pen can be converted to an eyedropper fountain pen. Just make sure the body or barrel is solid and that there are no holes through which ink could leak. Another factor to keep in mind is that the pen should not have metal fittings inside as they will corrode upon contact with ink.

How to clean an eyedropper fountain pen?

Cleaning an eyedropper pen is a more involved procedure than a traditional fountain pen but works generally the same way. Flush out the ink, rinse with clean tepid water and when it’s dry, refill with ink as usual. 

Is an eyedropper fountain pen worth it?

An eyedropper pen is definitely worth investing your time and money in if you’re particularly fond of creativity and trying something new with your fountain pen. Also, if you’re doing a lot of writing, such as writing minutes of all-day meetings, the large capacity of an eyedropper fountain pen can come in very handy.

Final Thoughts

Though they do come with a bit of hassle, eyedropper fountain pens can be a delight to have – especially considering the large capacity of ink they can hold. Prevent any burps of ink with the methods mentioned above and impress even the experts by handling the eyedropper fountain pen with confidence.

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