Are Fountain Pen Cartridges Universal?

Are fountain pen cartridges universal? Unfortunately, the short answer is no; fountain pen ink cartridges are not universal. However, many fountain pens are compatible with what the pen industry refers to as International Standard Size ink cartridges.

Are Fountain Pen Cartridges Universal: What About Standard International Size?

The Standard International Size ink cartridge measures 1.5 inches (38mm) and has an ink capacity of approximately .8ml. The Standard International Size ink cartridge tapers toward the part of the cartridge you insert in the grip section or nib unit.

Who Makes the Standard International Size Ink Cartridge?

Not all Standard International Size ink cartridges are the same. When ink cartridge shopping, you’ll discover many different brands that make cartridges that qualify as Standard International Size (i.e., Monteverde, Pelikan, Visconti, Diamine, J. Herbin, Caran d’Ache, Twsbi, etc.) You’ll find widely varied packaging, different quantities (packages of 6 ink cartridges, 8 ink cartridges, 18 ink cartridges, etc.), and depending on which brand of ink you purchase, you’ll have different ink color options.

Are Fountain Pen Cartridges Universal? No, Some Are Proprietary:

Many luxury pen manufacturers design their fountain pens to take the standard international size ink cartridges, but some do not. Some popular fountain pen brands require a “proprietary ink cartridge,” which means the pen requires an ink cartridge made by the same brand. For example, Sailor fountain pens are only compatible with Sailor ink cartridges, and Lamy fountain pens are only compatible with Lamy ink cartridges. Other popular pen brands that require proprietary ink cartridges include Platinum, Cross, Pilot, Namiki, Parker, etc.

Benefits of Standard International Size Ink Cartridges: More Ink Color Variety

One benefit of using fountain pens compatible with Standard International ink cartridges is more ink color variety. When using proprietary ink cartridges, they’ll be limited to that brand’s ink colors. Standard International Size ink cartridges are available from various brands, so the number of ink colors available is much greater.

Benefits of Using Standard International Size Ink Cartridges: A Versatile Ink Library

It’s easier to build a versatile ink library for your pens when they all take the same size ink cartridge. For example, suppose you have five favorite pens, but they all take different proprietary ink cartridges. In that case, you may need to purchase your basic ink colors multiple times in different brand cartridges to suit your different pens. When you’re writing with Standard International Size ink cartridges, you avoid this hassle.

Benefits of Standard International Size Ink Cartridges: No Need for Difficult Storage Solutions

Another benefit is that you don’t have to worry about storing your different size ink cartridges separately. If you have different pens using proprietary ink cartridges, you may feel the need to organize them by brand and create a “spot” for each different brand’s ink cartridges. The intense organization of proprietary ink cartridges is another difficulty that using Standard International Size ink cartridges allows you to skip entirely.

So, why do people use anything other than Standard International Size ink cartridges? If you’re asking this question, you’ve never had an intense attachment to a pen that requires a proprietary ink cartridge. But don’t worry – you will. It eventually happens to every pen fan.