How to Fill a Pilot Vanishing Point

The Pilot Vanishing Point and Décimo retractable fountain pens are innovative and stylish, but filling them for the first time can seem a bit intimidating. Whether you prefer using bottled ink or ink cartridges, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step to get your pen ready for writing.

Filling with Bottled Ink Using a Converter

Using bottled ink with a converter allows you to explore a wide variety of ink colors. Follow these steps to fill your pen:

Step 1: Unscrew the back half of the pen from the front half and set it aside.

1. Disassemble the Pen: Unscrew the back half of the pen from the front half and set it aside. Then, pull the nib unit out of the front half of the pen and set the front half aside.

Step 2: Pull the nib unit out of the pen’s front half and set the front half aside

2. Prepare the Converter: Hold the nib unit securely and turn the converter knob counterclockwise until it stops. This moves the piston to its starting position.

Step 3: Hold the nib unit securely and turn the converter knob counterclockwise until it gives you resistance.

3. Submerge the Nib in Ink: Place the nib into the ink bottle or sample, ensuring the entire nib, including the filler hole, is fully immersed.

Step 4: insert the nib of the nib unit in your ink bottle or sample, submerging the entire nib in the ink so that the filler hole is completely immersed in the ink.

4. Draw Ink into the Converter: Turn the filler knob clockwise until you feel resistance. This action moves the piston upward and pulls ink into the pen.

5. Repeat for a Full Fill: Turn the filler knob back and forth several times while keeping the nib submerged. This ensures you’re drawing as much ink as possible into the converter.

6. Clean the Nib: Use a paper towel or similar material to gently wipe away any excess ink from the nib.

Reassemble the Pen: Insert the nib unit back into the front half of the pen, aligning the notch on the nib unit with the channel in the pen. Screw the back half of the pen onto the front half.

7. Reassemble the Pen: Insert the nib unit back into the front half of the pen, aligning the notch on the nib unit with the channel in the pen. Screw the back half of the pen onto the front half.

Alternative Tip: If you prefer using bottled ink but don’t have a converter, you can use an ink syringe to fill an empty cartridge with bottled ink. This method also allows for a slightly larger ink capacity.

Filling with an Ink Cartridge

Ink cartridges offer a quick and easy way to fill your pen. Here's how to do it:

1. Disassemble the Pen: Unscrew the back half of the pen and set it aside. Remove the nib unit and set the front half aside as well. If a converter is installed, hold the nib unit securely, grab the converter, and pull it out with a twisting motion if necessary. Don’t worry—this won’t damage the pen.

2. Prepare the Cartridge: Take a Pilot/Namiki disposable ink cartridge (one should come with the pen).

3. Insert the Cartridge: Push the wide end of the cartridge firmly into the nib unit until the seal is punctured. You should feel a slight pop when the seal breaks.

4. Install the Cartridge Cap: Press the included cartridge cap over the cartridge until it clicks into place. This protects the cartridge when using the pen’s retractable mechanism.

5. Reassemble the Pen: Insert the nib unit into the front half of the pen, aligning the notch with the channel. Screw the front and back halves of the pen together.

6. Let the Ink Flow: It might take a minute or two for the ink to flow to the nib if the pen is completely dry. Be patient, and soon your pen will be ready to write.

Filling your Pilot Vanishing Point or Décimo fountain pen doesn’t have to be daunting. Once you’ve done it a couple of times, it’ll feel effortless. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us!

Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain Pens