Japanese stationery brand Kakimori is founded on the belief that the tools we use every day should reflect the way we think, work, and create—a philosophy that feels right at home at Boston General Store.
Below, you'll find instructions for using, cleaning, and maintaining your Kakimori writing tools and accessories. With thoughtful, consistent care, each piece will age, develop character, and remain a reliable companion to your writing practice for years to come.
Contents
Cleaning Your Ink Converter
Kakimori's Aluminum Rollerball, Frost Rollerball, and fountain pens include a refillable standard-sized ink converter, allowing for use with bottles of ink.
To ensure optimal writing performance and upkeep, we recommend flushing your ink converter with water when switching ink colors, or in between long periods of time without use. Follow the steps below to clean your Kakimori converter.
1. Unscrew the pen barrel from the grip section. Remove the converter from the pen body with a gentle pull.
2. Flush the converter by repeatedly twisting the counterclockwise and clockwise, drawing water in and out.
3. Remove from water and place a tissue over the opening. Shake vigorously to remove any ink residue or excess water. Pat dry.
Filling Your Ink Converter
Once your converter is empty and clean, it's time to fill it with ink! We recommend Kakimori's Pigment Ink, a richly satured water-based ink available in an expressive range of colors. Offered in 35 mL bottles or convenient sampler sets, it's water- and fade-resistant, making it a trusted choice for everyday writing and projects you want to last.
Learn how to fill the converter of your rollerball or fountain pen below.
1. Twist the knob counterclockwise to fully lower the internal piston.
2. Submerge tip of the converter in the ink, and twist the knob clockwise to draw ink into the converter.
3. Wipe off excess ink, and insert firmly into the pen's grip section. Screw the pen barrel back onto the grip section, and allow a few minutes for the ink flow to reach the pen's nib. Then, get to writing!
Cleaning Your Rollerball, Ballpoint, and Fountain Pen Nib
With everyday use, a pen's nib can build up dried ink, causing stubborn clogs or stains. You can clean your rollerball, ballpoint, and fountain pen nibs using plain tap water, or with Kakimori's Ink Cleaning Solution for a more thorough flush.
1. Remove the pen nib from the grip section by rotating the grip section clockwise. Thoroughly prewash the nib under running water to remove any residual ink.
2. Place the nib directly into the bottle of cleaning solution, pointing downwards. If the nib floats, close the cap and gently shake the bottle up and down until the nib is fully submerged. Leave to soak for 9 hours.
If using water, place the nib into a non-drinking glass or cup. If the nib floats, carefully swirl the cup until the nib is fully submerged. Leave to soak for 9 hours.
3. Remove the pen nib and rinse thoroughly under running water.
The cleaning solution may leave a white powdery residue if allowed to dry. Wash hands thoroughly after rinsing.
Using Your Dip Pen
When paired with a nib holder, Kakimori's nibs offer a tactile, intentional writing experience, each designed for a different style of writing and mark-making: the brass nib excels at drawing and calligraphy, the stainless steel is ideal for everyday writing and journaling, and the pen nib features an extra-fine iridium point for note-taking, precise lines, and detail work.
Select your pen holder and pen nib, and experience the timeless art of dip-pen writing.
1. Gently twist the nib as you insert it into the pen holder until it is fully seated
If your pen holder features a metal notch, insert the nib into the notch to make installation and removal smoother.
2. Once the nib is inserted in the nib holder, dip the nib into your bottled ink for 3-5 seconds. Be careful to not touch the bottom of the bottle, scratching the nib or bottle. Remove excess ink by gently holding the nib against the mouth of the bottle.
3. Write!
For Pen Nib: Tilt the pen about 45 degrees towards you and write gently without applying pressure. One dip in ink should allow you to write two or three lines. This will vary depending on the ink's properties and the paper's characteristics.
For Metal Nibs: Hold the pen at a 45-degree angle towards you when writing. Tilting it at a less than 45-degree angle will allow you to adjust the line thickness.
You can even create a shaded effect by tilting it further.
Initially, the ink may not flow easily due to the oil on the surface. Washing it with water or re-inking it will gradually improve writing performance. When the ink level is low, rotate the nib to allow more ink to flow from the groove. A single dip in ink is enough to write about one postcard.
Caring For Your Dip Pen
After each use, your dip pen should be taken apart and rinsed to prevent ink from drying and clogging the nib.
1. Dip the tip of the pen in water (avoiding the wooden nib holder from soaking) to rinse remaining ink. Wipe dry with a tissue.
2. If the ink in the grooves is difficult to remove, use a repurposed soft toothbrush. If using detergent, use a neutral detergent, as alkaline detergents may damage the surface of the nib.
3. Hold the pen nib and slowly pull it out from the nib holder. If there is water in the opening of the pen barrel, hold the opening downwards and wipe it thoroughly with a tissue.
4. Make sure to wipe away excess moisture to prevent rusting (Be especially careful with brass). Keep the nib separate from the holder and store in a cool, dry place.
Tools Made to Be Used
From their workshop in Japan to your hands, Kakimori products are thoughtfully crafted to support the personal connection between you and your everyday tools. Now that they’re yours, these care and use instructions will help you get the most from them—the only thing left to do is put pen to paper.
To learn more about the history of Kakimori, their products, and our favorite ways to use them, we invite you to read our Kakimori Brand Guide. Then, shop our full Kakimori collection!
