Ink and converter options for the Pilot Kakuno

 

To fill a Pilot Kakuno with bottled ink, you will need a compatible Pilot converter (or you can reuse empty Pilot cartridges with an ink syringe).

Converter Options for the Kakuno

The Kakuno features a wide barrel, which gives it a huge advantage over narrower pens because it can fit all of Pilot's standard converters.

A vacuum-style push-button converter that holds 1.1ml of ink—more than double the capacity of a standard twist converter.

A traditional twist-piston converter holding roughly 0.4ml of ink, featuring tiny metal agitator balls inside to ensure smooth ink flow.

• Top Choice: Go with the CON-70. It turns the Kakuno into a long-lasting workhorse pen because of its massive capacity, and filling it simply requires pressing the top button a few times.

• Budget Alternative: You can refill an empty Pilot ink cartridge using a blunt-tip syringe. A standard Pilot cartridge holds about 0.9ml of ink for free.

Top Bottled Ink Recommendations

When pairing ink with a Japanese Fine nib (like the Kakuno F), you'll want well-lubricated "wet" inks so the pen glides smoothly across paper.

Premium Japanese fountain pen ink celebrated for exceptionally smooth flow, quick drying times, and vivid colors like Take-sumi (Black) or Kon-peki (Deep Blue).

• Best Everyday Workhorse Ink: Pilot Blue-Black or Pilot Black (standard 50ml or 350ml soda-style bottles) are affordable, highly well-behaved on everyday copy paper, and water-resistant.

• Best Premium Ink: Pilot Iroshizuku. Formulated specifically to complement Pilot steel nibs, it feels silky smooth to write with and cleans out easily.

• Best Value Color Variety: Diamine Bottled Ink (30ml glass/plastic bottles). They offer dozens of vibrant shade choices at around $3 to $8 per bottle.

If you'd like, I can pull together specific bottle prices or walk you through the simple process of filling a CON-70 converter for the first time. Would you like to do that?