pens and ink

Yes, the Jinhao x159 takes both cartridges and a converter.

Key Details:

• Included Converter: It usually comes shipped with a removable twist/piston-style converter for using bottled fountain pen ink.
• Cartridge Type: If you prefer disposable ink cartridges, it accepts standard international ink cartridges (both short and long).
• Bore Size Note: Jinhao feeds generally use a 2.6mm bore size. While Standard International cartridges (2.4mm) fit, Jinhao/Chinese 2.6mm cartridges offer the most exact fit.

The Pilot Kakuno accepts both cartridges and converters, but it requires Pilot's proprietary standard—it will not fit standard international cartridges or converters like the Jinhao.

What It Ships With

 * Included: One single Pilot black ink cartridge.

 * Not Included: It does not ship with a converter; if you want to use bottled ink, you must purchase a Pilot converter separately.

Compatible Converters

Unlike some slimmer Pilot pens (like the Metropolitan), the Kakuno's wider body barrel fits all of Pilot's main converters:

 * CON-40: Pilot's standard twist-action piston converter.

 * CON-70: Pilot's high-capacity push-button vacuum converter. This is a fan favorite for the Kakuno because it holds nearly double the ink of the CON-40.

 * CON-B: A simple squeeze-style converter.

(Tip: Many users simply reuse the included cartridge by refilling it with a blunt syringe once empty, as Pilot cartridges hold significantly more ink than the CON-40 converter).

For a Pilot Kakuno, you want a well-behaved, easy-to-clean ink that provides great value. Since Japanese nibs (like the Kakuno's) run a bit finer than Western nibs, smooth-flowing dye-based inks perform best without clogging the narrow feed.

Top Everyday Budget Inks

Pilot Namiki Ink is engineered directly for Pilot feeds, offering a smooth, reliable flow and mild water resistance in a generous 60ml bottle.

Waterman Fountain Ink is widely considered the ultimate "safe" diagnostic ink because it is exceptionally easy to clean and dries fast on standard copy paper.

Top Budget Ink for Fun Colors

Diamine Fountain Pen Ink lets you test over 100 colors in affordable 30ml bottles, featuring quick drying times and a smooth, water-based formula. (Note: The narrow neck on the 30ml bottle means it is best filled by using a converter directly or filling with a syringe).

Recommendation Summary

 * For maximum value & performance: Go with Pilot Namiki Blue or Black. Being made by the same company, it pairs perfectly with the Kakuno's internal feed.

 * For versatility on everyday copy paper: Choose Waterman Serenity Blue. It works well across almost all paper types without excessive feathering.

 * For custom color choice: Go with Diamine 30ml bottles. They are inexpensive enough to collect multiple shades without a big financial commitment.

If you'd like, I can suggest syringe-refilling tools or compatible Pilot converters for your Kakuno to help you choose the best way to load bottled ink. Would you like me to look into those?

Using a syringe with a blunt-tip needle is the single best tool for fountain pen enthusiasts, especially when refilling Pilot Kakuno or Jinhao cartridges. It lets you draw ink directly from narrow bottle openings, eliminates ink mess on pen grips, and allows you to fill empty cartridges past their typical converter capacity.

Syringe Options for Fountain Pens

The Fountain Pen Ink Syringe (Blunt) is a standalone 3ml syringe featuring a dull, non-sharp tip designed to extract every drop of ink safely from narrow sample vials and standard bottles.

The Point Ink Refill Injector Kit includes two reusable ink injectors and spare international cartridges, making it an easy all-in-one setup for refilling and cleaning.

Why Use a Syringe Over a Converter?

 * Higher Ink Capacity: A standard Pilot cartridge holds roughly 0.9 ml of ink when syringe-filled, compared to only 0.4 ml inside a Pilot CON-40 converter.

 * Easy Pen Maintenance: Syringes make flushing out leftover ink and water from empty cartridges and feeds quick and effortless.

 * Zero Waste: The long blunt needle easily reaches the bottom of narrow 30ml bottles (like Diamine) where pen nibs cannot submerge.

Would you like a quick step-by-step guide on how to flush and refill empty cartridges safely without leaking?