Pen Manual - Writing Instruments

Ballpoint Pen Guide

Operating the twist action

Modern Xezo ballpoint pens utilize a twist-action movement to retract or extend the writing tip.
You can twist the cap one way to extend the ballpoint cartridge for writing, and twist the cap in the opposite direction to retract the tip.

Changing the ballpoint refill

Note: You can purchase Xezo brand ballpoint refills here. Xezo ballpoint pens can also use any standard G2-size ballpoint cartridge refill.

1. Unscrew the cap from the barrel and set it aside.
2. Pull the old ink refill out of the barrel. Keep the spring and discard the old ink refill.
3. Place the narrow end of the spring onto the tip of a new ink refill.
4. Insert the new refill into the barrel, writing point first, making sure it rides freely in the spring.
5. Screw the cap and barrel back together.
6. Test the twist action, and your pen is ready to use again.

Fountain Pen Guide

Removing / posting the cap

Xezo pens come in two cap styles: screw-on/screw-off, and push-on/pull-off.

If your pen has threads near the grip, it has a “screw-on” cap. If your pen does not have threads, it is a “snap-on” cap. The cap style is also included in the pen's description.

• If your pen has a screw-on/screw-off cap 
  • To remove the cap: Hold the pen barrel firmly and gently unscrew the cap counterclockwise. To replace the cap, gently screw it back on. Never force a screw-on/screw-off cap, or you will destroy the internal threading!
  • Posting the cap: If your pen has threads on the end of the barrel, gently thread the cap onto the end to post it and unscrew it to un-post it.
• If your pen has a push-on/pull-off cap 
  • To remove the cap: Hold the pen barrel firmly and pull the cap off. To replace the cap, gently push it back onto the barrel and snap it into place.
  • Posting the cap: Gently push the cap onto the end of the barrel to post it and pull it off to un-post it.  

Ink flow note

The ink in a fountain pen will continue to flow if the writing point is left in direct contact with paper, fabric, or other porous materials when not in use. To prevent this, replace the cap on the barrel when you are finished writing.

Fountain pen nibs will mold and conform to the individual's writing style and should not be used by others.

 

Filling the fountain pen with ink

Some fountain pen users prefer the ritual of filling their pens with liquid ink while others enjoy the convenience of using ink cartridges. That's why all Xezo fountain pens use a convertible system for filling with either bottled ink (with the supplied ink converter) or any true standard international/European-style short ink cartridge.

Purchase Xezo brand fountain ink cartridges here. 

Fountain ink cartridges 

1. Remove the cap from the barrel and set it aside.
2. Unscrew the grip section from the barrel. If there is an empty ink cartridge, gently pull to remove it.
3. If you are changing ink colors or do not intend to replace the ink cartridge, flush the nib and section block with COOL, clean water. (see section "How to clean your fountain pen").
4. Insert the narrower end of the new cartridge into the back of the section block with enough pressure to create a snug fit. Ensure the converter is fully engaged. The pin inside the section block will puncture the seal of the cartridge, allowing ink to flow.
5. Screw the nib section block back onto the barrel, then start writing!

Note: It may take up to 5 minutes for ink to fully flow through to the nib. If the nib still isn't working after this time, gently squeeze the ink cartridge to encourage ink flow. If the seal on the cartridge will not puncture, you may need to use a new one.

Piston ink converter part and bottled ink:

1. Unscrew the cap from the barrel and set it aside.
2. Unscrew the grip section (with the nib) from the barrel.
3. If there is an empty ink cartridge or converter, gently pull to remove it.
   
4. Insert the open ring end of the converter into the back of the nib section block with enough pressure to push the converter all the way in and create a snug fit.
5. Twist the black knob end of the converter to send the piston down to the end inserted into the nib section block.
6. Fully submerge the metal nib into the bottled ink.
7. Twist the black knob on the converter to draw up ink into the chamber.
8. Remove the nib from the bottled ink and twist the black knob on the converter to force a couple drops of ink back into the bottle.
9. Twist the knob on the converter again in the opposite direction to draw a little air into the converter.
10. Screw the nib section block back onto the barrel, then start to write!

 

How to clean your fountain pen

When to clean:

• Required maintenance - clean at least twice per year
• Recommended - When changing ink colors, to prevent blending ink colors
  
• When storing the fountain pen for an extended period of time
  

Steps:

1. Remove the ink cartridge or converter.
2. Flush the nib and section block with COOL or lukewarm, clean water. DO NOT use hot water or solvents, as this will damage the pen's finish and/or mechanism.
3. Continue to flush the pen until the water runs clear.
4. Clean ink from the inside of the cap by wrapping a thin, dampened piece of cloth or tissue around a matchstick and gently rubbing it to remove the ink.
5. Dry the nib and section block with a microfiber cleaning cloth or paper towel.

A converter that is not being used for ink can also be used to flush the nib and section block. Simply draw cool water up through the nib and force the water out, repeating this several times.

FAQ

How should I store my fountain pen?

Store your fountain pen upright, with the nib pointing up, in a pocket, purse, or pen cup. This will help drain the ink into the barrel while preventing drying or clogging the nib.

If your fountain pen will not be used for an extended period of time, remove the ink cartridge (or converter) and nib section to prevent clogging and ink evaporation.

 

Can I change the nib size on my Xezo fountain pen? 

Yes, Xezo fountain pens are compatible with select Xezo brand nibs, which can be replaced with the same or different writing stroke. For example, a pen purchased with a "fine" nib may be fitted with a Xezo "medium" nib.

You should NEVER remove the metal nib or feed from the grip section, as they have been adjusted by a skilled craftsperson. Doing so would void the warranty on your pen.

 

How do I replace my fountain pen's nib or grip?

We sell replacement nibs and grips together as a single part, called the "nib".

Replacement nibs can be found under Writing Instruments > Fountain Pen Nibs. Please note that each replacement nib is designed to fit specific series pens ONLY. If you are unsure which nibs are compatible, let us know which pen model you have.

To replace the fountain pen nib (and grip), unscrew the old grip section from the barrel and then screw on the new grip section.

 

What if my fountain pen nib isn't flowing correctly or is clogged? 

If your fountain pen becomes clogged, soak the nib in cold or lukewarm water for up to 24 hours. Flush the nib (see section "How to clean your fountain pen").

Fountain pen nibs require periodic cleaning to ensure smooth flow of ink and prevent clogging. Inks with additives (lubricants, humectants, or micro-particles / shimmer) are NOT recommended for inexperienced fountain pen users. These additives leave residue that must be flushed from the nib / feeder frequently. 

If the flow of ink is still not exactly as desired, send the pen to an authorized Xezo dealer for adjustment or nib exchange.

Rollerball Pen Guide

Removing / posting the cap

Xezo pens come in two cap styles: screw-on/screw-off, and push-on/pull-off.

If your pen has threads near the grip, it has a “screw-on” cap. If your pen does not have threads, it is a “snap-on” cap. The cap style is also included in the pen's description.

• If your pen has a screw-on/screw-off cap 
  • To remove the cap: Hold the pen barrel firmly and gently unscrew the cap counterclockwise. To replace the cap, gently screw it back on. Never force a screw-on/screw-off cap, or you will destroy the internal threading!
  • Posting the cap: If your pen has threads on the end of the barrel, gently thread the cap onto the end to post it and unscrew it to un-post it.
• If your pen has a push-on/pull-off cap 
  • To remove the cap: Hold the pen barrel firmly and pull the cap off. To replace the cap, gently push it back onto the barrel and snap it into place.
  • Posting the cap: Gently push the cap onto the end of the barrel to post it and pull it off to un-post it.  

Ink flow note

The ink in a rollerball pen will continue to flow if the writing point is left in direct contact with paper, fabric, or other porous materials when not in use. To prevent this, replace the cap on the barrel when you are finished writing.

 

Changing the rollerball ink refill

Note: You can purchase Xezo brand rollerball refills here. Xezo rollerball pens are also compatible with most standard G2-size rollerball, also known as "Euro style", cartridge refills.

1. Remove the cap from the barrel and set it aside.
2. Unscrew the grip section from the barrel.
3. Pull the old ink refill out of the barrel. If the spring comes out of the barrel, insert it back into the end of the barrel.
4. Firmly push the new rollerball refill into the grip section, writing point first.
5. Screw the grip section and the barrel back together, then start writing!