• NEVER (!) put India Ink in a technical fountain pen,
  
  
• ALWAYS store the pen with the point up when not in use.
  

The most common failure I’ve encountered with technical pens is someone filling them with the wrong ink – usually India ink. This is an instant disaster for the user and the pen, but a relatively common mistake. Essentially, all inks characterized as India or “calligraphy” are not suited for these pens. That said, even Rapidograph marks some of its technical pen ink as India. Their 3080-series inks are designed for these pens, but also say “India” on the label. If you have any doubt, ask questions. The alternative is a thoroughly clogged pen that’s almost impossible to clean. Putting India in a .35 or smaller pen usually means buying a new one.

Always store the pens with the point up when not in use. This seems a common sense thing to do, but worth emphasis. The best solution is a pen stand similar in design to the one Kohinoor had out a few years ago, but anything similar will serve the purpose – even a coffee cup. The idea is to ensure the ink doesn ’t dry out in the Feed and Point module.

Cleaning
The makers of these pens offer cleaning fluids that are effective in more routine cleaning, but if the pen is totally clogged nothing that I’ve found will clear it except, occasionally, extended soaking. When pens below .35 get clogged they are usually a write-off. I’ve had a success clearing them now and then, but more routinely had to revert to buying another pen.

I use the cleaning fluid in the recommended mixture in a bottle or purpose container. In the past, I know Kohinoor made a cleaning set that was effective because it had a built in basket for the smaller, more delicate parts. For cleaning it is best to try a clean-up without total disassembly of the Feed and Point module. I try that first, using agitation in the container to help clear any clogging or thickened ink. If no success in this approach, I resort to disassembly of the module. The feed pin is very delicate. If you do dismantle, exercise extreme caution with this part. One misstep, it’s bent, usually rendering it unusable. The smaller points (below .35) are vulnerable to this since the Feed Pin is only a very thin wire-like piece. Try the agitation method first and be patient. Soaking for 24-hours with occasional agitation will usually be successful assuming the pen has not be left to dryout with ink in the point.

I have also used warm water and dish soap to soak the Feed and Point Module with some success, usually with some means for agitation. This is an alternative to the cleaning fluid available from the manufacturers.