Yesterday I purchased a black Phileas with gold trim. It was hard to start unless I applied a bit of pressure. Once it got started it was a really smooth writer, but I couldn't stand it not starting immediately.

I read up on baby bottoms, etc. and when I got home I gave the nib a few quick swirls on my nail file (the very, very fine side) and voila! Instant starter. I need to do this to my blue Phileas as well. It may not have been the Baystate Blue in my blue pen that was causing the skipping after all.

I've heard of people using special mesh pads on nibs, but didn't realize that the fine side of a nail file could be used. Was it a metal file or one of the emery board files?

...or one of those soft nail files with 3 different smoothing surfaces? I've seen those in dollar stores and they are a dead ringer for the "nib smoothing boards" offered on some sites

It's one of those files with four sides. It's kind of cushiony. Actually I guess you would call it a buffing block.

I guess the fix was temporary. It's acting up again. I'm going to give the nib a good flushing and see if that helps. Maybe there is stuff between the tines.

What I usually do, well did with my Phileas', is soak them in cool water with a hint of dish soap over night. Just the nib section and converter. Then do some calligraphy practice lines on a brown paper bag. Well, that's what works for me.

Thanks. I'll give them the brown paper bag treatment.

My Phileases (Phileae?) can get cranky unless I use them fairly often. If they are left unused long enough for there to be a starting problem, they appreciate a good cleaning and a refill with fresh ink.

Richard

I've noticed that too. If I don't use mine more than once a week it gets a bit cranky. I usually hold it over the ink bottle and give the converter a half-twist or so, until the ink bubbles out just a little bit. A quick wipedown with a facial tissue, and it's happy as a clam.

I think I may have them right where I want them. I adjusted the tines ever so slightly and they seem to start up much better now.