Waterman Carène: Inky Fingers

[ArjanD78]

In 2003 I got a Carène as a gift. Haven't used it for a while, but this week I cleaned it out and inked it up.

After some extensive wiring I remembered why I haven't used it for a while: my thumb was full of ink.

 

When I writes, my thumb and index finger touch the nib slightly (just the embedded arches of it).

 

Do any of you recognize this problem?

[TSherbs]

Many other users have had the same experience with this pen. You must hold the pen a bit further from the nib, or this will likely continue to happen.

[ArjanD78]

Thanks for replying.

I thought so, but because there's not really a transition from the grip to the nib, my fingers slide forward automatically.

 

But since more users have had the same problem, it's not me.

[langere]

Yep, it has happened to me too. One of the drawbacks of an otherwise marvelous and modernistic-looking pen.

 

Erick

[MSP]

Just received my Waterman Carene Contemporary. Love the futuristic look of the gunmetal finish. The Fine point nib writes beautifully. Alas I am nonetheless disappointed as I am left with blue stained fingers. I noted the position of the nob and gripped it higher as suggested above but it seems to transfer ink from further on up. I will try a few different approaches but confess to being concerned.

 

Could the Carene be more sensitive to being horizontal vs vertical?

[Left FPN]

Just received my Waterman Carene Contemporary. Love the futuristic look of the gunmetal finish. The Fine point nib writes beautifully. Alas I am nonetheless disappointed as I am left with blue stained fingers. I noted the position of the nob and gripped it higher as suggested above but it seems to transfer ink from further on up. I will try a few different approaches but confess to being concerned.

 

Could the Carene be more sensitive to being horizontal vs vertical?

This is, as stated above and elsewhere, a common problem with the Carene because of its inlaid (exposed) nib.

 

The nibs are assembled manually so the technicians are ultra careful with how much and where they apply the bonding agent (unknown). Too much and it could hit the feed area, too little and it may not seal the joint fully. So it's luck of the draw what you get.

 

To cure the problem,

 

1. Flush the section until void of ink. Allow to dry in a warm place for 24+ hours. Drizzle a minute amount of shellac around each ear of the nib. Wipe away excess and allow to dry.

 

2. Learn to hold the pen higher up preferably around the section to barrel joint.

 

My Carenes lay both horizontal and vertical without issues.

 

As with all snap/clip cap pens always remove the cap slowly.