Do I Need A Special Ink For A Parker 51?

[inkyelbows]

Hi all,

 

My husband recently gave me an old pen that was in his mom's things (she passed away several years ago), and I found out that it's a Parker 51 (see the photo I took of the inside writing below). I inked it up with some Irishizuku Kon-Peki and it writes beautifully! But some posts online say that the pen should only be used with certain kinds of ink. Does anyone have any advice? I don't mind if the ink sac is stained, but I don't want to wreck it.

 

Thanks in advance for any tips!

 

Debbie

 

[pajaro]

No. Any good ink, safe for fountain pens would be safe . I have used a number of inks in my first 51. I liked Sheaffer ink for years. It was widely available in the 70s and 80s. Any ink you would use in your other fountain pens. I try to avoid highly saturated ink, but I don't always know which are highly saturated.

Edited September 15, 2019 by pajaro

[inkyelbows]

Thanks so much, Pajaro!

 

Debbie

 

No. Any good ink, safe for fountain pens would be safe . I have used a number of inks in my first 51. I liked Sheaffer ink for years. It was widely available in the 70s and 80s. Any ink you would use in your other fountain pens. I try to avoid highly saturated ink, but I don't always know which are highly saturated.

[IThinkIHaveAProblem]

My “51”s have been great with almost all of my inks! But i agree with pajaro; highly saturated inks can be a pain to clean out of a “51”. To me, i don’t mind it, i find cleaning pens to be relaxing, so i think it’s worth the trouble most of the time

 

Btw. From the picture it looks like you’ve been given a teal “51” Demi. Enjoy, they are great pens!

[inkyelbows]

Thanks! (also, I love your username, heh)

 

Are the Iroshizuku inks highly saturated? I'm not exactly sure how to tell what "highly saturated" means.

 

Thanks again,

 

Debbie

 

My “51”s have been great with almost all of my inks! But i agree with pajaro; highly saturated inks can be a pain to clean out of a “51”. To me, i don’t mind it, i find cleaning pens to be relaxing, so i think it’s worth the trouble most of the time

Btw. From the picture it looks like you’ve been given a teal “51” Demi. Enjoy, they are great pens!

[IThinkIHaveAProblem]

Thanks! (also, I love your username, heh)

 

Are the Iroshizuku inks highly saturated? I'm not exactly sure how to tell what "highly saturated" means.

 

Thanks again,

 

Debbie

 

Re my username, thanks. it’s funny because it’s true..

 

Re iro inks: i can’t answer that as i have no experience with them, sorry.

 

Hopefully someone with some experience can answer for you.

 

I’ve always taken highly saturated to mean that if you cut the ink with water (say 1:1) it would still look like the same ink, and not appear watered down. Example: pretty much any Noodler’s ink where Nathan Tardif seems to have jammed as much dye into the ink as can possibly be put into solution

[pajaro]

I don't think those Pilot ironoshizuku or whatever are called are bad for pens. I have used the teal colored ink of that type in my 51 with it seemed safe.

Edited September 15, 2019 by pajaro

[Olya]

Iro inks aren't highly saturated, you can use those.

 

Some people warn against use of highly saturated inks and inks with a lot of red dye (as these are said to destroy the sac).

 

I also wouldn't put in any pigment inks in a 51, or iron gall.

Or inks that need to be vigorously cleaned out (eg Noodler's Baystate), as 51s take a while to clean of old ink.

[inkyelbows]

Thanks so much for all this advice!

 

Debbie

[silverlifter]

As well as avoiding saturated inks, and it may be stating the obvious, but with the design of the 51 collector, shimmer inks are anathema.

 

Personally, I'm happy using KWZ iron galls in my 51s, I just am careful to not let them dry out.

[OCArt]

Your question is interesting because there *was* a special ink made for the Parker 51 called Superchrome. It was designed to dry faster but it was also very alkaline and didn't last long on the market. If you happen to find a bottle don't use it in any pen including the P51.

[inkyelbows]

Yes, agreed! I avoid putting shimmer inks in any of my special pens.

 

Debbie

 

As well as avoiding saturated inks, and it may be stating the obvious, but with the design of the 51 collector, shimmer inks are anathema.

 

Personally, I'm happy using KWZ iron galls in my 51s, I just am careful to not let them dry out.

[inkyelbows]

Ooooh, thanks for posting that Superchrome graphic! Fascinating.

 

Debbie

 

Your question is interesting because there *was* a special ink made for the Parker 51 called Superchrome. It was designed to dry faster but it was also very alkaline and didn't last long on the market. If you happen to find a bottle don't use it in any pen including the P51.

[Brianm_14]

What a lovely pen, a true classic!

 

Highly-saturated inks contain an above-average concentration of the aniline dyes used in fountain pen inks. Such inks can be more prone to causing blockages in the tiny feed channels in the pen, especially if the pen is not periodically flushed with clean cool water between refilling with ink. Some brands, such a Noodler's, are typically highly-saturated across-the-board, but this is also more common with certain colors of most brands, such as red and orange inks.

 

Most of the time, if there is a problem, it is quite temporary, and solved by a short soak in cool tap water to soften the point where the ink has thickened. This is generally only an issue if pens are not rinsed or are left uncapped for hours when not in use. The inks dries in the pen, and it happens much more readily with highly-saturated inks because there is less water and more dye.

 

Highly-saturated inks can be diluted which helps with the over-saturation issues. I typically suggest adding a out 5% to 10% distilled water by volume, to a separate portion of the ink stored in a bottle or jar which was cleaned and then boiled for 5 minutes or cleaned and disinfected with bleach. The distilled water should be brought to a boil and allowed to cool, as only freshly distilled water is sterile. Don't dilute your original bottle of ink, and take the chance of contaminating it. Dilution also dilutes the preservative biocides!

 

Inks which have earned a reputation for being very safe in fountain pens, including the beloved "51" include:

 

-Waterman (which has a lovely Serenity Blue, and a fine purple, as well as a nice brown, my favorite, among other colors; if you mix this Serenity Blue with the Waterman purple ink in equal parts, you get "burple" which is simply stunning),

- Sheaffer Skrip (which is still made today; Skrip Red is outstanding and is generally regarded as quite unusually safe for a red), and

-Parker inks, which are safe, but limited to three colors (black, blue-black, and blue)

 

As an artist, you may wish to look into the Waterman colors and the Sheaffer Skrip Red. They will please you. Fortunately, all of these inks are widely available, often locally, and always on Amazon. They are also among the least expensive inks! You could stay within these brands for a "51" and be very happy. They are ALL free of the high-saturation problems.

 

If you are looking for more colors, the Diamine line is also considered safe, ranking just below those I have listed above. Diamine inks are not generally highly-saturated. The Diamine reds and oranges, however, are more highly saturated and do require the extra care and careful rinsing. But if you are looking for lovely blues, greens, and similar colors, Diamine will impress you, as you may already know. I noted in a photo on your blog, that you indeed had some Diamine inks in 2017, but no Waterman or Sheaffer.

 

This is not to imply that you are using an unsafe ink! By no means. Kon-Peki is part of a highly respected line of inks, the highest quality from Pilot, and you have excellent taste. This is first -class ink, for an equally first-class pen! Personally, I have used this exact combination. This is another line you could stay with, just be sure to do water rinses and you will have no problems. These would be more saturated in the red and orange toned inks, but not to the level of a Noodler's. For those colors, I'd rinse your pen between every refill. I would not worry about that with a blue, although these are more saturated with dye than a Waterman or Sheaffer ink, these are also not Noodler's!

 

But to be honest, I flush my pens with water between every refill. If I am simply refilling with the same ink, I don't obsess about getting my rinse water to come back colorless, however.

 

With any ink, your lovely pen will benefit be being used regularly, and by being kept capped when not in use. If you are not going to use it for, say, three weeks to a month or longer, drain the ink (you can discard it or save it in a separate container, but do not return to the original bottle) and flush the pen by filling it with clean, cool tap water until the water comes out clear. Then expel all water, dry with a paper towel, and allow to air dry, trying to expel more water several times over a day's time. You pen is then ready to store. I think this is a good routine for a "51" to avoid issues. Use or store dry. Never let it dry with ink in it.

 

Rinses, a microfiber wipedown, and the spirit of your enjoyment in using it, will keep it writing for many years -indeed, decades- to come.

 

If you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask. Plenty of ink and "51" experts here!

Edited September 16, 2019 by Brianm_14

[inkyelbows]

Thank you for these excellent tips!

 

re: your habit of flushing your pens with water between every refill. Do you wait until the pens are dry before filling them with new ink?

 

Debbie

 

What a lovely pen, a true classic!

Highly-saturated inks contain an above-average concentration of the aniline dyes used in fountain pen inks. Such inks can be more prone to causing blockages in the tiny feed channels in the pen, especially if the pen is not periodically flushed with clean cool water between refilling with ink. Some brands, such a Noodler's, are typically highly-saturated across-the-board, but this is also more common with certain colors of most brands, such as red and orange inks.

Most of the time, if there is a problem, it is quite temporary, and solved by a short soak in cool tap water to soften the point where the ink has thickened. This is generally only an issue if pens are not rinsed or are left uncapped for hours when not in use. The inks dries in the pen, and it happens much more readily with highly-saturated inks because there is less water and more dye.

Highly-saturated inks can be diluted which helps with the over-saturation issues. I typically suggest adding a out 5% to 10% distilled water by volume, to a separate portion of the ink stored in a bottle or jar which was cleaned and then boiled for 5 minutes or cleaned and disinfected with bleach. The distilled water should be brought to a boil and allowed to cool, as only freshly distilled water is sterile. Don't dilute your original bottle of ink, and take the chance of contaminating it. Dilution also dilutes the preservative biocides!

Inks which have earned a reputation for being very safe in fountain pens, including the beloved "51" include:

-Waterman (which has a lovely Serenity Blue, and a fine purple, as well as a nice brown, my favorite, among other colors; if you mix this Serenity Blue with the Waterman purple ink in equal parts, you get "burple" which is simply stunning),
- Sheaffer Skrip (which is still made today; Skrip Red is outstanding and is generally regarded as quite unusually safe for a red), and
-Parker inks, which are safe, but limited to three colors (black, blue-black, and blue)

As an artist, you may wish to look into the Waterman colors and the Sheaffer Skrip Red. They will please you. Fortunately, all of these inks are widely available, often locally, and always on Amazon. They are also among the least expensive inks! You could stay within these brands for a "51" and be very happy. They are ALL free of the high-saturation problems.

If you are looking for more colors, the Diamine line is also considered safe, ranking just below those I have listed above. Diamine inks are not generally highly-saturated. The Diamine reds and oranges, however, are more highly saturated and do require the extra care and careful rinsing. But if you are looking for lovely blues, greens, and similar colors, Diamine will impress you, as you may already know. I noted in a photo on your blog, that you indeed had some Diamine inks in 2017, but no Waterman or Sheaffer.

This is not to imply that you are using an unsafe ink! By no means. Kon-Peki is part of a highly respected line of inks, the highest quality from Pilot, and you have excellent taste. This is first -class ink, for an equally first-class pen! Personally, I have used this exact combination. This is another line you could stay with, just be sure to do water rinses and you will have no problems. These would be more saturated in the red and orange toned inks, but not to the level of a Noodler's. For those colors, I'd rinse your pen between every refill. I would not worry about that with a blue, although these are more saturated with dye than a Waterman or Sheaffer ink, these are also not Noodler's!

But to be honest, I flush my pens with water between every refill. If I am simply refilling with the same ink, I don't obsess about getting my rinse water to come back colorless, however.

With any ink, your lovely pen will benefit be being used regularly, and by being kept capped when not in use. If you are not going to use it for, say, three weeks to a month or longer, drain the ink (you can discard it or save it in a separate container, but do not return to the original bottle) and flush the pen by filling it with clean, cool tap water until the water comes out clear. Then expel all water, dry with a paper towel, and allow to air dry, trying to expel more water several times over a day's time. You pen is then ready to store. I think this is a good routine for a "51" to avoid issues. Use or store dry. Never let it dry with ink in it.

Rinses, a microfiber wipedown, and the spirit of your enjoyment in using it, will keep it writing for many years -indeed, decades- to come.

If you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask. Plenty of ink and "51" experts here!

[vicpen123]

I have always used Parker Quink. No worries. Made for Parker pens..

[MightyEighth]

As well as avoiding saturated inks, and it may be stating the obvious, but with the design of the 51 collector, shimmer inks are anathema.

 

Personally, I'm happy using KWZ iron galls in my 51s, I just am careful to not let them dry out.

 

I really do like the word 'anathema' and rarely see it used. It's such a very goofy word. Superb!

 

Yeah, that 51 collector. It collects lots and lots of ink and lets it go only reluctantly. Just like we collect lots and lots of pens and let them go only reluctantly

 

- Marc

[silverlifter]

Yeah, that 51 collector. It collects lots and lots of ink and lets it go only reluctantly. Just like we collect lots and lots of pens and let them go only reluctantly

 

[Brianm_14]

Debbie,

You are most welcome!

 

I don't wait until the pen dries to refill. I just expel as much rinse water as I can into a paper towel wrapped around the nib, shaking the pen a bit like an old-fashioned thermometer to get the last drops out. (Just don't hit anything with the pen!) A tiny bit of water left in there won't hurt.

 

There is no need to use a pen maker's brand of ink in their pens (e.g., Parker ink in Parker pens, Sheaffer ink in Sheaffer pens). This is like believing automakers when they claim you should only use Toyota or General Motors oil in a Toyota or GM car, respectively. The inks I listed are all particularly safe for your pen, which seemed to be your concern. I follow the recommendations found on Richard Binder's website, and also apply what I learn elsewhere as a chemist.. Mr. Binder is a well-known, highly-respected expert on "all-things fountain pen" and a reliable voice. You can easily Google his website. (As I recall, he invented "Burple," that mix of Waterman inks.)

 

By the way, you may be interested to know WHY some inks are made so saturated with dye in the first place, if it can cause such problems. Saturation allows for a far greater degree of shading. This increases the expressivity afforded the writer, or artist, when using the ink. So dilution with water will cut the saturation, but also reduce the shading. It seems everything in life comes at a price!

 

Fortunately, care of a fountain pen through regular water rinses is almost always all that is needed to keep a pen happy and healthy. It is just a bit more true for the Parker "51" (and other models such as the "21") because it has many very fine channels, which accounts for why it writes so well.

 

Again, always a pleasure to help! Forgive me if I have written too much.

 

Are you thinking of drawing with your "51" at any point? Just curious. I really like your work. It has a great spirit about it!

Edited September 17, 2019 by Brianm_14

[Parker51]

Yes, you can use different manufacturers inks, but please be aware that some inks have somewhat different characteristics, including the well respected and safe inks mentioned earlier. Waterman markets a very nice safe ink that flows well, sometimes too well in some pens. Parker of course works well, but it s no longer made in many different colors. Pilot also has nice inks, including some very nice colors, and they flow well, but are a bit drier than Waterman or Parker, meaning they appear to have less wetting agent in them so that their flow is a little slower due to the ink being less viscous. The same is true of Pelikan inks, they flow a bit slower as well and also come in some incredible colors. MontBlanc inks are very nice to use in a Parker 51 as are Monteverde.

That is about it for me in regard to regular ink use. Occasionally I may use some ink from Lamy and some vintage Parker or Sheaffer, but none of the Special Parker 51 ink. It was discontinued in part because it damaged pens, even the Parker 51 that it was designed to be used in. Specifically, it was a highly caustic ink that could and did disolve the sterling silver breather tubes that 51s used at the time.

Edited September 17, 2019 by Parker51