Twsbi Mini Classic (1.5 Mm Stub Nib) Problem

[Colonel Jake]

Hi guys,

 

I just got my first TWSBI yesterday, a classic mini with a 1.5 mm stub nib. Inked it up with Shaeffer Skrip blue black.

 

After writing a few pages with it with no issues, I notice the ink color lightening in saturation. This goes on until I force a bit of ink to the feed.

The pen lays down a dark line again, but after a few pages, lays down a diluted looking ink color line! Frustrating, indeed. Add to that the occasional skipping I get, but as of now, I'm even willing to attribute that to the fact that I'm still getting used to the stub nib (my first).

 

I've read many good reviews about this pen, so I'm still hopeful. I would appreciate to hear your input on what I can do to improve its performance. Can it still be improved? Has anyone ever experienced getting a brand new, but defective TWSBI pen?

 

Thanks in advance!

[ravantra]

Did you give the pen a good cleaning / flush before filling up for the first time? Sometimes there is "manufacturing" residue left in the pen. A good flush with soapy water may help.

[Jamerelbe]

Did you give the pen a good cleaning / flush before filling up for the first time? Sometimes there is "manufacturing" residue left in the pen. A good flush with soapy water may help.

 

Let me second that: I had similar problems with my TWSBI Mini (with EF nib) for the first fill or two (I didn't clean it thoroughly!), but have found it much more free-flowing since. It can also depend on the ink - I don't know what Shaeffer Skrip Blue-Black is like, but it might (?) be worth trying a freer flowing / more lubricated ink.

 

Just remember if you wash with soapy water (and/or pen flush) you need to make sure you flush thoroughly with water only afterwards, to make sure no soap suds are left in the feed.

[Colonel Jake]

Thank you for your replies!

 

Yes I flushed it initially with a little dish washing liquid in water, then rinsed it afterwards.

I've loaded it with the Skrip ink once and I'm using the pen a lot, trying to finish off this initial load.

Will rinse it well and clean it a second time before loading it with ink again.

 

I do hope it's just the residue.

[Colonel Jake]

Just an update...

 

After finishing the first load of ink, I flushed the pen again with the dw liquid/water solution, rinsed it well, dried it overnight.

 

Loaded it with ink (Noodler's Antietam) and started testing it again.

 

Comments: There's still some occasional skipping. Ink flow is generally better than when I used it the first time. Less occurrences of laying down a light and unsaturated line of ink.

 

After the Antietam load, will retest and use the Skrip blue black again to see if ink flow and pen performance has truly improved, and it's just not the ink.