FAQs

Of course, you can also order from us without a customer account. To do this, simply provide the data we need for shipping and payment during the order process. No registration is required to complete the order.

However, if you would like a customer account with all its advantages, please register here.

We are happy to gift-wrap your writing instrument for you. We always wrap the writing instrument in its sales case. You can select the color of the gift wrapping in the shopping cart. Usually, there are 3 colors to choose from. If you have any special requests, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We cordially invite you to personally test a variety of writing instruments at our store in Herrenberg.

As a rule of thumb: the product must be returned in the same condition as you received it. Should we not be satisfied with the condition of the returned product, we reserve the right to refuse a refund.

For all products purchased from Penoblo, we offer repairs, as well as modifications or exchanges.

All you need to do is

→ the defective product

→ a copy of the invoice

→ a note with your mobile number, email, address and a brief description of the defect

pack and send it to us.

We will take care of everything else. If necessary, we will contact you by phone or email.

Should you have any other questions about repairs and services, please feel free to contact us at any time.

When purchasing refills for your rollerball or ballpoint pen, we recommend buying brand-specific refills. This ensures a perfect fit and quality.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

The fundamental difference between a ballpoint pen and a rollerball pen is the ink in the refill.

In a rollerball pen, the ink is more fluid and similar to fountain pen ink, while ballpoint pen ink is a viscous paste. In practice, this means that ballpoint pens are more versatile, as the ink does not need to dry but is merely applied. Rollerball ink, however, similar to regular fountain pen ink, needs a short drying time.

For the writing experience, this means that writing with a rollerball pen is normally smoother than with a ballpoint pen.

Rollerball pens are often capped, while ballpoint pens have a twist or click mechanism. However, there are many exceptions to this.

At Penoblo, we recommend ballpoint pens for hectic everyday use and rollerball pens for more focused writing sessions, although both writing systems are excellent for other situations as well.

Still unsure? We recommend our Writing Instrument Configurator!

Our newsletter offers you interesting information, discounts and posts about writing culture and everything that goes with it. To become part of the Penoblo family, you can register at any time. To do this, you need to scroll all the way down our homepage, enter your email into the newsletter field and click submit – and you're already part of the diverse and exciting Penoblo community!

For all timeframes stated in days on our website, we refer exclusively to business days. Business days are all days from Monday to Friday, with the exception of public holidays and weekends (Saturday and Sunday). This means that all deadlines and delivery times expressed in days only consider business days and may be extended accordingly if they fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday. These days are not included in the calculation of deadlines and delivery times. Please note this regulation to avoid misunderstandings regarding delivery dates or deadlines.

No problem at all! Feel free to call us Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 16:00 at +49 (0) 7032 7842688. Alternatively, you can visit us directly at our store at Daimlerstraße 13 in 71083 Herrenberg. There, we will gladly invite you for a coffee and discuss your wishes in a beautiful atmosphere.

A customer account comes with many advantages, such as special offers for members, insight into your order history, refills at lower prices, and much more.

To create a customer account, you need to click on Sign In at the top right of our homepage. You will then be directed to another page where you need to click on Create account in the middle, in the lower half. This will lead you to the registration process, with which you can easily create your personal customer account.

Alternatively, you can also create a customer account during checkout. To do this, after you click go to checkout, click Sign In above the email text field. This will again direct you to the login page, where you need to click on Create account in the middle, in the lower half. From there, the registration process for your customer account begins.

Should you wish to change your address, email address, or other details stored in your customer account, you must first log in to your customer account. After logging in, you can click on Manage Addresses and make the desired changes.

If you wish to change your email address, please call or email us. We will be happy to change it for you.

If you have trouble logging into your customer account, there could be several reasons. First, we recommend resetting your password. To do this, click on Forgot password? during the login process. You will then receive an email with which you can create a new password. After creating your new password, try logging in again. Check the correctness of your login email address.

If you are still having difficulties, you can always send an email to support@penoblo.de or call us during our business hours at +49 (0) 7032 7842688.

The protection of your personal data and payment information is of utmost importance to us. We safeguard your private information and payment details from unauthorized access and only access your data when necessary.

Depending on the payment method you choose, your data is always securely protected: directly via PayPal, credit card data via Wirecard, and instant transfers via your house bank. Of course, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about this if you have any uncertainties or ambiguities.

A fountain pen fundamentally consists of three components – the nib, the feed, and the ink reservoir. While the shape and material of the nib and feed are usually variable, there are several filling systems for the ink reservoir to store the ink in the pen:

Cartridge pen: The ink comes from a replaceable disposable cartridge – the most uncomplicated solution for everyday use: insert the cartridge and start writing.

Converter pen: A converter is a small, refillable piston in cartridge form. It turns a cartridge pen into a pen that can be filled directly from the ink bottle.

Piston filler: The ink reservoir is permanently built into the barrel and is filled directly from the ink bottle via a rotary piston. Piston fillers usually offer a particularly large ink volume.

Converters and pens must be compatible. The safest method for this is to purchase both from the same manufacturer. Some cartridge pens come with a converter.

Within 30 days of receiving your new fountain pen, we offer to exchange the nib width. For this, both the pen and the nib must still be in flawless condition.

Please send us the pen by post with:

→ a copy of the invoice

→ a note with your mobile number, email, and address.

→ Please specify the current and desired nib width

We will take care of the rest and contact you if necessary.

As a rule, manufacturers do not offer individual parts for sale. Exceptions to this are springs or spring components and, in some cases, lids. However, even these spare parts are not offered by all manufacturers. 

We recommend that you contact us directly by phone or e-mail so that we can assist you in the best possible way.

The fundamental difference between gold and steel nibs is what the nibs are made of. As the name suggests, a steel nib is made of stainless steel and a gold nib is made of 14, 18 or 21 carat gold.

In practice, the nibs differ in their writing characteristics. While a steel nib is rather robust, firm and resistant, a gold nib allows for a soft, flowing and gentle writing experience. The higher the carat of the gold nib, the softer the nib. In addition, gold nibs are usually ground and written in by hand during the manufacturing process, which guarantees higher quality and a gliding writing experience.

It should be noted at this point, however, that not all gold-colored nibs are made of gold, as steel nibs are often colored to match the aesthetics of the fountain pen. Likewise, gold nibs are not always gold-colored, but can be silver-colored or grayish for the reasons mentioned above.

To determine the material of the nib, it is best to examine the markings on the nib, as gold nibs (Au) are usually embossed with a carat number (14, 18, 21) or gold content (580, 750).

The choice of nib size is a very personal decision that depends on various factors. We therefore recommend trying them out to find the perfect nib width, especially since each manufacturer has its own classifications for their nibs. The paper, ink, and writing style are also crucial factors for the perfect nib width.

As a rule of thumb:

If you write small, you should choose F or EF. Conversely, M and B are more suitable for those who write large or for signatures.

If you don't have the opportunity to try out the different nibs in our shop, you should start with an M nib and exchange it if necessary.

The nib is the heart of the fountain pen and fundamentally determines the writing experience. For this reason, there are countless versions and variations. These include variations in: material, tip, size, and shape.

The material determines the softness of the writing experience with the fountain pen. A large number of writers prefer a softer and smoother writing experience. 

Most nibs are made of stainless steel. For softer nibs, precious metals such as gold, palladium, or even titanium are used. The higher the karat, the softer the nib. 

The tip determines the stroke width and shape that is transferred to the paper. In addition to standard variations such as extra-fine (EF) and broad (B), there are also various special nibs such as obliques (OM) and stubs (1.5). 

Finally, the size and shape of the nib also play a role. The basic rule here is: the larger and wider the nib, the softer it writes. 

As a left-hander, do I have to buy a left-handed nib?

The short answer is no. As a left-hander, you can, in all likelihood, write perfectly well with a "normal" right-handed nib. 

The difference between regular nibs like F, M, and B and left-handed nibs is minimal and imperceptible to most. Often, the iridium tips of left-handed nibs are slightly more rounded to prevent scratching while writing. However, it is especially important for left-handers to try out different nibs and nib sizes at the beginning. Only then can one know which nibs suit their individual writing style. 

As a rule of thumb, left-handed writers should prefer slightly broader nib sizes (M, B, BB).

At Penoblo, we engrave our writing instruments in two ways:

All other writing instruments are processed by milling or scratching, depending on the material.

Penoblo offers a free engraving service for all writing instruments priced at 99€ or more; engraving for less expensive writing instruments costs 20€. A prerequisite for engraving is a compatible surface finish of the writing instrument. In this collection, you will find all writing instruments that can be engraved. They are also always marked with a curved "G" in the upper left corner of the product image. We usually engrave your request on the cap (fountain pens, rollerball pens) or on the rotating mechanism (ballpoint pens, pencils) of your writing instrument. If you have a special request, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.

In most cases, an engraving of a writing instrument purchased from us is possible at a later date. Please send the writing instrument, along with the invoice, your phone number, and a note indicating how you would like the engraving, to us. We will do our best to fulfill your request retrospectively.

Should you wish to return part or all of your order for any reason, you may do so within 14 days.
To do this, please send the products you wish to return, along with a copy of the invoice, to the following address:

Penoblo Returns
• In den Erlen 8
• 75248 Ölbronn-Dürrn
• Germany

Please also indicate that it is a return or cancellation of your order.
We will refund the received products to your original payment method.

If available, you will find the expiration date of your ink on your ink bottle. In principle, ink can be kept for 5 to 10 years without any problems. However, it should not be exposed to sunlight for extended periods or stored in extreme cold.

If the ink starts to smell abnormally or if ink particles settle at the bottom of the ink bottle, we advise you to dispose of the ink.

Unlike regular ink, permanent ink cannot be wiped off the paper by water or spilled coffee. Due to added substances, the ink binds to the fibers of the paper. Thus, the ink does not dry on the surface of the paper but is absorbed and retained by the paper.

Permanent ink is more difficult to clean and spreads more on the paper due to its chemical composition. Furthermore, the color selection for permanent ink is very limited.

We only recommend permanent ink if you need to ensure that what has been written remains where it was written.

In general, you can always buy cartridges of your fountain pen's brand. 

However, if you want to try different ink colors, this is possible with a converter and ink bottles. Alternatively, you can get cartridges from other brands, provided they are compatible with your writing instrument. 

Fountain pen cartridges can be divided into 2 groups: standard and proprietary. Standard is an international cartridge shape that most manufacturers have agreed upon. These are interchangeable and commonly known in Germany as the "short Pelikan cartridge".

Some manufacturers use their own cartridge shapes, including, for example, LAMY.

These own cartridges are called proprietary cartridges. 

Here is a list of proprietary cartridges:

→ Lamy

→ Parker

→ Sailor

→ Pilot JP

→ Cross

→ Montblanc

Normally, fountain pen inks can be used with all fountain pens without problems. However, inks must under no circumstances be mixed with each other. In some cases, this can lead to chemical reactions that can clog or even damage the fountain pen. Special care must also be taken with permanent inks such as iron gall inks or document-proof inks.

Clean your fountain pen thoroughly before using a new ink to avoid mixing. 

Also, make sure the ink is manufactured for use with fountain pens. 

A little regular maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of writing instruments. Therefore, we encourage our customers, especially for fountain pens, to follow these care instructions:

Fountain Pens: Depending on how often you use it, rinse your cartridge fountain pen with lukewarm water every 4-6 weeks. Follow the direction of the ink flow when rinsing – from the cartridge attachment over the ink feeder to the nib. Piston fillers and converters should also be rinsed. To do this, fill a cup with water and draw it into the ink reservoir with the piston. Then flush out the water and repeat the process until the water runs clear. Allow the pen and cap, if possible, to dry overnight before filling it with new ink.

All Writing Instruments: The body and cap of writing instruments can be wiped with a damp cloth. For metal writing instruments, we recommend gently cleaning the surface with a jewelry cloth. Avoid using high-percentage alcohol for cleaning, as this can lead to unwanted reactions with some materials.

A fountain pen stopping writing can be due to various reasons. Therefore, we first recommend thoroughly cleaning your fountain pen. Ink channels and nib can retain dried ink particles, especially if the pen has been left unused for some time or if the last cleaning was several weeks ago.

After a thorough cleaning of the nib and ink channel under lukewarm water, we recommend using new ink in your fountain pen.

Should the problem persist, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.

Cleaning the cap is an important part of cleaning your writing instrument. Especially with fountain pens, ink-stained grips usually touch dirty caps. For cleaning the cap, we recommend taking a paper towel (e.g. Zewa), rolling it up starting from a corner, and using it like a chimney brush on the cap. Insert the paper towel and clean the inside of the cap with a rotating motion. Change the paper towel if necessary. Make sure that the paper does not press too hard against the inside of the cap, as in some cases the airtight inner cap of the lid can be loosened or the closing mechanism damaged.

Writing instruments made of metals such as gold, platinum, palladium, sterling silver, copper, or brass can largely be cleaned like jewelry. You can use microfiber cloths, jeweler's cloths, and light polishing cloths to restore the precious metal elements of the writing instrument to a high shine. The natural patina of the metals can also be counteracted with a polishing cloth. To do this, rub moderately to firmly over the surface of the precious metal. Avoid using a polishing cloth on precious resins and plastics, as these can be dulled by the polishing elements of the cloth.

Avoid bleach, ammonia, and high-percentage alcohols for cleaning writing instruments.

If you have a clean ultrasonic device available, you can also place your writing instrument in the machine with warm water for a few minutes. This will also free smaller crevices from microparticles. For fountain pens and rollerball pens, however, the cap must first be removed. Also, make sure that all movable parts, if possible, have been removed. For fountain pens, the ink reservoir must be emptied as much as possible, and for rollerball pens, ballpoint pens, and pencils, the refill must be removed.

It is important to dry the writing instrument thoroughly before reassembling it. Ideally, you should also let it dry overnight.

Before changing your ink, you should thoroughly clean your fountain pen to prevent chemical reactions between the inks. Otherwise, it is highly recommended to thoroughly clean the fountain pen every 4-6 weeks of use to guarantee peak performance. Even if you won't be using the fountain pen for more than 2 weeks, it should be stored in a clean condition.

To clean your eyedropper fountain pen, you simply need to unscrew it, rinse out any remaining ink, and hold the grip section with the nib pointing downwards under running water at the sink until the water flowing from the nib runs clear. If you like, you can blow into the back of the grip section to expel the last remnants of water and ink. Make sure the grip section is pointed towards the sink, as this process can cause a lot of splashing. The last step is extremely helpful, but not necessary.

Dry your grip section and fill your fountain pen with new ink!

Before changing your ink, you should thoroughly clean your fountain pen to prevent chemical reactions between the inks. Otherwise, it is highly recommended to thoroughly clean the pen every 4-6 weeks of use to guarantee peak performance. Even if you won't be using the pen for more than 2 weeks, it should be stored in a clean condition.

For cleaning your piston filler or piston converter, you will need two cups that can get ink on them, or one cup and a sink.

Fill one cup with water and empty the remaining ink from the ink reservoir into the other cup or the sink.

Now, use the piston to draw water into the fountain pen and flush it into the sink or the other cup. Repeat this process until the flushed water is clear. Dry the pen.

Now it's ready for new ink and its next use!

Plastic, precious resin, celluloid (auroloid, etc.) and Makrolon (Lamy 2000) barrels are easy to care for and clean. For this, we recommend simply moistening a cloth with warm water and rubbing it over your writing instrument. Use the cloth to remove dirt and fingerprints. Avoid bleach, ammonia, and high-percentage alcohols for cleaning writing instruments.

If you have a clean ultrasonic device available, you can also place your writing instrument in the machine with warm water for a few minutes. This will also free smaller joints from microparticles. However, with fountain pens and rollerball pens, the cap must first be removed. Also, make sure that all movable parts, if possible, have been removed. With fountain pens, the ink reservoir must be emptied as much as possible, and with rollerball pens, ballpoint pens, and pencils, the refill must be removed.

It is important to dry the writing instrument thoroughly before reassembling it. Ideally, you should also let it dry overnight.

Writing instruments made of wood or with leather elements must be cleaned with particular care. For wood, we recommend brushing the wood with a soft brush (e.g. horsehair). Leather elements can be wiped with a microfiber cloth.

When cleaning natural elements, avoid bleach, ammonia, high-proof alcohols, grease, and oils for cleaning the writing instruments. They should also not be exposed to water for extended periods. If you are unsure about cleaning the writing instrument, please feel free to contact us by phone.

Writing instruments made of metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium can be cleaned well with microfiber cloths. Dampen your cloth with a little water or rubbing alcohol (e.g., propanol) and gently rub your writing instrument.

Avoid bleach and ammonia for cleaning writing instruments.

If you have a clean ultrasonic device available, you can also place your writing instrument in the machine with warm water for a few minutes. This will free even smaller crevices from microparticles. For fountain pens and rollerball pens, however, the cap must first be removed. Also, make sure that all movable parts, if possible, have been removed. For fountain pens, the ink reservoir must be emptied as much as possible, and for rollerball pens, ballpoint pens, and pencils, the lead/refill must be removed.

It is important to dry the writing instrument thoroughly before reassembling it. Ideally, you should also let it dry overnight.

Before changing your ink, you should thoroughly clean your fountain pen to prevent chemical reactions between inks. Otherwise, it is highly recommended to clean the fountain pen thoroughly after 4-6 weeks of use to guarantee peak performance. Even if you won't be using the fountain pen for more than 2 weeks, it should be stored in a clean condition.

To clean your cartridge fountain pen, remove the cartridge or converter. Hold the grip section over the sink with the nib facing downwards under running water until the water flowing out of the nib becomes clear. If you wish, you can blow into the back of the grip section to expel the last remnants of water and ink. Make sure the grip section is directed towards the sink, as this process can splash considerably. This last step is extremely helpful, though not necessary.

Dry your grip section and insert a new cartridge. After a few minutes, the ink feed will be refilled with ink, allowing you to write with the fountain pen again.

If you use a converter, it must also be cleaned. Fill a cup with water for this purpose. Draw water into the converter and then flush it out again. Repeat this process until the converter is visibly clean.

Before changing your ink, you should thoroughly clean your fountain pen to avoid chemical reactions between the inks. Otherwise, it is highly recommended to clean the fountain pen thoroughly once every 4-6 weeks of use to guarantee peak performance. Even if you will not be using the fountain pen for more than 2 weeks, it should be stored in a clean condition.

For cleaning your vacuum filler, you will need two cups that can get ink on them, or one cup and a sink.

Fill one cup with water and empty the remaining ink from the ink reservoir into the other cup or the sink.

Now, use the vacuum mechanism to draw water into the fountain pen and flush it into the sink or the other cup. Repeat this process until the flushed water is clear. Dry the pen.

Now it is ready for new ink and its next use!

Converters are small pistons with ink reservoirs the size of an ink cartridge.

They enable a fusion of piston- and cartridge fillers. A converter can be inserted into the fountain pen just like a cartridge, but has the functionality of a small piston. This allows a cartridge filler to be filled with the wide variety of ink colours that are only available in ink bottles. 

Different brands have different converter shapes. It is therefore best to purchase brand-specific converters for your fountain pen. Some cartridge fountain pens come with a converter.