Originally Posted by
LTN Phobia
I shall definitely look into that next time I'm in civilisation. Thank you!
Incidentally, I've just bought a new cartridge just in case I had a dodgy cartridge, to try it out on my next flight (although maybe I shouldn't test it on a 14-hour flight first
). I was a bit surprised that it leaked too. It didn't leak too badly, but was still a leak.
Here is a link with a bunch of so-called converters all on one side
http://www.PearTreePens.com/Fountain...rters-s/56.htm
I hear that the G2 rollerball and Sailor rollerball both write wonderfully. I actually tried the G2 and also the Impact RT and it is true, they write VERY nicely. The broader the tip the more like a fountain pen it will look. I have not tried the Sailor Innovation yet.
Fisher Spacepen also makes cartridges (ballpoint) that are pressurized. They will not leak and write under almost any condition. However, because their ink is more viscous (read: stiffer) they will also not write quite as smoothly.
Once you use the converters you will be able to try different inks with different flow properties. Google ink review and you will find that there are a bunch of neato peeps who really care about that kind of stuff.
Using the converter and an ink bottle is cheaper than cartridges. It also gives you the possibility to carry the ink in a bulletproof nalgene bottle. A 1oz bottle should be sufficient for a book.
When you fly, you simply empty the left-over ink from the converter into the bottle. Voila! No waste and no leakage, all for the low cost of $5 (converter) + $2 nalgene bottle. I don't count the ink itself because that varies wildly but almost any bottle is cheaper than cartridges and more environmentally conscious.