Kuretake No. 13 Fountain Brush Pen - Refillable Japanese Hair Brush Pen for Calligraphy & Drawing

Kuretake No. 13 Fountain Brush Pen - Refillable Japanese Hair Brush Pen for Calligraphy & Drawing

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£28.99
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Kuretake No. 13 Fountain Brush Pen - Refillable Japanese Hair Brush Pen for Calligraphy & Drawing
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  • Kuretake No. 13 Fountain Brush Pen - Refillable Japanese Hair Brush Pen for Calligraphy & Drawing
  • Kuretake No. 13 disassembled showing the internal ink cartridge system
  • Elegant Japanese calligraphy strokes created with the Kuretake No. 13 brush pen with Macro shot of synthetic hair brush tip showing individual bristles
  • Kuretake No. 13 Fountain Brush Pen in gloss red with gold trim
Kuretake No. 13 Fountain Brush Pen - Refillable Japanese Hair Brush Pen for Calligraphy & Drawing

Kuretake No. 13 Fountain Brush Pen - Refillable Japanese Hair Brush Pen for Calligraphy & Drawing

The Kuretake Fountain Brush No. 13 is a brush-tipped pen that fills from a cartridge or converter — allowing it to be loaded with any water-based ink. Made in Japan, it is more versatile in ink terms than a fixed-ink brush pen and suitable for illustration, journalling, and expressive calligraphy in whatever colour you choose.
Ink Type

Any water-based fountain pen ink via converter — not suitable for sumi ink or oil-based inks
Line Variation

Fine to broad
Nib Material

Nylon bristle — durable, consistent line range
Waterproof
Refill Type

Platinum cartridge format (3 cartridges included) or Platinum Fountain Pen Converter (sold separately)
Additinal Spec

Clean when changing inks to prevent colour mixing
Do not press the brush tip flat to the paper — this deforms the nylon permanently
Origin

Japan — Kuretake
£28.99
£28.99
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
ColourBlack

Fude pens, originally designed for Japanese calligraphy (fude meaning brush), have become essential tools for illustrators and comic artists due to their ability to create dynamic line weights with a single stroke. This guide compares top-tier fude and brush pens based on their ink properties, nib flexibility, and artistic control.


Product

Ink Type

Water / Alcohol Resistance

Nib Type

Best For

Zebra Fude Brush Pen

Carbon / Pigment

Water-resistant & Archival

Felt (Hard/Soft)

Detailed manga & erasers

Kuretake Bimoji Felt Tip

Water-based Pigment

Water & Alcohol-proof (Dry)

Felt (Tapered)

Kanji & clean illustrations

Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen

Water-based Pigment

Water & Alcohol-proof

Elastomer (Hard/Soft)

Lettering & comic outlines

Pentel Fude Brush Pen

Water-based Dye

Soluble (Bleeds)

Synthetic Bristle

Large washes & expressive art

Pentel Pocket Brush Pen

Pigment

Permanent / Waterproof

Synthetic Bristle

Professional comic inking

Sakura Pigma MB

Pigma Pigment

Waterproof / Lightfast

Felt

Archival-quality outlines

Kuretake No. 13

Water-based Pigment

Waterproof (Refillable)

Synthetic Hair

Traditional fude feel / longevity

 

KEY TECHNICAL FACTORS

  • Solvent & Drying Time: Pigment-based inks (Zebra, Tombow, Bimoji) generally dry faster and are permanent once set. Dye-based inks  may bleed if they come into contact with water.
  • Bleed Through: Most fude pens are "drier" than standard markers, making them safe for many paper types. For the best results without feathering, use smooth, non-textured papers.
  • Lightfastness: Pigment inks are superior for archival work as they use solid particles that do not fade over time, whereas dye inks are prone to UV fading

To select the right inking tool, it is essential to distinguish between felt-tip fude pens (best for beginners and precision) and bristle brush pens (best for expressive, professional line work)

 

FELT-TIP & ELASTOMER (Elastic Polymer) FUDE PENS

These pens use a flexible solid tip, offering the highest level of user control for fine details and consistent lettering.

Zebra Fude Brush Pen

Known for its deep black carbon ink that remains strong even after heavy erasing. It is a favourite for manga artists who need consistent, quick-drying lines.

  • Nib & Control: Typically firmer than the Tombow Soft tip, behaving more like a flexible marker. It handles quick, "flick" strokes better without skipping.
  • Ink Properties: Uses Carbon ink, which provides a deep, matte black that is archival and water-resistant. It is noted for being "strong against erasers," making it ideal for artists who sketch in pencil first.
  • Best For: Detailed manga inking and heavy-use illustration.

Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen

The Hard Tip is often recommended for beginners because the firm elastomer nib offers maximum control over fine lines. The Soft Tip allows for thicker, more expressive downstrokes.

  • Nib & Control: Features an elastomer tip. The Hard Tip is exceptionally firm, making it the industry standard for beginners due to its "push-back" that prevents accidental thick lines. The Soft Tip allows for broader downstrokes with less pressure.
  • Ink Properties: Water-based pigment ink that is water-resistant (safe for watercolour washes once dry) and highly lightfast.
  • Best For: Small-scale calligraphy, comic outlines, and bullet journaling.

Kuretake Bimoji Felt Tip

Features a unique rubber grip designed to mimic a traditional bamboo brush. Its ink is highly resistant to smudging when used with watercolours or alcohol-based markers.

  • Nib & Control: Tapered felt tip designed to mimic a traditional brush. It features a rubberized grip and a longer body for a balanced, "bamboo-like" feel in the hand.
  • Ink Properties: Water-based pigment ink that is alcohol-proof when dry, meaning it won't bleed when used with Copic or other alcohol markers.
  • Best For: Kanji characters and clean, smudge-free illustrations.

Sakura Pigma MB

  • Nib & Control: Known for a "springy" felt tip that holds its point well. However, some reviewers note the sponge-like tips may wear out faster than elastomer tips if used with heavy pressure.
  • Ink Properties: Uses famous Pigma pigment ink, which is chemically stable, waterproof, and fade-resistant.
  • Best For: Archival fine art and technical drawing. 


SYNTHETIC BRISTLE BRUSH PENS

These pens use individual nylon bristles, providing extreme line weight variance but requiring a steadier hand to control. 

Pentel Pocket Brush Pen

A "best-in-category" professional tool. Unlike felt-tip fude pens, it uses individual synthetic bristles, offering extreme flexibility for varying line weights, but requires more user control.

  • Nib & Control: High-quality synthetic bristles that retain their shape over time. It offers the most dramatic line variation in this list, from hair-thin to very broad.
  • Ink Properties: Comes with pigment-based cartridges that are completely waterproof and lightfast.
  • Best For: Professional comic inking and "Oriental-style" expressive artwork.

Pentel Fude Brush Pen

  • Nib & Control: A larger nylon tip that is much softer and "floppier" than the Pocket Brush. Users must squeeze the barrel to advance the ink.
  • Ink Properties: Primarily dye-based, which means it is often not waterproof and may feather on low-quality paper.
  • Best For: Large-scale washes, expressive calligraphy, and quick practice runs. 


COMPARISION TABLE TECHNICAL SPECS:

Product

Tip Type

Ink Solvent

Resistance

Dry Time

Control

Tombow Fudenosuke

Elastomer

Water

Waterproof

Fast

High

Zebra Fude

Felt

Carbon

Water-Resist

Medium

High

Kuretake Bimoji

Felt

Water

Alcohol-proof

Fast

High

Sakura Pigma MB

Felt

Pigma

Waterproof

Fast

Medium

Pentel Pocket

Bristle

Pigment

Waterproof

Medium

Low/Advanced

Kuretake No. 13

Bristle

Pigment

Waterproof

Medium

Low/Advanced

Pentel Fude (Tank)

Bristle

Dye

Soluble

Slow

Low


 

Fude pens are excellent for journaling because they combine the precision of a fine-liner with the ability to create elegant, variable strokes for headers and accents. Their quick-drying, waterproof inks are especially valued for use in planners and bullet journals. 

 

BEST FOR EVERDAY WRITING & HEADERS

Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen

Widely considered the best all-around journaling pen due to its firm elastomer tip, which offers the most control for those not used to brush pens. It is ideal for small writing and creating clean, consistent headers.

Zebra Blue Brush Tip Pen

Noted for making messy handwriting look tidier due to its "solid" ink flow that doesn't pour out too quickly. It is durable enough for daily note-taking and is highly resistant to smudging.

Pigma Brush Pen

Features the same archival Pigma ink as the famous Micron fineliners, meaning it won't bleed or feather even on thin paper like that found in many popular journals. 

 

BEST FOR CREATIVE FLOURISHES & ART JOURNALING

Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen

Better for larger lettering and expressive quotes where you want more dramatic "impact" in your downstrokes compared to the hard tip.

Kuretake Bimoji Fude Brush Pen

Its unique rubber grip is designed to reduce hand fatigue, making it comfortable for long journaling sessions. The ink is specifically alcohol-proof, so you can use it alongside Copic or other markers without smearing.

OHTO Fude Ball Rollerball Pen

Highly recommended for mixed-media or art journaling because it can write over various surfaces, including dried acrylic paint and watercolours, without clogging. 

KEY JOURNALING BENEFITS

  • No Bleed-Through: Pens like the Tombow Fudenosuke and Sakura Pigma MB use water-based pigment inks that are specifically formulated not to bleed through standard notebook paper.
  • Waterproof for Watercolours: If you enjoy adding watercolour washes to your journal, the Pentel Pocket Brush and Zebra Fude are completely waterproof once dry, allowing you to paint over your linework safely.
  • Portability: Most of these pens are the size of a standard pen, fitting easily into pencil pouches or pen loops on your journal.
Shipping

Packaging: 

We know art supplies are fragile. All professional pair and boards are shipped in reinforced rigid flat mailers. No tubes, no folds, no crushed corners. 


Order Processing Times: 

Orders are processed within 1–2 business days - we always aim to dispatch all “in-Stock’ items within 24 hours..

Note: Orders placed after 2 PM GMT on Fridays will be processed the following Monday.

Domestic Shipping (UK):

Standard (2–4 days): £3.50 (Free for The Illustrator & Studio Master tiers).

Priority (1–2 days): £4.50 (Free for Studio Master tier)

International Shipping: 

We ship globally. Costs are calculated at checkout based on weight and destination. Please note that customers are responsible for any local customs duties or taxes.

Order Tracking: 

You will receive a tracking link via email the moment your tools leave our studio. 
Returns

30-Day Change of Mind: 

We offer a 30-day return window (exceeding the UK legal minimum of 14 days). Items must be unused, in original packaging, and in "as-new" condition.

Faulty Goods: 

In the rare event of a defect, you are entitled to a full refund or replacement within 30 days. We will cover all return shipping costs for faulty items.

Defective Nibs: 

Occasionally, a pen may arrive dry or a nib maybe scratchy. Contact us within 7 days of purchase with a photo/video of the issue and we will send a replacement immediately.

Exclusions:

Due to the nature of the product, unless faulty we cannot accept returns on opened markers or used paper pads returned.

Digital Goods: 

The "Birthday Palette" and other digital downloads are non-refundable once accessed.


How to Start a Return: 

Email studio@inkwellartsupplies.com with your order number. We aim to process all refunds to the original payment method within 5–10 business days of receiving the item
The Nib Safety Net

"Gravity Happens. We’ve Got You Covered."

We know the heartbreak of a fountain pen hitting the floor. As a member of our Creative Rewards, you don't have to worry about the 'tines.' If the worst happens, just send us a photo and we'll send you a 50% discount for a fresh start.

"The Nib Safety Net" – Terms & Conditions

  • Eligibility: This benefit is exclusive to active members of the Creative Rewards program at the time of the accident.
  • Coverage: The 50% discount applies strictly to accidental damage (e.g., dropping the pen) that renders the nib unusable. It does not cover intentional damage, loss of the pen, theft, or normal wear and tear.
  • The Claim: To activate your discount, you must provide a clear photo of the damaged nib and your original order number to oops@yourstore.com.
  • Limitations: This discount is valid for a one-time replacement per pen purchased and applies only to the cost of the replacement nib unit. It cannot be combined with other promotional codes or used for full pen replacements.
  • Availability: We will provide the discount for the exact nib model where stock is available. If the model is discontinued, we will offer a 50% discount on a comparable alternative nib unit.

Fill with any ink — the brush pen without a fixed colour


Standard brush pens are limited to the ink colour they come loaded with. The Kuretake No. 13 uses a cartridge or converter filling system — the same mechanism as a fountain pen. This means the ink can be changed: load it with Dominant Industry Storm Blue, flush it, reload with 3 Oysters Pine Forest. For illustrators and journallers who want to use specific ink colours from their collection in a portable brush pen format, the No. 13 provides this without the permanence of the factory-loaded alternatives. The nylon brush tip is durable and produces a consistent line range for illustration and journalling.

Honest Note:

Uses Platinum cartridge format — not a unique Kuretake format. Platinum cartridges and the Platinum converter are widely available. Clean the pen when changing ink colours to prevent visible mixing. Do not press the brush tip flat to the paper — this permanently deforms the nylon.

Who is it For?

  • Illustrators who want a brush pen loaded with a specific colour from their ink collection
  • Journallers who want expressive brush marks in the inks they already use rather than a fixed factory black
  • Calligraphers who want a brush tip for expressive scripts alongside their dip pen practice
  • Anyone who has used the Pentel GFKP and wants more ink colour flexibility via cartridge or converter

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)

What inks can I use in this pen?

Any water-based fountain pen ink from the Inkwell range — Dominant Industry Standard Series, Pilot Iroshizuku, Diamine, 3 Oysters standard range, De Atramentis standard range, R&K, and Wearingeul. Not suitable for sumi ink (carbon particles will damage the tip), oil-based inks, or alcohol-based inks.

Is it easy to control?

Hair brush pens require more skill than felt-tips; they are highly expressive and sensitive to pressure.

What cartridges and converters fit this pen?

The Kuretake No. 13 uses Platinum-format cartridges — the same format used by Platinum fountain pens. Three black dye ink cartridges are included. Platinum cartridges are widely available and can be purchased separately from multiple suppliers. The Platinum Fountain Pen Converter also fits, allowing direct filling from bottled ink — this is the most flexible option if you want to use inks from your collection. Platinum Carbon Ink (waterproof pigment ink) in Platinum cartridge format is a popular choice with this pen.

How does it compare to the Pentel GFKP?

The primary difference is ink flexibility — the Kuretake accepts any water-based ink via cartridge or converter, where the GFKP uses a proprietary cartridge better suited to syringe refilling. Both have nylon brush tips with similar line range. The Kuretake No. 13 is the right choice for practitioners who want straightforward cartridge or converter ink loading with their bottled inks.

Works perfectly with....