A flat nib for calligraphy and colour — what makes the Parallel different
The Parallel Pen has two flat parallel plates that form the nib rather than the pointed tines of a standard fountain pen. The gap between the plates draws ink by capillary action and the flat edge produces the thick-and-thin strokes of broad-edge calligraphy through stroke direction — exactly as a calligraphy dip pen nib would, but in a self-filling fountain pen format. For calligraphers who want broad-edge italic results without the maintenance of a dip pen, or who want to use fountain pen inks in an italic calligraphy context, the Parallel Pen is the solution. The colour blending use case comes from the flat plate construction: touching the loaded flat nib of one Parallel Pen against the flat nib of another loaded with a different Pilot Parallel mixable cartridge colour causes capillary transfer. Writing with the receiving pen produces a gradient from the transferred colour to the pen's own colour.
Honest Note:
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)
How do I achieve the blending effect?
Hold one Parallel pen vertically and touch its nib to the nib of a second Parallel pen (held horizontally) for a few seconds to transfer ink and start your gradient.
Is the pen suitable for left-handed writers?
Yes, the flat plate nib is symmetrical, making it equally effective for both left and right-handed artists.
Can I use the inks stocked at Inkwell in this pen?
Yes — compatible with all dye-based fountain pen inks including Diamine, Pilot Iroshizuku, Dominant Industry Standard Series, De Atramentis standard range, and R&K standard range. The Dominant Industry Delicious and 3 Oysters Delicious series (elevated pigment load) should be used with caution — flush thoroughly and more frequently than with standard dye inks.
How does the colour blending effect work, and what inks can I use?
Colour blending by touching two Parallel Pen nibs together works ONLY with Pilot's own Parallel Pen mixable ink cartridges — the pens include a black and a red cartridge specifically designed for this. Touching two nibs loaded with standard fountain pen inks (Diamine, Iroshizuku, etc.) may cause clogging. For normal writing and calligraphy without blending, any standard fountain pen ink works in the Parallel Pen. The blending effect is a specific feature of the Parallel system's proprietary inks
What size for italic calligraphy?
1.5mm is the most useful starting size for standard italic calligraphy — it produces comfortable working letterforms at normal writing size and is the width most calligraphy instruction for the Parallel Pen is calibrated for. 2.4mm for larger italic letterforms. 3.8mm for more imposing display work. 6.0mm for large decorative lettering only — it is not comfortable for extended writing.