Care & Use

Pen Manual

Filling, maintenance and nib replacement for your Panda Dorf piston fountain pen.

Ink Filling Method

1. Air expelling

Unscrew the cap, then rotate the end cap counterclockwise gently and slowly until it reaches the maximum position to fully expel air from the ink chamber.

2. Ink filling

Submerge the entire nib of the pen into the ink bottle. Rotate the end cap clockwise until it reaches the fully closed position to complete the ink filling process.

For the initial inking, use standard non-carbon ink to achieve the best writing experience.

Ink filling steps — expel air then draw ink
Ink filling — expel air, submerge the nib, then draw ink.

Daily Maintenance

1. Cleaning advice

If the pen is expected to be unused for more than two weeks while inked, clean it thoroughly in advance and store it in a cool, dark place. This prevents ink from drying out and potentially clogging the feed mechanism.

2. Cleaning method

Repeatedly draw and expel clean water until the water discharged is completely clear. If necessary, remove the nib unit by rotating it counterclockwise and rinse it under lukewarm water (30-40°C) to remove any physical residue.

This gentle rinsing process helps dissolve dried ink particles without damaging the pen's internal mechanisms. Avoid hot water or harsh chemicals to preserve the integrity of the feed and nib components.

Cleaning steps — flush clean water until clear
Cleaning — flush clean water until it runs clear, then rinse the nib unit if needed.

Nib Replacement

1. Nib unit removal

Gently press the sides of the nib unit with your fingers, then rotate the barrel counterclockwise with slow and careful motions to remove the nib assembly.

Avoid applying excessive pressure to the nib fins during this process. For added grip and protection, consider using a soft rubber grip or cloth when handling the components.

2. Nib unit installation

First, ensure that the nib assembly to be installed is either a Panda Dorf No. 6 nib unit or fully compatible with the Schmidt #6 system. Then position the new nib assembly into its original placement and rotate the barrel clockwise gently and slowly until no looseness is detected, thereby securing the new nib assembly in place.

Confirm compatibility before installation to prevent mechanical mismatches. Align the unit carefully with the barrel threads to avoid cross-threading, which may damage the pen. The rotation should be smooth and require minimal force.

Nib replacement steps — remove and install the nib unit
Nib replacement — unscrew the old unit, then thread in a compatible No. 6 nib unit.