Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Pen Realm! Whether you’re shopping for your next fountain pen, exploring custom nib work, or waiting for an order to arrive, we’re here to help. Browse our frequently asked questions below to find the information you need.

Shipping & Delivery

How long will it take for my order to ship?

Most orders are processed as quickly as possible. Orders placed between an event may take up to one month to ship.

Orders that include nib tuning or custom grinds may require up to two additional weeks for processing. As a boutique shop that regularly travels to pen shows and events, our schedule can affect turnaround times. We take pride in the quality of our nib work and the overall customer experience, and that attention to detail takes time. We appreciate your patience!

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! We ship worldwide, with a few exceptions based on destination and shipping restrictions. We cannot be held responsible for packages lost in the mail on international orders. Please verify every detail of your shipping choice and delivery address and purchase at your own risk. 

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes! We offer free shipping on qualifying orders:

• United States: Free shipping on orders over $75, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

• Canada: Free shipping on orders of $300 or more.

Shipping eligibility and available options are displayed during checkout.

Will I have to pay customs fees or import taxes on an international order?

Yes, international customers are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, VAT, taxes, or other charges imposed by their destination country.

If you’re ordering from the United Kingdom or European Union and have questions about VAT, please contact us at hello@penrealm.sbs before placing your order.

What happens if my international package is lost in transit?

International shipments carry additional risks once they leave our hands. Please carefully verify your shipping method and delivery address before completing your purchase. Pen Realm cannot be held responsible for international packages lost in transit, so we encourage customers to review their shipping options and associated risks before ordering.

Why does my pen look like the package was opened, or why are there water droplets inside it?

If you ordered nib tuning or a custom grind, we must open the pen to perform the requested work. As part of our process, we may test the nib with water or ink to ensure it writes properly. Your pen is prepared and ready to ink when it arrives.

Returns, Refunds & Cancellations

Can I return a fountain pen?

Yes. You may return all eligible pens, pre-owned pens, special orders, and other product categories within 30 days of receipt, provided it has not been inked. Approved returns are refunded minus a 15% restocking fee.

Can I cancel an order or preorder?

Yes! You may cancel a regular order or preorder at any time before it ships. Cancellations are refunded minus a 7% processing fee, which helps cover the payment processing costs incurred by Pen Realm.

Once an order has shipped, it is no longer eligible for cancellation under this policy.

Can I return a custom grind or nib tuning service?

Custom nib work is nonrefundable, whether purchased as a standalone service or with a pen. However, our nib work is guaranteed. If you experience an issue with how your nib writes after receiving it, please contact us at hello@penrealm.sbs and send it back so we can evaluate the issue and work toward a resolution.

Orders & Product Support

My order says it was delivered, but I haven't received it. What should I do?

Occasionally, a carrier marks a package as delivered before it actually arrives. In many cases, the package shows up within the next few days.

We recommend checking around your delivery location and allowing a little extra time. If the package still hasn't arrived, contact your local post office or shipping carrier for more detailed tracking information. If the package is confirmed lost, you can ask the carrier about filing a claim.

Does Pen Realm handle warranty repairs for broken pens?

Warranty coverage and repair options vary by manufacturer. For issues involving the pen body or components other than the nib, we recommend contacting the brand's customer service team directly. Many manufacturers can assist with replacement parts or repairs.

Here are links to customer support for two popular brands:

• TWSBI: https://www.twsbi.com/pages/contact

• Pilot: https://pilotpen.us/CustomerService

If your concern involves nib performance or custom nib work performed by Pen Realm, please contact us directly.

Pen Show Appointments

When do pen show appointments become available?

Pen show appointments typically open approximately two months before each event. Availability is announced through our newsletter, so subscribing is the best way to stay informed.

Appointments often fill quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as scheduling opens.

What if I couldn't get an appointment at a pen show?

Don't worry! We offer walk-in appointment slots at our pen shows each day, subject to availability.

We recommend arriving early in the morning to improve your chances of securing a same-day walk-in slot. Walk-in availability is limited, so we cannot guarantee that everyone will be accommodated.

Choosing the Right Fountain Pen Nib Size

Which fountain pen nib size should I choose?

Choosing a nib doesn't have to be complicated! Here's a quick guide to help you find the right fit for your handwriting and writing style.

Extra Fine (EF)

Best for small handwriting, fine details, and making the most of limited space. EF nibs generally produce narrow lines and work well for compact notes.

Fine (F)

A great all-around choice for everyday writing, journaling, and work notes. Fine nibs are a popular option for those who want a balance between precision and smooth writing.

Medium (M)

Ideal if you prefer a slightly broader line, have larger handwriting, or enjoy seeing more ink on the page. Medium nibs can also show more of an ink's shading and character than finer nibs.

Broad (B)

Make a statement! Broad nibs create bold, expressive lines that are excellent for signatures, headings, larger handwriting, and showcasing the color and shading of your favorite inks.

Stub

Stub nibs create natural line variation, producing wider strokes on the downstroke and narrower strokes on side-to-side movements. They're a great choice for adding personality to handwriting, addressing envelopes, writing special cards, or creating decorative lettering.

Still unsure? Consider how small or large you write, the paper you use, and whether you prefer precise lines or expressive writing. If you need help choosing, contact Pen Realm, and we'll help you find a nib that suits your writing style.

Fountain Pen Nib Services & Technical Questions

What is nib tuning and smoothing?

Think of a fountain pen like a car or a musical instrument: even a high-quality product may need adjustments to perform at its best.

Nib tuning and smoothing help optimize a pen's writing performance. Depending on the pen's needs, this work may include:

• Aligning the nib tines for consistent contact with the paper.

• Adjusting the nib and feed alignment.

• Optimizing ink flow.

• Smoothing microscopic burrs left behind when the nib slit is cut.

Even new fountain pens can benefit from tuning. Factory quality control varies, and a nib that isn't properly adjusted can affect the writing experience. Our goal is to help your pen write as well as it can.

What angle is an Architect nib ground at?

Unless otherwise specified in the product listing or requested in your order notes, our Architect nibs are ground at approximately 45 degrees. This also applies to Reverse Architect grinds.

What is a Tomahawk nib modification?

A Tomahawk modification involves cutting slits into the sides of a steel nib to increase its softness and provide a more cushioned writing feel, somewhat closer to the feel often associated with gold nibs.

Important: Tomahawk slits do not make a nib flexible. They are also not recommended for nibs intended for reverse writing.

Can you add Tomahawk slits to gold or titanium nibs?

We do not recommend Tomahawk slits on gold or titanium nibs. These softer metals can be more susceptible to cracking when the slits terminate abruptly, making this modification a higher-risk choice.

Which nib is best for a Fude grind?

An extra-fine steel nib is generally the best starting point for a Fude grind. It provides a suitable base for creating the distinctive line variation that makes Fude nibs so versatile.

Can you make a Fude grind on a gold nib?

Yes, a Fude grind can be created on a gold nib. However, the modification exposes the gold itself as part of the writing surface, which can wear more quickly than a conventional tipping material. For this reason, we generally do not recommend Fude grinds on gold nibs, although they are possible.

Nib Grind Details

Can I choose the exact color or pattern of my fountain pen?

Many fountain pens with color variations are listed individually on our website, allowing you to select the specific pen shown.

If you want to confirm the color, pattern, or finish before ordering, email hello@penrealm.sbs and request a photo of the specific pen you’re interested in. We’ll help you determine what options are available.

Still Have Questions?

We're happy to help! For questions about an order, product selection, nib services, or shipping, contact us at hello@penrealm.sbs. We're passionate about fountain pens and want you to enjoy every part of your writing experience.