Handwritten Review of the Ackerman Pump Pen

[wykpenguin]

Simply a pleasure to use. Though you need to choose the right ink. My first ink didn't work, but the Higgins Eternal works perfectly.

[jbb]

I the ink flow just like a fountain pen?

[Splicer]

What was the first ink you used (the one that didn't work?)

[drifting]

So, do you pump once to prime it and it just flows, or do you need to pump at regular intervals? (How many pumps for the note above?)

 

Ryan.

[wykpenguin]

1st ink was the Koh-i-noor Fount India with arabic gum added. I use it in my dipped Brause Italic nibs. It was to free-flowing for the pen. Higgins eternal is much more behaved. Once I get through this bottle, I am going to try using sumi-e ink.

 

I pumped the pen twice. Once at the beginning and once at the "t" in "times", as you can see that "t" is a bit wetter than the other letters. It started skipping there so i pumped it. IMO, the ink is not really flowing continuously like in a FP, rather it is like dipping your pen every time you pump it. If you are used to using dip pens then it is won't bother you. It's like having a "dip" button, instead of really reaching for the ink well. I find it much more convenient.

 

I wish they made an oblique holder version where the nib comes out on the side. That would be the idea situation for writing script, but I can write with a straight pen well enough. One of the good things about being a lefty.

[MYU]

Interesting pen and nice handwritten review. What is the story behind Ackerman? How recently was this pen made? And how does the pump mechanism work? Thanks!

[jbb]

Interesting pen and nice handwritten review. What is the story behind Ackerman? How recently was this pen made? And how does the pump mechanism work? Thanks!

I had a delightful lunch with Charles Ackerman last year. He is a real present-day person who invented and sells the pump.

[Randal6393]

Recently bought a pump pen from Charles Ackerman. An absolute dream of a pen and has me enthusiastic about practising my Copperplate and Spenserian script.

 

I filled the pen with my favorite black fountain pen ink, Noodler Black. Writes smoothly and works well.

 

Have corresponded a few times with Mr Ackerman and he is a gentleman of the old school. Great to do business with him.

 

PS: Bought the pen with the Gillott 303 installed, bought six extra nibs and have yet to use one of the extras.

Edited March 9, 2009 by Randal6393

[Gran]

Thank you for such a nice review. These pens do have an appeal. The dipping can get tedious.

[Crystal009]

Wow, this is exciting! I really could use one of these, I just wish the Ackerman website had some other method of payment other than paypal. But it's nice to know these things exist.

[tipstricks]

A great and useful review. I'm waiting a pen fitted with a Leonhardt principal, and I'm curious to try! Fortunately I have also a bottle of Higgins eternal.

Many thanks!

[wykpenguin]

Glad that so many people like it. As I look back on this review, I can only gasp at how ugly my cursive looks like.

[Randal6393]

Gee, Kenneth,

 

I would love to see what your cursive is evolving into if you think your original note is ugly. Post! Post! Post!

 

Enjoy,

[tipstricks]

Just arrived my pen, here's a quick test. Pen is comfortable to use, and simply to use and clean (with Higgins eternal it's important for feed clogging). However the best feature is "Push the button and you have the ink". I like it.

 

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/tipstricks_photo/ackerman.jpg

[Enai]

Thank you for this review, and the other feedback, especially tipstricks's sample. I had stumbled upon Ackerman's website, was intrigued by the pen, and so, naturally, I checked FPN if there was a review, and here it is! I'm definitely getting one of these in the near future.

 

If there are others who have experience with this pump pen, please post your feedback on this thread. Thanks!

[jd50ae]

Ordered the "new" Ackerman pump pen last Friday, and it should be here today or tomorrow. I will try to add to this post when it gets here.

[TheBimbler]

I tried the Ackerman Pump Pen about a year ago. I tried to get the hang of it but it was not for me. It was far more trouble than a dip pen, was prone to blotting, was difficult to clean. To be fair it did write well occasionally but not enough for me to continue with using it. It is now lying forgotten in a drawer.

[MYU]

Glad that so many people like it. As I look back on this review, I can only gasp at how ugly my cursive looks like.

Don't worry about it, as your writing is very legible. Believe me, I've seen some pretty nasty scrawl over the years and you're far from it! Are you still actively using your Ackerman? I take it you didn't suffer the same experiences as The Bimbler?

[Ed Ronax]

Nice review, thanks.

[dennyk2]

Thanks for all this good info. A fountain pen with a flexible point that would take India Ink is just what I've been looking for, for a long time.

 

Does the Higgens Eternal compare favorably with real India Ink in regard to resistance to fading and waterproofness? And does it really require a lot less attention to frequency or ease of cleaning the pen? I just like using good ol' Speedball India Ink because I know I can rely on it.