What Is a Glass Dip Pen? A Complete Guide for Beginners (2025)

Over the past few years, we've seen the rising popularity of glass dip pen in Japan gradually spreading overseas. As one of the largest store of glass pens, we often receive questions about them from customers around the world. So, I decided to put together this guide to help you understand what makes glass dip pens special and how to choose the right one for you. By the end of this article, you'll have a solid grasp of their features and find the perfect one to suit your needs!

What Is a Glass Dip Pen?

A glass dip pen is a writing instrument with a grooved glass nib designed to hold ink when dipped. Unlike fountain pens, it lacks an internal ink reservoir, making ink changes effortless—just rinse the nib with water and switch colors instantly. Traditionally made entirely of glass, modern versions now feature wooden or resin barrels with glass nibs.

Glass Dip Pen vs. Fountain Pen

Glass dip pens and fountain pens are both beloved writing instruments, but they each offer a unique writing experience. If you're wondering how they compare, here's a simple breakdown to help you understand the key differences.

How to Use a Glass Dip Pen

1. Dip the nib into ink – Submerge about 2/3 of the nib into the ink.

2. Write gently – The grooves hold ink, allowing for smooth strokes.
   

3. Rinse with water – Swirl the nib in water and wipe dry before changing ink.
   

4. Gently wipe off the water – Gently wipe the nib from the side with a tissue or cloth to avoid damaging the nib.

5. Store safely – Place it on a pen rest or back in its case.

Pro Tips:

• Avoid waterproof or shellac-based inks, as they can clog the grooves.

• A soft silicone cup helps prevent the nib from breaking on impact.

• If ink dries in the grooves, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean them.

Why Use a Glass Dip Pen?

• Quick ink changes – Just rinse and switch colors instantly.

• Highly artistic designs – Unlike fountain pens, glass pens are crafted with unique, one-of-a-kind designs, often resembling miniature works of glass art.

• Compatible with old inks – Unlike fountain pens, they don’t clog easily, so you can enjoy even older ink bottles.

• Eco-friendly & reusable – No cartridges or plastic waste.

Best Glass Dip Pens for Beginners in 2025

💎 Tsukuyomi Blue Glass Dip Pen – Encased artificial opal, giving a mystical glow. Features a smooth-writing nib crafted by a skilled artisan.

🌙 Moonlit Cloud Glass Dip Pen – A bestseller at Komorebi Stationery, co-designed and developed with a renowned Japanese glass artisan.

🐱 Black Nyanko (Cat) Glass Dip Pen – Cute and lightweight, preventing hand fatigue.

🌸 Wagashi Sakura Mochi Glass Dip Pen – Compact and light, easy to hold. The nib is meticulously crafted for an effortless writing experience.

Where to Buy a Glass Dip Pen?

Best places to buy:

• Online: Komorebi Stationery – The world’s largest collection of high-quality Japanese glass pens, all handcrafted by skilled artisans.

• In-store: Little Craft Place, Houston – Now available at their stationery shop!

FAQs

Have questions about glass dip pens? Here are some of the most common questions we get from our customers, along with detailed answers to help you make the most of your writing experience.

How long does the ink last on a glass dip pen?

A high-quality glass pen can write up to half a notebook page or more with a single dip. Cheaper models, often mass-produced in China, may only write a few lines and struggle with consistent ink flow.

Can I use fountain pen ink with a glass dip pen?

Yes! Most fountain pen inks work perfectly with glass dip pens.

Do glass dip pens break easily?

The nib can chip if dropped or pressed too hard while writing. However, Komorebi Stationery collaborates with artisans to offer repair services, ensuring your pen lasts a lifetime.

What type of ink works best with a glass dip pen?

Dye-based inks are best, while waterproof or heavily pigmented inks should be avoided to prevent clogging. If the nib gets clogged, use a soft toothbrush to gently clean the grooves.