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Morning Glory
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A model in 18111's fountain pen lineup. Specs below reflect the typical configuration across 18111's core range.
A solid mid-range option once someone has decided fountain pens are a habit worth investing a bit more into.
Specs
About 18111
18111 is the pen label of Yoshi Nakama, a one-person maker working in Brooklyn, New York, who turned to pen making after a background in large-scale fabrication. Pens are made in small batches, mostly from cast Alumilite resin (ebonite on request), and are noted for decorated caps and barrels produced by laser-engraving patterns and filling them with iridescent powder, a technique the maker describes as a modernised chinkin. The standard nib is a JoWo steel unit, with 14k or 18k gold available by request; output is limited and pens are sold directly rather than through retailers.
How to fill the 18111 Morning Glory
Fill it two ways: snap in a pre-filled international cartridge for convenience, or use a converter (a small plunger or twist mechanism that installs the same way a cartridge does) to draw ink from any bottle. The converter route opens up the entire world of bottled ink, which is where most of the hobby's color variety lives.
Choosing a nib size
Nib size determines line width, not writing pressure: fountain pens are meant to glide, never press. Extra-fine (EF) suits small, dense handwriting and thin paper; fine (F) is the most broadly recommended default; medium (M) shows more ink character and shading; broad (B) and stub grinds favor bold, expressive strokes and calligraphy-adjacent writing. The Morning Glory's gold nib will also flex slightly with pressure, giving line variation that a steel nib of the same size won't produce.
Keeping it clean
A quick flush with cool water every time you switch ink colors, plus a full clean every 4 to 6 weeks of regular use, is enough to keep the nib and feed performing well. Inktend's cleaning reminder is tuned to a 21-day baseline and adjusts naturally to how often you actually refill.
Pairing inks with the Morning Glory
Because refills are quick with a cartridge or converter, this is a good pen for rotating through several colors rather than committing to one; sample vials work especially well here.
Frequently asked questions
More from 18111
Specs reflect the typical configuration across 18111's core lineup rather than this exact model. Check current listings before buying.