Inktend / Pen library / Pocket Fox
Pocket Fox
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A model in Shibui North's fountain pen lineup. Specs below reflect the typical configuration across Shibui North'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 Shibui North
Shibui North is a small UK pen brand run by a maker named Ruth from Tyneside in northeast England, producing precision-machined, Japanese-influenced pocket fountain pens. Her first pocket pen, the Kitsune, appeared in 2022, followed by models such as the Pocket Fox and Anti-Pocket with PVD and Cerakote finishes and CNC engraving. Pens are machined and hand-finished in small runs and sold online and at UK pen shows.
How to fill the Shibui North Pocket Fox
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.
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 Pocket Fox
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
Specs reflect the typical configuration across Shibui North's core lineup rather than this exact model. Check current listings before buying.