[ThePhysicist]

Nice, I was looking for something like this. I currently use a Lamy Al-Star with an ink converter (to use ink from a bottle instead of single-use cartridges). Really great for writing but sometimes I miss the speed and fluidity of a rollerball. Lamy also offer rollerball pens but only with single-use cartridges that are ridiculously overpriced (I think around 3 € for a single cartridge which might last a few weeks to months) compared to normal ink, which costs around 3-5 € for 30 ml and will last several years. My writing fills roughly one 100 page notebook per year, in addition I write down a lot of things on scrap paper as well.

[ryanobjc]

Try a broader nib - with a larger surface it’s less scratchy. Also your nib probably needs a smoothing and tune up too! There’s many resources online to learn how to do that. In short very fine abrasives.

[sizzle]

All my nibs are failing, please share any trusted guides that aren't just cleaning the reservoir with soap and water.

[alfalfasprout]

Flip the pen so you're writing with the nib backwards. Then gently press to re-align the tines. Then do a bunch of figure eights with the pen in the correct writing position on a brown paper lunch bag (around 5 minutes). Press down harder than how you'd normally write and see if that doesn't help.

[sizzle]

I'll try this thanks!

[fishmaster]

I don't have the link any more but I believe there's a way to smoothen the nib by writing on fine graded 'smoothing paper', not sure what it's called in English, with a little bit of water. Also, I don't think soap is advisable, use filtrated water as tap water can contain minerals that might damage the nib. That's just some stuff that I remember, might not be 100% true. Maybe someone can provide a link.

[sizzle]

Smoothing paper sounds like an interesting solution, will look into your this. Thanks!

[fishmaster]

Just don't do anything before you have a legitimate source! ;)

[fishmaster]

Also, what paper are you using? 90g? High quality paper does make a difference.

[sizzle]

A leuchtturm1917 notebook with pretty absorbent paper that soaks up the ink nicely. I switch paper though in meeting, so sometimes I will be using waxy coated paper e.g. 3M post-it notes, which I think is the main culprit clogging my pens. What do you think?

[fishmaster]

The notebook should be fine but I'd avoid the cheap paper, just to be sure. Which nib are you using? With a f nib I'd avoid it for sure.

[bebna]

If you have the rollerball: A G2 cartridge fits, just add a small padding to the end. I used a cut down eraser from the back end of a cheap pencil.