Inktend / Pen library / Solar
Laban
Solar
A model in Laban's fountain pen lineup. Specs below reflect the typical configuration across Laban'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 Laban
Laban was founded in 1981 in Houtong, Taiwan, by brothers John and Charles Hu, starting with silver- and rhodium-plated pens before moving into more decorative designs. The brand is known for glossy pearlescent and marbled acrylic barrels with heavy metal trim, in lines such as the 325, Mento, Skeleton and Formosa, and it added its own inks in 2020. Most pens are cartridge/converter fillers with gold-plated steel nibs, with 14k gold and flex options on some models, generally priced from around $60 to $200.
How to fill the Laban Solar
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 Solar'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 — and a full clean every 4–6 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 Solar
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 Laban
Specs reflect the typical configuration across Laban's core lineup rather than this exact model — check current listings before buying.