Inktend / Pen library / Ixion
Ixion
A model in Namisu's fountain pen lineup. Specs below reflect the typical configuration across Namisu'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 Namisu
Namisu is a UK company founded in 2013 and based in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, that makes minimalist machined writing instruments. Its fountain pens, including the N2, Nova, Horizon and Ixion, are precision-machined from Grade 5 titanium, aluminium, stainless steel or Ultem, with no decoration beyond faceting and surface finish. All take a large #6 Bock steel nib and a standard international cartridge or Schmidt converter, at roughly £36–120.
How to fill the Namisu Ixion
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 — 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 Ixion
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 Namisu
Specs reflect the typical configuration across Namisu's core lineup rather than this exact model — check current listings before buying.