Inktend / Pen library / 1745
Reform
1745
A model in Reform's fountain pen lineup. Specs below reflect the typical configuration across Reform'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 Reform
Reform was a German fountain pen manufacturer founded in 1919 in Heidelberg, and it grew into one of Germany's larger pen producers, exporting most of its output. It is best remembered for the Reform 1745, an inexpensive piston-filling school pen that was hugely popular in Germany in the 1970s and 1980s. The brand changed hands several times in the late 20th century and is now defunct, with its pens surviving on the vintage market.
How to fill the Reform 1745
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 1745
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 Reform
Specs reflect the typical configuration across Reform's core lineup rather than this exact model — check current listings before buying.