The Wren - How To
A brief guide to get you started with your new pen.
About the wren
The Wren uses a fantastic Japanese fibre tip that has a similar feel on the page as a rollerball or ballpoint. Because there is no ball that lays the ink on the page, it means that there is no 'blobbing' or line inconsistency. The nice thing is that you can also get slight line variation by adding a little pressure to your writing. Unlike ballpoints and rollerballs, the Wren is designed to be infinitely refillable, so no longer do we have to contribute to the estimated 10 billion pens thrown away each year.
The Lumos is designed to be highly versatile – it can accommodate 11 different tips within the same pen, allowing it to function as a refillable fineliner, writing pen, and brush pen.
In contrast, the Wren is more of a dedicated pocket writing pen. It features a specialised writing tip, a quick pop-on and pop-off cap, and is designed to transition from a compact, travel-friendly size to a very comfortable length in the hand when capped.
Precision machined anodised aluminium, made on the same machines that are used to make parts for the aerospace industry. Anodising protects the raw aluminium with a hardness similar to that of sapphire and allows us to create lots of stunning colours!
- Length capped – 80mm
- Posted (cap on the end of the pen) – 120mm
- Weight – 20g
For extra grip, consider the Wren in Midnight or Black. These colors come with a matte finish, providing a secure hold.
All other Wren colours include ‘micro-grooves’ designed to enhance grip.
Yes, the Wren is ideal for travel. Its compact size, lightweight build, secure cap, and comfortable design make it perfect for jotting down notes or journaling on the go.
The Wren is also safe for aeroplane travel. None of its elements are considered liquid items, and it can be carried normally in your hand luggage. We do not recommend transporting it in your checked luggage.
It's absolutely fine. The ink dries really quickly so there is no fear of smudging.
All About Inks
We now offer a specific Fibre Tip Ink in Midnight, which is the same ink that came with your Wren pen and is an ideal match. The Wren is also compatible with nearly all fountain pen inks, with the exception of highly experimental varieties like shimmer or iridescent inks.
Be aware that some fountain pen ink colors may appear lighter after initial use due to ink concentration in the tip, but this is a normal and often attractive characteristic.
It’s important to avoid using calligraphy inks with acrylic binders, as they can clog the pen.
To refill, simply unscrew the top section of your Wren. Inside, you'll find a reservoir. Dip it in ink and let capillary action draw the ink into the pen.
To change ink colors, rinse the nib and reservoir under warm water, dry thoroughly, and refill with your new ink. Alternatively, you can swap out the reservoir and tip entirely, storing the removed components in a handy container to prevent drying.
If you consistently use the same ink and take proper care of it, the reservoir can last indefinitely.
However, if you frequently change inks and wash out the reservoir each time, the capillary action might be affected, limiting its lifespan to about 4-5 washes. We offer reservoir containers that make it easy to switch between different ink colours while maintaining their condition. Once a reservoir is fully used, we do sell spares.
All about Tips
The Wren features a specially designed tip crafted by Tom, intended for months of daily use. You can find replacement tips specifically for the Wren here.
Please note that Lumos tips are not compatible with the Wren.
Store your spare reservoirs and tips in our handy containers (or a ziplock bag) to prevent them from drying out, keeping them ready for future use.
You can expect the high-quality, Japanese-made tip to last for months of use. We tested a single ink fill in the Wren on a plotter – a device used for precision drawing – and it wrote consistently for 344 metres. That's the equivalent of 50 A4 pages of handwriting!
When the tip eventually dulls, you can find packs of three replacement tips here. The ink will last about half as long as a ballpoint pen before needing to be refilled.
Unfortunately, Lumos tips are not compatible with the Wren. However, you can find high-quality Japanese-made replacement tips for the Wren available here.
caring for your wren
To clean the reservoir and pen body, soak them in warm soapy water and flush under the tap. For the tips, soak in nib cleaning solution or warm soapy water, then rinse thoroughly. A bit of ink may remain, but it will blend out after a few doodles with new ink. Let everything dry naturally for 48 hours before reassembling to avoid water damage.
troubleshooting
If the lid is stuck and you can't remove it, here are a few techniques you can try:
- Grip Improvement: Wrap a rubber band around the lid to improve your grip. This can help you twist it off more easily without needing to apply too much force.
- Warm Water Soak: Submerge just the lid in warm (not hot) water for a few minutes. The warmth may cause the material to expand slightly, making it easier to remove the lid.
- Tapping Method: Gently tap the lid on a hard surface, like the edge of a table, while simultaneously trying to twist it off. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the item.
These methods should help you get the lid unstuck.
It's super easy to refresh the pen by recharging the reservoir with the original ink. If your pen is running a wee bit dry you can also dip the tip in water to get it going again.