Ink creep or leak?

[ph33nyx]

I've begun to notice that my Lamy Safari has started to have a creep, or leak around the base of the nib, and was wondering if this was normal. I'm currently using Noodler's blue-black ink.
Would changing inks resolve the issue?
TIA

 

[Slivovitz]

I haven't used my own Safari in quite a while, but no, that's not normal for any properly functioning pen, and I really doubt that the ink has much to do with it, although it could exacerbate the problem. Usually when people speak of nib creep, it's about small amounts of ink accumulating on top of the nib itself. Richard Binder has this article on the phenomenon.

It could be that the feed is not fully seated in the section. With some pens, you could just push it in to make sure that it's in all the way, but it's probably best to wait for other advice before trying that here, as the Safari has its own individual construction.

If you bought it recently, you might want to contact the seller for advice.

 

[coachschaller]

I have seen it on mine... Noodler's does like to creep. I think it is more of the ink touching the mechanism when capping the pen. It might build up and then get on the edge. Usually, a wipe down is all is needed for me - it does not seem to be a constant leak.

 

[kcore]

As stated above I would check the cap to see if the ink is coming from there. Also check to see if the feed is seated properly and that the converter is also fitted correctly.

 

[ph33nyx]

Thanks.
I've cleaned the cap several times and wiped the edge down, and 5-10 min later it looks exactly the same.
My Lamy CP1 doesn't do this, nor do any of my other pens. Any ink suggestions I might try?

 

[rockviper]

What other inks do you have, @ph33nyx ? If none, some Parkers Quink should be available at a local Staples.

 

[ph33nyx]

Thanks...The Noodler's is currently the only one I have.

 

[kcore]

I think you might just need to do a process of elimination. I would say if possible try a cartridge to see if it's the converter letting air in. If it still does it with a cartridge you know you have an issue with the feed

 

[Slivovitz]

I should have thought of the possibility of ink in the cap, but it looks as if you've eliminated that anyway.

Again, I doubt that a "creepy" ink would cause this specific problem. Looks more like a leak to me, the question is where. But of course, I could be wrong. And although there are many good choices, Namiki (Pilot) blue, blue-black, and black are all well behaved inks if you want to try something else. Or Parker Quink, as rockviper suggests.

 

[Snurgblat]

Doesn't sound like an ink problem to me. Sounds like @kcore may be correct in the converter may not be tight and permitting this. May also be a separation issue of components. I'd recommend just trying twisting the converter around or pushing it gently to see if that stops it. If not, try a cartridge to see if it still leaks. If still leaking I suspect you either have a pen component issue or demonic possession.

 

[strop]

Check the end of the section very carefully with a magnifying glass/loupe. I had a Waterman with a hairline crck in the section that caused a very similar problem.

 

[ph33nyx]

Turns out that it was the converter causing the issue. Luckily Dromgoole's is not far and I was able to get another.

 

[rockviper]

Nice! Always good to figure out root cause.