If you are using blue ink this procedure is recommended at least after three months or if the pen hasn't been used for a while. If you are using coloured ink this procedure should be performed every month, because these inks can contain more pigment which might lead to a congested ink system. Time to disassemble the Faber-Castell Basic.DISCLAIMER: Disassembling any fountain pen is likely to void the warranty of foresaid pen. You choose to disasse My fountain pen is having ink flow problems, what can I do? We recommend cleaning the fountain pen regularly (ideally every one to two months) under running, clear, lukewarm water. Particularly if the ink has dried up through lack of use, when changing the ink colour or if the ink flow has reduced. I am trying to figure out what is causing a problem with my Faber-Castell Grip (M nib) - namely, the fact that every ink that I put in the pen has a peculiar tendency to keep flowing and writing without any issues, but becoming very dark and brownish. If your brush, soft chisel, or 1.5 mm bullet tip does fray, you can extend the life of the pen by reversing the tip. Simply pull the tip out with a pair of tweezers, then turn it around and reinsert it into the pen. This does not work with fineliner PITT Pens, calligraphy pens, or the larger bullet tips. But I love this pen so much, I don't want to part with it for another. I tinkered with the nib for hours/days, which only ever resulted in it getting to roughly 90% functionality—and some extra damage. It's just not working right, and I am accepting my lack of expertise. Lol I heard they use a #5 nib. Some say it's a JOWO nib. qAdW.