Hi. I recently bought my first Esterbrook fountain pen. I went with the Estie Raven button piston. I struggle to get a proper fill. The only way I’ve been able to get close to a full fill is if I hold the pen nib-up after pumping ink into it, slowly press the button to force the air bubble out, and while holding the button down, place the pen nib-down into the ink well and release the button. Is there an easier way?

Hello. I am considering getting either a Sailor Professional Gear Slim Fountain Pen Iris Nebula Special Edition or one of the new Diplomat Vipers in Blue. Has anyone had experience with Sailor and Diplomat pens? The Sailor has a 14kt gold nib and the Diplomat has a steel nib. I haven't had any experience writing with a gold nib and have only been using steel nibs. This will be my first "Luxury" buy after having used Lamy Safaris and TWSBI Diamond Minis exclusively. Any feedback/comments is appreciated.

Thank you.