One of the most exciting parts of getting into the fountain pen hobby is discovering great brands. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced writer, you’ve probably heard of LAMY. This German brand is well-known and loved for its Bauhaus-inspired designs, durability, and smooth writing instruments. There’s certainly been a lot of hype over this brand, especially in the past couple of years. But at the end of the day, are LAMY pens worth it? Here, we’ll cover just that.
Design and Aesthetics
One of LAMY's most distinct characteristics is its minimalist and modern design. The brand’s strength lies in its ability to consistently deliver pens that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Writers who prefer functional but sleek designs will appreciate the pens LAMY produces.
The brand offers a wide range of styles to suit different preferences, from the basic Safari to the elegant Studio. The clean lines and high-quality materials used in LAMY’s pens contribute to their timeless appeal. If you’re someone who loves a well-designed and aesthetically pleasing fountain pen, then LAMY may well be worth it.
Writing Experience
LAMY 2000 Black Makrolon Fountain Pen
At its core, the writing experience is all about how smooth, effortless, and pleasurable it is to use a nib on paper. LAMY’s pens are well-known for offering a great writing experience, with their nibs often described as being "springy" and "feedbacky.” This provides a satisfying tactile sensation when writing.
LAMY also offers a variety of nib sizes, from fine to extra-broad and stub nibs, allowing fountain pen enthusiasts to find the perfect fit for their writing style and preferences. The brand also offers different nib materials, such as steel and gold, which can cater to different writing needs and contribute to the overall experience.
Durability and Longevity
LAMY Studio Fountain Pen (Gold Nib)
Tied to the Bauhaus design philosophy, which has a motto that “form follows function,” LAMY pens are made first and foremost to deliver good writing; how they look should be anchored to serve that function. LAMY pens use high-quality materials and undergo rigorous control measures to ensure product durability.
Many LAMY pens have also been passed down through generations, a testament to their longevity. While some parts may need to be replaced over time, such as the nib, the overall structure of the pen remains intact. If durability and longevity are your concern, then buying a LAMY pen will be worth it, especially the more premium models.
Value for Money
LAMY pens are generally considered a mid-range investment. While they may not be as expensive as some luxury brands, their prices still fall into that category. For instance, the Platinum Preppy costs just $8.00 while the LAMY Safari, which is also marketed as an entry-level fountain pen, costs about $22.00.
That being said, many users still argue that the quality and performance of LAMY pens justify the price. The smooth, sleek design, durability, and quality writing experience make them a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate a well-made pen.
Some Considerations
Aside from what’s mentioned above, there are some other factors you should consider when assessing a LAMY pen.
Grip. How the pen feels in your hand is an important aspect to take into consideration. Most LAMY pens have engineered their grip sections to make them feel comfortable in the hand. However, the shape might not be for everyone; it really depends on what works for you.
Ink compatibility. Fortunately, LAMY pens are compatible with most standard fountain pen inks, from their own line of inks to brands like Diamine, Robert Oster, and Wearingeul.
Budget. Whether the LAMY is worth it will really depend on what features you want and how much you are willing to spend on a pen overall.
Is LAMY Worth It?
So is LAMY worth it? Based on the considerations above, we would say it certainly is and recommend it to any fountain pen user who wants to try a quality writing instrument. You can check out the best LAMY fountain pens that we’ve selected.
Remember, the perceived worth of a fountain pen or its brand heavily relies on personal preference. However, the fact that the brand has stood the test of time (since the 1930s!) and is sought after by many fountain pen enthusiasts today says a lot about its worth. LAMY remains popular thanks to a combination of style, performance, and durability. Many of their pens may be a bit pricier compared to really affordable options on the market, but you are paying for the quality of a well-made writing instrument. If you're looking for a reliable and aesthetically pleasing pen, a LAMY may be the perfect addition to your collection.
What do you think? Is a LAMY fountain pen well worth the money? Let us know in the comments below!
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
