For avid writers, having a fountain pen on hand at all times is a must. However, it can be slightly cumbersome to bring a full-sized pen to some places. Sometimes, you really just need a smaller pen that you can toss into your bag or place in your pocket without having to worry.
There are many pocket fountain pens that you can try. Here, we’ve rounded up some great performers so that you won’t have trouble choosing your next pocket-sized everyday writing tool.
What makes a great pocket pen?
When choosing the right pocket fountain pen, there are a few things to consider. Size is only one part of the equation. Consider the following:
Durability. Pocket fountain pens will always be moving around in your pockets, whether in your shirt, pants, or bag. You need a pen that is leak-proof and crack-resistant. Good, durable pocket fountain pens should be able to withstand a bit of rough handling without leaking or getting damaged.
Comfort. Pocket pens need to be comfortable to write with – otherwise, you’d never use them! If you take the time to carry this pen with you, then it needs to be something you can use the same way you’d write with a full-sized pen.
Paper Compatibility. Since pocket pens are meant to be used pretty much everywhere, they should be compatible with many types of paper. Pay attention to whether the nib will write well on pocket notebooks and cheaper, not-so-fountain-pen-friendly paper. Thinner nibs such as fine or extra fine will work better with most papers rather than a broad or a stub. Drier inks may be better to use with your pocket pen, too (but if all else fails, the fountain pens we’re listing below also have rollerball and ballpoint counterparts).
Given these characteristics and without further ado, here are some pocket pens you can try.
1. Kaweco Sport
These days, the first brand that comes to mind when thinking of pocket pens is Kaweco. Their Sport line comes in plastic, aluminum, and brass materials. There is also a wide array of nib options, from extra fine to extra broad. The best part about this pen is that it costs less than $100 without compromising on quality. Posting the pen is comfortable, so if you prefer longer pens, this helps balance it out. The aluminum or brass models have a bit of added weight, making them perfect for people with larger hands.
2. TWSBI Diamond Mini
There are two mini versions of the TWSBI for their pocket-friendly fountain pen: The Diamond Mini and the Vac Mini. We’ll be focusing on the former in this post. The Diamond Mini is even smaller than the Vac, and it features the brand’s popular piston fill mechanism. If you need a small fountain pen with a large ink capacity, then this is the one to choose. The pen measures at just a little over 4.5 inches when closed but can be around 5.5 inches posted.
3. Opus 88 Mini
The Opus 88 Mini can almost be said to resemble a baby Omar fountain pen. These pens are eyedropper filled, making them excellent options for writers who need small pens with a lot of ink. This pen balances nicely in the hand whether posted or unposted, allowing you to have comfortable writing sessions for longer periods. Fountain pen users will enjoy the smooth #5 stainless steel JOWO nib that this pen comes with. You can even control the wetness of the pen by opening or closing the shut-off valve that controls the ink flow to the feed.
4. Sailor ProGear Slim Mini
Sailor fountain pens are known for their top-notch quality in-house nibs. The ProGear Slim Mini has a 14k gold nib that is also used on other models such as the 1911S and the Sapporo, ensuring performance even with this small pen. It is a true pocket-sized pen, measuring just a bit longer than a Kaweco Sport when capped. The ProGear Slim Mini is comfortable in the hand with its lightweight construction, but it still feels balanced for longer writing sessions.
Overall, a pocket fountain pen is a worthy addition to any writer’s collection. The best ones pack great performance into pocket-sized pens. If your everyday writer is getting a little difficult to take around, then consider one of these small but mighty pens.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
