Purchasing your first fountain pen is an exciting step in the world of stationery! Fountain pens are quickly becoming more popular today, and it’s easy to see why. They offer a smooth and luxurious writing experience, a touch of elegance, and a great community of enthusiasts and experts.
There are several things to consider when buying your first fountain pen. Finding just the right one can seem like a daunting task given the vast array of options and specifications available. Fortunately, choosing the right first pen doesn’t have to be so difficult. Use the guide below to assist you in making the right choice for your first fountain pen.
Budget
First, consider your budget. Setting parameters on how much you are willing to spend will help avoid wasting time and allow you to find your pen more easily.
Starting with pens below the $100 price point is usually a safe choice for beginners. There are many high-quality and reasonably priced fountain pens within this range, such as the Parker IM fountain pen or the more popular TWSBI Diamond 580. You can expect pens in this tier to become more reliable as the price rises.
You can also jump right into the $100 to $200 price range, where you’ll find good beginner options as well. The Platinum 3776, for instance, is a popular entry-level golden-nibbed fountain pen that provides a more premium writing experience. If you want great writing performance and a more luxurious feel to your pens, then you can start with options in this price range.
Nib
There are several things to think about when choosing the right nib for your first fountain pen:
Nib Material. A stainless steel nib is great for daily use because it is strong, sturdy, and inexpensive. Iridium tips, on the other hand, are used to strengthen steel material on higher-quality pens. Gold nibs are a luxury as they are softer and mold to your writing style over time.
Nib Width. There are dozens of variations on nib width, but the most popular ones that are readily available are extra fine, fine, medium, and broad. Nib widths will vary across different brands. In general, Eastern nibs from brands like Pilot and Platinum tend to be finer than their Western counterparts, such as LAMY.
Filling Mechanism
Up next is choosing your preferred filling system. It is recommended for new fountain pen users to opt for cartridge or converter pens. These come in the form of disposable or refillable plastic tubes attached to your fountain pen. Though they have a low ink volume, they are the most convenient and easy to use, especially on the go.
Piston filling systems, on the other hand, work by drawing ink up into the pen with a piston knob. Vacuum fillers work similarly, with the main difference being the creation of a vacuum to quickly fill the ink reservoir. You can also use eyedropper pens to add ink directly into the barrel of the pen. These types of pens have a larger ink capacity, perfect for longer writing sessions.
Design
Last but not least, consider the design of your fountain pen. This includes the size, weight, and even the color!
People with larger hands may want to get heavier fountain pens that have bodies made of resin or steel. Those with petite fingers can choose lighter, smaller pens. Pens that have just the right weight, grip, and length for your hands can provide a much better writing experience.
Of course, the color, texture, and overall look of the fountain pen must also match one’s personality. There are many fountain pens in classic colors, such as black, gold, and silver, such as the Aurora Magellano fountain pen. There are also other pens that come in brighter hues, patterns, and designs, like those released by Sailor in their ProGear lines.
The Bottom Line
The beginning of your fountain pen journey can be as exciting as it is confusing! While there are many aspects to consider, going through the process of choosing the right pen is part of the fun.
Happy pen shopping, and happy writing!
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
