Take a look at the top 5 beginner fountain pens listed in this article. Learn more about fountain pens before you buy one for yourself.
Stationery and writing enthusiasts agree that writing by hand is a pleasurable and therapeutic experience. And for the avid writer, no tool is better for writing than the fountain pen.
However, not every writing enthusiast is familiar with fountain pens. The market is also incredibly fast-growing and diverse — there are nearly as many pens as shades of ink. If you’re just starting out, then here are the top 5 beginner fountain pens you can consider:
1. Pilot Metropolitan
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Though many Pilot fountain pens can be considered great for beginners, the Pilot Metropolitan takes our top spot for a few reasons. First, it has a sleek, lacquered steel body that looks beautiful and sophisticated. It is also well balanced, weighing at 27 grams. There are plenty of designs to choose from, so everyone will find something that suits their taste.
The steel nib, which comes in fine and medium sizes, writes well on paper. It is surprisingly smooth for a fountain pen that costs under $30. You can also fill the pen with disposable cartridges or by using a converter with bottled ink. All in all, the Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen is a solid choice for those just starting out.
2. Platinum Preppy
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Writers on a budget and want brighter-colored fountain pens can explore the Platinum Preppy fountain pens range. This pen performs surprisingly well for one that retails at just $7.
The body is made of plastic, making it light enough to carry everywhere. Platinum also creates its nibs in-house, which ensures that each one is produced to the same standard. The result is a nib that writes beautifully every time, the performance of which can be compared to pricier pens.
The Platinum Preppy can be used with ink cartridges or bottled ink using a converter, both sold separately.
3. LAMY Safari
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The LAMY Safari pen is considered a classic in the fountain pen world. It is a uniquely designed pen with an ergonomic grip to ensure pain-free writing. The ABS plastic body has a little window that allows you to see the pen’s ink levels. The Safari also comes in many different colors.
LAMY’s stainless steel nib comes in extra fine, fine, medium broad, and left-handed varieties. Unlike some of the pens on this list, the Safari is convenient because the nibs are all swappable. They also give pen lovers a comfortable and smooth writing experience.
4. TWSBI Eco
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Hailing from Taiwan, the TWSBI brand has gained popularity for entry-level fountain pens in its own right. It’s a great addition to any beginner’s collection, especially those who want to try different filling systems.
The TWSBI Eco fountain pen is a piston-filling fountain pen, meaning ink is held within the pen's barrel rather than an inserter cartridge or converter. This makes it easier to see how much ink is left. This along with the different TWSBI fountain pen colors adds to its wow factor. It also contributes to smooth ink flow and a nib that doesn’t dry out, even after extensive writing.
5. Kaweco Sport
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If size and portability matter to you when choosing a fountain pen, then look no further than Kaweco. The Kaweco Sport fountain pen is a smaller fountain pen at an affordable price (just under $30). It also has a great 1930s design that lets you write comfortably for long periods.
The fine nib is perfect for note-taking, especially for people who write small. The Kaweco Sport also comes in medium and broad nibs. It’s also durable since it’s made from sturdy plastic that won’t chip or bend.
The Bottom Line
Looking for the right beginner fountain pen doesn’t mean having to scrimp on quality. These top 5 choices will perform well and deliver an excellent writing experience as you learn how to use fountain pens — a perfect way to be welcomed into this part of the stationery world.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting