Top 5 Best Fountain Pens: Reviews & Buying Guide for Writers

Ever felt the smooth glide of a pen across paper, leaving behind a trail of vibrant ink? That feeling is part of the magic of fountain pens! Did you know that fountain pens have been around for over a century? They were the go-to writing tool before ballpoint pens became popular.

Choosing a fountain pen can be tricky, though. There are so many different types! You might feel confused about nib sizes, ink colors, and how to take care of them. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people find the fountain pen world a little overwhelming at first.

In this blog post, we’ll simplify everything. You’ll learn the basics of fountain pens, from how they work to how to pick the perfect one for you. We’ll talk about the different parts and what to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to start your own fountain pen journey. Let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of fountain pens!

Our Top 5 Fountain Pen Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Fountain Pen Detailed Reviews

1. JINHAO Fountain Pen Fine Nib

JINHAO Fountain Pen Fine Nib, Includes Ink Cartridges & Converter, Perfect Weight, Optimal Flow, No Skips

Rating: 8.9/10

The JINHAO Fountain Pen is a stylish and reliable writing tool. It features a fine nib and comes with everything you need to start writing. The set includes ink cartridges, a converter, and a protective sleeve. This pen is great for both beginners and experienced fountain pen users. It is perfect for gifts or for your own use.

What We Like:

  • Exquisite metal body with a sleek matte black finish.
  • The pen is sturdy and feels great in your hand.
  • Writing is smooth and consistent, with no skipping.
  • The set includes ink cartridges and a converter.
  • The pen has an ergonomic design and is easy to hold.
  • It is a great gift for many occasions.
  • The snap-on cap provides a satisfying click when closed.
  • It creates clean and even ink lines.
  • It has zero ink leaks.

What Could Be Improved:

  • No cons to report.

The JINHAO Fountain Pen is a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys writing. It offers a premium writing experience at a great price.

2. Matte Black Forest Fountain Pen Extra Fine Nib Classic Design with Converter and Metal Pen Box Set by Asvine

Matte Black Forest Fountain Pen Extra Fine Nib Classic Design with Converter and Metal Pen Box Set by Asvine

Rating: 9.4/10

The Asvine Matte Black Forest Fountain Pen is a classy writing tool. It has an extra fine nib that makes writing smooth. The pen comes with a converter. This lets you use bottled ink. The set also includes a metal pen box. It is a great gift for anyone who likes to write.

What We Like:

  • The extra fine nib provides a great writing experience.
  • The pen feels good in your hand. It is perfect for long writing sessions.
  • The matte black design is beautiful.
  • It comes with a converter. This helps use bottled ink.
  • The metal pen case makes it a perfect gift.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The pen does not include ink. You must buy it separately.

This Asvine fountain pen is a great choice for anyone who enjoys writing. It is a stylish and functional pen that is sure to impress.

3. BEILUNER Red Lacquer Gel Pen With 24K Gold Finish

BEILUNER Red Lacquer Gel Pen With 24K Gold Finish, Retractable Pens, Gift Pen Set, Professional, Elegant, Writing, Executive, Office, Nice Fancy Designer, Perfect for Men and Women

Rating: 8.8/10

Indulge in the ultimate writing experience with the BEILUNER Red Lacquer Gel Pen. This pen is a symbol of luxury. It features a stunning 24K gold finish. The pen is also retractable. This pen is perfect for anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship. It makes a great gift for anyone who enjoys writing in style.

What We Like:

  • Exquisite Craftsmanship: The pen is made with superior brass. This gives it a great weight and balance.
  • 24K Gold Plating: The pen has beautiful gold accents. It catches the light and looks amazing.
  • Elegant Design: The pen has a smooth, red lacquer finish. It is very attractive.
  • Smooth Writing: The pen writes smoothly. It glides across the paper.
  • Perfect Gift: The pen comes in a nice gift box. It also comes with a spare refill.

What Could Be Improved:

  • None at this time.

The BEILUNER Red Lacquer Gel Pen is a beautiful and functional writing tool. It is a great choice for anyone who wants a stylish and reliable pen.

4. Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – Charcoal – Fine

Lamy Safari Fountain Pen - Charcoal - Fine

Rating: 9.4/10

The Lamy Safari Fountain Pen in Charcoal with a fine nib is a stylish and reliable writing tool. It is a popular choice for both students and professionals. This pen is known for its simple design and comfortable feel. The Charcoal color gives it a sleek, modern look.

What We Like:

  • The pen has a strong, charcoal black body made of ABS plastic.
  • It has a black coated steel nib with a fine point.
  • It comes with one Lamy T10 Blue ink cartridge.
  • The pen is easy to hold and use.
  • You can buy a Z24 cartridge converter if you want to use bottled ink.
  • The pen is lightweight and durable.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The included blue ink cartridge is the only ink included.
  • Some people may prefer a different nib size.

The Lamy Safari Charcoal Fine is a great pen for everyday writing. It is a good choice for people who are new to fountain pens.

5. Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain 6 Pack Combo

Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain 6 Pack Combo, 3 Black and 3 Blue Pens

Rating: 8.8/10

The Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain 6 Pack Combo is a great choice for writers. This pack gives you six pens. You get three black and three blue pens. These are disposable fountain pens. They are easy to use and look good. The pens have a modern design. They use an advanced liquid ink system. The nib writes smoothly. You can see how much ink is left in the pen.

What We Like:

  • You get six pens in one pack.
  • These pens are easy to use.
  • The ink flows smoothly.
  • The design is modern.
  • You can see how much ink you have left.
  • They are disposable, which is convenient.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The pens are disposable, so you can’t refill them.
  • Some people might prefer other ink colors.

This Pilot Varsity combo pack is a good deal. The pens are a fun and easy way to write.

Fountain Pen Frenzy: Your Guide to the Perfect Pen

Ready to ditch the dull ballpoint and embrace the elegance of a fountain pen? This guide will help you find the perfect one! Fountain pens are more than just tools. They are a statement. Let’s dive in!

Key Features to Look For

Choosing a fountain pen can feel like a big decision. Focus on these key features:

  • Nib Size: This decides how thick or thin your lines will be. Fine nibs make small, neat writing. Broad nibs create bold, expressive strokes. Medium nibs are a good all-around choice.
  • Filling Mechanism: This is how you put ink in the pen. Common types include:
    • Cartridge/Converter: Uses pre-filled ink cartridges or a converter (that you fill with bottled ink). This is easy to use.
    • Piston Filler: The pen sucks up ink directly from a bottle.
    • Eyedropper: The pen is filled with ink using a dropper.
  • Grip: Make sure the grip feels comfortable in your hand. Some pens have a rubber or textured grip for better control.
  • Weight and Balance: A pen that feels balanced in your hand is important. Try holding different pens to see what feels right.

Important Materials

Fountain pens are made of different materials. These affect the pen’s look, feel, and price.

  • Nib: Nibs are usually made of stainless steel or gold. Gold nibs are often more flexible and expensive.
  • Barrel (Body): Barrels come in many materials. Plastic pens are durable and often inexpensive. Metal pens (like brass or aluminum) feel heavier and more premium. Resin pens offer a beautiful finish.
  • Section (Grip Area): This part is usually made of plastic or metal. It should feel smooth and comfortable.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

A few things make a big difference in a fountain pen’s quality:

  • Nib Quality: A well-made nib writes smoothly without skipping or scratching. The nib’s tines (the split parts that deliver ink) should be perfectly aligned.
  • Ink Flow: The pen should provide a consistent flow of ink. Too much ink will cause it to bleed. Too little ink will cause it to skip.
  • Construction: Look for pens that are well-made. The parts should fit together snugly.
  • Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for high-quality pens. Research different brands before you buy.

User Experience and Use Cases

Fountain pens offer a unique writing experience. They can make your handwriting look better.

  • Writing Style: Fountain pens work well for everyday writing, journaling, and calligraphy.
  • Ink Choices: Use bottled ink to experiment with different colors. You can even mix inks to create your own custom shades.
  • Maintenance: Fountain pens need some care. Clean them regularly. This keeps them writing smoothly.
  • User Cases: Fountain pens are used by students, professionals, and anyone who enjoys writing. They are great for taking notes, signing documents, and writing letters.

Fountain Pen FAQs

Here are some common questions about fountain pens:

Q: What is the best nib size for beginners?

A: A medium nib is often a good starting point. It’s versatile and easy to control.

Q: How do I fill a fountain pen with a cartridge?

A: Simply insert the cartridge into the pen’s section until it clicks or is firmly in place.

Q: How do I fill a fountain pen with a converter?

A: Dip the nib into the ink bottle and then twist or push the converter to fill it.

Q: How often should I clean my fountain pen?

A: Clean your pen whenever you change ink colors or if it hasn’t been used for a while. Once a month is a good start.

Q: What type of ink should I use?

A: Always use fountain pen ink. Other inks can clog or damage your pen.

Q: Why does my fountain pen skip?

A: This might be because of a dry nib, a clogged feed, or incorrect writing angle. Try cleaning your pen.

Q: Can I use a fountain pen on all types of paper?

A: Thicker paper is best. Thin paper may cause the ink to bleed through.

Q: How do I store my fountain pen?

A: Store your pen horizontally or nib-up. This helps prevent leaks.

Q: Are fountain pens expensive?

A: Fountain pens range in price. You can find inexpensive starter pens to very expensive, luxury pens.

Q: Where can I buy a fountain pen?

A: You can buy fountain pens online, at stationery stores, or at specialty pen shops.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.