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The Best Beginner Fountain Pens

April 23, 2024 - Posted by Connie to Guides, Fountain Pens, Beginners' Guides, Fountain Pen Beginners' Guides
The Best Beginner Fountain Pens

Fountain pens might seem intimidating, but they’re actually really easy to use. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a great one, either. In this guide, we’ll explore the best affordable fountain pens for beginners. Keep reading or watch the video to see our picks.

The Best Beginner Fountain Pen: Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen
The Pilot Metropolitan is our top choice for beginner fountain pens.
The Pilot Metropolitan is our top choice for beginner fountain pens.

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The Pilot Metropolitan is the best beginner fountain pen. Since its debut in 2012, it’s completely redefined what an entry-level fountain pen can be. Featuring a high-quality metal body and super smooth nib, the Metropolitan looks, feels, and writes like a pen that should cost twice as much. Not only is it the pen we recommend the most to new fountain pen users, it’s one of our favorite fountain pens—period. Read our comprehensive guide to learn more about the Metropolitan lineup, including the matching gel pen and mechanical pencil in the lineup.

The Metropolitan is available in a variety of colors and three nib sizes, including a fun italic nib. If you’re not sure which one to pick, we recommend the medium nib for beginners. It comes with one black ink cartridge and a squeeze converter so you can use any bottled fountain pen ink.

Keep in mind that all Pilot Fountain Pens use proprietary filling systems, so they’re only compatible with Pilot cartridges and converters.

Table of Contents
Beginner Fountain Pen Recommendations
The Best Affordable Beginner Fountain Pen: Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen
The Platinum Preppy is inexpensive, yet writes smoothly and consistently.
The Platinum Preppy is inexpensive, yet writes smoothly and consistently.

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The Platinum Preppy is proof that an excellent beginner fountain pen can also be very affordable. It might look cheap, but Platinum focused all their attention on creating an excellent nib that’s remarkably smooth and consistent. It’s available in three nib sizes, though we should mention that the medium nib is noticeably broader than the extra fine and fine nibs.

The Preppy also uses Platinum’s Slip and Seal cap mechanism, which prevents the nib from drying out for more than a year! While you (hopefully) won’t forget about your pen for that long, you can be sure that your pen will start writing even if you haven’t touched it in a few weeks. Watch our video to see the Slip and Seal mechanism in action.

The Preppy uses Platinum’s proprietary ink cartridges, which include waterproof Carbon Black cartridges. The Preppy can also use any bottled fountain pen ink with the help of a converter (sold separately) or by converting it into an eyedropper pen.

If you decide that fountain pens aren’t for you, felt replacement tips are available to convert your Preppy into a highlighter.

Also Consider: Komamono Lab Fonte Fountain Pen

The Komamono Lab Fonte lets you customize your fountain pen by changing out the caps. It even includes a converter, though cartridges have to be purchased separately. The Fonte only comes in one nib size, but it does match perfectly with other Komamono Lab pens, which include brush pens, rollerball pens, and glass pens.

The Best EDC Beginner Fountain Pen: LAMY Safari Fountain Pen
The bold LAMY Safari is made of durable ABS plastic.
The bold LAMY Safari is made of durable ABS plastic.

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An iconic product first released in the 1980s, the LAMY Safari is a great introduction to the everyday carry (EDC) lifestyle. Made of high-quality ABS plastic—the same stuff LEGO bricks are made of—the Safari is virtually indestructible. LAMY regularly releases limited edition colors, and you might have to fight the urge to collect them all.

If you ever get bored of the nib that came with your Safari, you can quickly and easily swap them out with replacement nibs. Check out our comprehensive guide to learn more about the Safari.

The Safari is competing with the Metropolitan at this price point, and there are a few things that keep us from recommending it as our top choice.

Its bold style isn’t for everyone, and its triangular grip section can be bothersome for writers who don’t use a traditional tripod grip. LAMY nibs tend to be quite broad, too, so those who have smaller handwriting styles may be better off looking elsewhere. Finally, it doesn’t include a converter, so you’ll need to get one separately if you want to use bottled inks.

Also Consider: Platinum Plaisir Fountain Pen

The Platinum Plaisir uses the same high-quality nib as the Preppy, but fitted in an aluminum body. It performs well and is durable enough to use everyday and carry around with you, but it only comes in two nib sizes.

The Best Beginner Fountain Pen for Drawing: Pilot Prera Fountain Pen
Artists will appreciate the Pilot Prera and its ability to keep up with quick strokes.
Artists will appreciate the Pilot Prera and its ability to keep up with quick strokes.

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The lightweight Pilot Prera is one of our favorite fountain pens for drawing. It uses the same high-quality nib as the Metropolitan, and its flow keeps up with artists’ quick strokes. Its compact size saves space in a pen case and makes it easy to carry around in a pocket, too. The Prera is available in two versions. The Standard Bodies have stylish, opaque pen bodies and caps, while the Clear Bodies are transparent and slightly more expensive because they come with converters.
Also Consider: Sailor Compass Fude De Mannen Fountain Pen

Featuring a fude nib that has an upturned tip, the Sailor Compass Fude De Mannen creates brush-like strokes. It’s a great tool for expressive sketches, and because it can make thin and thick lines, you don’t have to bring a packed pen case with you while you’re sketching on the go. However, it does require some practice to use properly.

The Best Beginner Fountain Pen for Kids: Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen
The Pilot Kakuno helps kids learn to write with fountain pens thanks to the smiley face on the nib.
The Pilot Kakuno helps kids learn to write with fountain pens thanks to the smiley face on the nib.

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The adorable Pilot Kakuno is a fountain pen that’s well-suited to children—or kids at heart. Because fountain pens flow smoothly and effortlessly, they encourage kids to use less pressure as they write. This helps reduce hand strain and fatigue, so writing is less painful and more fun.

Its colorful plastic body is fitted with the same great nib as the Pilot Metropolitan, and it’s even available in extra fine. Speaking of the nib, the Kakuno’s has a smiley face printed on it. This is especially useful for beginners, because it reminds you which side of the nib should face up. If you can see the smiley face, you’re doing it right!

Also Consider: LAMY ABC Fountain Pen

The LAMY ABC has a chunky body inspired by wooden toys. Its wide grip section is easy for kids to grasp, especially if they haven’t fully developed their motor skills yet. We appreciate that it’s available with A nibs, which are smoother than typical nibs, and left-handed nibs, too.

The Best Beginner Fountain Pen for Students: Pelikan Twist Fountain Pen
The Pelikan Twist is comfortable to hold whether you are a right- or left-handed student.
The Pelikan Twist is comfortable to hold whether you are a right- or left-handed student.

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The funky Pelikan Twist lets students express their personality and take notes at the same time. It has an unusual design that’s comfortable for left- and right-handed writers to hold. It encourages a traditional tripod grasp, especially important for young writers. However, its quirky body isn’t for everyone, and it only comes in one nib size.
Also Consider: Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen

The Pilot Explorer is slightly cheaper than the similar Metropolitan. While it doesn’t feature a metal body, its plastic construction means it’s lighter and easier to hold for long writing sessions. The Explorer comes in two nib sizes, both of which work well for note-taking.

The Best Compact Beginner Fountain Pen: Kaweco Sport Fountain Pen
The Kaweco Sport is both a portable pocket pen and a full-sized daily writer.
The Kaweco Sport is both a portable pocket pen and a full-sized daily writer.

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There aren’t many fountain pens that are as compact as the Kaweco Sport. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants a pen that slips neatly into a pocket. The Sport transforms into a full-sized pen by posting the cap on the back of the barrel, so you don’t have to worry about your hand cramping. It’s available in many nib sizes, and you can swap them out by picking up replacement nibs.

The Sport comes in a wide range of colors and materials, but the plastic Classic, Frosted, and Skyline Sports are the most affordable. Kaweco also releases Collection Sport Fountain Pens which are more expensive but come in unique, limited edition colors. Other Sport pens are made from more exotic materials, but they’re definitely too pricey to recommend to beginners. You can read more about the Kaweco Sport in our comprehensive guide.

Also Consider: Meister by Point Slim Liner Fountain Pen

The Meister by Point Slim Liner features a compact and sleek design that’s inspired by portable cosmetics. The body is long enough to fit nicely in the hand, although the cap can’t be posted on the back of the barrel if you need extra length. Its diameter is similar to those of standard wooden pencils or gel pens, so if you’re used to skinnier writing instruments, the Slim Liner would be a good fit.

The Best Ergonomic Beginner Fountain Pen: Diplomat Magnum Fountain Pen
The molded grip on the Diplomat Magnum encourages a tripod grip and optimal writing angle.
The molded grip on the Diplomat Magnum encourages a tripod grip.

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Whether you’re using your fountain pen for quick notes or long writing sessions, an ergonomic fountain pen like the Diplomat Magnum is a must. Its molded grip section encourages you to hold it at the best writing angle and with a tripod grasp. It’s available in fine and medium nib sizes and comes with one ink cartridge.
Also Consider: Faber-Castell Grip Fountain Pen

The Faber-Castell Grip is another ergonomic option with a subtle triangular grasp. The barrel is covered with grippy dots that make the pen easier to hold. It’s only available in one nib size, but it does include an ink cartridge.

The Best High-Capacity Beginner Fountain Pen: TWSBI ECO Fountain Pen
The TWSBI ECO boasts a high-capacity piston filling mechanism which is typically not found in beginner fountain pens.
The TWSBI ECO boasts a high-capacity piston filling mechanism which is typically not found in beginner fountain pens.

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If you’re willing to spend a little more for a fountain pen that can hold a lot of ink, consider the TWSBI ECO. It’s fitted with a high-capacity piston-filling mechanism, which is extremely rare on fountain pens at this price point. The ECO can be filled from an ink bottle and holds about three times as much ink as a typical converter-filled fountain pen. Because the barrel is clear, you can see how much ink is left inside the pen. Like other TWSBI Fountain Pens, the ECO comes in tip sizes from extra fine to a fun stub nib.
Also Consider: TWSBI SWIPE Fountain Pen

The only downside to the TWSBI ECO is that it can only use bottled ink, not ink cartridges. If you value a high capacity and want the ability to use converters and cartridges, the JetPens team recommends trying the TWSBI SWIPE. It comes with three filling systems to choose from: cartridges, traditional piston converter, and spring-loaded piston converter. Each filling system can hold almost as much ink as the ECO.

The Best Disposable Beginner Fountain Pen: Pilot Varsity Fountain Pen
Disposable pens like the Pilot Varsity make it easy to try out the fountain pen hobby.
Disposable pens like the Pilot Varsity make it easy to try out the fountain pen hobby.

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The Pilot Varsity is a disposable fountain pen that doesn’t need any maintenance. The pen is pre-installed with ink, so you can start writing immediately. If you’re already a fountain pen user and want to introduce the hobby to friends, consider passing along a Varsity to see if they’ll enjoy using it.

The Varsity’s biggest downside is that it can’t be refilled once it’s empty. Throwing away the entire pen can feel wasteful, especially when other fountain pens can be endlessly refilled. Still, it’s a great, basic pen that can get you ready to use the other fountain pens mentioned in this guide.

Also Consider: Zebra Zensations Fountain Pen

Another disposable fountain pen, the Zebra Zensations is very similar to the Varsity. They both have colored sections to match the ink inside, and they have ink windows so you can tell how much is left.

Why Use a Fountain Pen?

Writers who aren’t familiar with fountain pens might assume that these writing instruments are inconvenient. You may be wondering, “What makes them so great?” We’ve listed our top four benefits of using a fountain pen below.

1. Experience smooth, comfortable writing.
A fountain pen writes with very little pressure. A gel pen used with the same amount of pressure can create streaky, unsaturated lines.
A fountain pen writes with very little pressure. A gel pen used with the same amount of pressure can create streaky, unsaturated lines.
Fountain pens use water-based inks that flow smoothly. They need very little pressure to write when compared to ballpoint or gel pens. Their bodies also tend to be thicker than most other writing instruments. These characteristics mean that you’ll experience much less hand strain and fatigue during long writing sessions.
2. Pick from tons of different options.
Fountain pens offer unlimited combinations of body styles, tip sizes, and ink colors. From top to bottom: Pilot Varsity, Kaweco Sport, TWSBI ECO.
Fountain pens offer unlimited combinations of body styles, tip sizes, and ink colors. From top to bottom: Pilot Varsity, Kaweco Sport, TWSBI ECO.
Fountain pens offer virtually unlimited combinations of body styles, nib sizes, and ink colors. You can use an extra fine nib to pack an index card with notes written in burgundy ink, or a double broad nib to write a shimmering letter to your pen pal. You can personalize your writing experience far more than if you used an ordinary pen.
3. Reduce waste and be more eco-friendly.
Using a fountain pen creates less trash than using a disposable pen.
Using a fountain pen creates less trash than using a disposable pen.
A fountain pen creates a lot less trash than a disposable pen, especially if you go for bottled ink instead of cartridges. Additionally, some fountain pens are made of materials that will last a lifetime. You won’t have to replace them like you would with a cheap pen that breaks or stops working before the refill is used up.
4. Invest in a pen you’ll love.
When you invest in a fountain pen, you also invest in the value of your writing.
When you invest in a fountain pen, you also invest in the value of your writing.
In our daily lives, we’re surrounded by cheap, disposable products. They get the job done, but they don’t make you happy to use them, and they certainly don’t fill you with inspiration. When you invest in something made to last—whether it’s a fountain pen, mechanical keyboard, or noise-canceling headphones—it turns “nothing special” into a simple pleasure you can enjoy every day.

Additionally, when you use a fountain pen that you spent a little extra on, you’re more likely to take care of it. You wouldn’t shed a tear if you lost the random ballpoint pen you picked up from a restaurant, but it’s much more painful to lose your $30 fountain pen.

How Do Fountain Pens Work?
Knowing the basics of how a fountain pen works is helpful for troubleshooting any issues you run into.
Knowing the basics of how a fountain pen works is helpful for troubleshooting any issues you run into.
You don’t have to understand how a fountain pen works in order to use it, but it helps to know the basics. That way, you can notice which features you prefer in pens, or fix small issues that you’re experiencing.

When you get your pen, remove the cap and barrel. Locate the nib, the metal part that will make contact with the paper. If your fountain pen uses cartridges or converters, find the back of the grip section, where you’ll install the filling system.

The other parts are more important if you plan to disassemble your pen, such as for cleaning. If you’d like to learn more, our beginner-friendly guide to How Fountain Pens Work covers the basics.

Compare These Pens

Would you like to see more side-by-side comparisons of our favorite beginner-friendly fountain pens? Check them out in our comparison tool!

The Best Beginner Fountain Pens Video
Video: The Best Beginner Fountain Pens
More Resources
Fountain Pen Beginner Resources
Fountain Pen Maintenance Resources
Fountain Pen Brand Resources
Fountain Pen Recommendation Resources
Fountain Pen Paper Resources
Conclusion

These fountain pens are great for beginners, but that doesn’t mean they’re beginner-level quality. Even if you choose to try gold nibs, more advanced filling systems, or exotic body materials, the fountain pens in this guide are sure to earn their spot in your fountain pen lineup. Clean them regularly and treat them well, and you’ll be able to use them for years to come.

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The curated JetPens Fountain Pen Starter Kit includes a pen, inks, and paper.
The curated JetPens Fountain Pen Starter Kit includes a pen, inks, and paper.
If you’re just starting out with fountain pens, pick up the JetPens Fountain Pen Starter Kit! It includes the affordable Platinum Preppy, a converter, ink bottles, and notebooks filled with fountain pen friendly paper.

Add to Cart
Product Nib Sizes Features Add to Cart
Diplomat Magnum Fountain Pen - Demo Purple - Fine Nib Diplomat Magnum Fountain Pens Fine, Medium Ergonomic grip. Add Items to Cart
Faber-Castell Grip Fountain Pen - Berry - Fine Nib Faber-Castell Grip Fountain Pens Fine Ergonomic grip. Add Items to Cart
Kaweco Skyline Sport Fountain Pen - Macchiato - Fine Nib Kaweco Sport Fountain Pens Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, Double Broad, Italic Compact body, swappable nibs. Add Items to Cart
Komamono Lab Fonte Fountain Pen Body - Fine Nib Komamono Lab Fonte Fountain Pen Fine Affordable price. Add to Cart
LAMY ABC Fountain Pen - Red - A Nib LAMY ABC Fountain Pens Left-Handed, A Specialty nib sizes for left-handed and inexperienced writers. Add Items to Cart
LAMY Safari Fountain Pen - Charcoal Black - Fine Nib LAMY Safari Fountain Pens Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, Left-Handed Durable plastic body, swappable nibs. Add Items to Cart
Meister by Point Slim Liner Fountain Pen - Brown - Medium Nib Meister by Point Slim Liner Fountain Pens Medium Compact and slim body. Add Items to Cart
Pelikan Twist Fountain Pen - Night Breeze - Medium Nib Pelikan Twist Fountain Pens Medium Designed for left- and right-handed writers. Add Items to Cart
Pilot Explorer Fountain Pen - Black Matte - Fine Nib Pilot Explorer Fountain Pens Fine, Medium Durable plastic body. Add Items to Cart
Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen - Clear - Extra Fine Nib Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pens Extra Fine, Fine, Medium Smiley face on nib reminds users how to hold pen correctly. Add Items to Cart
Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen - Black Plain - Fine Nib Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pens Fine, Medium, Italic Durable metal body. Add Items to Cart
Pilot Prera Fountain Pen - Ivory - Fine Nib Pilot Prera Fountain Pens Fine, Medium, Italic Compact body. Add Items to Cart
Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain Pen - Black - Medium Nib Pilot Varsity Fountain Pens Medium Disposable. Add Items to Cart
Platinum Plaisir Fountain Pen - Green - 03 Fine Nib Platinum Plaisir Fountain Pens Fine, Medium Durable metal body, Slip and Seal cap mechanism. Add Items to Cart
Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen - Black - 03 Fine Nib Platinum Preppy Fountain Pens Extra Fine, Fine, Medium Affordable price, Slip and Seal cap mechanism. Add Items to Cart
Sailor Compass Fude De Mannen Fountain Pen - Bamboo Green - 55 Degree Fude Nib Sailor Compass Fude De Mannen Fountain Pens Fude Expressive fude (brush) nib. Add Items to Cart
TWSBI ECO Black Fountain Pen - Fine Nib TWSBI ECO Fountain Pens Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, Stub High-capacity piston filling system. Add Items to Cart
TWSBI SWIPE Prussian Blue Fountain Pen - Fine Nib TWSBI SWIPE Fountain Pens Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, Stub High-capacity converters and cartridges, includes three filling systems Add Items to Cart
Zebra Zensations Fountain Pen - Black - 0.6 mm Zebra Zensations Fountain Pens 0.6 mm Disposable. Add Items to Cart
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