Fountain pens never go out of style. Unlike regular pens, buying a fountain pen is a more thoughtful decision. People often have a few questions before making a choice. In this post, we'll go through some of the most common questions about fountain pens. Hopefully, by the end, you'll feel proud to use yours if you already own one or feel more confident about buying one if you're still deciding. Here's what we'll cover in this blog:
- What it's like to use a fountain pen
- How to pick the right fountain pen
- How to clean a fountain pen
- The best fountain pens for beginners
What's So Great About Fountain Pens
There's a lot to love about fountain pens. For some, it's the classic look; for others, it's how effortlessly they can be made your own. They're built to last, easy to refill, and feel different from anything else you'd usually pick up to write with. People have all kinds of reasons for using a fountain pen, and here are the top five reasons why they're one of the most popular writing instruments.
Why Fountain Pens Still Matter in the Digital Age
With the advent of the digital age, it may seem like traditional note-taking with a well-made pen has faded into the background, but the joy of writing is far from gone. While quick tasks often call for ballpoint pens or rollerball pens, fountain pens offer a different experience. They're not just great to write with, giving you a smoother and more satisfying feel on paper; they also look good while doing it. A fountain pen adds a bit of personality to your desk, slips easily into your pocket or bag, and works as a practical tool and has an elegant aesthetic appeal. It's a simple way to bring a little mindfulness and style to your everyday writing.
The Comfort and Control of Writing With a Fountain Pen
One of the best things about fountain pens is how easily they can be matched to your personal preferences, especially when it comes to comfort. You can choose a pen with the right heft and grip section that feels just right for your writing style. The writing experience becomes more effortless, with less pressure needed on the page, which means even long writing sessions feel easier and don't leave your hand feeling tired. It's also hard to ignore how good your handwriting looks with a fountain pen, signing your name feels more satisfying, and your signature often comes out looking sharper and more polished without any extra effort.
Writing Feel More Personal With a Fountain Pen
Writing with a fountain pen naturally encourages you to slow down and focus, especially when it comes to things like journaling, writing letters, or making personal notes. It turns writing into a more deliberate and enjoyable process. Many people who regularly write letters by hand say their recipients really appreciate the effort, especially when paired with good quality paper. It feels more thoughtful and meaningful, offering a personal touch that a typed email simply can't match. Some even feel that when it comes to formal communication, like a letter of complaint, writing it out with a fountain pen carries more weight. It feels more respectful, shows you've taken the time, and can sometimes get more attention than a standard email.
Fountain Pens Can Last for Generations
Modern technology brought us rollerballs and ballpoint pens, but they're usually designed to be thrown away once the ink runs out. Fountain pens are different. With just a little care, they're built to last. All you need to do is refill them, and they'll keep going for years, sometimes even generations. In fact, many antique fountain pen users will tell you their pens have been passed down through families, and some pens from as far back as the 1920s are still writing beautifully today. Much of that durability comes down to their high-quality materials, like the hard metals used in the nib tips, which are made to resist wear and hold up through decades of writing.
Fountain Pens Offer More Variety Than Regular Pens
Fountain pens are loved not just for their durability and the statement they make, but also for the variety and flexibility they offer. One of the biggest appeals is how easy it is to experiment with different nib sizes and ink colors to match your writing style. Most people start with a Medium (M) nib, which writes around 0.6 mm thick and is considered the standard for many brands. But if you prefer a bolder, wider line, you can always explore options with a Broad (B) nib. There are even more possibilities, like flexible nibs that give your writing a bit of natural flair or specialty nibs that create thicker horizontal strokes. Then there's the fun of choosing ink, with endless options of ink refills including rich colors, shimmering finishes, and inks with beautiful sheen. With fountain pens, writing becomes something you can truly make your own.
Personal Experiences With Fountain Pens
It's always interesting to hear about people's experiences with fountain pens. There are so many great stories out there. From first-time users discovering how smooth a fountain pen feels, to long-time collectors who've found their perfect pen after years of trying different styles, everyone has something unique to share. While we'd love to go through all of them, we'll be highlighting just a few in this post to give you a glimpse of what makes using a fountain pen such an enjoyable and personal experience.
Charlie's Experience With Less Hand Fatigue
We have Charlie, a long-time fountain pen user. Early on, he went through a handful of cheaper fountain pens that didn't leave much of an impression until he finally treated himself to a Waterman. What stood out right away was how much better his writing looked compared to when he used a ballpoint. He also noticed how much more comfortable it felt to write with, especially during longer sessions.
With the Waterman, he could relax his wrist and hand, and writing became easier with less strain or fatigue. Charlie works in a field where customers regularly need to sign paperwork. He keeps a regular ballpoint around for them. But when it comes to filling out his own paperwork, it's always the Waterman he reaches for.
Anne Found Relief From Carpal Tunnel Pain Using a Fountain Pen
Anne deals with carpal tunnel, which often makes writing uncomfortable and tiring. But with a fountain pen, things are much easier because it takes very little pressure to write; she can write more comfortably without straining her hand. She also finds that her handwriting style stays much more legible with a fountain pen. Since the pen glides effortlessly across the paper, she doesn't have to fight through pain or weakness. When she uses a ballpoint or gel pens, the extra effort causes discomfort and affects her control, sometimes making her handwriting hard to read. With a fountain pen, writing feels smoother, easier, and much clearer.
Stewart's Reflection on the Timeless Appeal of Fountain Pens
Stewart still uses ballpoint pens, but for him, writing with a fountain pen is a completely different experience, one he describes as both pleasant and even a little sensuous. He appreciates how fountain pens create lines that feel more expressive and unique, capturing exactly what the writer wants to say in a way regular pens often can't. Beyond that, Stewart finds something deeply satisfying about owning and using a well-made writing tool that rewards thoughtful care. He also values the environmental side of it, knowing that a fountain pen can last for many years, avoiding the waste that comes with disposable pens.
What to Look for When Buying Your First Fountain Pen
The world of fountain pens is fascinating, full of options that help you find a pen that fits your needs and feels like a truly personal companion. If you're just starting your fountain pen journey, we've put together a list of things to consider to help you find the perfect writing partner.
- Nib
- Ergonomic Grip
- Weight of the pen
- Comfort of writing
Fountain Pen Nib Materials and Sizes
When choosing a fountain pen, the nib material is an important factor to consider. Nibs are made from a range of metals, from more affordable options like stainless steel to premium materials, like gold nibs. Generally, higher-value materials provide a softer and smoother writing experience. Some pens are designed with just the nib's tip made from the expensive material, while the rest is crafted from more cost-effective metals.
Along with material, nib size is another key consideration. The most common nib sizes are Fine (F nib), Medium (M), and Broad (B). Broad nibs create wider lines and are great for adding variation and character to your writing. Fine nibs can also produce nice line variation but require more control and lighter hand pressure. Keep in mind that fine nibs are more delicate and can develop scratches if you press too hard while writing. Choosing the right nib size and material can make a big difference in your writing comfort and style.
What Fountain Pen Weight Should You Choose?
Fountain pens are often made from metal, but you'll also find models with lighter pen materials like plastic or wood. When it comes to weight, pens generally fall into three categories: light, medium, and heavy, with metal pens usually being the heaviest. If you're just starting out, it's a good idea to begin with a lighter pen model to get a feel for writing with a fountain pen. You can always try a heavier one later on.
Some people believe heavier pens help improve handwriting, but if you write a lot every day, a heavy pen may cause extra strain since it requires more hand pressure. On the other hand, if you mostly use a fountain pen for signing documents or occasional notes, pen weight is less of a concern. Choosing the right weight depends largely on how you plan to use your pen.
Fountain Pen Ink Filling System
When it comes to ink refilling, you have two main options: ink cartridges or ink converters. The key difference is that cartridges are disposable, while converters are refillable canisters that draw ink directly from a bottle. If convenience is your priority, ink cartridges are a great choice. Simply insert a new cartridge, and you're ready to write again. Cartridges are also mess-free, unlike converters or piston fillers, which require dipping the pen into an ink bottle. Cartridges just snap into place, minimizing any chance of spills or ink leaks.
However, cartridges do have some drawbacks:
- Limited compatibility: Cartridges are often specific to certain brands or pen models, limiting your options.
- Smaller ink capacity: Cartridges hold less ink than converters, so you may need to replace them more frequently.
Converters offer more flexibility with a wide variety of inks, colors, and ink properties since you can refill them from ink bottles. The downside is that this filling mechanism can be messier and take a bit more time compared to simply swapping cartridges. Choosing between the two depends on whether you prefer convenience or variety.
How to Clean Your Fountain Pen
Fountain pens need regular cleaning to stay in good working condition. How often you clean your pen depends on how often you use it and how quickly ink dries out when the pen is left unused. As a general rule, experts recommend cleaning your fountain pen at least four times a year. If you don't use it regularly or leave it unused for long periods, more frequent cleaning is a good idea.
Why Cleaning Matters: Capillary Action
Fountain pens work through capillary action, which allows ink to flow smoothly from the ink reservoir through the feed and nib onto the paper. Over time, paper fibers, dried ink, and dust can collect in the nib and feed system, disrupting the ink flow and making the pen write poorly.
Some common signs your pen needs cleaning include:
- Inconsistent ink flow
- Skipping while writing
- Scratchy writing feel
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Pen
- Remove the cap and detach the nib section from the pen barrel.
- Take out the ink cartridge or converter and set it aside.
- Rinse the nib section under running water to remove any leftover ink.
- Soak the nib section in a cup of clean water. Let it sit until the water becomes saturated with ink.
- Change the water several times, continuing to soak the nib until the water stays clear. Soak for about an hour in the final rinse.
- Let the nib section dry completely before reassembling the pen.
- Reassemble your pen, refill it with ink, and it's ready to use again.
Optional: Use a Cleaning Kit
You can also use a fountain pen cleaning kit to make the process easier. Kits usually include tools like pipettes or syringes to flush out ink more thoroughly. Just make sure the kit is compatible with your pen model, especially if it requires a bulb or flushing attachment.
Regular cleaning keeps your pen writing smoothly and helps extend its life.
Best Fountain Pens for Beginners
With so many fountain pen options out there, it can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you're just starting out. If you're thinking of spending around $100 or a little more, that's a great place to start. It helps narrow down the choices and still gives you access to well-made, reliable pens. In this range, you can explore brands like Webson Gill, Pilot, Platinum, JINHAO, Waterman, and more.
If you have a bit more room in your budget and want something that also makes a stronger impression, you might want to check out brands like Faber-Castell and Lamy. To make things easier, we've put together a simple pen collection of beginner-friendly options to get you started.
Webson Gill Captain Edition
At a price of just over $100, this fountain pen from Webson Gill is inspired by the timeless art of writing. Designed to add a touch of elegance to everyday writing, this pen is ideal for all writing occasions, from journaling to making announcements and invitations. With this pen, you have two things to particularly boast of. One is German engineering, making it one of the most durable pens out there. Two, you can also boast of the Japanese-inspired nib. Japanese penmakers craft nibs in-house, allowing them to make high-quality nibs consistently. You will find their pens to have very fine nibs, but they can write characters more smoothly than Western brands that also produce fine nibs. If these qualities sound appealing, then the Webson Gill Captain Edition is one of the best options for you.
Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pens
This pen brand offers a wide range of prices, from affordable options to higher-end models. Some of their fountain pens start at around $25, with many good choices available under $100. At the other end, they also make premium models that can cost up to $10,000.
One of their well-known pens is the White Tiger, made not from metal but from a lacquer-like material that feels smooth and comfortable to hold. With Pilot Metropolitan pens, you're getting writing tools from a company with a long history of craftsmanship. They're reliable, easy to maintain, and known for writing smoothly without common issues like drying out.
Lamy 2000
The Lamy 2000 usually starts around $120 if you find a good deal, though prices often range between $150 and $200 depending on where you buy it. It's made from a mix of stainless steel and black fiberglass, giving it a balanced, medium weight when filled with ink. A practical detail is the small ink windows near the grip section, so you can easily check how much ink is left. The exterior uses Makrolon, a material known for its smooth, cool feel in hand. While the design may seem simple at first glance, up close it shows clean, well-thought-out details that many people appreciate. Prices can vary quite a bit, so it's worth keeping an eye out for a good offer before buying.
Waterman Expert Fountain Pen
If you're working with a budget of around $80, the Waterman Expert is definitely worth a look. It's reasonably priced, often available for about $66 on Amazon, and offers solid performance for daily writing. One of its key advantages is its ink capacity; you won't need to refill it too frequently, which is helpful if you write a lot throughout the day.
This model comes with a fine (F nib), known for its smooth and consistent writing experience. It handles detailed characters well, making it especially useful if you need to write smaller. In terms of size and comfort, the Waterman Expert hits a nice middle ground. It's not too slim or too chunky, and the weight falls in the medium range. This balance makes it comfortable to hold for longer writing sessions without feeling bulky or tiring your hand. Altogether, it's a practical, reliable option with a comfortable writing feel.
The Timeless Appeal of Fountain Pens for Everyday Use
Fountain pens offer a writing experience that's practical, comfortable, and personal. They are built to last, easy to maintain, and bring variety through different nib options, ink colors, and materials. From long-time users who appreciate how fountain pens reduce hand fatigue, to beginners looking for an affordable, reliable option, the experiences are varied but the enjoyment is universal. With proper care, a good fountain pen can last for years, sometimes even generations, making it a writing companion you can rely on. No matter your budget or writing style, there's a fountain pen out there that can fit right into your routine and add a little enjoyment to every page.