Best beginner fountain pen

[ChefJohnBoy-ardee]

Pilot Metro gets my vote. Lamy Vista/Safari- if you can handle the triangle grip section. Kaweco Sports are handy. Not the easiest to write with for extended sessions.

TWSBI's 10ish years ago were prone to cracking. My wife's was one of those. TWSBI changed their formula on the plastics they used on the ECO and I haven't heard much of it. My wife just hangs the purse that had blue ink bleed through above my desk and I'm not allowed to move it.

I started out with a Noodler's something or other. Piston filler, non-flex nib. They no longer make it. They only have the flex nibs (I had one of those too!) It got the hooks in. I then got some Pilot 76g's. They were decent. Like a no frills plastic bodied Metro. More hooks.

 

[Jmp63]

For me, I consider a couple things.
1. I want a permanent ink, either iron gall (Diamine Registrars) or something like DeAtramentis Document Ink.
1a. That means I need a pen that has it's own reservoir or takes a converter
2. The other thing starting out is you don't know what width nib you will prefer. Several Twisbi and Kaweco models allow you to buy other nibs. Many many brands require you to buy another pen.

I only own three pens
1. Kaweco Sport - Medium, I'd start here. Interchangeable nibs
2. Lamy 2000 - Fine
3. Waterman Hemisphere - Fine

Much appreciated! Thank you for your input. May I ask why the permanent ink?
Also for the Kaweco sport, is there a difference, other than aesthetics, between the stainless and gold plated nibs?

 

[Jmp63]

Pilot Metro gets my vote. Lamy Vista/Safari- if you can handle the triangle grip section. Kaweco Sports are handy. Not the easiest to write with for extended sessions.

TWSBI's 10ish years ago were prone to cracking. My wife's was one of those. TWSBI changed their formula on the plastics they used on the ECO and I haven't heard much of it. My wife just hangs the purse that had blue ink bleed through above my desk and I'm not allowed to move it.

I started out with a Noodler's something or other. Piston filler, non-flex nib. They no longer make it. They only have the flex nibs (I had one of those too!) It got the hooks in. I then got some Pilot 76g's. They were decent. Like a no frills plastic bodied Metro. More hooks.

Much appreciated! Thank you for sharing your input and experience! Hopefully it wasn’t her favorite purse! Lol

 

[Tirvine]

I really appreciate you taking the time to write this up! I’ll have to look into some of these! Wow, do those pelikans jump up in price quickly! Any specific models amongst those brands mentioned you’d recommend I look into?

They all seem to write well in the range with plated (rather than just stainless steel) nibs, and the ones with regular stainless steel nibs probably write well, too. So it seems that the escalating prices are tied to size, greater size using more gold or rhodium in the larger nibs. Mine, which I have been using for decades, is the smallest one with a gold plated nib and has a fine point. As pens get larger they also get wider and heavier, and that can affect the way they write. I had a Mont Blanc 149, and it was so large I did not really like it. I am not saying you must buy a Pelikan or other costly pen to be happy. I am just saying that in general when you move beyond the truly entry level pens, performance takes a noticeable jump. I have found some of the entry level nibs kind of scratchy. Of course, I have not tried them all. Also the quality of paper makes a difference in the way fountain pens feel. Wherever you decide to buy (other than eBay or Etsy), you will probably be able to ask a knowledgeable seller for their comparative thoughts regarding their products.

 

[Tirvine]

Much appreciated! Thank you for your input. May I ask why the permanent ink?
Also for the Kaweco sport, is there a difference, other than aesthetics, between the stainless and gold plated nibs?

In one person's opinion, gold plated nibs usually write a little more smoothly.

 

[Jmp63]

They all seem to write well in the range with plated (rather than just stainless steel) nibs, and the ones with regular stainless steel nibs probably write well, too. So it seems that the escalating prices are tied to size, greater size using more gold or rhodium in the larger nibs. Mine, which I have been using for decades, is the smallest one with a gold plated nib and has a fine point. As pens get larger they also get wider and heavier, and that can affect the way they write. I had a Mont Blanc 149, and it was so large I did not really like it. I am not saying you must buy a Pelikan or other costly pen to be happy. I am just saying that in general when you move beyond the truly entry level pens, performance takes a noticeable jump. I have found some of the entry level nibs kind of scratchy. Of course, I have not tried them all. Also the quality of paper makes a difference in the way fountain pens feel. Wherever you decide to buy (other than eBay or Etsy), you will probably be able to ask a knowledgeable seller for their comparative thoughts regarding their products.

In one person's opinion, gold plated nibs usually write a little more smoothly.

Thank you kindly sir for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience with me! It is very helpful!

 

[Chandu]

Much appreciated! Thank you for your input. May I ask why the permanent ink?
Also for the Kaweco sport, is there a difference, other than aesthetics, between the stainless and gold plated nibs?

Because most fountain pen ink is not waterproof, to any extent. The old iron gall inks were pretty acidic and not for fountain pens as the ink was corrosive to the pen parts (gold nib better in that case, but if you had other non gold metal parts, they could still have issues). Today there are a couple of iron gall inks that are made for fountain pens, the one I mentioned being one of them.

Gold nibs can have a nicer feel for some. I would say for many it probably doesn't matter, and gold drives the cost up a lot. The ink you used actually makes a bigger difference on what the pen feels like.

Though not waterproof, I really like the feel of the Waterman inks. The De Atramentis Document Ink feels similar. The Diamine registrars ink is much drier feeling.

One thing to note, by changing to a drier ink you can make a pen that puts out too much ink not do that quite as much. It will make a medium feel a little finer. The registrars ink, with a fine nib can be used on newsprint for a crossword puzzle. That isn't going to happen with a medium nib and a wetter ink. (all inks are liquid, wetter / drier just refers to feel and how they go to the paper)

Kaweco, afaik, the only difference it the material of the pen. Some photos. Not how short the Kaweco is when not posted (fancy pen talk for meaning with the cap off the nib mounted on the top of the pen). It is made to be highly portable and would be a great one if you want a pen to have with you that wouldn't hurt to much if it got lost. You will see that when posted it's not a lot shorter than the others. Also the only gold nib I have is in the Lamy, even though the Kaweco looks gold, it's just some plating of that color, not actual gold.

 

[Tirvine]

Because most fountain pen ink is not waterproof, to any extent. The old iron gall inks were pretty acidic and not for fountain pens as the ink was corrosive to the pen parts (gold nib better in that case, but if you had other non gold metal parts, they could still have issues). Today there are a couple of iron gall inks that are made for fountain pens, the one I mentioned being one of them.

Gold nibs can have a nicer feel for some. I would say for many it probably doesn't matter, and gold drives the cost up a lot. The ink you used actually makes a bigger difference on what the pen feels like.

Though not waterproof, I really like the feel of the Waterman inks. The De Atramentis Document Ink feels similar. The Diamine registrars ink is much drier feeling.

One thing to note, by changing to a drier ink you can make a pen that puts out too much ink not do that quite as much. It will make a medium feel a little finer. The registrars ink, with a fine nib can be used on newsprint for a crossword puzzle. That isn't going to happen with a medium nib and a wetter ink. (all inks are liquid, wetter / drier just refers to feel and how they go to the paper)

Kaweco, afaik, the only difference it the material of the pen. Some photos. Not how short the Kaweco is when not posted (fancy pen talk for meaning with the cap off the nib mounted on the top of the pen). It is made to be highly portable and would be a great one if you want a pen to have with you that wouldn't hurt to much if it got lost. You will see that when posted it's not a lot shorter than the others. Also the only gold nib I have is in the Lamy, even though the Kaweco looks gold, it's just some plating of that color, not actual gold.
View attachment 1421384
View attachment 1421385

+1 on Waterman inks

 

[tankerjohn]

I really appreciate you taking the time to write this up! I’ll have to look into some of these! Wow, do those pelikans jump up in price quickly! Any specific models amongst those brands mentioned you’d recommend I look into?

I have some experience with Pelikans. Pelikan is a lot bigger in Germany, where fountain pens are still required for elementary school. They make a few models of cheaper "school" pens, such as the Pelikano and Stola. I'm sure they are fine pens, but collective opinion seems to be that Lamy's school pens - Safari, AL Star, Studio - are somewhat better and at least easier to get in the US. Pelikan really shines at the next level up, starting with the steel nib M200 and into the gold nib M400, 600, 800, 1000 pens, which are really more luxury-level pens competing with Mont Blanc, Graf von Faber-Castell Montagrappa, Visconiti, etc. The least expensive of these is the M200 and it is an outstanding pen. Holds lots of ink and features a fun, slightly bouncy, nib. However, it is still over $100 and many people find it on the small side, particularly if they aren't using it as pocket pen. Also, piston-fillers require a commitment to ink bottles and general old-schooliness that some people don't want to mess with, at least at first. But if you want an extremely well made pen with a large ink reservoir that writes wonderfully and fits perfectly in a shirt pocket, its highly recommended for sure.

 

[Chandu]

Pelikan really shines at the next level up

They have some very nice pens. I think my next pen is going to be a Waldman, also a German brand.

 

[EclipseRedRing]

I am new to fountain pens and have so far bought two, a Cross Apogee Medium with converter, and a Pelikan M600 Fine piston filler, I also bought two inks in blue and blue/black; here are my thoughts/observations. I bought my pens on Ebay from dealers who specialise solely in pens - both were boxed, as new, uninked, and a little over 50% of retail price. I recommend this way to get best value for money. Both pens are top quality and superbly finished but the Cross is significantly heavier and I use it unposted as a result which also improves the balance. At first I liked the extra weight as for some reason I associated that with better quality but I have since found that I much prefer the lighter Pelikan in terms of the weight. I have found that I enjoy the fine nib more than the medium so the Pelikan is my favourite by some margin. I work at home and use the Cross in the mornings and the Pelikan during the afternoon. I did some research into writing best practice and found that similar to shaving that very light pressure is advisable, unlike a ballpoint. I have also experimented with different grips and with holding the pen at various places along the barrel, and with different angles, writing speeds, and styles. I try to write using my arm rather that my hand and wrist, and sometimes I try to reduce the number of times I lift the nib from the paper while writing. On the subject of paper, it is surprising the difference that different papers can make to the experience and enjoyment of writing. All in all, it is an interesting hobby into which I have not delved too deeply but I have enjoyed my experiences thus far. I have no intention to purchase more pens but were I to do so then I would consider a Sailor. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Tirvine]

I have some experience with Pelikans. Pelikan is a lot bigger in Germany, where fountain pens are still required for elementary school. They make a few models of cheaper "school" pens, such as the Pelikano and Stola. I'm sure they are fine pens, but collective opinion seems to be that Lamy's school pens - Safari, AL Star, Studio - are somewhat better and at least easier to get in the US. Pelikan really shines at the next level up, starting with the steel nib M200 and into the gold nib M400, 600, 800, 1000 pens, which are really more luxury-level pens competing with Mont Blanc, Graf von Faber-Castell Montagrappa, Visconiti, etc. The least expensive of these is the M200 and it is an outstanding pen. Holds lots of ink and features a fun, slightly bouncy, nib. However, it is still over $100 and many people find it on the small side, particularly if they aren't using it as pocket pen. Also, piston-fillers require a commitment to ink bottles and general old-schooliness that some people don't want to mess with, at least at first. But if you want an extremely well made pen with a large ink reservoir that writes wonderfully and fits perfectly in a shirt pocket, its highly recommended for sure.

That is very informative. My experience with Lamy was in 1970. At the time I did not enjoy it, but I am sure a half century of refinement has been positive and beneficial.

 

[Vacumatic]

I a not sure how we work out the difference between beginner and expert. Is a $1000 modern Duofold significantly worthy of one or the other when compared to a $15 Jinhao?

People ask me what to buy for their first pen and they don't want to spend much money, being under $30, I suggest a modern Parker or a Jinhao 750 or 450, and a good lined notebook to practice your handwriting and work out what is right fr you.

 

[Chandu]

Like any other pursuit there is a curve of diminishing returns. At some point you can't possibly get a nicer writing pen. You can get a better built one, of nicer materials and so on. For a beginner, I like Kaweco. The Pilot Metropolitan is a great value, I just didn't like how it fit my hand.

 

[Jmp63]

Because most fountain pen ink is not waterproof, to any extent. The old iron gall inks were pretty acidic and not for fountain pens as the ink was corrosive to the pen parts (gold nib better in that case, but if you had other non gold metal parts, they could still have issues). Today there are a couple of iron gall inks that are made for fountain pens, the one I mentioned being one of them.

Gold nibs can have a nicer feel for some. I would say for many it probably doesn't matter, and gold drives the cost up a lot. The ink you used actually makes a bigger difference on what the pen feels like.

Though not waterproof, I really like the feel of the Waterman inks. The De Atramentis Document Ink feels similar. The Diamine registrars ink is much drier feeling.

One thing to note, by changing to a drier ink you can make a pen that puts out too much ink not do that quite as much. It will make a medium feel a little finer. The registrars ink, with a fine nib can be used on newsprint for a crossword puzzle. That isn't going to happen with a medium nib and a wetter ink. (all inks are liquid, wetter / drier just refers to feel and how they go to the paper)

Kaweco, afaik, the only difference it the material of the pen. Some photos. Not how short the Kaweco is when not posted (fancy pen talk for meaning with the cap off the nib mounted on the top of the pen). It is made to be highly portable and would be a great one if you want a pen to have with you that wouldn't hurt to much if it got lost. You will see that when posted it's not a lot shorter than the others. Also the only gold nib I have is in the Lamy, even though the Kaweco looks gold, it's just some plating of that color, not actual gold.
View attachment 1421384
View attachment 1421385

That is really helpful information! Thank you for sharing that. The more questions I ask the more I’m learning that there’s a ton that I don’t know yet. I appreciate you and others taking the time to share some guidance.

Also, your pens are sweet looking sir!

 

[Jmp63]

I have some experience with Pelikans. Pelikan is a lot bigger in Germany, where fountain pens are still required for elementary school. They make a few models of cheaper "school" pens, such as the Pelikano and Stola. I'm sure they are fine pens, but collective opinion seems to be that Lamy's school pens - Safari, AL Star, Studio - are somewhat better and at least easier to get in the US. Pelikan really shines at the next level up, starting with the steel nib M200 and into the gold nib M400, 600, 800, 1000 pens, which are really more luxury-level pens competing with Mont Blanc, Graf von Faber-Castell Montagrappa, Visconiti, etc. The least expensive of these is the M200 and it is an outstanding pen. Holds lots of ink and features a fun, slightly bouncy, nib. However, it is still over $100 and many people find it on the small side, particularly if they aren't using it as pocket pen. Also, piston-fillers require a commitment to ink bottles and general old-schooliness that some people don't want to mess with, at least at first. But if you want an extremely well made pen with a large ink reservoir that writes wonderfully and fits perfectly in a shirt pocket, its highly recommended for sure.

Awesome!! Those are some good looking pens you listed! That’s for sure!

 

[Jmp63]

I am new to fountain pens and have so far bought two, a Cross Apogee Medium with converter, and a Pelikan M600 Fine piston filler, I also bought two inks in blue and blue/black; here are my thoughts/observations. I bought my pens on Ebay from dealers who specialise solely in pens - both were boxed, as new, uninked, and a little over 50% of retail price. I recommend this way to get best value for money. Both pens are top quality and superbly finished but the Cross is significantly heavier and I use it unposted as a result which also improves the balance. At first I liked the extra weight as for some reason I associated that with better quality but I have since found that I much prefer the lighter Pelikan in terms of the weight. I have found that I enjoy the fine nib more than the medium so the Pelikan is my favourite by some margin. I work at home and use the Cross in the mornings and the Pelikan during the afternoon. I did some research into writing best practice and found that similar to shaving that very light pressure is advisable, unlike a ballpoint. I have also experimented with different grips and with holding the pen at various places along the barrel, and with different angles, writing speeds, and styles. I try to write using my arm rather that my hand and wrist, and sometimes I try to reduce the number of times I lift the nib from the paper while writing. On the subject of paper, it is surprising the difference that different papers can make to the experience and enjoyment of writing. All in all, it is an interesting hobby into which I have not delved too deeply but I have enjoyed my experiences thus far. I have no intention to purchase more pens but were I to do so then I would consider a Sailor. Good luck with whatever you decide.

View attachment 1421472

Couple of great looking pens you have there! And dang, some nice savings can be had sounds like if you know where to look! Thanks for sharing, congrats on the new pens!

 

[Jmp63]

I a not sure how we work out the difference between beginner and expert. Is a $1000 modern Duofold significantly worthy of one or the other when compared to a $15 Jinhao?

People ask me what to buy for their first pen and they don't want to spend much money, being under $30, I suggest a modern Parker or a Jinhao 750 or 450, and a good lined notebook to practice your handwriting and work out what is right fr you.

Thank you kindly for your input! That’s another thing I’m seeing, and yet to experience myself. There is a bunch of different paper options out there!!

 

[Jmp63]

Like any other pursuit there is a curve of diminishing returns. At some point you can't possibly get a nicer writing pen. You can get a better built one, of nicer materials and so on. For a beginner, I like Kaweco. The Pilot Metropolitan is a great value, I just didn't like how it fit my hand.

Those two are both on my list of consideration, along with some others!

 

[KW Driver]

For me, I consider a couple things.
1. I want a permanent ink, either iron gall (Diamine Registrars) or something like DeAtramentis Document Ink.
1a. That means I need a pen that has it's own reservoir or takes a converter
2. The other thing starting out is you don't know what width nib you will prefer. Several Twisbi and Kaweco models allow you to buy other nibs. Many many brands require you to buy another pen.

I only own three pens
1. Kaweco Sport - Medium, I'd start here. Interchangeable nibs
2. Lamy 2000 - Fine
3. Waterman Hemisphere - Fine

I prefer IG’s too. I ran though a bottle of Diamine’s Registrar’s but was seriously concerned with the amount of gunk left in the bottle. tried R&K’s Scabiosa and Salix and wasn’t impressed with their permanence.

Ecclesiastical Stationery Supplies Registrars Ink Blue-Black With Iron-Gall - http://www.registrarsink.co.uk/ is the best I’ve used and far and away the easiest to keep inked long term.