The Ultimate Fountain Pen Buyer’s Guide

Discover the perfect pen to match your style, needs, and writing habits

 

 

 

 

Fountain Pens are more than just writing instruments; they’re personal tools that bring intention and beauty to everyday writing. Whether you're penning a thoughtful letter, journaling your ideas, or sketching concepts, the tactile pleasure of a fountain pen elevates the entire experience.

But choosing the right fountain pen isn’t always straightforward. From nib size to filling system, materials to grip style, each element plays a role in how your pen performs and feels in your hand.

That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide, to help you confidently choose a fountain pen that fits both your practical needs and your personal style.

 

 

 

The Nib: The Fountain Pen’s Soul

The nib is the metal tip of the pen that touches the paper and it’s arguably the most important component of your writing experience. It influences the smoothness of the line, the character of your handwriting, and even how much ink flows with each stroke.

Before diving into the various shapes and sizes, it helps to understand the basic materials that make up a nib and how they affect performance.

 

 

Nib Materials

 

Stainless Steel
Durable, affordable, and reliable, stainless steel nibs are perfect for daily use. Their rigidity offers consistency, which makes them ideal for new writers or those who prefer a firmer writing experience. They’re also cost-effective to replace.

 

Iridium-Tipped Steel
Most quality steel nibs include a tiny ball of iridium at the tip this extremely hard metal resists wear and smooths the writing process over time, ensuring a long-lasting and pleasant feel on the page.

 

Solid Gold (Usually 14k or 18k)
Gold nibs add flexibility and character to your writing. Over time, they subtly adapt to your handwriting style. While more expensive, they offer a luxuriously smooth, responsive feel and are often favoured by seasoned writers and collectors.

 

 

 

 

Note: A gold nib isn't just about luxury, it’s about responsiveness. If you want a pen that "grows with you," a gold nib is worth considering.

 

 

 

 

Nib Width: How Your Words Will Look

Nib width affects the thickness and visual character of your writing. Choosing the right width depends on your handwriting style, purpose, and even the paper you use

 

 

 

Extra Fine (EF):
Produces a very thin line. Ideal for intricate detail, technical drawing, or users with very small handwriting. Also popular for writing systems like Japanese or Chinese.

 

Fine (F):
A bit broader than EF but still precise. A versatile choice for everyday writing, especially if you write on thinner paper or in smaller notebooks.

 

Medium (M):
The most common nib width worldwide. Smooth and balanced, perfect for general note-taking, journaling, or signatures.

 

Broad (B):
A bold, expressive line. Suitable for those with larger handwriting or anyone who enjoys seeing more ink on the page. However, it uses more ink and may smudge on some papers.

 

Brand Differences: Nib sizes are not universal. A “Fine” nib from Lamy may write finer than a “Fine” from Waterman. When possible, refer to brand-specific charts or give us a call and we will answer all your questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nib Cut: Add Expression to Your Writing

While most nibs are rounded for uniformity, some are ground in specific ways to produce stylistic effects:

 

 

 

Standard (Round)

 

Line Variation: Produces a consistent, even line in all directions.

Best For: Everyday writing, note-taking, and general use.

Feel: Smooth and predictable; easy to use for beginners and professionals alike.

 

 

Italic (Stub)

 

Line Variation: Flat-edged tip creates broad horizontal and narrow vertical strokes.

Best For: Calligraphy, headings, journaling, and decorative writing.

Feel: Offers expressive flair with noticeable line contrast. May require a steadier hand.

 

 

Oblique (and Reverse Oblique)

 

Line Variation: The nib is cut at an angle (left or right), offering unique line variation depending on writing angle.

Best For: Writers who naturally hold pens at an angle or with a rotated grip.

Feel: Smoother for angled writers; can provide subtle flair with less dramatic line contrast than stubs.

 

 

 

 

Replacement Nibs: Flexibility at Your Fingertips

Many modern fountain pens offer interchangeable nibs, letting you swap out sizes or styles without buying a whole new pen.

 

 

Full Nib Units:
Includes the nib, feed, and grip section. Swapping is quick and clean. Popular with Waterman and TWSBI.

 

Nib-Only Replacements:
More economical but swapping just the nib requires more care and cleanliness. Always flush the pen beforehand to avoid ink contamination. Popular with LAMY Fountain Pens.

 

 

 

 

 Explore our full nib selection →

 

 

 

 

The Grip: Where Comfort Meets Control

Writing with a fountain pen should feel natural and effortless especially during long writing sessions. That’s why the grip section plays such a vital role in your overall experience.

 

 

Grip Materials

 

Plastic: Lightweight and affordable. Offers decent comfort and is often used in beginner pens.

 

Metal: Adds a cool, weighted touch. Some find it slippery; others love the precision it offers.

 

Rubber/Soft Touch: Non-slip and soft, great for extended use or for those who press harder when writing.

 

 

Grip Shapes

 

Contoured or Shaped Grips: Found in pens like the Lamy Safari, these are designed to guide your fingers into the optimal writing position, ideal for students or anyone refining their writing grip.

 

Smooth or Cylindrical Grips: Offer greater freedom in hand position, which may suit experienced writers or those with a non-traditional grip.

 

 

 

 

 

Tip: If you’re unsure what feels right, try borrowing a friend’s pen to test different styles before committing.

 

 

 

 

 

Refilling Systems: Cartridges, Converters & More

Fountain pens don’t just vary by look; they also differ in how they store and deliver ink. Understanding these systems helps you choose the one that fits your lifestyle.

 

 

 

Ink Cartridge

Pros:
Clean, quick, and perfect for on-the-go use or pencil cases. Widely available in international standard sizes.

Cons:
Limited ink colours. Less eco-friendly due to plastic waste.

 

Shop Ink Cartridges →

 

 

Converter

Pros:
Lets you use bottled ink, opening up hundreds of colour options with different finishes (shimmer, sheen, matte). More sustainable over time.

Cons:
Slightly more effort to refill. Not always included with the pen, check before buying.

 

Shop Ink Converters →

 

 

Piston Filler / Built-In Reservoir

Pros:
Built-in filling mechanism with larger ink capacity. Ideal for heavy writers or collectors. Brands like TWSBI, Pelikan, and Lamy 2000 excel here.

Cons:
Requires more maintenance and cleaning. Cannot use cartridges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pen Materials: Function Meets Form

The barrel material affects not just the look of the pen but also its weight, balance, and durability. Some materials are purely functional; others are chosen for artistry.

 

 

 

 

Common Barrel Materials

 

 

Base Metal (Brass, Stainless Steel):
Durable and often used in premium designs. Can be engraved, making them ideal for gifts. Common in pens like Waterman Expert or Parker Sonnet.

 

Sterling Silver:
Beautifully engraves and develops a patina over time. Heavier than other materials, some love the feel, others may find it fatiguing. Brands like Otto Hutt, Yard-O-Led specialise in silver pens.

 

Plastic / ABS:
Lightweight, tough, and affordable. ABS plastic, used in the Lamy Safari, Kaweco Classic is nearly indestructible.

 

Resin / Acrylic / Celluloid:
A favourite among luxury penmakers like BENU, Pelikan and Conklin. Offers vibrant colours and swirling patterns, though more fragile than plastic.

 

 

Looking for something unique? Some boutique pens are made from materials like wood, stone, or even a lava rock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barrel Size and Diameter

The pen’s girth affects both comfort and control. A pen that’s too thin or too thick can tire your hand during long writing sessions.

 

 

 

Slim (6–9.5mm):
Best for compact carry or those with small hands. E.g., LAMY cp 1 Fountain Pen 

 

Standard (10–12mm):
Most popular for balance and usability. Suitable for most hands. E.g. Parker, Cross 

 

Oversized (12mm+):
Offers presence and luxury, though may be too bulky for extended use. E.g., Diplomat Aero, Opus 88, TWSBI Diamond 580

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cap and Clip: Practicality with Personality

While often overlooked, the cap and clip affect how you use and carry your pen.

 

 

 

Cap Types

 

Click-On / Snap Cap:
Quick to open and close, ideal for fast note-taking.

 

Screw Cap:
More secure, reducing ink evaporation and preventing leaks. Great for travel or long-term storage.

 

Slip & Seal Technology:
Found in Platinum pens these caps prevent ink from drying out, even after months of disuse.

 

 

 

Clip Features

 

Functional Designs:
Prevent your pen from rolling away and keep it secure in pockets or notebooks.

 

Aesthetic Details:
From Parker’s iconic arrow clip to crystal-studded designs by Laban, clips can make a style statement.

 

Spring-Loaded Clips:
Found in high-end pens (e.g., Otto Hutt), they offer a more secure grip on fabric or paper.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Fountain Pen

Choosing a fountain pen is deeply personal, what works for one writer may not suit another. Consider your writing habits, comfort preferences, aesthetic taste, and the practicalities of refilling and maintenance.

Whether you're starting with your first pen or looking to expand a growing collection, the right pen will not only elevate your handwriting, but it’ll also become an extension of your creativity and identity.

 

 

Explore Our Full Fountain Pen Collection →

Need help choosing? Contact us for tailored advice. →