Image	Product	Features	Price
	LAMY Safari		Check Price
	Pilot Metropolitan		Check Price
	Kaweco Sport		Check Price
	TWSBI Eco		Check Price
	Diplomat Magnum		Check Price
	Monteverde Ritma		Check Price
	JINHAO 159		Check Price

Fountain pens offer a unique and effortless writing experience that can't be replicated by any other writing instrument. That being said, making the transition from ballpoint and rollerball pens, which require more pressure to write, to fountain pens, can be a challenge, especially for those unfamiliar with their use.

The first step is choosing the best beginner fountain pen for you that will help you make this adjustment. Our list of the best beginner fountain pens, all of which can be found in the Truphae store, includes amazing recommendations that have been vetted by the experts on our team. We’ll also give you all the fountain pen essentials and cover how fountain pens work, what they’re made of, the benefits of using them, and maintenance tips.

We believe that writing with a fountain pen may feel a bit unusual initially, but after reading this article, you’ll know all the basics so you can start writing effortlessly and comfortably.

And if you need help on learning how to write with a fountain pen, check out our guide here.

Best Beginner Fountain Pen for All Your Needs

To make your fountain pen experience enjoyable from the start, we recommend choosing one of the following options. And if you’re interested in even more pens, check out the best fountain pens to add to your collection, beginner pens, and next-level fountain pens that won’t break the bank on the Truphae blog.

Best Beginner Fountain Pen Overall - LAMY Safari 

Specifications

Manufacturer	LAMY
Color	Aquamarine, Mango, Violet, Savannah Green, Terra Cotta
Weight	10 g
Length	140 mm
Material	ABS plastic
Series	Safari

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent beginner fountain pen
• Contemporary and sleek look 
• Ink window for checking ink levels
• Triangular grip that gives you the optimal writing position
• Can be used with different nibs

Cons

• Only uses proprietary LAMY cartridges
• The converter has to be purchased separately

The LAMY Safari is an iconic fountain pen that dates back to the ‘80s and is known for its exceptional performance and versatility of use. It makes for a great gift and it’s suitable for a wide range of users, including novice fountain pen aficionados, students, and seasoned writers. 

Its reliability and practicality, but most of all, its triangular grip make it the perfect choice for individuals who are just starting to use a fountain pen, but also for experienced fountain pen users who like the extra comfort. 

Moreover, the pen is subjected to rigorous testing throughout the manufacturing process, so you can be certain that you’ll get a pen that meets the highest standards of quality. Another notable feature is the interchangeable nib, so you can choose your preferred nib size.

Best Beginner Fountain Pen Under $25 - Pilot Metropolitan

Specifications

Manufacturer	Pilot
Color	Black Crocodile, Plain Black,  Bronze Lizard, White Tiger
Weight	29 gr
Length	138 mm
Material	Brass
Series	Metropolitan

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Аffordable price
• Also available as a ballpoint
• Smooth writing experience

Cons

• The body can scratch over time

The Pilot Metropolitan is an affordable fountain pen with an attractive aesthetic and a stainless steel nib that offers a superior writing experience for its price point. With its comfortable grip, the Pilot Metropolitan enables you to write for hours without experiencing hand fatigue.

Its sleek and modern design features a metal barrel and cap with a chrome finish, giving it a professional look. The mid-section comes in various animal print designs, giving you different design options to choose from. Last but not least, this pen works with various Pilot refills without limiting you to just the proprietary ones.

Best On-The-Go Beginner Fountain Pen - Kaweco Sport 

Specifications

Manufacturer	Kaweco
Color	Green, Bordeaux, White, Red, Black, Navy, and many more
Weight	9.9 g
Length	105 mm
Material	Resin
Series	Sport

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact design, which makes for a great EDC pen
• Customizable in terms of adding clips, a converter, new nibs 
• Easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning
• Interchangeable parts with other Kaweco Sport pens (AL Sport, Skyline, ICE Sport)

Cons

• It doesn’t hold a lot of ink
• May be small for larger hands

The Kaweco Classic Sport is another affordable option that offers a comfortable writing experience and smooth ink flow. Having been on the market for over 100 years, its quality is unparalleled for its price point. 

Made of durable plastic, known as resin, you can rely on this classy pen for years to come, while its small size and lightweight design make it a convenient option to take with you on the go. Its main features are the hexagonal screw cap that prevents it from rolling and the unique proportions which provide a comfortable grip. It comes in a range of colors, and you can also choose the more expensive options that are made of brass, steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber.

Best Beginner Fountain Pen With Highest Ink Capacity - TWSBI Eco 

Specifications

Manufacturer	TWSBI
Color	White & Rose Gold, Transparent Yellow, T Saffron, Royal Jade Rose Gold Pen Set
Weight	21 g
Length	139 mm
Material	Clear acrylic
Series	Eco

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great value
• Stainless steel nib in various sizes
• Sophisticated design

Cons

• Needs more maintenance to keep the pen clean due to the clear barrel

The TWSBI Eco pen is another exquisite fountain pen that provides a smooth writing experience at a cost-effective price. It features a stainless steel nib that comes in a variety of sizes, such as extra fine, fine, medium, broad, and 1.1 mm stub, so you can choose your favorite option.

This pen’s best attribute is the transparent barrel that allows you to check the ink levels and add more ink when required. On top of that, the cap, which comes in various colors, gives you a flawless seal that prevents the pen from leaking. Beginner fountain pen enthusiasts will enjoy the effortless writing experience provided by the smooth nib and the excellent piston-filling system, on top of the contemporary design that adds a luxurious feel.

Best Beginner Fountain Pen With the Smoothest Nib - Diplomat Magnum 

Specifications

Manufacturer	Diplomat
Color	Aegean Blue, Burned Red, Crow Black, Hot Pink, Indigo Blue, Lime Green, Pearl White
Weight	14 g
Length	133.35 mm
Material	Resin
Series	Magnum

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Outstanding nibs which enable you to achieve line variations when writing
• Different color options
• Ergonomic pen

Cons

• A rather small pen which might not be suitable for people with larger hands
• The ink window isn’t large enough

The Diplomat Magnum is a versatile pen that’s both light and budget-friendly, making it a great option for beginner fountain pen aficionados. Another useful feature is the pen’s molded grip section, which promotes a good grip at an optimal writing angle.

It’s available in various nib sizes, which include extra fine, fine, medium, and broad sizes, and the broad is especially suitable for people who want to do calligraphy. And to top it all off, this sleek and modern pen comes in a range of colors and finishes to suit individual preferences.

Heaviest Beginner Fountain Pen - Monteverde Ritma 

Specifications

Manufacturer	Monteverde
Color	Anodized orange, Red, Purple, Black, Blue, Turquoise, Silver
Weight	50 g
Length	137 mm
Material	Anodized aluminum
Series	Ritma

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The magnetic cap can be posted securely when writing
• Contemporary design
• Variations in nib sizes
• Can be used as a calligraphy tool

Cons

• If you post the cap, it’ll significantly increase the pen’s weight 

The Monteverde Ritma fountain pen features a contemporary design, making it a great option for fans of minimalism. Combining steel and aluminum, it will last you for years to come and give you a smooth and comfortable writing experience. 

The magnetic cap prevents unnecessary ink spills and can also be posted on the back, while the grip section is comfortable to hold, even during long writing sessions. Another favorite feature that pen aficionados find useful is the huge variations in nib sizes that come in extra fine, fine, medium, broad, and 1.1 mm stub, while the Omniflex one is perfect for calligraphy. 

Best Beginner Fountain Pen With the Most Affordable Price - JINHAO 159

Specifications

Manufacturer	JINHAO
Color	Red, Orange, Blue, Black, White, Silver
Weight	50 g
Length	149 mm
Material	Lacquered metal
Series	159

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely budget friendly
• Replaceable oversized nib 
• Has a converter
• Can use both ink cartridges and bottled ink

Cons

• Large pen that’s optimal for pen enthusiasts with larger hands
• The pen is a copy of the Montblanc 149 in terms of design
• Slippery midsection

The JINHAO is a versatile fountain pen that works with both bottled ink and disposable ink cartridges. Its design is based on the Montblanc 149 but it’s more affordable, so if you’ve been eyeing the 149 but it’s out of your budget, the JINHAO is a great alternative.

It’s a large, sturdy pen with a bold design that’s comfortable to hold and write with, however, it may be a bit large for those with smaller hands. It comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so every customer can choose their perfect color. 

Why Use a Fountain Pen

If you’re unfamiliar with the appeal of fountain pens, here are the top reasons why so many consider them superior to other types of pens.

1. Smooth Writing Experience

The number one reason why fountain pens are so appealing to many pen enthusiasts is the superior writing experience that’s effortless, smooth, and doesn’t require much pressure when compared to rollerball and ballpoint pens. And even though gel pens may offer the same lightness when writing, they often produce streaky lines that aren’t nearly as vibrant as those produced with a fountain pen.

1. Fountain Pens are Eco-Friendly

Fountain pens are more eco-friendly than disposable pens, especially if you use bottled ink instead of cartridges. And if you go for a fountain pen that’s made of high-quality materials, it will last you a lifetime.

1. Variety and Options

When buying a fountain pen, you can choose each part to fit your personal preference. There are a lot of choices in terms of nib sizes, designs, and ink colors. Using a fountain pen truly enables you to customize your writing experience.

1. Investment

A fountain pen is also a great investment, especially if you purchase a high-end fountain pen. On the one hand, you’ll invest in the quality of the writing you produce, which is especially important for people who do calligraphy. On the other hand, if you do decide to resell a high-quality pen, you’ll get a good price for it.

How Fountain Pens Work

If you’re ready to make a switch and start using a fountain pen, there’s some essential lingo that you’ll need to learn to easily identify its key parts.

The Nib

The nib is an integral part of every fountain pen that’s mainly responsible for the smooth writing experience. It’s the little metal piece that’s located at the tip of the fountain pen and delivers ink to the paper. While the tips of ballpoint and rollerball pens generally come in just a few sizes, nibs come in a variety of sizes, such as:

• EF (extra fine) and F (fine) - useful for beginner fountain pen writers because they’re the easiest to write with.

• M (medium) - the most used type of nib for everyday writing.

• B (broad) - mostly used by people who want a thicker line when writing.

• Oblique nibs - nibs that have an angled tip.

• Flex nibs - often used for calligraphy because they can produce various types of lines.

The Ink Feed

Right next to the nib is the ink feed that helps the ink get to the nib by using the capillary action. The ink slides down the barrel using gravity and capillary action to get to the nib, and when pressed onto a piece of paper, it starts writing.

The Converter

When you purchase a fountain pen you have two options, to use either cartridges or bottled ink. The former option is mess-free and easy, however, cartridges are less affordable when we take into consideration the cost per use. The latter option involves using a converter that you can fill with ink and save money over time by using only bottled ink. Ink bottles cost between 1 and 5 dollars on average, while cartridges can get a bit costly if you use your pen frequently.

The Piston-Filler

A piston-filler is a mechanism that’s often found in more expensive fountain pens. It’s a mechanism that either sucks ink in or pushes it back out by simply turning a knob. Both the piston filler and converter mechanisms are great features because they produce less waste compared to cartridges.

How to Take Care of Fountain Pens

Properly caring for your fountain pen will ensure that you use it for years to come. Here are some useful tips that will help you take care of your fountain pen.

1. Storing

The way we usually store our ballpoint and rollerball pens, which is on top of our desks in a cup, is not the most optimal way to store fountain pens. For day-to-day use, it’s best to store your fountain pen horizontally to prevent the nib from drying out between uses and prevent it from leaking. For long-term storage, on the other hand, you should always fully empty your fountain pen to prevent the same issues from occurring.

If you need to store your fountain pen vertically for a shorter period of time, store it with the tip up so you prevent accidental leaks. This, however, may cause the nib to dry out for a bit, so the next time you use it, you may need to scribble a bit to avoid the ink from skipping when you write.

2. Cleaning it

Every once in a while, you’ll need to clean your fountain pen from the dried ink, dust, and tiny fibers that have accumulated while in use. For optimal writing experience, clean your pen every 1-2 months.

3. Write Correctly

There are two main things that you need to be mindful of if you want to make the most out of writing with your fountain pen.

First, you need to hold the pen at a right angle, and if you’re accustomed to holding any pen correctly, this will be pretty straightforward. The optimal writing position is to angle the pen at about 45 degrees from the paper. You shouldn’t twist it in your hand, but as you’re writing, the two tines should be positioned evenly on the page to prevent your pen from skipping.  

Secondly, you will need to adjust the amount of pressure that you put on your fountain pen. Remember, fountain pens need much less pressure to write compared to ballpoint and rollerball pens. So, applying too much pressure to your ballpoint pen can break or damage the tines, which can cause too much ink to leak out and make a mess. 

4. Keep it Capped

When you aren’t using your fountain pen, you should always retract it or cap it, depending on the closing mechanism. If you forget to do this, there’s a high chance that the ink will dry out and you won’t be able to start writing immediately the next time you use it. If your pen dries out, you either need to try scribbling or add a drop of water to rehydrate the ink. If both options fail, you may need to clean your pen and refill it with a new batch of ink.

Properly caring for your fountain pen will ensure that you always have a pleasant experience when using your favorite pen.

How We Approach Research and Testing

To be able to give you the best pen recommendations and advice about fountain pens and how to use them, we use our experience and knowledge on top of doing extensive research to ensure our information is accurate and up to date. We test out each pen to verify that it satisfies our needs and preferences, so every pen that you’ll find in the Truphae store has been checked by our pen experts.

Conclusion

Even though we selected the best fountain pens for beginners, all of our recommendations are also suitable for experienced fountain pen users.

If you still haven’t made up your mind, we recommend starting with the LAMY Safari. It’s a light fountain pen that comes in a variety of fun colors and it’s moderately priced for a quality fountain pen. Whether you’re just starting your fountain pen journey, or you’re an experienced fountain pen enthusiast who just wants to try out a new pen, the Safari will fit both categories perfectly.

Have you used any of the pens we’ve mentioned? Is there a pen you’ve enjoyed using as a beginner that didn’t make our list? We’d like to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.