Choosing your first fountain pen can feel daunting when there are hundreds of options at every price point. The good news is that you do not need to spend a lot to get a pen that will genuinely change how you feel about writing by hand. This guide will help you find the right pen for you.
Why Try a Fountain Pen?
Fountain pens write with far less pressure than ballpoints or rollerballs, which means less hand fatigue during long writing sessions. The ink flows freely and smoothly, making writing feel effortless. Many people find their handwriting improves naturally when they switch to a fountain pen, simply because the pen rewards a lighter, more relaxed grip.
They are also better for the environment. A refillable fountain pen with a bottle of ink produces a fraction of the plastic waste of disposable pens.
What to Think About Before You Buy
How Will You Use It?
Think about what you will mainly use the pen for. Everyday note-taking and writing calls for a reliable, practical pen. Journalling or correspondence might suit something with more character. If you want to carry it in a pocket or bag, a compact pen like the Kaweco Sport is ideal. If you write at a desk, a full-sized pen will feel more comfortable.
Nib Width
For most first-time fountain pen users, a Fine or Medium nib is the best starting point. Fine nibs produce a clean, controlled line that suits most handwriting and works well on standard paper. Medium nibs lay down more ink and feel more expressive, but can bleed through thinner paper.
If you have small handwriting or write on standard lined paper, start with a Fine. If you have larger handwriting or write on quality paper, a Medium is a great choice. See our nib width guide for more detail.
One important note: Japanese brands like Pilot run finer than European brands like LAMY. A Japanese Fine is roughly equivalent to a European Extra Fine.
Cartridge or Converter?
Most beginner pens use ink cartridges, which are quick and mess-free to change. This is the most convenient option for everyday use. If you want to use bottled ink (which gives you access to hundreds of colours), you will need a converter. Many pens come with a converter included, or one can be bought separately. See our ink converter guide for more information.
Budget
You do not need to spend much to get an excellent first fountain pen. Some of the best beginner pens cost under £30. As a general guide:
- Under £20: Jinhao pens offer remarkable quality for the price
- £20 to £35: Kaweco Classic Sport, Pilot Kakuno or Metropolitan
- £30 to £45: LAMY Safari or AL-Star
- £45 and above: Diplomat Aero, LAMY Studio
Our Top Picks for First Fountain Pens
LAMY Safari
The world's most popular fountain pen and our most recommended first pen. The Safari is robust, reliable, and available in a huge range of colours. The triangular grip section encourages correct pen hold, and the snap-on nib system makes it easy to change nibs if you want to experiment. Available in Fine, Medium, Broad, and 1.1mm stub.
Pilot Metropolitan
One of the best value fountain pens available. A metal body, smooth steel nib, and a squeeze converter included as standard. The Fine nib is particularly good for writers with smaller handwriting or those used to ballpoints.
Kaweco Classic Sport
Compact, lightweight, and extremely reliable. Fits in a pocket or pencil case and posts to a comfortable writing length. A great choice if you want something small and portable.
Pilot Kakuno
Designed specifically as a beginner pen, with a triangular grip and a smiley face on the nib to help you orient it correctly. Available in cheerful colours and very affordable. A great choice for younger writers or anyone who wants the simplest possible introduction to fountain pens.
What Ink Should I Start With?
For your first ink, keep it simple. A standard dye-based ink from a reputable brand is the most forgiving and easiest to clean. Diamine inks are our top recommendation for beginners: reliable, well-priced, and available in a huge range of colours. See our beginner ink guide for more recommendations.
Still Not Sure?
Our team are passionate about pens and love helping people find their first fountain pen. Get in touch and tell us a bit about how you write and what you are looking for, and we will point you in the right direction. There is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to fountain pens.