You are new to the fountain pen hobby, having just recently discovered that people still use them regularly, and that manufactures are still releasing new models and varieties more than ever before. Your curiosity is piqued, and you want to experience the simple joy of slowing down and writing with a fountain pen, however the options seem overwhelming.
If you are wanting to explore the world of fountain pens, and you want simple and straight forward advice to help you with your first fountain pen, then this guide is for you.
1. What is your budget
First, how much money do you have to spend?
- $20 - $30
- $10 - $15
- $7 - $10
- less than $7 bucks
For your first fountain pen you should spend just as much as you are comfortable as you are comfortable spending and not more. Fountain pens range greatly in price with most middle tier pens hovering in price around $200. However, for your starter pen you should get one that is priced lower.
Don't worry about quality at this point, all the pens on this list are great and wonderful pens that you will enjoy writing with. The higher a pen goes in price the more likely it is to use unique materials, but the general act of writing is basically the same.
2. Buy the recommended pen in your price range
For each of the price ranges I have suggested only one pen. There is no reason to list two or more. There is no reason to think, ponder, decide, research, or spend any amount of time reviewing specs or reading reviews. Just buy the pen and get started writing.
Each of the pens comes with an ink cartridge and can be used the moment it arrives in your hands.
The Amazon links are not affiliate links.
$20 - $30, Lamy Safari
The Lamy Safari is a workhorse of a daily fountain pen. It's built sturdy, and comes in many different colors. There is a standard set of colors always available, but each year they release a limited edition in a unique color.
Lamy Safari prices on Amazon.com
$10 - $15, Pilot Kakuno
The Pilot Kakuno is a lovely pen with a good grip and precise nib. It writes a beautiful consistent line, and it's large body allows for lots of ink. You will enjoy the Kakuno for beginning your writing journey.
Pilot Kakuno prices on Amazon.com
$7 - $10, Platinum Preppy
Don't mistake the Preppy for a cheap ballpoint. The Preppy is made by Platinum, one of the oldest and most respected fountain pen companies in the world. They have perfected the art of fine writing and have infused all of their knowledge into making the Preppy a great pen.
Platinum Preppy prices on Amazon.com
Less than $7, Zebra disposable fountain pen
The Zebra disposable is much like a nice rollerball pen, it has an ink reservoir in a plastic body with a fixed nib. It's a great option when you want the fountain pen experience on a ballpoint pen budget.
Zebra pen prices on Amazon.com
3. Inserting the ink cartridge
Each of these pens comes with ink, and the cartridge needs to be inserted before you can use it, except for the Zebra which comes ready to use.
- Take off the cap
- Unscrew the grip section
- Take the cartridge and find the opening
- Insert the cartridge, opening end first, into the grip section
- Push hard enough so that the cartridge is punctured and firmly seated
- Reassemble the pen
Cartridges can be different in shape depending on the manufacture, the cartridge opening is often a cup like rim.
Now you are in the fountain pen hobby
Congratulations, that's all it took. There is a ton more left to learn, but for now ignore all that and just enjoy your new pen.
If there is a fourth step it's this, you will at some point grow tired of writing with ink that came with the pen, and you will want something that is expressive and exciting for you to write with. You will want an ink that you can show off, and smile at every time you re-read your writing. And you will find that ink, because there are thousands of ink varieties available to choose from. I'll tell you about those later.