Fountain Pens
A fountain pen changes how you write before it changes what you write. There is no pressing down; the nib simply rests on the paper and the ink follows, so your hand relaxes and your letters loosen. Every pen here has been chosen to write well from the first page, whether it is a cheerful starter pen or a gold-nibbed piece you will hand down.
You will find LAMY, Kaweco and Sailor alongside smaller makers and artisan pens, plus the converters, bottled ink and fountain-pen-friendly paper to go with them. The first few lines on good paper have a soft, almost audible glide that ballpoints never quite manage. You never have to hunt for the right refill again; a bottle of ink lasts for months. Give it a week, and a pen that seemed like an indulgence starts to feel like the only sensible choice.
Read first: The Beginner's Guide to Fountain Pens
Fountain Pen FAQs
Have questions about fountain pens? See our answers below on choosing the right pen, cleaning & maintenance, ink recommendations and more.
Which fountain pen is best for beginners?
We recommend entry-level models like the LAMY Safari or Kaweco Sport. They feature sturdy steel nibs, straightforward ink-filling systems (cartridge or converter), and reliable performance to build your confidence.
How do I clean and maintain my fountain pen?
Rinse the nib and feed under cool running water every 4–6 weeks or when changing ink colours. Use a bulb syringe or converter to flush out old ink until the water runs clear—then let the pen air-dry nib-down on kitchen roll.Answer
What ink should I use in a fountain pen?
Choose water-based, pH-neutral fountain pen inks such as Diamine, Herbin, Iroshizuku, Kakimori or Kyoto Ink. They flow smoothly, resist clogging, and won’t corrode nibs. Always shake the bottle gently before filling and store pens nib-up after use.
Which nib size should I choose for my fountain pen?
Fine nibs (F) give crisp lines and are great for small handwriting or note-taking. Medium nibs (M) suit everyday writing with smooth ink flow. Broad (B) and stub nibs create line variation for calligraphy and flourish work.
Can I use bottled ink instead of standard cartridges?
Only if you have a converter or piston-filler mechanism. Standard cartridges aren’t refillable—but most pens accept a simple converter, letting you draw ink directly from a bottle without cartridge waste.
