The best fountain pen

Which fountain pen is best?

In an age of keyboards and touch screens, there are many people who still value the timeless simplicity, elegance and performance of a high-quality fountain pen. 

Unlike a ballpoint pen, fountain pens have a metal nib and a built-in reservoir that allow ink to flow smoothly onto the writing surface. If you're looking for a stylish, classic writing utensil that's built to last for years, the PILOT Vanishing Point Pen is the top choice.

What to know before you buy a fountain pen

Nibs

The sharp point that puts ink to paper, the nib is usually made of stainless steel and rounded to deliver uniform lines. Nibs come in extra-fine, fine, medium and broad sizes, enabling you to choose a nib that best suits your writing style. 

Parts of a fountain pen

The piece that supplies ink to the nib is called the feed. The ink itself is held in a reservoir, which can be found in the form of a cartridge or a converter. Cartridges are containers of ready-to-use ink that can be simply swapped out once an old one runs dry, while converters

For more detailed information about the components of a fountain pen, check out the complete fountain pen buying guide from BestReviews.

What to look for in a quality fountain pen

Weight

The ideal fountain pen should feel agile but substantial. While heavy fountain pens are commonly considered more luxurious, the most important thing is to choose one that feels natural in your hand while writing. 

Grip

The grip of your fountain pen should feel ergonomic and comfortable. Some writers prefer a textured surface for better handling, while others may want a grip that’s completely smooth. 

Style

Like a wristwatch, a fountain pen can be a finely crafted and elegant accessory that lets you present your unique style to the world. Choose a color and design that fits your personality and makes you feel confident when writing by hand.  

Case

Some fountain pens come in high-quality cases made of premium leather or wood. This is a nice touch if you’re purchasing the pen as a gift or you plan to use it only for special occasions. 

Additional fountain pen tips

• If you plan to bring your fountain pen on a flight, ensure that the ink reservoir is either completely full or completely empty. This will prevent ink leaks caused by the plane’s pressurized cabin. 
• Unlike ballpoint pens, the ink used by fountain pens can take a bit of time to dry. Give the ink a moment to settle before turning over your paper.
• If your fountain pen’s tip feels scratchy or dry, place a drop of water on the nib to rehydrate it. 
• Fountain pens are very personalized and professionally crafted to last for years. Before you purchase a fountain pen, experiment with some of the pens you already own and figure out which weights and styles you like best. 

How much you can expect to spend on a fountain pen

The cost of a fountain pen can vary dramatically depending on the quality and materials used. A solid beginner’s pen can be purchased for around $10-$20, while most midrange pens will cost between $50-$300.

Fountain pen FAQ

How do I clean my fountain pen?

A.

Can left-handed people use fountain pens?

A.

What’s the best fountain pen to buy?

Top fountain pen

PILOT Vanishing Point

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Where to buy: Amazon

Top fountain pen for the money

Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen

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Where to buy: Amazon

Honorable mention

Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen Set

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Where to buy: Amazon

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Patrick Farmerwrites for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.