Beginner fountain pens (top 7)

No experience needed. No wrong choices.

If you've just caught fountain pen fever, these are the models that are both affordable and easy to use. All feature stainless steel nibs, in a range of nib sizes. For Western handwriting, Fine is a good starting point (except for Pilot we recommend Medium):

1. TWSBI Eco: This #1 seller features a piston-filling mechanism, transparent barrel, and a smooth-writing nib. Large 1.8mL ink capacity and cartridge-free. Fill directly with any brand of bottled fountain pen ink. Use unposted or with the cap posted on the non-writing end of the pen. Spare nibs are available. Excellent value. 

2. Pilot Kakuno: Features a smiley-face nib that indicates the correct writing orientation. It's lightweight, comfortable to hold, and offers a reliable writing experience. Use with Pilot cartridges (0.8mL) or Converter 70 (1.1mL) to draw up bottled ink. Use the pen posted or unposted. Start with everything you need in the Kakuno Clear Thinking Kit.

3. TWSBI 580: A step up from the Eco, the 580 offers 1.9mL ink capacity, interchangeable nib units and a more comfortable grip. The 580 ALR, with aluminium details and ribbed grip, is the newest model. Use with the cap unposted to keep the feel balanced. Spare nibs are available and can be changed mid-fill.

4. SAILOR Fude 40 Degree: This low cost art pen, with a bent nib for line variation, is popular for sketching with waterproof ink. Use with SAILOR Converter (0.7mL) and waterproof DA Document ink or refill an empty Sailor cartridge (1.0mL) using a blunt syringe. See our Fude Sketch Kits for a complete setup.

5. LAMY Safari: With its Bauhaus looks, predictive triangular grip and wide range of interchangeable nibs, this is another popular choice for beginners. Use with Lamy or Monteverde cartridges (1.25mL), or with the Z28 ink converter (0.7mL) and bottled fountain pen ink. Made from sturdy, lightweight ABS plastic. Spare nibs available. Easy to use with the cap posted or unposted.

6. Pilot Metropolitan (or Cocoon): A metal body pen, known for its durable construction and smooth writing experience. Use with Pilot cartridges or with the supplied squeeze converter (or the Converter 40 twist converter, 0.4mL) to draw up bottled ink. Option to use with the cap posted or unposted. Spare nibs harder to obtain.

7. LAMY AL-Star: Similar to the Lamy Safari, but with an aluminium body and cap. Use with Lamy or Monteverde ink cartridges or use with the Z28 ink converter and bottled fountain pen ink.

We have tester pens at our Brookvale store and offer loaner fountain pens for home testing. Nibs are designed to last for the life of the pen, but the availability of spare nibs is helpful if you want to change nib size on your pen. Contact our team for personalised advice about model and nib size selection.

Not sure where to begin? Start with our most popular fountain pen kit.

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