Fountain Pens Worth Learning to Write With Again
The Lamy Safari is the strongest starting point for most new fountain pen users, pairing a steel nib with an ergonomic grip that teaches proper pen angle. The Pilot Metropolitan suits anyone who wants a metal body and smoother ink flow for a similar cost, while the Jinhao X750 fits buyers who want to try the hobby before spending more.
The Lamy Safari leads this list because its molded grip section and smooth steel nib make it forgiving for anyone new to fountain pens. Its main tradeoff is the plastic body, which feels less premium than metal-bodied pens at a similar cost.
We compared published nib specifications, filling systems and owner feedback on write quality rather than running our own writing tests.
What we recommend
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen
A stainless steel nib delivers consistent ink flow across fine, medium and broad widths, and the molded grip section nudges fingers into a correct writing angle. The pen fills using Lamy’s proprietary cartridges or an optional converter for bottled ink. A clip doubles as a stand when the pen rests cap-down on a desk.
Pros
- Molded grip section teaches proper pen angle for beginners
- Wide availability of nib sizes and replacement parts
- Converter option allows use with any bottled ink
Cons
- Plastic body feels less premium than metal-bodied pens
- Proprietary cartridge shape limits third-party cartridge options
Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen
A brass body gives this pen more heft than plastic alternatives, while the steel nib writes with a smoother, wetter line out of the box. It ships with a CON-50 converter already included, so it works with bottled ink immediately without a separate purchase. The slim profile suits smaller hands better than chunkier pens.
Pros
- Brass body adds weight and durability over plastic pens
- Included converter works with bottled ink from day one
- Smooth, wet nib performance for the price
Cons
- Slim barrel may feel small for larger hands
- Fewer nib width options than Lamy or Platinum pens
Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen
A stainless steel nib sits in a lightweight plastic body built around Platinum’s slip-and-seal cap, which keeps ink from drying out even after weeks unused. Each pen ships with one cartridge and accepts standard international short cartridges for refills. Clear plastic barrels let users see remaining ink level at a glance.
Pros
- Slip-and-seal cap prevents the nib from drying out between uses
- Low cost makes it an easy way to try fountain pens
- Accepts widely available standard international cartridges
Cons
- Lightweight plastic body feels less substantial than metal pens
- Fewer nib width choices than more premium pens on this list
Waterman Expert Fountain Pen
A lacquered brass body gives this pen a polished look suited to signing documents or taking notes in meetings. The stainless steel nib writes a consistent medium line, and the pen accepts both Waterman cartridges and a converter for bottled ink. A spring-loaded clip holds securely in a shirt pocket or portfolio.
Pros
- Polished finish suits professional and office settings
- Spring-loaded clip holds securely on pockets and portfolios
- Consistent medium line works well for everyday notes
Cons
- Limited nib width selection compared to Lamy or Platinum
- Heavier body may tire hands during long writing sessions
Parker Sonnet Fountain Pen
A brass body under a lacquer or metal finish gives this pen significant weight and a formal look suited to gifts and milestones. The stainless steel nib is trimmed to match the pen’s finish, adding a detail other pens in this lineup skip. It fills with Parker-branded cartridges or a converter for bottled ink.
Pros
- Formal design and packaging suit gift occasions
- Nib trim matches the pen’s finish for a cohesive look
- Solid brass construction adds durability
Cons
- Heavier weight is less suited to long writing sessions
- Costs more than similarly performing pens on this list
Jinhao X750 Fountain Pen
A heavy brass body gives this budget pen a weight that punches above its cost, paired with a steel nib that most owners describe as a smooth medium writer. It fills with standard international cartridges or an included converter for bottled ink. A faceted, diamond-pattern clip adds a design detail uncommon at this cost.
Pros
- Brass body feels substantial despite the low cost
- Accepts standard international cartridges for easy refills
- Diamond-pattern clip adds a distinct design touch
Cons
- Quality control varies more than established brand pens
- Only one nib width is commonly available
Sheaffer VFM Fountain Pen
A triangular barrel shape sets fingers into a consistent position, an alternative to the round barrels most other pens on this list use. The stainless steel nib writes a reliable fine or medium line, and the pen accepts standard international cartridges or a converter. Anodized aluminum construction keeps the pen light without feeling cheap.
Pros
- Triangular grip encourages a consistent hand position
- Lightweight aluminum body reduces hand fatigue
- Accepts standard international cartridges for easy refills
Cons
- Triangular shape may feel unfamiliar to pen owners used to round barrels
- Fewer nib width options than Lamy or Pilot pens
What matters most
What to look for in a fountain pen Nib material and width decide how wet and wide the line looks on paper, with steel nibs on this list ranging from fine to broad. Filling system matters just as much, since cartridge-only pens limit ink choice while converter-compatible pens open up any bottled ink. Grip shape and body weight decide comfort during long writing sessions more than looks alone.
Starting with fountain pens versus upgrading Beginners generally do better starting with a forgiving nib like the Lamy Safari or Pilot Metropolitan, both known for smooth, consistent ink flow. Budget options like the Platinum Preppy and Jinhao X750 let new owners test the hobby before committing more. Owners who already know they enjoy fountain pens can move toward heavier, more formal pens like the Waterman Expert or Parker Sonnet.
Cartridge convenience versus bottled ink flexibility Pens built around standard international cartridges, including the Platinum Preppy, Jinhao X750 and Sheaffer VFM, make refills simple at any stationery shop. A converter, included or optional on most pens here, opens the door to bottled ink in any color or formula. Buyers who want to explore different ink brands should prioritize converter compatibility over cartridge-only designs.
Matching a pen to how and where you write Office and meeting use favors a polished, pocket-ready pen like the Waterman Expert, which balances a professional look with reliable daily performance. Students and casual writers benefit more from lighter, grip-focused pens like the Lamy Safari or Sheaffer VFM. Anyone shopping for a gift should lean toward the Parker Sonnet, since its presentation and weight suit a milestone occasion better than a practical daily pen.
How they compare
| # | Model | Nib Material | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamy Safari Fountain Pen | Stainless steel | Best Overall | 9.1 | Check price |
| 2 | Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen | Stainless steel | Best Metal Body Under Budget | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen | Stainless steel | Best for Trying the Hobby Cheaply | 8.4 | Check price |
| 4 | Waterman Expert Fountain Pen | Stainless steel | Best for Office and Business Use | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Parker Sonnet Fountain Pen | Stainless steel | Best for Gifting | 8.7 | Check price |
| 6 | Jinhao X750 Fountain Pen | Stainless steel | Best Budget Pick | 8.2 | Check price |
| 7 | Sheaffer VFM Fountain Pen | Stainless steel | Best for Distinct Grip Design | 8.5 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
Are fountain pens good for beginners?
Yes, pens with forgiving steel nibs like the Lamy Safari and Pilot Metropolitan are commonly recommended as first fountain pens.
What is the difference between a cartridge and a converter?
A cartridge is a pre-filled ink tube, while a converter lets the same pen draw ink from any bottle instead of a sealed cartridge.
Do cheap fountain pens write as well as expensive ones?
Budget pens like the Platinum Preppy and Jinhao X750 can write smoothly, though quality control varies more than with established mid-range brands.
What nib width should a new fountain pen user choose?
A fine or medium steel nib, available on most pens in this list, suits most handwriting styles and paper types.
Can fountain pens use any ink bottle?
Pens with a converter or piston filling system can use most bottled inks, while cartridge-only pens are limited to compatible cartridge shapes.
Why does my fountain pen nib dry out?
Nibs dry out from infrequent use or air exposure, which is why pens like the Platinum Preppy include a slip-and-seal cap to reduce drying.
Is a heavier fountain pen better for writing?
Not necessarily. Heavier pens like the Parker Sonnet suit short writing bursts, while lighter pens like the Sheaffer VFM reduce fatigue over long sessions.
What makes a fountain pen good for gifting?
Presentation, body material and a formal look matter more for gifting, which is why pens like the Parker Sonnet are chosen over budget options.
Do fountain pens need special paper?
Smoother, less absorbent paper generally reduces ink feathering and bleed-through compared to standard copy paper.
Our pick
For most people picking up a fountain pen for the first time, the Lamy Safari offers the best combination of a forgiving nib and a grip that teaches good form. Anyone who wants a metal body with similarly smooth performance should pick the Pilot Metropolitan instead. Buyers who only want to test the hobby before spending more should start with the Platinum Preppy or Jinhao X750 rather than jumping straight to a premium pen.
Jake Monroe
Jake worked as a residential contractor for over a decade before shifting to full-time writing. He evaluates power tools, hand tools and workshop gear through the lens of someone who has actually used them on job sites, not just read the box.
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