Signing an important document or contract? Scribbling in your next dairy entry? Or brainstorming novel ideas? Put pen to paper with a writing instrument to match the occasion.
Using a fountain pen may take you back to your childhood and learning to write with ink for the first time, but they are a great choice to keep your handwriting looking smart and elegant, resulting in smooth lettering on the page - and it doesn’t hurt that they look stylish in your hand too.
From the reasonably priced to the more expensive, there are so many fountain pens to choose from and different features to consider. Pay attention to the size of the nib, refills and whether it needs to be travel-friendly.
What features to consider when choosing a fountain pen?
- Design: Fountain pens come in all sorts of designs to choose from. Whether you want a statement-making eye-popping colourway or a simple understated one, a fine or thicker nib, black or blue ink – choose what suits you best.
- Weight and size: Are you travelling around or keeping stationery in your pen pot? Here is where the weight and size of fountain pens is important. Heavier pens will be, well, heavier to carry around with you, but you may find them more robust. Lighter pens tend to reduce hand fatigue and are compact and featherweight to take on the go with you.
- The nib: The nib describes the tip of the pen which comes into contact with the paper. They come in a variety of sizes, from extra fine (XF) to double broad (BB or 2B). Those with smaller more delicate handwriting will find a finer nib more suitable, while larger handwriting will work best with a broader nib. The latter is also recommended for signatures.
- Ink refills: Consider if ink refills are readily available and how often you will need to swap in a new cartridge. Pricing is something to check before you buy, as going forward you will need to keep refilling.
Do people still use fountain pens?
Most definitely! From those for whom signing contracts is a significant part of their quotidian routine, to calligraphers looking to breathe new life into the ancient art of letter writing – countless individuals still prefer using a classic fountain pen to a ballpoint or biro.
How to use a fountain pen
With the nib pointing towards the paper, keep your fountain pen at a roughly 45-degree angle before beginning to write. You may need to sketch a few practice strokes to get the angle of the nib right/ find the right spot where the pen writes smoothly with your specific style and grip.
How often do you need to refill the ink?
This wholly depends on how much you write. If you’re using a classic, daily-use fountain pen like a Lamy – you might need to replace the ink every few days. Special fountain pens that tend to be used a few times a year have ink cartridges that can last up to six decades. The best way to know how often your fountain pen requires refilling is to check with the manufacturer.
How to get ink out of clothing and furniture
If you’ve managed to spot the stain straight away, immediately use a clean cloth to blot and soak up excess ink. Rinse with cold water and then use any of the below home remedies, should you not have access to a dedicated stain remover:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Vinegar
- Baking soda and water
- Hairspray
- Nail polish remover
Here we’ve rounded up the best fountain pens…
Cross Bailey Light Fountain Pen Green with Gold Trim
Cross has been a global innovator since 1846, bringing a superior writing experience to more than 140 countries. The newly modified fountain pen is crafted in a lightweight resin and delivers a quality performance for a smooth writing experience.
Finished in a glossy polished green with stylish gold tone features, click off the cap and put the fine nib to use to give you neat and delicate handwriting. Includes two ink cartridges with specialised ink that is quick drying to avoid smudges.
Buy now £31.50, Cult Pens
Lamy Safari Candy Fountain Pen
Liven up your desk with this vibrant-hued fountain pen from LAMY. In order to give the most comfortable writing experience, there are recessed grips, while the medium-thickness silver steel nib is suitable for most handwriting styles. This pen offers effortless cursive writing and quality results. Plus the shiny design will look super cool at your desk and with its statement-making design, it should never go missing.
Buy now £23.95, Amazon
Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen
A great option for those on the move, Kaweco’s pocket-sized fountain pen measures just 10.5cm when closed so you can slip it into your hand luggage with ease when travelling, heading to meetings or commuting across the city. The fine nib will provide a smooth experience whether you are printing the letters or getting creative, delivering smart handwriting no matter what you are signing. We love the forest green shade with luxe golden detailing.
Buy now £25.98, Amazon
Waterman Expert Fountain Pen
Oozing with Parisian sophistication, Waterman’s fountain pen has been handcrafted in France. The design is timeless with a brushed stainless steel body and a 23-karat gold nib. The latter is fine to enhance delicate handwriting. Ideal for gifting your loved ones, the pen comes presented in a smart-looking dark blue box.
Buy now £96.90, Amazon
Montegrappa Mia Fountain Pen
Luxury pen company Montegrappa has been creating its signature style of pen for over 100 years – all handcrafted in Italy’s Bassano del Grappa. Let your thoughts flow onto paper using the label’s Mia fountain pen that has been designed with environmentally responsible resin and finished in a wacky meteor shower colour burst. The writing instrument is chunky with marbled textures to create a vintage look, but its nib is fine for clear and elegant writing.
Buy now £258.15, Amazon
Parker IM Premium Lacquer-Finish Fountain Pen
Smarten up as you put pen to paper with Paker’s slick black lacquer-finished fountain pen. While it appears classically styled, it has contemporary touches, including a modern geometric design etched into the body and sleek gold trims. A go-to brand for stationery lovers everywhere, Parker does not disappoint. The ergonomic shape provides the ultimate comfort, while the stainless-steel medium nib sets your intentions in stone.
Buy now £28.69, Amazon
Kaweco Student Fountain Pen
With its cream body, olive green cap and gold trim, Kaweco’s Student pen nods to the Swinging Sixties and comes in a retro tin box for the ultimate nostalgic throwback. A medium-sized nib with a screw cap - that usefully fits onto the end of the pen - get writing in style, whether in your notebook, diary or to your pen pal.
Buy now £50.01, Amazon
Montblanc Heritage Collection Rouge et Noir “Baby” Special Edition Fountain Pen
Elevate your writing with Montblanc’s special edition fountain pen – part of the Heritage Collection Rouge et Noir to celebrate the pioneering spirit of Montblanc. An investment with its hefty price tag, the vintage-looking pen is a reinterpretation of the original design developed in 1906.
More than 100 years later, the writing essential is slimmer, made of black precious lacquer and resin, and features a striking serpent clip.
Buy now £640.00, Cult Pens
Faber Castell Essentio Fountain Pen
Whether writing a novel or signing a cheque, this slick fountain pen from Faber Castell is super practical with a lovely smooth stainless-steel nib. Its patterned carbon fibre finish has a rubbered grip section for controlled movement and comfort, while the cap can be removed and popped onto the end of the pen.
Buy now £35.84, Amazon
Parker Sonnet Fountain Pen
Upgrade your ballpoints and biros to Parker’s Sonnet fountain pen and write with flair. The perfect companion at your desk, it has an elegant, refined style with a red lacquer finish. This is a pen built to last where each individual one is hand-assembled and meticulously checked to ensure the highest quality and performance.
Buy now £129.99, Amazon
