The Ultimate Guide to Picking Your First Fountain Pen

So, you’ve decided you want your first fountain pen.

You crack open Google, and…

Oh crap. There are millions of them. Overwhelming, right?

I can hear you asking, “Where do I even start?”

I get it. So I want to break down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps.

By the end of this guide, you should have a better idea about what’s going to work as your first fountain pen.

How to choose a new fountain pen

As much as you may want to pick a pen because it’s pretty, there are some pretty big things to factor in first.

Step 1: Set your budget

Let’s talk money. I know, not the most exciting topic, but it’s crucial. Fountain pens range from just a few bucks, like a Jinhao 993 Shark Fountain Pen, to hundreds of thousands of dollars, like a $230k Montblanc.

The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to get a great pen.

Decide on your budget before you start your search. There are fantastic starter pens for $20-$50, but if you’re willing to spend more, you’ve got plenty of options.

Don’t forget to account for supplies too. You’ll also need ink and a notebook with thicker paper, so factor that into your budget as well.

But I’d say for under $50, you can get a pretty nice starter set — just be careful because it’s hard to stop.

Step 2: Choose your nib size

The heart of any fountain pen is its nib. It’s the little metal tip that transfers ink to the paper. Nibs come in various sizes, and the one you choose will depend on your writing style and preferences.

The same is true for ballpoint or gel pens. You can get a Pilot G2 (my non-fountain pen of choice) in anything from a super fine 0.38mm to a bold 1.4mm.

Fountain pen nibs are the same way. So you’ll need to take that into account as you search for your first fountain pen.

If you love writing with a fine ballpoint or gel pen, you’ll want to stick to the extra fine and fine end of the spectrum.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common nib sizes:

Extra Fine (EF)

Extra fine nibs are an excellent choice if have small handwriting or a preference for detailed work. These nibs lay down a very thin line of ink, allowing for more precision in your writing and drawing.

However, the trade-off for this precision is that extra fine nibs can sometimes feel scratchy on paper. If you’re using low-quality paper or applying too much pressure to the page, it may stop your flow or even scratch up the paper.

If you’re comfortable with a slightly scratchier writing experience and value precision, an extra fine nib might be the perfect fit for you.

Fine (F)

Fine nibs are a versatile choice that caters to a wider range of writing styles.

They offer a slightly thicker line than extra fine nibs while still maintaining a good level of precision if your penmanship is on the smaller side or you want to draw finer lines.

Fine nibs generally provide a smoother writing experience than extra fine nibs, making them more comfortable for extended writing sessions.

If you’re looking for a nib that balances precision and smoothness, a fine nib could be your ideal match.

Something else to keep in mind with EF and F nibs is ink choice. If you love ink with a bit of shimmer or sparkle, they may not flow as well out of finer nibs.

I’ve made the mistake of using an extra fine nib on a beautiful shimmer ink, and the ink constantly got stuck.

Medium (M)

Medium nibs are a good option if you prefer a bolder line without sacrificing too much precision. These nibs lay down a thicker line of ink than fine nibs, giving your writing a bit more presence on the page.

Medium nibs are often praised for their smoothness and forgiveness. Your pen can flow along the page (trust me, when you start using fountain pens, you’ll know what I mean). This makes them a good choice for beginners still learning how to control their writing pressure and angle.

If you want a nib that provides a smooth and enjoyable writing experience with a bolder line, a medium nib is the way to go.

Broad (B)

If you love a thick, heavy line that makes a statement on the page, you’ll want to go with a bold nib.

These nibs lay down a generous amount of ink and an expressive line that is perfect for calligraphy, more abstract drawing, or if you simply enjoy adding more flair to your writing style.

Due to the increased ink flow, broad nibs can provide a very smooth and luxurious writing experience.

However, they aren’t the best choice for small handwriting or detailed work, and you may have to upgrade your paper to avoid ink bleeding through.

The bottom line

Nib sizes can vary between brands. So, for example, my Jinhao shark pen is an extra fine nib, but it writes a line closer to the fine nib on my Lamy Al-Star.

Goulet pens has a cool tool you can use to get an idea of how different-sized nibs look on paper.

Step 3: Determine your preferred nib material

Yes, you are about to be a person who has a preferred nib material.

Nibs are made from various materials, and each one offers a different writing experience.

Here are the most common nib types you’ll encounter:

Steel

Steel nibs are the most affordable and accessible option for fountain pen users. Most beginner fountain pens will have these nibs. The Jinhao shark fountain pen is a perfect example.

Nibs made from stainless steel are durable and resistant to corrosion. They also tend to be stiffer than gold or titanium nibs, providing a more controlled writing experience.

While they may not offer the same level of smoothness or flexibility as their pricier counterparts, they still deliver a satisfying writing experience.

Gold

You’ll usually find gold nibs on higher-end pens. They have a smoother, softer writing experience.

Made from solid gold or gold-plated materials, these nibs are more flexible than steel nibs, allowing for a wider range of line variation.

The increased flexibility can also make the writing experience feel more buttery smooth, which, let’s face it, is the point of writing with a fountain pen.

However, here’s the bad news, gold nibs come with a higher price tag. Pens with gold nibs are a more significant investment.

Titanium

Titanium nibs are less common. Made from lightweight and durable titanium, these nibs offer a unique writing experience. They provide some degree of flex, allowing for a bit of line variation, but not as much as gold nibs.

However, titanium nibs can have a slightly different feel compared to steel or gold. They can be a bit scratchy, particularly if you apply heavy pressure while writing.

The bottom line

For beginners, a steel nib is usually sufficient. But if you have the budget and want a smoother writing experience, consider a gold nib.

And, if you love a pen but want an upgrade, you can just buy a new nib.

Step 4: Select your filling mechanism

Fountain pens need ink.

I love this part. Experimenting with different fountain pen ink samples is so much fun.

There are several ways to get it in there. Your choice of filling mechanism will determine how easy (or messy) it is to refill your pen.

Here’s a rundown of the most common filling systems:

Cartridge Fountain Pen

The cartridge filling system is the easiest and most widely used method, especially for beginner fountain pen users.

By using pre-filled ink cartridges, you eliminate the need for a separate filling mechanism, making it a hassle-free experience.

To refill your pen, remove the empty cartridge and insert a new one. Cartridges are usually brand-specific and come in a smaller range of colors compared to bottled ink.

So the downside to this method is the limited ink options.

Converter Fountain Pen

If want more ink options without sacrificing the convenience of a cartridge-compatible pen, a converter is the way to go.

A converter is a small, removable device that fits into the pen like a cartridge but allows you to use bottled ink instead. This is the option I generally prefer since I love trying out different inks.

Now, you’ll have access to a virtually unlimited range of ink colors and brands. The filling process can be a bit fiddly, depending on the cartridge.

Sometimes, you’ll need to put the nib in the ink and twist the converter to draw the ink up. With others, you can use an ink dropper or syringe (yes, you need a lot of medical supplies when you own fountain pens) to transfer the ink

Typically, I use the syringe method.

Some practice may be required to perfect this technique, so you don’t cover yourself or your kitchen with ink. But once you’ve got the hang of it, swapping ink is pretty simple.

Piston Fountain Pen

If you want an integrated filling system with a larger ink capacity, the piston mechanism is a great choice.

This system is built into the pen’s body and uses a twist action to draw ink directly into the pen. So you can use any ink you’d like.

The advantage of this method is that it can hold more ink than cartridges or converters, meaning you’ll need to refill your pen less frequently.

But if you love switching out inks, you’ll need to wait longer for your pen to empty.

The downside to this system is the increased difficulty in cleaning and maintenance. Since the piston mechanism is integrated into the pen, it’s more challenging to disassemble and clean than cartridge or converter systems.

Vacuum Fountain Pen

A vacuum system uses air pressure to create a vacuum that draws ink into the pen’s body.

As with a piston system, you’ll get more ink capacity, and you can try a variety of inks. However, that also means it’s more complicated for beginners to use and maintain.

The bottom line

For your first fountain pen, a cartridge or converter system is a great starting point. They’re user-friendly and provide a good balance between convenience and ink options. As you gain experience, you may want to explore piston and vacuum fillers.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the system you like the best.

Step 5: Decide on Pen Materials and Aesthetics

Now for the fun part: picking a pen that looks and feels great.

Beyond the nib, this is the most important part, in my humble opinion.

After writing, you want to hang on to a pen you like to look at, right?

Fountain pens come in a variety of materials, from lightweight plastic to hefty metal. Here are some common materials you’ll find:

Resin or Plastic

Resin and plastic fountain pens are an affordable and practical option for everyday use. These pens are lightweight, making them comfortable to hold for extended writing sessions.

The weight and grip of a pen matter, especially if you plan to write a lot at once.

And they come in a vast array of colors, patterns, and designs, providing plenty of options to suit your personal style.

While resin and plastic pens may not have the same premium feel as metal or celluloid pens, they offer excellent value for money and are a popular choice for beginners.

Metal

If you’re looking for a pen with a more premium feel and added durability, metal fountain pens are a great option.

Metal pens are typically made from materials like brass, aluminum, or stainless steel, giving them a heftier weight and more solid construction.

But, with those materials comes more weight. While for some, that provides more balance and control when writing, it might not work for everyone.

Metal pens can be more expensive than their resin or plastic counterparts, but they are built to last and often have a higher-end aesthetic.

Celluloid

For those who appreciate the beauty and history of vintage stuff, celluloid fountain pens are truly special.

Celluloid is a type of plastic that was widely used in pen manufacturing from the 1920s to the 1950s. It is known for its unique depth, luster, and shine, which can create stunning visual effects in pen designs.

Celluloid pens are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, but they can be pricey and harder to find due to their vintage nature and the complexity of working with the material.

So, for your first fountain pen (unless your great uncle left you it in his will), these may not be in your budget.

The bottom line

Consider how the pen will feel in your hand. If you prefer a lighter pen, go for resin or plastic. If you like a bit of heft, opt for metal.

And if you’re after a showstopper and have some cash burning in your pocket, keep an eye out for celluloid.

Step 6: Test drive before you buy (if possible)

It’s hard to know if a pen is right for you without trying it out.

If you have access to a local pen store or a pen-loving friend, take advantage of the opportunity to test drive a few pens. You’ll learn a lot about your preferences and can make a better decisions.

Of course, not everyone has that luxury. In that case, do your research.

Read reviews, watch videos, and ask questions in fountain pen communities. Pen nerds have a lot of strong opinions but are helpful too. It’s one of the reasons why I went for a Lami Safari as my first fountain pen — a lot of people seem to think they are great beginner fountain pens.

I agree.

If your friends have pens, ask them to try them out or for recommendations.

And if you don’t like the nib bought, or the ink color, in most cases, you can spend a few bucks and change them out. So you aren’t stuck with a pen you don’t enjoy forever.

Step 7: Make Your Purchase and Enjoy

You’ve done your homework and picked the perfect pen.

Now it’s time to take the plunge and make your purchase. Don’t forget to grab some ink and quality paper to get the best writing experience.

Once your new pen arrives, enjoy the smooth glide of ink on paper and the satisfying feeling of writing with a fountain pen.

Welcome to the club. You’re in it for life!

The TL;DR on getting your first fountain pen

Picking your first fountain pen doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect pen for you:

1. Set your budget
2. Choose your nib size
3. Determine your preferred nib material
4. Select your filling mechanism
5. Decide on pen materials and aesthetics
6. Test drive before you buy (if possible)
7. Make your purchase and enjoy

Happy writing.

Liz

Hey, I'm Liz. I'm the founder of this thing. Pen-obsessed and a notebook nut, I love writing by hand. So I'm gonna talk about it on a computer.