If you’re a budding pen enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of the Lamy Safari fountain pen. It was one of the first fountain pens I ever bought — and helped grow my love of pens.
This iconic writing instrument has been a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned pen lovers for decades, known for its sleek design with cool color options and high-quality nibs.
In this review, I’ll delve into the history of the Lamy Safari, its design and aesthetics, nib options and writing experience, as well as its filling mechanisms and ink capacity, and share some of my thoughts as to why it’s such a great pen.
History of the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen
The Lamy Safari has been available since the early 1980s when it was first introduced in Germany. It was designed by Wolfgang Fabian, with a focus on creating an affordable and reliable pen that was suitable for use by both children and adults.
Origins and Design Philosophy
Fabian’s design philosophy is reflected in the pen’s name, Safari, which suggests durability and reliability in harsh environments. The pen’s aesthetic is also inspired by Fabian’s desire to create a writing instrument that was simple, practical, and modern, with a focus on functionality over style.
The Safari fountain pen was designed to be a workhorse pen that could be used in a variety of settings, from the classroom to the boardroom. Its lightweight design and comfortable grip make it easy to use for extended periods of time, while its sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. If you’re looking for a daily writer, this is a great option.
One of the key features of the Lamy Safari fountain pen is its interchangeable nibs. The pen comes with a steel nib as standard, but users can easily swap it out for a different size or material depending on their writing needs — even offering left-handed nibs for writers. This versatility has made the Lamy Safari a favorite, who appreciate the ability to customize their writing experience without having to buy a new pen every time.
I recently ordered a new set of nibs for my Safari. I had a medium and wanted to try a fine, so as much as I’d love a collection of Safari’s, it was a lot cheaper to get a new nib.
Evolution of the Lamy Safari Series
Over the years, the Lamy Safari fountain pen has evolved in various ways. New materials and color options have been introduced, as well as different nib sizes and types. Today, the Lamy Safari is still going strong, with a loyal fan base that appreciates its quality and affordability.
In recent years, Lamy has expanded the Safari series to include other types of pens, such as rollerballs and ballpoints. These pens retain the same design aesthetic and functional features as the fountain pen, making them a popular choice for those who prefer a different writing style.
The Safari is one of the best beginner fountain pens for those who are just starting out with fountain pens or who want a reliable workhorse pen for everyday use. Its combination of quality, versatility, and affordability has made it a classic in the world of fountain pens.
Here is a comparison of the Safari and some of its most popular competitors:
| Feature | Lamy Safari | Pilot Metropolitan | TWSBI Eco |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $20-$30 | $15-$25 | $30-$50 |
| Body Material | ABS Plastic/Aluminium | Brass with lacquer | Clear plastic |
| Nib Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Nib Options | EF, F, M, B, LH | F, M | EF, F, M, B, Stub 1.1 |
| Filling System | Cartridge/Converter | Cartridge/Converter | Piston |
| Weight (grams) | 20g | 26g | 20g |
| Length (capped, mm) | 139 | 137 | 138 |
| Ink Capacity (ml) | 1.56 (with converter) | 1.1 (with converter) | 1.76 |
| Clip Design | Wire clip | Solid clip | Solid clip |
| Postable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Special Features | Interchangeable nibs, available in various colors | Sleek, classic design, durable body | Demonstrator body, high ink capacity |
Please note that prices may vary based on the retailer and location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s best to check with specific retailers or manufacturers.
Design and Aesthetics
The Lamy Safari fountain pen is unmistakable in its design, with its sleek lines. It is available in a variety of materials and colors, ranging from bright and bold to more subdued shades.
But the Lamy Safari is not just a pretty pen. It is also designed for functionality and ease of use. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner, this pen is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable writing tool.
Material and Color Options
The pen’s body is typically made of lightweight, durable resin, but there are also models available in aluminum and stainless steel. The resin models are particularly popular due to their affordability and wide range of color options. From classic blacks and whites to vibrant purples and blues, there is a color for every taste.
I love the bright yellow, so when I saw it, I had to grab it.
The aluminum and stainless steel models, on the other hand, offer a more premium feel and are perfect for those who want a pen that feels substantial in their hand.
Clip and Cap Design
The pen’s clip and cap are also notable design features. The clip is not just for show — it is sturdy and reliable, allowing you to easily clip the pen to your pocket or notebook without fear of it falling off. The cap is designed to prevent ink from drying out and allows for easy opening and closing, so you can quickly jot down your thoughts without any fuss.
But the cap also serves another purpose. It is designed to be posted on the back of the pen while you write, giving the pen a longer and more balanced feel in your hand. This is particularly useful for those who prefer a heavier pen or like to write for extended periods of time.
Ergonomics and Grip
The Lamy Safari fountain pen is designed with ergonomics in mind, providing a comfortable grip for extended writing sessions. The triangular grip ensures that your fingers are properly spaced and allows for a more natural and relaxed grip. This is especially important for those who suffer from hand fatigue or cramping when writing for long periods of time.
I’ve spent a lot of time journaling with my Lamy Safari and haven’t gotten some of the hand cramps I have with other pens.
The grip is also made of a non-slip material, which ensures that the pen won’t slip out of your hand, even if your palms get sweaty. This feature is particularly useful for those who live in hot or humid climates or for those who tend to get nervous when writing in important situations.
Overall, the Lamy Safari fountain pen is a great choice for anyone who values both form and function. Its sleek design, range of colors and materials, and comfortable grip make it a joy to use, whether you’re writing a novel or just jotting down a quick note.
Download this cheatsheet and get expert solutions for the 13 most common pen problems.
Get The FREE CheatsheetNib Options and Writing Experience
The Lamy Safari fountain pen is a popular choice among fountain pen enthusiasts for its variety of nib options and smooth writing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, the Lamy Safari has a nib option that will suit your needs.
One of the standout features of the Lamy Safari fountain pen is its variety of nib options. There are several different sizes and types of nibs available, ranging from fine to broad and even flexible. The nibs are made of high-quality stainless steel and are available in a range of sizes. Whether you need a fine nib for detailed work or a broad nib for bolder strokes, there is a nib option for you.
Nib Materials and Sizes
The Lamy Safari fountain pen’s nibs are made of high-quality stainless steel, which ensures durability and longevity. The nibs are available in a range of sizes, from extra fine to broad, allowing you to choose the perfect size for your writing needs. The nibs are also designed to be easily replaceable, so you can switch them out if you prefer a different size or type.
If you’re a leftie, you’re in luck. Lamy offers a left-handed Safari nib model, so you can enjoy writing too.
Lamy sells Safari pens that come with the leftie nib. So right out of the box, you're good to go.
Ink Flow and Smoothness
The Safari is known for its smooth writing experience, with consistent ink flow and minimal skipping. It’s also compatible with a variety of popular ink brands. The pen’s nibs are designed to provide a consistent flow of ink, ensuring that your writing is always smooth and effortless. The ink flow is also adjustable, so you can customize it to your liking. The pen’s ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, even during long writing sessions.
Writing Samples and Comparisons
If you’re considering purchasing a Lamy Safari, it’s important to try it out for yourself. However, there are numerous online reviews and writing samples available, allowing you to get a sense of its capabilities before making a purchase. You can compare the Safari to other fountain pens in its price range to see how it stacks up in terms of writing experience, design, and value.
Here are a few tests from some of the notebooks I own with varying paper weights. If you want to see the best notebooks for fountain pens, check out this post.
Samples on a Rhodia 90 GSM notebook.
Samples on a Clairefontaine 90 GSM notebook.
Samples on a Leuchttrum1917 80GSM notebook.
With these, there is some ghosting and a touch of bleedthrough, depending on the paper. I’m also using a dark blue ink which is big heavier.
Ghosting doesn’t bother me. But if it’s something that annoys you, then you may want to go for a notebook with a heavier GSM.
This doesn’t work well on standard paper like Field Notes.
There’s a lot of feathering and heavy ghosting on the other side.
Filling Mechanisms and Ink Capacity
The Lamy Safari fountain pen is a versatile writing instrument that offers a range of filling mechanisms to suit your needs. Whether you prefer the convenience of disposable ink cartridges or the elegance of a traditional piston filler, the Lamy Safari has got you covered.
I’ve used both converters and cartridges for my Lamy pens.
Cartridge/Converter System
The standard filling system for the Lamy Safari fountain pen is the cartridge/converter system. This is a popular option among fountain pen enthusiasts. It’s easy to clean and refill your pen with ink. With this system, you can choose between using disposable ink cartridges or using a converter to fill the pen from a bottle of ink.
One of the advantages of the cartridge/converter system is that it is very easy to use. Insert a new ink cartridge into the pen or attach the converter and dip the nib into a bottle of ink. It’s a great option for if you’re new to fountain pens or prefer a low-maintenance writing experience.
Piston Filler Option
For those who prefer a more traditional filling mechanism, the Lamy Safari fountain pen has a piston filler option. It allows you to fill your pen directly from an ink bottle. That lets you write a lot longer longer before needing to refill.
The piston filler system is a classic filling mechanism that has been used in fountain pens for decades. It works by using a piston to draw ink up from a bottle and into the pen’s reservoir. This provides a high ink capacity, which is ideal for those who write frequently or for long periods of time.
Ink Capacity Comparison
Depending on the filling mechanism you choose, the ink capacity of the Lamy Safari fountain pen will vary. The cartridge/converter system provides a moderate amount of ink. Each cartridge or converter fills the pen with about 1.5 to 2 milliliters of ink.
On the other hand, the piston filler option allows for a much greater capacity. With this system, you can fill the pen with up to 1.35 milliliters of ink. That’s more than double the amount provided by a single cartridge or converter.
Ultimately, the choice between the cartridge/converter system and the piston filler option comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a low-maintenance writing experience and don’t mind refilling your pen more frequently, the cartridge/converter system may be the best option for you. However, if you value a high ink capacity and enjoy the traditional elegance of a piston filler, the Lamy Safari fountain pen with a piston filler option may be the perfect choice.
Lamy Safari: Recommended
Beginners really can't go wrong with a Lamy Safari. I've spent a lot of time using mine as my daily writer. It's a great, solid pen.
The Lamy Safari fountain pen is a classic writing instrument that has stood the test of time. Its sleek design, high-quality nibs, and variety of filling mechanisms make it a favorite among fountain pen enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned fountain pen user or just starting out, the Lamy Safari is a reliable and affordable option. You’ll get a smooth and enjoyable writing experience with it.
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.Download this cheatsheet and get expert solutions for the 13 most common pen problems.
Get The FREE Cheatsheet