Ever felt the twinge of frustration as you look down to see your beautifully written words smudged across the page? It’s a common experience for lefties, one that can feel discouraging when it seems like all pens are made for right-handers.
But worry no more! With the right tools, left-handed writers can enjoy the world of fountain pens without the fear of smudging or inky hands.
Let’s dive into a list of specific fountain pens that have been designed with the left-handed writer in mind.
The Best Left-Handed Fountain Pens
In a world that often feels designed for right-handers, finding tools that cater to left-handed users can be a real game-changer.
Fortunately, these left-handed fountain pens explicitly designed or suitable for lefties exist. These pens offer special features like tailored grips and adapted nibs to make the writing experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Lamy Safari
This fantastic option is renowned for its comfortable grip and high-quality performance. What sets it apart for lefties is the availability of a specialized left-handed nib. This nib is rounded more than a standard one, allowing for smoother strokes when you push the pen from left to right.
Lamy sells Safari pens that come with the leftie nib. So right out of the box, you're good to go.
Pelikan Pelikano Junior
This is not just a kid’s pen – it’s a great starter fountain pen for lefties too! It has a unique left-handed nib, which is designed to handle the different angles and directions of a left-hander’s writing.
If you want a starter pen that won't break the bank and is made for lefties, look no further than this Pelikano.
Platinum Preppy: A budget-friendly, reliable pen that offers a left-handed nib option, but many lefties also have success with the fine regular nib. The Platinum Preppy writes smoothly and consistently, making writing a joy instead of a smudgy chore.
Many fountain pen lovers get into the habit after trying out a Platinum Preppy. It's the gateway starter pen!
Understanding Nibs for Left-Handed Writing
The secret behind left-handed fountain pens is the specialized nib. Normal nibs are designed for the pull-motion that right-handers naturally use. However, these left-handed nibs are adapted to the push-motion that lefties employ, minimizing the friction and potential for ink smears.
You may also wonder about nib thickness. Lefties might find it beneficial to use an extra-fine or fine nib as these have thinner lines and less ink to potentially smudge. Medium or broad nibs can also work, but they might require a bit more care to avoid smearing the larger amount of ink they lay down.
Tips for Left-Handed Writing
Choosing the Right Paper: The type of paper or notebook you’re using can have a big effect on your writing experience. Clairefontaine and Rhodia notebooks are excellent choices because the slickness of the paper helps to reduce the smudging effect.
Rhodia notebooks are a popular choice among fountain pen enthusiasts for a great combination of price, paper weight, and durability.
Selecting the Best Ink: Fountain pen ink is usually water-based, which can take longer to dry and increase the risk of smudging (here’s how to clean ink stains). But don’t fret; there are quick-drying inks available, such as the Pilot Iroshizuku. These inks are formulated to dry quickly on the page, making them left-hand-friendly!
Pilot Iroshizuku inks are among the best in the world. And that makes them perfect for lefties because they are super fast drying — meaning less smudging and ink stains.
The Writing Angle: Lefties often find that adjusting their writing angle can reduce smudging. Instead of writing straight across, try tilting your paper 45 degrees to the right for a more natural, smudge-free writing experience.
Other Pen Recommendations for Lefties
If you’re still hesitant about fountain pens, there are left-handed friendly ballpoint and gel pens too.
Uni-Ball Jetstream Pen: The ink in this pen dries quickly, reducing the likelihood of smudges. It’s a great alternative to fountain pens while still providing smooth, consistent writing.
Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Pens: These are popular among lefties due to their smooth ink flow and quick-drying properties. A G2 is also my go-to non-fountain pen.
Stabilo Easy Original Rollerball: This pen is designed with an ergonomic grip specifically for left-handers. Plus, it uses quick-drying ink.
Common FAQs about Left-Handed Writing
Can left-handers use a fountain pen?
Absolutely! With the right pen, ink, and paper, left-handers can enjoy using fountain pens just as much as right-handers.
Does it matter how I hold the pen?
It can. Different grips can affect the writing experience, but the most important thing is to find a comfortable grip that works for you.
What’s the best way to avoid smudging?
Using quick-drying ink, smooth paper, and practicing a writing technique that minimizes dragging your hand across the page can all help.
Do I need a special left-handed fountain pen?
Not necessarily. While there are pens with left-handed nibs, many left-handers use regular pens without issue. Here are some of the best fountain pens for beginners.
Are ballpoint pens better for left-handers?
It really depends on your preference. Ballpoint pens can reduce smudging, but many left-handers find fountain pens more comfortable and enjoyable to use.
Start shopping for pens
Writing with a fountain pen is a unique joy, and being left-handed shouldn’t bar you from it. By choosing the right tools and adjusting your technique, you can transform the writing experience into a delightful art.
So, go ahead, embrace the world of fountain pens, and watch your words flow across the page as effortlessly as your right-handed counterparts!
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