Top 5 Fountain Pens for the Writer in Your Life
Fountain pens are making a comeback for professional and hobbyist writers everywhere. They require less pressure and are environmentally friendly, not to mention they make great gifts. Many people find them to be investment pieces, and use them for years on end, rather than buying a new pack of disposable pens each time they break or run out of ink.
Ranging in style and price, there is a fountain pen for writers of all kinds. The best fountain pens can be found in a variety of different brands and stores. Starting fairly inexpensive, you can try a fountain pen for an affordable price and upgrade at a later time once you figure out what you like in terms of nib size and other customizations. The nib is the tip of the fountain pen where the ink hits the paper, and they typically range in size from 0.4mm to 1.2mm, with more specialized nibs going above and below that range.
The best fountain pen for the writer in your life can vary greatly, but here are a few of my favorites that you can’t go wrong with.
1. Montblanc Meisterstuck LeGrand Black Fountain Pen
The Cadillac of fountain pens, Montblanc has a range of different fountain pens and nibs to choose from. They create luxury to write with, and while it is a pretty penny, you walk away with a pen that will last a lifetime. The Meistertuck LeGrand in particular will only cost you between $400 and $500, but they carry fountain pens upwards of $10,000. As you can see, fountain pens can be quite the luxury and quite the investment. However, there is a reason Montblanc is trusted by customers with such high-end fountain pens. Customers will pay when they know they are getting the best fountain pen on the market, and one that will last.
2. Lamy Safari
A beginner pen, for less than $30. Comes in a variety of colors, and is easy to swab out different ink colors. Lamy has several different styles of pens, ranging from under $30 like the Safari and Al-Star, to over $500 like the Imporium. The Safari is a wonderful beginner pen and an easy gift for someone in your life that loves aesthetically pleasing pens, or just wants to try out fountain pens.
3. Waterman Expert Pen
Waterman has been in business for over 100 years and is continuing to create fountain pens that last for its customers. The Expert is great for what I would call a midrange pen. Though it is on the less expensive side of that midrange, typically costing less than $200. The Expert is my favorite from the brand for the money spent. But, they do have less expensive options such as the Hemisphere. And for a bigger splurge, there are others such as the Carene.
4. Pilot Justus 95
Everyone knows the famous pilot gel pens. But they also have a luxurious line of fountain pens to add to the collection. The Justus 95 has 14-karat gold accents, as well as a 14-karat gold nib, creating a stylish and long-lasting casing. The nib itself can be customized for the width you desire. It is a high-end mid-range pen that will cost you just under $400. But like all pens on this list, it will last as long as you allow it to.
5. Parker Sonnet
Parker is a great brand to get your foot in the door for the world of fountain pens. They are fairly affordable, and can still last a long time when given the proper care. The Sonnet typically ranges from under $100 to just under $200. This depends on the nib size and color of the casing. Gold tends to run the price a bit higher, as they use real gold like many pen companies.
Conclusion
While not perfect nor conclusive, this list gives a great idea of the vastness of fountain pens and the brands that manufacture them. Not only do they have endless customizations, but they are crafted for life, rather than just a few weeks or months. While they are an investment piece, when taken care of, they will pay themselves off in due time by refilling ink rather than full pens. Now that you have taken in the list above, you can continue your research to find the best pen for yourself or the writer in your life.
