Best Fountain Pens for Beginners (2025 Edition)
If you’re looking to escape the soulless scratch of a cheap ballpoint and make writing a joy again, welcome to the world of fountain pens. There’s something deeply satisfying about putting ink to paper with the right tool — and in 2025, beginner-friendly options are better than ever.
This guide walks you through the best fountain pens for beginners, what to look for when buying your first pen, and which inks and accessories will help you get started without feeling overwhelmed.
Why Choose a Fountain Pen?
Fountain pens have stood the test of time for a reason:
- They’re more comfortable to write with during long sessions.
- They reduce hand fatigue.
- The ink flow is smoother, giving your writing personality.
- They’re better for the environment (reusable instead of disposable).
- And yes — they just feel cool to use 😄
Whether you want to start bullet journaling, keep field notes, write letters, or just enjoy handwriting again, a fountain pen turns everyday writing into a small ritual.
🥇 1. Lamy Safari – The Modern Classic
Why it’s perfect for beginners:
The Lamy Safari is often recommended to new fountain pen users because of its ergonomic design, ease of use, and iconic look. It’s a German-made pen that feels anything but cheap.
🖋 Features:
- Lightweight, durable plastic body
- Interchangeable nibs (from Extra Fine to Broad)
- Comes in fun colors (great for creative minds)
- Uses Lamy cartridges or converter
Great for: Students, everyday journaling, casual writers
✍️ 2. Pilot Metropolitan – The Budget Champ
The Pilot Metropolitan punches well above its price point. Often under $20, it looks and feels premium. It writes smoothly out of the box, and the included converter lets you explore bottled ink without extra purchases.
🖋 Features:
- Brass body with stylish finishes
- Medium nib writes smooth and wet
- Comes with converter and cartridge
- Reliable flow and minimal skipping
Great for: Office, journaling, budget-minded beginners
🧳 3. Kaweco Sport – For the On-the-Go Writer
If you’re the type to carry a notebook everywhere (like us), the Kaweco Sport is your best pocket-sized companion. Made in Germany, this pen’s clever design makes it tiny when closed, but full-sized when in use.
🖋 Features:
- Compact, lightweight plastic body
- Simple cartridge system
- Available in dozens of colors and materials
- Screw cap prevents leaks in your bag
Great for: Travel journaling, sketches, field notes
🎓 4. Platinum Preppy – The Under-$10 Gateway Pen
es, you can get a reliable fountain pen for under $10. The Japanese-made Platinum Preppy is ideal for complete beginners or students — no pressure if it gets lost or borrowed.
🖋 Features:
- Lightweight transparent body
- Surprisingly smooth steel nib
- Uses proprietary Platinum cartridges (but converters are available)
- Refillable and reusable
Great for: Teens, first-timers, schools
💼 5. TWSBI Eco – Best Entry Into Bottled Ink
Want to dive into bottled ink from the start? The TWSBI Eco is one of the best beginner piston-fill pens out there. It looks sharp, has a huge ink capacity, and lets you see your ink levels at a glance.
🖋 Features:
- Transparent demonstrator design
- Built-in piston filling system (no cartridges)
- Available in multiple nib sizes
- Affordable price for the value
Great for: Creative writers, sketchers, ink lovers
🔍 What to Look for in Your First Fountain Pen
If you’re just getting started, here are a few tips to guide your choice:
🖋 Nib Size
- Fine/Extra Fine: Great for small handwriting or notes
- Medium: Best all-round choice for journaling and writing
- Broad: Ideal for bold strokes and calligraphy-like feel
🧼 Maintenance
Most beginner pens use cartridges (clean and easy), but a converter or piston-fill pen can save money and reduce waste over time.
💧 Ink Flow
Start with a wet-flowing pen — it feels smoother and more forgiving.
💡 Recommended Starter Ink
If you’re exploring bottled ink, try these trusted options:
- Waterman Serenity Blue – classic & safe on all pens
- Pilot Iroshizuku Take-sumi (black) – smooth, rich, fast-drying
- Diamine Oxblood – for dramatic journaling
📚 Paper & Notebooks for Fountain Pens
Fountain pens love good paper. Here are top picks that won’t bleed or feather:
- Leuchtturm1917 – great for bullet journaling
- Rhodia DotPad – silky smooth, perfect for ink tests
- Midori MD Notebook – for minimalist writing lovers
Is a fountain pen hard to write with?
Not at all! Most beginner pens are smooth and easy to control. It might feel strange at first, but within a few days, you’ll be hooked.
Do I need special ink?
You need fountain pen ink, not India ink or calligraphy ink. Bottled ink is fun to experiment with, but cartridges are perfectly fine to start.
Can left-handed writers use fountain pens?
Yes! Look for quick-drying ink and medium/extra fine nibs. Brands like Lamy and Pilot are lefty-friendly.
What’s the easiest way to clean a pen?
Flush it with water using a converter or bulb syringe. If using cartridges, rinse the nib section under lukewarm water every few weeks.
🛍️ Final Thoughts: Ready to Start?
The world of fountain pens is deep — and addicting. But don’t let that intimidate you. Start with one good pen that fits your style and purpose, and the rest will follow.
💡 Our pick for most new writers: Pilot Metropolitan for value, or Lamy Safari for long-term comfort.
👉 Ready to find your first fountain pen?