Alright, so you’re eyeing a Pelikan Souverän fountain pen— but with so many options, you need to work through which one will suit your hand.
1. Start with hand size
Think about your hand size and how you actually hold a pen.
- Smaller hands: If your hands are on the smaller side, the M400 is a lightweight, compact option that won’t tire you out and can be used with the cap posted to extend the length.
- Average hands: The M600 or M800 will sit comfortably in your hand, without being cumbersome. The M600 can be used with the cap posted to feel full size and M800 has a brass piston to give you noticeable extra weight.
- Large hands or bold writers: If you’ve got larger hands or just want a pen with serious presence, the M1000 is the oversize model that delivers a premium feel —perfect for those who like a bold, deliberate writing experience.
2. Nib action?
Nib size and flexibility might sound like details, but they make a difference to how a pen feels.
- M400 and M600: These smaller 14K nibs are firmer, which gives you consistency. Jen thinks the M600 nib is the most consistent of the Pelikan line up.
- M800: You get a larger nib, in 18K, that more easily reaches the page, but still with a firm feel for fast writing.
- M1000: An oversize 18K nib, with a more flexible profile for some line variation. It’s for those who like a bit more flair in their handwriting and like the appeal of going slower.
3. On the move?
Think about where your Pelikan is going to live.
- M400 and M600: If you’re going to carry it around, these models are easier to fit in a purse, pocket or notebook.
- M800 and M1000: They’re heftier and more likely the choice for long writing sessions at your desk.
4. Which nib width?
Modern Pelikan nibs include a generous amount of tipping, which means they write wider than what you expect. The wide tipping lays down a lot of ink, so a good rule of thumb is to go one size narrower than you normally would for other European brands. The most popular nib size for Pelikan Souveran is Fine and second is Extra Fine. Pelikan ink is a good match, in that it runs drier than most other inks and also dries quickly on the page.
All Pelikan Souveran pens hold a lot of ink, but to complete the comparison here are the measurements: M1000 (1.35mL), M800 (1.35mL), M600 (1.3mL), M400 (1.3mL), M200 (1.2mL).
It’s about finding the balance between size, weight, and the writing feel you’re after. The M400 and M600 are the anytime pens, whereas the M800 and M1000 are more about luxury and a premium feel. Size and weight specifications are included in the product description for each model.