Starter Fountains Pens (top 7)

No experience needed

If you’re curious to experience writing or drawing with a fountain pen, these are the models that are both affordable and easy to use. All feature stainless steel nibs, in a range of nib sizes:

1. TWSBI Eco: This #1 seller features a piston filling mechanism, transparent barrel, and a smooth writing nib. Large 1.8mL ink capacity and cartridge-free. Fill directly with any brand of bottled fountain pen ink. Option to use with the pen cap posted on the non-writing end of the pen. Spare nibs are available. Excellent value and a pen you are likely to keep using. 

2. Pilot Kakuno: Lightweight, comfortable to hold, and offers a reliable writing experience. Includes a smiley face on the nib to tell you how to orient the pen. Use with Pilot cartridges (0.8mL) or Converter 70 (1.1mL) to draw up bottled ink. Option to use the pen with the cap posted or unposted. Start with everything you need in the Kakuno Clear Thinking Kit.

3. TWSBI 580: A definite step up from the Eco, the 580 offers 1.9mL ink capacity, interchangeable nib units and a more comfortable grip for long writing sessions. The 580 ALR, with aluminium details and non-slip ribbed grip, is the newest model. Best used with the cap unposted to keep the feel balanced. Spare nibs are available and can be changed mid-fill.

4. SAILOR Fude 40 Degree: A low cost art pen, with a bent nib, used for line variation when sketching with waterproof ink. Use with SAILOR Converter (0.7mL) and waterproof DA Document ink or refill an empty Sailor cartridge (1.0mL) using a blunt syringe. See our Sailor Sketch Kits for the best way to buy.

5. LAMY Safari: With its Bauhaus look, predictive triangular grip and wide range of interchangeable nibs, this is another popular choice for beginners. Use with Lamy or Monteverde cartridges (1.25mL), or with the Z28 ink converter (0.7mL) and bottled fountain pen ink. Made from sturdy, lightweight ABS plastic, just like Lego. Spare nibs are available and easy to change. Use with the cap posted or unposted.

6. Pilot Metropolitan (or Cocoon): A metal body fountain pen, known for its durable construction and smooth writing experience. Use with Pilot cartridges or with the supplied squeeze converter (or newer stock has the Converter 40 twist converter, 0.4mL) to draw up bottled ink. Option to use with the cap posted or unposted. Spare nibs are harder to obtain.

7. LAMY AL-Star: Similar to the Lamy Safari, but with an aluminium body and cap. Use with Lamy or Monteverde ink cartridges or use with the Z28 ink converter and bottled fountain pen ink.

Which nib size is best?

For Western handwriting, Fine is a good starting point, except for Pilot we recommend Medium. Most Japanese nibs write one size smaller than European nibs.

Nibs are designed to last for the life of the pen, but the availability of spare nibs is helpful if you later want to change your nib. We also have tester pens in the common nib sizes at our Brookvale store or you can send a few details to our team and we will get back to you within a day.

Get everything you need in the TWSBI Starter Kit