Imagine a time when beautiful letters flowed from elegant pens, turning simple words into works of art. That’s the magic of calligraphy fountain pens! They aren’t just tools; they’re a connection to a rich history of beautiful writing.
But if you’ve ever tried to pick one out, you know it can feel a bit overwhelming. There are so many different nibs, inks, and styles! It’s easy to feel lost, wondering which pen will give you those perfect, flowing lines you’ve dreamed of. You want a pen that feels good in your hand and helps your letters shine, not one that causes frustration.
This post is here to guide you through the wonderful world of calligraphy fountain pens. We’ll break down what makes them special and help you understand the key things to look for. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident in choosing a pen that’s perfect for your calligraphy journey. Let’s discover how to find your ideal writing companion!
Our Top 5 Calligraphy Fountain Pens Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lanxivi Yongsheng Calligraphy Fountain Pen Set Transparent Clear | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Calligraphy Set | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Speedball Art Products 002900 Calligraphy Fountain Pen 1.1mm | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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EYEYE Fountain Pens for Writing | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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JINHAO Fountain Pen Fine Nib | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Calligraphy Fountain Pens Detailed Reviews
1. Lanxivi Yongsheng Calligraphy Fountain Pen Set Transparent Clear
Rating: 8.6/10
Unleash your creativity with the Lanxivi Yongsheng Calligraphy Fountain Pen Set. This set comes with six clear, transparent pens, each featuring a different tip size. These pens are designed for both art drawing and writing your signature. You’ll have all the tools you need to make beautiful calligraphy and hand lettering.
What We Like:
- This set includes six fountain pens with a variety of tip sizes: 0.5mm, 1.1mm, 1.5mm, 1.9mm, 2.5mm, and 2.9mm. This means you can handle all your writing and drawing needs with just one set.
- Each pen comes with a converter. This allows you to use bottled ink.
- The transparent design lets you see the ink level easily.
- The pens offer a great experience for creating stunning calligraphy, hand lettering, and art drawings.
- The company offers a satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy, they will refund or replace your purchase.
What Could Be Improved:
- Ink cartridges are not included in the set. You will need to purchase them separately.
- While compatible with Wingsung or Hongdian 3.4mm cartridges, the specific brand might affect the writing experience.
This calligraphy pen set is a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to explore the art of lettering. It provides a versatile range of tips and a user-friendly design, making it a worthy addition to your art supplies.
2. Calligraphy Set
Rating: 9.4/10
Unleash your inner artist with this comprehensive Calligraphy Set! This kit gives you everything you need to start writing and drawing beautifully. It includes seven fountain pens, each with a different nib size, so you can create various styles. Plus, you get a whopping 40 ink cartridges in 11 vibrant colors. This set is perfect for beginners and anyone who loves to put pen to paper.
What We Like:
- You get a wide variety of nib sizes (0.5mm to 2.9mm) for different lettering styles and drawing.
- The set comes with 40 ink cartridges in 11 colors, offering lots of creative choices.
- You can choose to refill ink using the included converters or use the handy, portable ink cartridges.
- The pens have comfortable, triangular grips that keep your fingers from slipping.
- The stainless-steel nibs promise smooth writing and consistent ink flow.
- A clear window on the pen barrel lets you easily see how much ink is left.
- This set is great for writing, calligraphy, and drawing, making it a versatile tool for both kids and adults.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the set is versatile, some very advanced calligraphers might prefer a wider range of specialized nibs.
- For prolonged use, a few more converter options could be beneficial for some users.
This calligraphy set offers fantastic value and a complete package for anyone looking to explore the art of beautiful writing and drawing. It’s an excellent way to begin your calligraphy journey.
3. Speedball Art Products 002900 Calligraphy Fountain Pen 1.1mm
Rating: 8.9/10
The Speedball Art Products 002900 Calligraphy Fountain Pen 1.1mm is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their writing. This pen is designed to make your lettering stand out with its special nib and smooth ink flow. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this pen makes creating beautiful calligraphy feel effortless.
What We Like:
- The 1.1mm nib is precisely made with a slightly rounded tip. This design helps you create beautiful, clean lines every time.
- You’ll enjoy smooth, crisp lettering. The pen glides easily over paper, producing sharp thick and thin strokes that look amazing.
- The pen has a lightweight and comfortable construction. Its ergonomic feel makes it easy to hold for long periods, and the ink flows freely.
- It comes with everything you need to get started. You get the 1.1mm Calligraphy Fountain Pen and two black ink cartridges.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the ink flow is generally good, some users might find that occasional adjustments are needed for perfect consistency, especially with certain paper types.
- The included ink cartridges are black. While this is a classic choice, a wider variety of ink colors being included would be a nice bonus for those who like to experiment.
This Speedball calligraphy pen offers a wonderful writing experience. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting to explore the art of beautiful lettering.
4. EYEYE Fountain Pens for Writing
Rating: 8.7/10
The EYEYE Fountain Pens for Writing offer a vibrant and smooth writing experience for all your creative and practical needs. This 8-pack of disposable fountain pens comes in a variety of colors, making them perfect for adding a splash of personality to your notes, journals, or artwork. Whether you’re a student, artist, or just love the feel of a good pen, these EYEYE pens deliver.
What We Like:
- Multicolor Set: You get 8 pens in different colors. This is great for making your notes colorful or for drawing fun pictures.
- Fine Point Pens: The 0.5mm tip is very precise. It makes neat, sharp lines, which is ideal for detailed writing, fancy lettering (calligraphy), planning, and drawing.
- Stainless Steel Nib: The pen nib is made of stainless steel. It feels smooth when you write and gives you a steady flow of ink. It’s also built to last.
- Smooth-Writing Liquid Ink: The ink flows easily and writes smoothly. It dries quickly, so you won’t smudge your work, even if you write fast or are left-handed.
- Great for Gifts: This set makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys writing or drawing.
What Could Be Improved:
- Disposable Nature: Since they are disposable, you’ll need to buy more when they run out of ink. This might not be ideal for those who prefer refillable pens.
- Ink Cartridge Visibility: It’s not easy to see how much ink is left in the pen, so you might be surprised when it runs out.
These EYEYE fountain pens are a fantastic choice for anyone who values smooth writing and vibrant color. They bring a touch of class and fun to everyday writing tasks.
5. JINHAO Fountain Pen Fine Nib
Rating: 9.0/10
The JINHAO Fountain Pen Fine Nib set offers a premium writing experience without breaking the bank. Its sleek matte black metal body feels substantial and balanced in your hand, giving it a luxurious feel. The iridium alloy fine nib glides across paper, delivering a smooth and consistent ink flow. You won’t have to worry about frustrating skips or blotches with this pen.
What We Like:
- The pen’s metal body feels sturdy and well-made, with a nice weight and balance.
- The fine nib writes very smoothly, providing a pleasant writing experience.
- You get a lot in this set: the pen, ink cartridges, a converter, a protective sleeve, and instructions.
- The ink delivery system is designed for optimal flow, preventing skips and ensuring continuous writing.
- The pen is designed to prevent ink leaks, making it safe to carry anywhere.
- The snap-on cap makes a satisfying click when closed.
- It makes an excellent gift for many occasions.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the fine nib is generally smooth, some users might prefer a broader line for certain writing styles.
- The included ink cartridges are a specific size (2.6mm bore diameter), so ensure you know this if you plan to buy more.
This JINHAO fountain pen set is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a reliable and elegant writing tool. It combines quality craftsmanship with excellent performance, making it a joy to use for everyday writing or as a thoughtful gift.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your First Calligraphy Fountain Pen
So, you want to try your hand at beautiful lettering with a calligraphy fountain pen? That’s awesome! These pens let you create elegant strokes and fancy writing. Choosing the right one can make a big difference. Let’s dive into what you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out a calligraphy fountain pen, keep these things in mind:
Nib Type
The nib is the part that touches the paper. For calligraphy, you’ll mostly see two types:
- Flex Nib: This nib bends easily when you press down. It makes your lines thicker. This is great for creating the dramatic thick and thin lines you see in calligraphy.
- Stub Nib: This nib has a flat, broad tip. It naturally creates a thicker horizontal line and a thinner vertical line. It’s a bit easier to control than a flex nib and is good for beginners.
Ink Flow
You want a pen that lets ink flow smoothly and consistently. A pen that skips or blobs ink can be frustrating. Look for pens known for good ink flow.
Grip Comfort
You’ll be holding the pen for a while, so it needs to feel good in your hand. A comfortable grip helps you write longer without getting tired. Some pens have thicker grips, while others are slimmer.
Ink System
Most calligraphy fountain pens use either cartridges or a converter.
- Cartridges: These are small ink tubes you pop into the pen. They are easy to use and clean.
- Converter: This is a small device you fill with ink from a bottle. It lets you use a wider variety of ink colors.
Important Materials
The stuff your pen is made of matters. It affects how it looks, feels, and lasts.
Body Material
The pen’s body can be made from:
- Plastic: This is common and makes pens lightweight and affordable.
- Resin: This is a type of durable plastic that often looks very nice, sometimes with swirls of color.
- Metal: Pens made of metal feel heavier and more premium. They are usually more durable.
Nib Material
Most calligraphy fountain pen nibs are made of:
- Stainless Steel: This is a strong and common choice. It works well for most calligraphy needs.
- Gold: Higher-end pens sometimes use gold nibs. They can be very smooth and flexible.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a calligraphy pen great or not so great?
Build Quality
A well-built pen feels solid. The parts fit together nicely. There are no loose bits. A pen with good build quality will last longer and feel better to use. Cheaply made pens might feel flimsy or break easily.
Nib Smoothness
A smooth nib glides across the paper. It doesn’t scratch or catch. A smooth nib makes writing a joy. A scratchy nib can ruin the experience.
Ink Cartridge/Converter Fit
If you use cartridges, they should fit snugly. If you use a converter, it should connect securely to the pen. A loose fit can lead to ink leaks.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your calligraphy fountain pen?
Beginners
If you’re just starting, a pen with a stub nib is a great choice. They are forgiving and help you learn the basic strokes. Pens that use cartridges are also easy for beginners.
Experienced Calligraphers
If you’ve been doing calligraphy for a while, you might want a pen with a flex nib. These offer more control and allow for more expressive writing. Using a converter with bottled inks also gives you more creative freedom with colors.
Everyday Writing
While these pens are for calligraphy, some people enjoy using them for everyday notes. A stub nib can add a touch of style to your daily writing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the biggest difference between a regular fountain pen and a calligraphy fountain pen?
A: The nib is the main difference. Calligraphy fountain pens have special nibs, like stub or flex nibs, designed to create thick and thin lines. Regular fountain pens usually have round nibs that make lines of the same thickness.
Q: Are calligraphy fountain pens hard to use?
A: They can take a little practice, especially flex nibs. But many calligraphy fountain pens, especially those with stub nibs, are quite easy to learn with. Start slow and you’ll get the hang of it.
Q: Do I need special ink for calligraphy fountain pens?
A: You can use most fountain pen inks. However, some inks are thicker or have glitter, which might clog the pen. Stick to standard fountain pen inks to be safe.
Q: How do I clean a calligraphy fountain pen?
A: You can flush it with cool water. If you use a converter, you can suck up and expel water a few times. If you switch ink colors, it’s good to clean it thoroughly.
Q: Can I use a calligraphy fountain pen for drawing?
A: Yes, you can! Especially stub nibs can create interesting line variations for drawings. Some artists use them for outlines or shading.
Q: What’s the best calligraphy fountain pen for a beginner?
A: A pen with a stub nib is usually recommended for beginners. They are easier to control and help you learn the basics of creating line variation.
Q: How much do calligraphy fountain pens cost?
A: Prices vary a lot. You can find good beginner pens for around $20-$50. More advanced or premium pens can cost much more.
Q: Will a calligraphy fountain pen work on any paper?
A: It’s best to use thicker, smoother paper. Thin or rough paper can cause the ink to bleed or feather (spread out).
Q: How often should I clean my calligraphy fountain pen?
A: If you use it regularly, cleaning it every few weeks is a good idea. If you switch ink colors or notice the ink flow is off, clean it right away.
Q: Can I change the nib on a calligraphy fountain pen?
A: Some pens allow you to change nibs, but many do not. Check the pen’s description to see if nib swapping is possible.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.