So you've decided to try a fountain pen. Welcome — you're about to discover why millions of writers around the world have made the switch and never looked back. But with so many options available, choosing your first fountain pen can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make a confident choice.
Why Use a Fountain Pen?
Before we get into the how, let's talk about the why. Fountain pens offer several genuine advantages over ballpoints and rollerballs:
- Smoother writing — ink flows freely from the nib, requiring almost no pressure
- Less hand fatigue — ideal for long writing sessions, note-taking, or journaling
- Refillable — better for the environment and more economical long-term
- Personalised experience — choose your nib size, ink colour, and writing style
- A pleasure to use — writing with a fountain pen simply feels different, in the best way
Step 1: Choose Your Nib Size
The nib is the metal tip of the pen that touches the paper. It's the most important factor in how your pen writes.
Fine Nib (F)
Produces a thin, precise line. Great for small handwriting, detailed notes, or if you write quickly. Most Japanese pens (Pilot, Jinhao) run slightly finer than European equivalents.
Medium Nib (M)
The most popular choice for beginners. Produces a slightly broader line and is more forgiving on different paper types. Recommended if you're unsure.
Broad Nib (B)
Produces a wide, expressive line. Best for larger handwriting or decorative writing. Less common as a first choice.
Our recommendation: Start with a Medium nib if you have average-sized handwriting, or a Fine nib if you write small or quickly.
Step 2: Choose Your Filling System
How does ink get into the pen? There are two main options for beginners:
Ink Cartridges
Small, pre-filled plastic tubes that slot into the pen. Easy, clean, and convenient — ideal for beginners. The downside is limited ink colour choices.
Converter
A reusable cartridge that you fill from a bottle of ink. Opens up hundreds of ink colours and is more economical long-term. Most beginner pens are compatible with converters.
Our recommendation: Start with cartridges for simplicity, then upgrade to a converter when you're ready to explore inks.
Step 3: Consider the Body Material
Metal Body
Heavier, more premium feel. Pens like the Pilot Metropolitan and Pilot Cocoon have metal bodies that feel substantial in hand. Great if you prefer a weighted pen.
Resin or Acrylic Body
Lighter and often more colourful. Pens like the Pilot 78G and Jinhao 82 use resin or acrylic bodies. Ideal if you prefer a lighter pen for long writing sessions.
Step 4: Set Your Budget
The good news: you don't need to spend a lot to get a great fountain pen. Here's a rough guide:
- Under £15 — Jinhao 82, Jinhao X159. Excellent quality for the price, great for experimenting.
- £15–£30 — Pilot Metropolitan MR, Pilot Cocoon. The sweet spot for beginners — premium feel without premium price.
- £30–£50 — Pilot 78G, Jinhao Century 100. Step-up pens with gold-plated nibs and premium materials.
Step 5: Think About How You'll Use It
- Daily note-taking at work or university — Pilot Metropolitan MR (durable, reliable, stylish)
- Journaling and creative writing — Pilot 78G or Jinhao Century 100 (smooth nib, bottled ink compatible)
- Gifting — Jinhao Century 100 (comes with case) or Jinhao 10 Capless (unique, gift-ready packaging)
- First pen on a budget — Jinhao 82 (excellent value, smooth writer)
Caring for Your First Fountain Pen
Fountain pens are easy to maintain with a few simple habits:
- Cap it when not in use — prevents the nib from drying out
- Flush with water every 4–8 weeks — run clean water through the nib to prevent ink buildup
- Use fountain pen-friendly paper — smooth paper (Rhodia, Leuchtturm, Clairefontaine) gives the best results
- Don't press hard — fountain pens write with almost no pressure; let the ink do the work
Ready to Choose?
If you're still not sure where to start, here's our simple recommendation:
- Best all-round first pen: Pilot Metropolitan MR Animal — metal body, smooth nib, great value
- Best budget first pen: Jinhao 82 — surprisingly smooth, great looks, very affordable
- Best first pen as a gift: Jinhao Century 100 — beautiful design, comes with case, feels special
All of these are available at TTPEN UK with fast delivery. Have questions? Feel free to get in touch — we're always happy to help you find the right pen.