Platinum Preppy vs Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Review: The UK's Best Beginner Fountain Pens 2026

Choosing your first fountain pen is one of the most exciting decisions a writer can make. In this review, we compare two of the world’s most recommended beginner fountain pens: the Platinum Preppy, a Japanese precision fountain pen at an extraordinary price, and the Lamy Safari, a German-engineered icon that has introduced millions of writers to the joy of fountain pen writing. Both are available from TTPEN UK.

Platinum Preppy — Japanese Precision at an Unbeatable Price

The Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen with Ink Cartridge and Converter is one of the most remarkable value propositions in the fountain pen world. At £13.00 including both an ink cartridge and a converter, it delivers genuine Platinum nib quality — smooth, consistent, and reliable — at a price that makes fountain pen writing accessible to everyone.

Platinum’s Slip and Seal Cap

The Preppy features Platinum’s innovative Slip and Seal cap mechanism, which creates an airtight seal when the cap is closed. This prevents the ink from drying out even if the pen is left uncapped for extended periods — a significant practical advantage for writers who use their fountain pen intermittently. The Preppy can be left unused for weeks without the nib drying out, making it ideal for those who use multiple pens or write infrequently.

Complete Starter Package

The inclusion of both an ink cartridge and a converter makes the Preppy a complete starter package. The cartridge allows you to start writing immediately; the converter allows you to use bottled ink, opening up the vast world of fountain pen inks. At £13.00, the Preppy is the most complete and best-value fountain pen starter package available in the UK.

Price: £13.00 (with cartridge and converter) — Buy the Platinum Preppy at TTPEN UK

Lamy Safari — The German Icon That Defined Modern Fountain Pen Design

The Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Fine/Extra Fine Nib is one of the most iconic fountain pens ever made. At £20.00, it is the pen that has introduced more writers to fountain pens than any other in the modern era — its distinctive design, robust construction, and smooth nib have made it the default recommendation for fountain pen beginners worldwide.

Iconic Bauhaus-Inspired Design

The Safari’s design is rooted in the Bauhaus tradition of functional beauty — form following function, with no unnecessary decoration. The triangular grip section guides the fingers into the correct writing position, the clip is robust and practical, and the overall design is immediately recognisable. The Safari is available in a wide range of colours, making it a pen that expresses personality as well as writes beautifully.

Lamy’s Interchangeable Nib System

One of the Safari’s most practical features is its interchangeable nib system — Lamy nibs can be swapped without tools, allowing you to change nib sizes as your writing preferences evolve. This makes the Safari a pen that grows with you, adapting to your changing needs over years of use. The Fine and Extra Fine nibs available at TTPEN UK are ideal for precise, detailed writing.

Price: £20.00 — Buy the Lamy Safari at TTPEN UK

Side-by-Side Comparison

Final Verdict

The Platinum Preppy wins on value, the Slip and Seal cap, and the included converter; the Lamy Safari wins on iconic design, interchangeable nibs, and long-term versatility. Both earn our highest recommendation for UK fountain pen beginners. Visit TTPEN UK today.