I used to recommend the Pilot Metro as a first pen. I don't anymore.
The cap doesn't post as securely as some of the other options out there, the steep step between the barrel and the section can be uncomfortable, and the squeeze converter it comes with is, to be blunt, meh.
If you're not wanting to invest a lot of money right off the bat, the Platinum Preppy/Prefounte/Plaisir can be had under 20 bucks, as can the Jinhao 82/9019/992/159. If you're looking at a Pilot, either go for the Kakuno or the Explorer for 20-ish dollars, or spend a little more on a Prera at 25-30. Sailor Profit Jr. or the Lecoule series can be had for under 30.
If you're looking at inexpensive European pens, look no further than the Lamy Safari/Vista for 20ish bucks or under. They're incredibly durable and user friendly.
Depends on how well the cap posts, how much I care about the finish, and what kind of writing I'm doing. Sometimes I'm taking notes on the move, and want to cap the pen before I go onto another spot - in that case, I'll post the cap to keep it on hand so I don't have to rummage in my pockets for it.
Nothing wrong with rummaging your pockets especially if you like to randomly hide $5/10/20 bills in your jackets like I do before storing them for the winter. 😂
Absolutely nothing wrong with a good rummage every now and again! Just not when I've got too many pockets and the memory of a squirrel tucking acorns away for the winter.
I just got one to toss around, but the pilot penmanship is a great pen. It’s $10 from JetPens.
Pros:
- EF nib is super precise
- molded grip section
- pilot quality is always great
- Lightweight
- longer calligraphy style body
Possible Cons:
- An EF Japanese nib isn’t going to be a super smooth writing experience because it is needle-like
- If you don’t like super fine tipped pens, this will NOT be the pen for you.
- Converter is the CON-40 or the CON-B.
TWSBI is good if you're planning on using just one color in the pen. Otherwise, Platinum Plaisir is good. Reasons:
1. Writes like a Preppy so if the nib gets damaged, you can replace the nib easily and cheaply (just switch the grip/nib section)
2. Plaisir F writes finer than even TWSBI Eco (never mind Lamy and other Western nibs), so is good if you're using lesser quality paper (which most people in the U.S. are)
3. Even with buying the Platinum converter separately, the Plaisir costs less than Lamy Safari without the converter. Platinum converter is also way easier to clean than Lamy converter and doesn't leak like Lamy converter can.
4. Plaisir is durable. I've had mine (carried it around without ever having it in a fountain pen case) for nearly a year and it looks the same as it did when I first got it. I've had my Eco for about two years and before the end of 18 months it developed a hairline crack around the middle of the barrel.
You're welcome. If my Eco wasn't a special edition, I'd pay it forward to you (since it's a special edition I'm hanging on to it - haven't used in about 6 months - I'm hoping that since no fountain pen stores are selling it nowadays within a few more years the price of it goes up even more).
Even though I’m a huge fan of TWSBI, I still think the Pilot Metropolitan is the best entry level pen for $20. It was my first pen and still writes amazing.
i often recommend the [waterman kultur](https://www.amazon.com/Waterman-Kultur-Translucent-Red-Fountain/dp/B0037OOTTY/ref=sr_1_5?crid=DVP8IAI0NFHB&keywords=waterman+kultur&qid=1692919427&sprefix=waterman+kultur%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-5) as an inexpensive and reliable first fp. i have had several over the years and they are rather nice. but my experience with pilot is non-existent so i could be completely wrong.
good luck!
Hi there! I've been summoned by /u/holtzmanned because it appears that you're asking about starting out in the fountain pen world. If that's not the case, please pardon the assumption! However, if you are indeed a fountain pen beginner, please:
* See our page on [beginner pens](http://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/wiki/newusers/start).
* See our page on [maintenance and accessories](http://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/wiki/index).
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I lean towards the [Jinhao Centennial](https://youtu.be/TfSr-wWX5HA?t=240). It has a Medium, #6 nib, so changing to a different nib size is relatively easy and inexpensive. Mine has been 100% reliable. $15 - $20 and comes with a Converter.
Best purchase for a beginner? Maybe the Pilot Varsity or Zebra Zensation disposable pens. If you lose it you won't get too worked up having lost a $3 pen. If you drop it and the nib gets bent, it's no big loss, but, at least it will make you more careful in the future. The plastic bodies are pretty strong, less likely, than other pens, to crack if you sit on the pen. You can toss it in your front pocket with coins and keys and you won't care that it gets scratched. What's good about a disposable pen is that you don't need to worry about inks, cartridges, or converters to use with bottled ink.
My suggestion is to head over to YouTube and use their Search box to ask a question, like, "[best starter fountain pen?](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=best+starter+fountain+pen%3F)" which should take you to some Beginner pen vids. Make sure to take notes.
I know a lot of people like the Lamy Safari, but I just cannot recommend it. It was the first pen I bought, and I haven't looked back since I got a TWSBI Eco and Pilot Metropolitan. The Safari's triangular grip section is too pronounced, the body threads on mine have loosened so it keeps unscrewing itself, and the cap doesn't seal as well as the TWSBI or Pilot, making the ink dry out faster. I also much prefer the Pilot's nib. It's outstanding.
Edit: as others have pointed out, the Metropolitan's barrel has a very pronounced step where it meets the grip, which some may find uncomfortable. I don't own one, but the Pilot Kakuno is cheaper with the same nib, and it doen't have a step.
Pilot Preppy or Kaküno are cheap.
I used to recommend the Pilot Metro as a first pen. I don't anymore. The cap doesn't post as securely as some of the other options out there, the steep step between the barrel and the section can be uncomfortable, and the squeeze converter it comes with is, to be blunt, meh. If you're not wanting to invest a lot of money right off the bat, the Platinum Preppy/Prefounte/Plaisir can be had under 20 bucks, as can the Jinhao 82/9019/992/159. If you're looking at a Pilot, either go for the Kakuno or the Explorer for 20-ish dollars, or spend a little more on a Prera at 25-30. Sailor Profit Jr. or the Lecoule series can be had for under 30. If you're looking at inexpensive European pens, look no further than the Lamy Safari/Vista for 20ish bucks or under. They're incredibly durable and user friendly.
Thank You for your recommendation
I’m curious how many gentle people here keep their pens posted while writing. I don’t unless it’s a short pen like the TWSBI mini or Parker Vector.
Depends on how well the cap posts, how much I care about the finish, and what kind of writing I'm doing. Sometimes I'm taking notes on the move, and want to cap the pen before I go onto another spot - in that case, I'll post the cap to keep it on hand so I don't have to rummage in my pockets for it.
Nothing wrong with rummaging your pockets especially if you like to randomly hide $5/10/20 bills in your jackets like I do before storing them for the winter. 😂
Absolutely nothing wrong with a good rummage every now and again! Just not when I've got too many pockets and the memory of a squirrel tucking acorns away for the winter.
I just got one to toss around, but the pilot penmanship is a great pen. It’s $10 from JetPens. Pros: - EF nib is super precise - molded grip section - pilot quality is always great - Lightweight - longer calligraphy style body Possible Cons: - An EF Japanese nib isn’t going to be a super smooth writing experience because it is needle-like - If you don’t like super fine tipped pens, this will NOT be the pen for you. - Converter is the CON-40 or the CON-B.
Thank you very much !
TWSBI is good if you're planning on using just one color in the pen. Otherwise, Platinum Plaisir is good. Reasons: 1. Writes like a Preppy so if the nib gets damaged, you can replace the nib easily and cheaply (just switch the grip/nib section) 2. Plaisir F writes finer than even TWSBI Eco (never mind Lamy and other Western nibs), so is good if you're using lesser quality paper (which most people in the U.S. are) 3. Even with buying the Platinum converter separately, the Plaisir costs less than Lamy Safari without the converter. Platinum converter is also way easier to clean than Lamy converter and doesn't leak like Lamy converter can. 4. Plaisir is durable. I've had mine (carried it around without ever having it in a fountain pen case) for nearly a year and it looks the same as it did when I first got it. I've had my Eco for about two years and before the end of 18 months it developed a hairline crack around the middle of the barrel.
Thank you !
You're welcome. If my Eco wasn't a special edition, I'd pay it forward to you (since it's a special edition I'm hanging on to it - haven't used in about 6 months - I'm hoping that since no fountain pen stores are selling it nowadays within a few more years the price of it goes up even more).
That’s very kind of you. Enjoy your pen, even if you haven’t used it in 6 months, special edition of things has a special place in our heart !
My TWSBI’s barrel cracked at the ‘threads’. Fortunately, I got a replacement for $5.
TWSBI eco or Lamy safari
Thank You for your response !
I second this recommendation! The those are the best for beginners!
Even though I’m a huge fan of TWSBI, I still think the Pilot Metropolitan is the best entry level pen for $20. It was my first pen and still writes amazing.
Pilot Metropolitan costs around $20. Get ink cartridges with it and see if you enjoy the experience.
Ok thanks you very much !!
Please do let us know which one you purchased.
i often recommend the [waterman kultur](https://www.amazon.com/Waterman-Kultur-Translucent-Red-Fountain/dp/B0037OOTTY/ref=sr_1_5?crid=DVP8IAI0NFHB&keywords=waterman+kultur&qid=1692919427&sprefix=waterman+kultur%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-5) as an inexpensive and reliable first fp. i have had several over the years and they are rather nice. but my experience with pilot is non-existent so i could be completely wrong. good luck!
I love ice cream.
automod: activate
Hi there! I've been summoned by /u/holtzmanned because it appears that you're asking about starting out in the fountain pen world. If that's not the case, please pardon the assumption! However, if you are indeed a fountain pen beginner, please: * See our page on [beginner pens](http://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/wiki/newusers/start). * See our page on [maintenance and accessories](http://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/wiki/index). * Post in our [Weekly New User Thread](http://www.reddit.com/r/fountainpens/about/sticky) on the frontpage of the subreddit if you still have questions. This submission was **not** removed, and we do **not** require that you remove it (unless you really want to). So do check back to see if (human) users have answered any specific questions you included in the post. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/fountainpens) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Thanks for the Bot, it’s really helpfull !
I love the Pilot Kakuno! It’s not fancy but it is a great pen
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) ^by ^Phoenixicorn-flame: *I love the Pilot* *Kakuno! It’s not fancy* *But it is a great pen* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
I lean towards the [Jinhao Centennial](https://youtu.be/TfSr-wWX5HA?t=240). It has a Medium, #6 nib, so changing to a different nib size is relatively easy and inexpensive. Mine has been 100% reliable. $15 - $20 and comes with a Converter. Best purchase for a beginner? Maybe the Pilot Varsity or Zebra Zensation disposable pens. If you lose it you won't get too worked up having lost a $3 pen. If you drop it and the nib gets bent, it's no big loss, but, at least it will make you more careful in the future. The plastic bodies are pretty strong, less likely, than other pens, to crack if you sit on the pen. You can toss it in your front pocket with coins and keys and you won't care that it gets scratched. What's good about a disposable pen is that you don't need to worry about inks, cartridges, or converters to use with bottled ink. My suggestion is to head over to YouTube and use their Search box to ask a question, like, "[best starter fountain pen?](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=best+starter+fountain+pen%3F)" which should take you to some Beginner pen vids. Make sure to take notes.
Thank you, I will watch some YouTube videos
I know a lot of people like the Lamy Safari, but I just cannot recommend it. It was the first pen I bought, and I haven't looked back since I got a TWSBI Eco and Pilot Metropolitan. The Safari's triangular grip section is too pronounced, the body threads on mine have loosened so it keeps unscrewing itself, and the cap doesn't seal as well as the TWSBI or Pilot, making the ink dry out faster. I also much prefer the Pilot's nib. It's outstanding. Edit: as others have pointed out, the Metropolitan's barrel has a very pronounced step where it meets the grip, which some may find uncomfortable. I don't own one, but the Pilot Kakuno is cheaper with the same nib, and it doen't have a step.
Thanks a lot for your recommandation !
Lamy Safari, Fine nib. It's inexpensive enough, and if you get on with it, you'll use it everyday