Fountain pens are a humorous factor, aren’t they? Whereas many would possibly take into account them an outdated selection, there’s one thing undeniably satisfying about pulling out your favourite pen, unscrewing the cap, and watching that first little bit of ink movement from the nib to the paper.
However as many people know, not all fountain pens are created equal. The right pen for you’ll be able to rely on a wide range of components – value, colour choices, supplies, and naturally, the model’s historical past.
We’ve scoured our stock to deliver you a choice of six standout fountain pen manufacturers to attempt in 2025. Every one provides one thing distinctive, whether or not it’s a timeless design, modern options, or distinctive craftsmanship, making certain there’s an ideal match for each writing model – and each funds.
Sailor
In case you’re in search of a pen that you simply’ll treasure for years to return, Sailor could be the proper model for you. Based in Japan in 1911, Sailor’s lengthy historical past and dedication to craftsmanship has given it a loyal fanbase for many years. Fashions just like the Professional Gear and 1911 are among the hottest choices for the model, every designed with a basic form that’s simple to carry for lengthy writing periods.
What’s particularly cherished by pen followers are their nibs. With a wide range of line widths to select from, Sailor has geared up a few of their hottest fashions with the choice of both a 14-karat or 21-karat gold nib, supplying you with a easy writing expertise time after time. Couple this with Sailor’s repute for high quality management and craftsmanship and it’s no marvel why that is one model that continues to entice new prospects and outdated pen veterans alike!
Value vary: $19.99 – $1,700
Visconti
In search of one thing with a bit of la dolce vita? Visconti could also be your reply. This Italian model has been producing pens since 1988 and has amassed fairly the fan following. With their daring designs and intelligent use of supplies and colorways, Visconti is ready to completely mix artistry and practicality inside their collections.
One such instance of that is their Homo Sapiens line-up. Not solely does this pen have an exceptionally balanced silhouette, it’s created from volcanic rock from Mt. Etna, displaying simply how distinctive Visconti’s pens are in comparison with a few of its competitors.
If writing with cooled basaltic lava is simply too plain in your style, the Homo Sapiens mannequin can be accessible in a rising number of restricted version designs created from colourful, hand-poured acrylics.
Value vary: $159.20 – $4,796
LAMY
Lamy, a German model based in 1930, is thought for its fashionable, minimalist designs and sturdy pens. Like many German-designed merchandise, Lamy’s pens are made for effectivity and performance, whereas additionally sparing no extra on the subject of design. For anybody trying to make the leap into fountain pens, Lamy’s Safari is a superb possibility, each for its iconic design and inexpensive value.
Many individuals who like a little bit of “suggestions” – the scratchiness of a nib that may typically really feel like a pencil – will get pleasure from Lamy’s metal nibs. Coming in a wide range of colours, there’s really a Safari for everybody. However don’t suppose that Lamy solely produces Safaris! There’s a whole line-up of pens which meet Lamy’s repute for performance and high quality, together with their AL-Star, Vista, and Dialog 3.
Value vary: $20.80 – $351.20
Pelikan
Based in 1838 in Germany, Pelikan is without doubt one of the oldest and most revered fountain pen producers on the earth. And in that 186-year historical past, they’ve proven that heritage manufacturers nonetheless have quite a bit to supply at this time’s modern pen market.
The Souverän collection is especially well-known for Pelikan. Coming in a piston-filling possibility, the Souverän is a superb possibility for anybody trying to ditch their cartridge or converter. This collection has a variety of colour choices for any fan of the model – from daring apple inexperienced demonstrators to extra basic colorways paying homage to the early 1900s.
Value vary: $14.40 – $2,000
Leonardo Officina Italiana
Leonardo, an Italian model based in 2011, has shortly gained a repute for creating pens in a wide range of vibrant colours (and with some fairly enjoyable names like Sea Anemone and Aloha Gold!). Nevertheless it’s not simply the colours that are fascinating; it’s their use of acrylic and the best way wherein their colorways are blended.
Whereas many pen manufacturers use a crackled or marbled acrylic, Leonardo has taken it one step additional and created their Mosaico line-up, which reveals a stratified sample that’s as distinctive as it’s eye-catching. Whereas the silhouettes between their fashions being fairly much like each other, it’s the small design selections between collections which really give each a respective persona that collectors love.
Value vary: $133 – $720
Esterbrook
For a model that’s been round since 1858, it virtually feels as if Esterbrook is simply getting began. Beforehand identified for his or her extensive choice of nibs – in truth, Peanuts creator Charles Schulz was a fan – many older pen followers nonetheless keep in mind utilizing an Esterbrook of their gradeschool days. At present, Esterbrook continues to honor this legacy with their extensive number of nibs, their customized nib program, and their MV adaptor, which retrofits present Esterbrook Esties to have the ability to use a few of these beloved classic nibs!
And talking of Estie, it’s by far probably the most beloved pen mannequin from the model. With a wide range of colours – from a vibrant inexperienced to a extra subdued brown – this can be a pen that’s designed to enchantment to all kinds of customers who get pleasure from a pen with a bit of persona!
Value vary: $125 – $315
Whereas the fountain pens talked about right here symbolize among the most interesting selections for 2025, the fitting pen for you finally relies on your private preferences. Whether or not you’re drawn to the basic class of Pelikan, the modern designs of Visconti, or the nib choices accessible wih Esterbrook, one of the best fountain pen is one which connects with you. So, in case you’re inquisitive about what pen suits your writing model, funds, and aesthetics, try all our fountain pens right here!
Concerning the Writer
Brett F. Braley-Palko works within the pen trade by day and is a novelist, advisor, and freelance author by night time. You could find his work in a wide range of publications, like British GQ and Robb Report. Observe him on Instagram at @brettfbraley or go to his web site at brettfbraley.com