How to choose your first fountain pen? A complete guide for beginners

A fountain pen is not just a writing tool—it's a return to a slower, more deliberate way of capturing thoughts. If you're considering buying your first fountain pen, this guide will walk you through all the important decisions: what nib to choose, how filling systems work, the difference between cartridges and converters, and how to care for your pen daily.

Why start writing with a fountain pen?

Writing with a fountain pen looks different from writing with a ballpoint pen—the line is more fluid, and the pressure needed for writing is much less, which translates to less hand fatigue during long writing sessions—you'll notice the differences very quickly! It's also a more eco-friendly way to write—one pen, with proper care, can last for decades, and a bottle of ink replaces dozens of plastic ballpoint pens.

Where to start – budget for your first pen

Your first pen doesn't have to be expensive. Quite the opposite—it's worth starting with a model in the 35–160 PLN range to see if you even enjoy writing with a fountain pen before investing in more expensive equipment. Popular beginner pens include:

• Lamy Safari – iconic design, plastic barrel, wide selection of colors and nib sizes.
• MD Product – lightweight Japanese fountain pen with a soft nib
• TWSBI Go– transparent barrel with a built-in piston, great for monitoring ink levels.
• Platinum Preppy – the cheapest entry-level option, good for initial testing
• Pelikan Ineo – solid construction, aluminum barrel, smooth nib.
• Kaweco Skyline – lightweight and small pen, with a screw-on cap being an advantage

What to consider when choosing a pen

Nib thickness

The nib is the most important part of the pen – it determines the line thickness and writing comfort. The most common designations are:

• EF (Extra Fine) – very fine line, good for small handwriting and notes.
• F (Fine) – fine line, versatile, good for starting out.
• M (Medium) – the most popular choice among beginners, forgiving of imperfections in grip.
• B (Bold) – thick, expressive line, great for signatures and calligraphy.

• Stub – cut nib, ideal for drawings and calligraphy.

For a first pen, we usually recommend F or M – they are versatile and work well on most papers.

Weight and barrel thickness

If you write for extended periods (notes, journal, correspondence), a lighter and slimmer pen will be more comfortable than a heavy, metal model.

Barrel material

Plastic barrels (like Lamy Safari) are cheaper and more resistant to drops than resin or metal, making them a safer choice for beginners.

Filling system

This is a key issue, which we elaborate on in subsequent sections—the choice between cartridges and converters affects operating costs and ease of use.

Types of fountain pen cartridges

Cartridges (refills) are the simplest and fastest way to fill a pen. Just insert the cartridge into the pen section until it "clicks" and pierces the membrane.

Universal (international) cartridges

Standard size fitting many brands: Pelikan, Herbin, Kaweco, Faber-Castell, and others. This is a safe choice if you want access to a wide range of colors without being limited to one brand.

Manufacturer's own cartridges

Some brands (e.g., Lamy, Pilot, Platinum) produce cartridges with unique shapes that only fit their pens. They limit the color choice but guarantee full compatibility and often higher ink quality matched to the specific pen model. For each pen at Escribo, you'll find an indication of which cartridges fit that particular pen.

Advantages of cartridges

• Cleanliness and convenience – no ink-stained hands - usually :)
• Great for travel – quick replacement without an ink bottle.
• Ideal for people who write occasionally.

Disadvantages of cartridges

• Limited color selection, especially with proprietary brand cartridges.
• Higher cost per milliliter of ink compared to bottles.
• More plastic waste.

What is a converter and how does it work?

A converter, also known as a piston filler, is a small mechanism that is inserted in place of a cartridge and allows you to fill the pen with ink directly from a bottle – similar to a syringe.

Types of converters

• Piston converter – filled by twisting a mechanism that draws ink inside. The most common type.
• Squeeze converter – works by squeezing a rubber reservoir; less common but very simple to use.

How to fill a pen with a converter – step by step

1. Dip the nib and pen section into the ink bottle (up to the opening on the section).
2. Turn the converter mechanism to expel air, then turn it back to draw ink.
3. Repeat 2–3 times to remove air bubbles.
4. Remove the pen from the bottle and wipe the nib with a clean cloth.

Advantages of converters

• Access to thousands of ink colors available in bottles (Colorverse, Wearinguel, J. Herbin, Ferris Wheel Press, and others).
• Lower cost per milliliter – a 30–50 ml bottle lasts for many refills.
• A more ecological solution – less plastic waste.
• Possibility to experiment with special inks (shimmer, sheening, pearlescent inks).

Disadvantages of converters

• They require an ink bottle, which is less practical for travel.
• Filling and cleaning the pen takes more time.
• Not every pen has a compatible converter – it's worth checking before purchase; in the pen's description, you'll find information on whether a converter is included.
• Risk of staining fingers if refilling carelessly.

Cartridges or converter – what to choose for a start?

If you prioritize maximum convenience and don't plan to experiment with colors – stick with cartridges. If, however, you want a wide selection of inks and to save money in the long run – invest in a converter.

Good news: many beginner pens (e.g., Lamy Safari, Kaweco, TWSBI Eco) support both systems simultaneously. So you don't have to decide once and for all – you can have both solutions and switch depending on the situation: a converter for daily use at home, cartridges for travel.

Basic fountain pen care

• Clean your pen every time you change ink color – rinse the section and nib with lukewarm water until it runs clear.
• Don't leave your pen without ink for an extended period – dried ink can clog the channels in the nib.
• Store your pen nib up or horizontally if you don't use it daily.
• Avoid cheap pigment inks in pens with narrow channels – they can dry out faster and clog the mechanism.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about the first fountain pen

Which fountain pen to choose for a start? For beginners, models in the 50–150 PLN range are best, e.g., Lamy Safari, Kaweco Skyline, or TWSBI Go – they are durable, easy to use, and support both cartridges and converters.

What nib thickness is best for beginners? F (fine) or M (medium) thickness is most often recommended – they are versatile and forgiving of imperfections in pen grip.

Do cartridges fit every pen? No. Cartridges are divided into universal (international), fitting many brands, and manufacturer's own cartridges, which only fit a specific model. It's worth checking the pen's specifications before purchasing.

Is a converter better than cartridges? It depends on your needs. A converter provides access to a wider range of colors and is cheaper in the long run, but it requires more time to fill and carrying an ink bottle with you. Cartridges are more convenient for travel.

How often should I clean my fountain pen? It is recommended to clean the pen every time you change ink color, and at least once every 4–6 weeks if using the same color regularly.

Is a fountain pen suitable for everyday writing? Yes, with proper care, a fountain pen can be used daily for many years, even decades – this is one of the main advantages of this type of tool compared to disposable ballpoint pens.

Summary

I hope this article helps you choose your first pen. Remember, choosing your first pen is primarily about matching your own preferences – nib thickness, pen weight, and filling method. Don't be afraid to experiment: the world of fountain pens is vast, and the best teacher is your own experience with a pen in hand. Start with an inexpensive model, test both filling systems, and only then decide in which direction you want to expand your collection.

We also warmly invite you to the Escribo brick-and-mortar store in Katowice, where you can try out all available fountain pens in our store before purchasing!

And we are always happy to offer advice.

Elmira