Fountain pens are traditional tools that is still very practical and useful for everyday carry. You will find that they are a good alternative to regular ballpoint pen, or gel pens and are preferred by those who need an elegant and unique writing instrument. Fountain pens are personal tools and by choosing the best nib size and adapting to the way it writes, you can have a unique writing style that stands out from the rest.
Here are some of the best fountain pens as for everyday use.
Choosing the Best Fountain Pen
Material – fountain pens are made from a variety of materials. The pen barrels and cap are typically made from metal like aluminum or brass, or are built from strong plastic material. The nibs can either be steel or made from gold.
Size – choose the best fountain pen size according to your needs. Fountain pens can be small and compact and also come in larger full size models. Larger fountain pens are deal for those who write a lot.
Weight – this depends on the material used and size of the pen. Metal pens tend to be heavier compared to plastic. If you like to carry metal pens, it will be best to pick a slim one for daily use.
Nib size – the nib size determines the width or thickness the pen will write. In general, there are three different nib sizes, fine, medium, and broad. Fine lines are ideal for general use and best if you write small and neat. Broader nibs are generally wet writers and requires fountain pen friendly paper.
Durability – it is best to carry different pens suited to your environment. Metal pens are more durable than their plastic counterparts and are well suited for the rigors of every day carry. Plastic fountain pens needs a little bit of care and keeping it in a pen case is recommended. They are more elegant and well suited for office or school use.
Best Fountain Pens
Kaweco Sport Fountain Pen
Kaweco Sport is a popular fountain pen for EDC enthusiasts. This compact pocket sized, EDC fountain pen comes in different models. The pen body are made from aluminum, brass, or plastic. The elongated cap extends the pens length, so that you will have a full sized pen when the cap is posted at the back. Different types of pocket clip are available for this pen.
Pilot Metropolitan
If you are after the best bang for the buck fountain pen, get the Pilot Metropolitan. This pen is sleek and stylish with a classic design making it ideal for both beginners and experienced fountain pen users. It is an excellent pen that writes well and hold a decent amount of in using a cartridge or converter. Great to keep as a daily pen or if you need a regular workhorse.
Kaweco Liliput
Kaweco Liliput is the smaller version of Kaweco Sport. It is a very compact pen that has a stainless steel nib and uses a standard international ink cartridge. The pen has a screw on thread on the end that allows screwing the cap on to extend the length for comfortable writing. A bronze pocket clip is available separately.
Lamy 2000
Lamy 2000 is an elegant fountain pen and when you need the very best pocket fountain pen for EDC, do check it out. The Makrolon pen barrel, which is a fiber-glass type of material, is both lightweight and sturdy. It has a beautifully designed brushed finished barrel and cap. Lamy 2000 has a piston filling mechanism, no need for cartridges or converters. The platinum plated 14K gold nib writes well and is a joy to use. Lamy 2000 is an elegant writing tool and an excellent EDC pen.
Pelikan Classic M200
Pelikan Classic M200 is a great fountain pen that features a slim, classic design and elegant looks. The high capacity piston filling mechanism holds plenty of ink for long writing sessions. The pen has a black acrylic resin finish with a dark green ink window that shows how much ink is in the pen. It also has gold colored trim and pen clip. The stainless steel nib writes beautifully and comes in different nib sizes.
Lamy Safari
Lamy Safari is one of the best selling fountain pens and it makes a great first fountain pen. It is also an ideal everyday carry fountain pen as it is very reliable and a solid writer making it one of the top fountain pen choices for both beginners and enthusiasts. The pen features a unique grip which makes it comfortable to use for long writing sessions. This pen is available in a variety colors and nib sizes, and can use both cartridges and converters. The nib is removable so you have the option of experimenting with other nib sizes.
TWSBI Diamond Mini
Widely considered as a bang for the buck fountain pen, TWSBI Diamond Mini is affordable piston filler fountain pen with swappable nibs. It is a solid pen with a compact size that fits well in your pocket. This pen is exceptionally easy to clean as the pen is easy to disassemble. There is an included wrench and silicone grease in the package. The Mini comes in three color variants: all black, all clear, and a mix of black and clear body.
Traveler’s Company Brass Fountain Pen
Traveler’s Company Brass Fountain Pen is a lightweight and compact writing instrument with a simple design. It is very comfortable to use and features a fine nib that writes exceptionally well. As this pen is has a brass body, this will develop a unique patina over time which will add character to the pen. It also features a sturdy pocket clip, and a loop ring that acts as a lanyard attachment. This pen only comes in fine nib size and uses ink cartridges.
Pilot Vanishing Point
One of the top fountain pens for everyday carry is the Pilot Vanishing Point. This is a unique pen that features a capless design where the hidden retractable nib deploys with a click of a button. The nib unit is removable and swappable between different Vanishing point models. It is very convenient and easy to use and well suited as an on-the-go pen for quick writing sessions. The pen uses ink cartridges or converters.
Faber-Castell Ambition
Faber-Castell Ambition is an elegant and stylish fountain pen with a sleek and modern design. It features a slim black resin body with a straight profile, a good departure from the usual cigar style pens commonly available. Polished chrome-plated snap-on cap clicks positively in place and you can post the cap on the pen when writing. The stainless steel nib writes beautifully and is available in different nib sizes. The pen uses a standard international short or long cartridge or a converter.
Closing Thoughts
Do you have a favorite fountain pen? Let me know in the comments below on what is your best fountain pen.
