Top 5 Best Starter Fountain Pens

[@ambikawolf664]

Great video and channel.

[@GoldspotPens]

Congrats, Ambika! You were picked as the winner of the starter fountain pen giveaway. Please contact Tom directly at tom -at- goldspot -dot- com with the person you would like to have a starter fountain pen care package sent.

[@charlesmoyhing715]

@@GoldspotPens aássß3q

[@mikerbikex6656]

Hello, Tom. I've been watching your series for new fountain pen users and I appreciate them. I'm not new at this, since I bought my first fountain pen in 1954. Ballpoints were not allowed in my school because of the oily mess that they made in those days. We were introduced to writing with ink in fourth grade via dip pens and bulk use of washable ink supplied by the teacher who poured some into little glass ink wells that fit into holes in our desks. As a result, I never really adapted to ball point pens as most of my peers did. I spent two weeks of my allowance on a Sheaffer fountain pen that came with a few recently invented cartridges. Today, I have way too many fountain pens, though my wife leaves ballpoints around the house. My point is, that I may be experienced and own some high quality (and pricey) pens, I still use several beginner pens for carry to save wear and tear on the "better" ones. I've been impressed with the longevity of them even in rough usage, especially the Safari and changing nibs is easy and economical. I consider the Safari to be the Honda Civic of fountain pens, but that's just me. Anyway, you have done a fine job with your videos. You've presented good information in a non-intimidating fashion and I applaud you for that! Now, I'll go do a little journaling...

[@arrogantpublisher]

The Lamy Safari All Black is something I have my eye on. I already have the charcoal and it writes like a dream. I am a LAMY fanboy. I'd really like my father to try out a Lamy. He never had the opportunity to use fountain pens since they were a luxury during his time. He was a teacher and is retired now. I hope he can take up writing again.

[@MadredeAgua9]

Nothing beats the Pilot Metropolitan. I had my heart set on a Pelikan that Village Stationers had on display but did not have Pelikan money. The manager showed me the new arrival of the Metropolitan that only cost $20 and further upped the ante by telling me I could return the pen for a store credit if not fully satisfied and when my Platinum Preppy or more expensive Aurora pen fail to inspire me my go to has always and will always be the Pilot Metropolitan with an M nib.

[@ladyredl3210]

I'm a metropolitan stan too! I also enjoy Perkos, people seem to ignore them in favor of the Sport, but I don't like the sport

[@Templar451]

It was my first pen. I love it.

[@MrDidaxi]

I’d go for the Faber-Castell Grip. Especially the black one. Budget, yet classy and efficient. Cheers!

[@mom2eleni]

My gateway pen was a yellow Lamy safari. I still keep it inked and my next in line favorite starter, the Metropoliran

[@fmalpartida]

Pilot metropolitan is my favorite with a medium nib.

[@testbookenglish6168]

I love my LAMY Safari, I always loved them when I grew up but was never allowed to have one. I currently own 4 of them a LAMY Vista and a LAMY Joy. My current favourite is the Vista with 1.1 mm stub nib. The Vista is my pleasure writer. The other LAMY pens are my work pens to replace the disposable ball points. I am hoping to produce less waste by switching to fountain pens with converters. I also own a Platinum Preppy and a Pilot Kakuno, both in extra fine and both are wonderful writers. I have a work college with wonderful handwriting and he would be the perfect recipient for a fountain pen. Thanks for a great video.

[@WhyIsLif3]

I was going to get the pilot metropolitan, but I ended up getting the Lamy al star, quite a step up from the safari, but I bought mine in a local museum gift shop because it wasn’t any more expensive then what I could find online, but the only safari they had was canary yellow, so I grabbed the al star because I had the choice of either silver or black, I ended up with the black and I am very happy with it. The two pens are nearly identical in build, but rather then being plastic the al star is aluminum, which I quite enjoy for the added weighted feel in the hand and general durability. The other notable difference is that the al star has a clear grip, so I can tell when I’ve been writing for a very long time non stop wether or not I ran out of ink or wether it’s just that the nib is using more ink then it can pull through the feed… would recommend the Lamy safari or al star for beginners, depending on price range

[@JensRasmussen]

Like Tom, I started with the Lamy over 10 yrs ago. Such a great pen and I still keep it inked (with a converter) today.

[@cynthiaalvarado8610]

Diplomat Magnum! Super smooth nib, lightweight and around $25.

[@dneel468]

Just exploring what pen to get as a starter pen. To many choices, kind of confusing so your video was helpful. Off to view the rest of your videos. Thanks.

[@stefanlaskowski6660]

I'm pretty happy with my Pilot Metropolitan, but I'm looking forward to my next step up: a Monteverde Innova in carbon fiber and gunmetal trim. I ordered it this morning. 😊

[@keithwhitney7491]

I would choose the Lamy Safari, primarily because my grandson, growing up in California where the State’s Department of Education has decided to cease teaching “how to write cursive or...at all,” does not know how to hold a pencil or pen. Although right-handed, he encircles the pen with his hand, which leads to numbers and letters written or printed with such inconsistency that it proves difficult to read his writing. THE SAFARI FORCES A STUDENT TO CONSIDER THE TRADITIONAL WAY TO HOLD A PEN, a proper writing angle and more. His parents, both educators at the K-12 level (my son-in-.law actually is the top executive for academics for a public school charter school), really don’t get it, so having one come from someone outside the family would be terrific. I am trying to convert my son-in-law! :)

[@fabiomello25]

I prefer the Lamy Safari I, it was my first modern fountain pen. Thank you.

[@mmarjisr]

I still consider myself a newbie after 14 months of using fountain pens on and off. I didn't start using a fountain pen every day till I got m first capless fountain pen. the feel of using a regular pen which I was using my whole life, I got 4 or 5 fountain pens before buying my first capless fountain pen and then I was hooked on capless fountain pens

[@BigGsTintenkiste]

All shown beginner fountain pens are really good, but another point on the list "how a beginners fountain pen has to be" is availability. A good and inexpensive pen has to be available too, so i dont know how in the united states it is, but in germany we dont have pens like the Metropolitan or Preppy in our stores. And the Kaweco´s are only in good stores available. The Lamy Safari and the Faber-Castell pens rather. But, i find that the pelikan twist is good because of the nibs. i have 2 of them and both have a very good nib, even better as the most Lamy Nibs i have tried. But with the shown pens you cant go wrong, so thanks for the video ... and thank you very much for your subscribtion. Best wishes from Germany :-)

[@josephllamas8520]

Thanks for the great video! I just finished sharing it with my 9th grade class.

[@GoldspotPens]

Fantastic! Thank you for sharing it with young minds.

[@CuriousCalligrapher]

Thanks, I am thinking about fountain pen & really appreciated this video!!

[@CuriousCalligrapher]

Your videos are really, really helpful. What a delight to receive information and exposure to so many different pens!!

[@andresarevalo9450]

My first fountain pen is the Lamy Safari now I'm too into the fountain pen writing and buy 1 per trimester and have different nibs size to change and different inks colors. Now I want my wife start writing with fountain pen

[@XsospoonX]

Why does the platinum preppy get so much love vs. the pilot petit 1? I love my petit one, I have been so rough with that thing and is has not broken and writes right off the bat every time! Great video as always! Thanks!

[@warionesha4237]

I started on the petit1. Maybe it's the wick feed that fountain pen people frown upon? But it really is all the best of a fountain pen, with the smooth performance of a gel/ballpoint

[@pablorey9203]

i bought a bunch of paper mate pens for cents. Amazing writers. later i discovered that were identical to the petit, do not know if are related or just a steal... every pilot fp i had was great writer

[@namope359]

Owner of 2. I like to think the capacity scares some people. The proprietary cartridges (very proprietary... you can't put anything else in there unless you eyedrop it) can take around 0.4-0.45 mL, but that's the size of a standard converter. Otherwise, they're very nice. :)

[@amyh7673]

I vote for the Pilot Metropolitan. The writing is consistent and there are so many style/color options. I'd give one to a long time friend who gets to (or has to) hear about all my new pens.

[@friscodog]

Lamy Safari is a great choice. I've bought many more expensive pens, but the Safari is still my go-to workhorse. It's reliable, sturdy, easy in the hand, and unique in its styling. The proof in the pudding? Here in China, the market is flooded with knock-offs that have copied Lamy's cool industrial look.

[@burnylowe-miller4012]

Love the Lamy Safaris. I have a number of them. I write with a bold nib and am left handed. They work awesomely.

[@johnbeynon9575]

What a great giveaway idea. I’ve tried all these except for the Faber-Castell. I’ve given both Metropolitans and Safaris as first fountain pens. Ultimately, I’d say the Metropolitan, because some folks can’t deal with the forced grip on the Safari.

[@sherinzadakhudukhel6342]

Being a teacher I usually recommended Pelikano up, Pelikan junior, Schneider ,Dollor (Pakistan made)Fountain Pen s for my students

[@mushfiqurrahman7966]

The Pilot Metropolitan, my pick

[@wybuchowyukomendant]

nothing beats pilot kakuno for the 1st pen. Buttery smooth, super cheap, it`s basically 1:1 metropolitan, but lighter and cheaper, and the transparent one looks nice.

[@JohannesLabusch]

I recently discovered the MUJI aluminum fountain pen, sells for 16bucks (available on Amazon for those who are not near a Muji store). I'm very happy with it.

[@hyleenpognaire8134]

How's it perform after 2 years? Though i too have it, just purchased a week ago.

[@JohannesLabusch]

@@hyleenpognaire8134 Hmm ... not great. Sorry to report. The ink flow got pretty bad quickly.

[@Ken-wz9vy]

As always nice job Tom. I would vote for the Faber Castiel

[@adityayekhe8882]

I went to buy Metropolitan. I tried it. I liked it but afterwards was introduced to Hong Dian Light of hope by shopkeeper. It is chinese firm I didn't hear about, but trust me IT WAS BETTER than Metropolitan. It was definitely a little on heavier side, was definitely smoother. Not as smooth as Safari though. I learned a good thing that day, while buying fountain pens.. Try them on always. I bought Hong Dian & I'm happy

[@origamichik3n]

In my opinion, "proprietary" things are not exactly "starter friendly". I would recommend trying to find Pilot MR2. Basically, it's an international standard compatible Metropolitan. I think it is aimed at European market because both Kakuno (another amazing starter pen BTW) and Plumix that i bought are also international standard compatible. The Jinhao converters, that i have quite a few laying around, fit my Pilots just fine.

[@TheRealJanKafka]

1) The Platinum Preppy can be used with Platinum converters and 2) swapping International-sized converters among pens is not always an available option, as the nipples of all pens are not sized uniformly. In other words, inserting a converter into a Brand X pen might stretch the hole in the converter making it unusable in a pen from Brand Y. I was flummoxed by this at first when an International converter I had used in a Jinhao kept slipping off in a Faber Castell Loom. When the same happened with other pens, I finally figured it out. The swap might work, it might not. 3) In my experience, Bock nib units are next to worthless. Hard starts and drying out in use are the major problems I've experienced. They don't seem to work well with converters either...Other users, including pen shop owners, have echoed my experience. A Kaweco Sport is cute but is it as reliable as a Platinum, Pilot, TWSBI...Pelikan? Nope...

[@mrkopecky]

I'd say the pilot metropolitan is a great starter fountain. My current and first fountain pen is a pilot varsity. It is light, but I'm looking for a heavier pen, so the metropolitan is at the top of my list. I would gift one to my mother-in-law, she has very neat handwriting.

[@prateekmani]

Which nib would be better fine or medium in Lamy Safari for daily notes making ?

[@GoldspotPens]

It depends on your paper quality. If you have great paper that can accept fountain pen ink, go with medium. If you aren't sure, then go for a fine point.

[@peterr.905]

I'd recommend the Platinum Plaisir, which is the more durable version of the Preppy, as the Plaisir barrel and cap are made of aluminium. Cheaper than the Faber, Kaweco, Pilot and Lamy.

[@I..cast..fireball]

Platinum Plasir. Everything great about a preppy, but it looks pretty good.

[@Erginartesia]

Gotta have paper to go with those pens if you want to make a real pen lover.

[@Nome_utente_generico]

in Europe Pilot matropolitan is called Pilot MR, and works with international cartriges

[@albertow.7755]

Great video to value the choice of fountain pen. Can you tell me what ink you used with lamy safari in this video? Lamy blue black?

[@GoldspotPens]

It's Lamy Blue. It was sitting in the pen for a while, which makes it appear darker.

[@albertow.7755]

@@GoldspotPens very thank you for your precise answer.

[@Nome_utente_generico]

People! I Need an advice. I own a Safari a Jotter and a Metropolitan. Now, as 4th 20 Bucks pen should I buy a Grip, a Safari fine, or a Noodler's?? Thanks (and Sorry for my broken english)

[@mallorybesom1717]

Thanks for your list. I've used Aurora and Pelikan as starter pens -- good, inexpensive, reliable -- in North America Sheaffer and Parker are available. For practice, Millard Port's Wise and Funny or Wits n' Wisecracks feature hundreds of pangrams.

[@mrkike7343]

I think Goldspot pens should definitely make a video on Top flagship pens to buy.

[@TheDanielbarboza]

Hey, that's a great giveaway! When I first got into fountain pens I was team Metropolitan all the way! But I like the idea of the Lamy grip section, so I'll vote for that now! Thanks!

[@magnoliamike]

I just recently got intrigued by fountain pens.. For my first pen I might get the ECO, Safari/Al-Star, or metropolitan really hope I win!!! Next could you do starter inks? Like a good everyday blue and black?

[@GoldspotPens]

We could do a video on inks - most well-behaved, inks for business use.

[@justatinyhalfling]

I still use my Lamy Nexx from school. ❤️

[@gardomagno1438]

I have both the safari and metropolitan. Love them both, but for some reason I have more Pilot pens than the Lamy. I guess because the quality and price point of the pilot is just in my breadbasket. Besides the Safari the only one I think I may like is the Lamy 2000. The other pens of Lamy is just in my opinion in the expensive side

[@العقيلي-ف7و]

What is the best nib etc

[@emfancyy7736]

You have great handwriting.

[@evanhansen2354]

Amazing video! I love when I get a new person into the hobby!

[@paulgosu2773]

I really wish Lamy sells the All Black Safari, missed out on buying it and regret it every day

[@danielste-marie779]

The Pilot Metro is one of my favourites. I also like the Platinum Prefounte for $10.00 an excellent buy and writer.

[@Ajeeb0369]

For me, its Lamy safari.

[@sumitkumar-tr2sr]

kaweco sport fine nib is a superb fountain pen for anyone who has just entered the fountain pen world.

[@johannesmuller2956]

What ink is the one you wrote the sentence :"It must have a consistent quality..." at 1:44?

[@GoldspotPens]

Lamy Blue-Black

[@johannesmuller2956]

@@GoldspotPens Thanks a lot.

[@devarshichoudhury9304]

I like watching these videos. But FP in India has very different cultures. Considering the fact that we are not a very rich country the price difference is ridiculous. As an Indian, best starter FP in India is Cello FP basically similar to Preppy but much affordable. Next level would probably be Jinhao, Parker, Click, Airmail or other Indian brand pens. And next level Indian FP would be Vazir, Mohi, ASA, Ranga is the god tier for the price.

[@DD-d6d3]

I like to recommend the Pilot Kakuno or Pilot Prera

[@bradgiez6192]

I have always wanted a fountain pen, but I feared I would break it. I tend to push down too much when writing forcing the tip into the paper. I also find that I grip the pen to hard, most of this is do to a work injury I recieved back in 2012. Now with this injury I can only write for about 5 minutes before I start getting tired I have nerve to my writing arm. I do still write & take note at work as it's part of my job. But worry a nice fancy fountain pen is not for me. My daughter of 25 was asking me the other day about fountain pens I have no idea where that came from. I do turn pens as a hobby as I have a wood & metal lathe. I have never build a fountain pen as I don't know much about them hence why I'm watched your review.

[@gertahnstrom784]

You sound like the perfect candidate to try a fountain pen just for the sake of ergonomics. Try a preppy or a Pilot Varsity if you really think you'd risque not using one, after all. Being able to write freely and with ease is why these pens are so loved.

[@bradgiez6192]

@@gertahnstrom784 understanding tip size & what material it made of & what it can do is another question. How are do these pens react to cheap paper? I always thought you need quality paper to get the best out of a fountain pen. also is there a good place online to learn more about fountain pens & how they work.

[@gertahnstrom784]

@@bradgiez6192 Well, pretty much all round nib pens uses the very same tipping material, so what touches the paper is the same iridium metal. You can write with a fountain pen on most paper. The advice is to use a Fine or Extra Fine point in case one comes by some horribly absorbent paper, the lines then will look like they was written with a wet marker pen. But sure, nice paper makes for a better experience, but isn't strictly necessary for fountain pen usage. As for resources to learn more I recommend Goulet Pens "Fountain pen 101" series here on KZbin. They also have videos talking about people with arthritic hands that use fountain pens to be able to write without pain. I shall look up some links.

[@gertahnstrom784]

@@bradgiez6192 Here's a link to the fountain pen 101 series of videos I mentioned: kzbin.info/aero/PL1AEFDC6AC935BAFC And the arthritis video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn64eX2uidN0Zqc

[@bradgiez6192]

@@gertahnstrom784 thank for the tips, I'll check out these links you posted.

[@paulmchugh1430]

None of these pens were around when I got introduced to fountain pens. I don't believe that the Scripto pen in the 1960s was a start. My second pen was a Parker 180. It was a glorious pen, not expensive at the time and still have it.

[@bhoola123]

Would have picked kaweco perkeo over the sport.

[@donnakelly8911]

I'm just starting out with fountain pens. Is there an ink that does not have as much bleed through. I like journaling , but a lot of papers are thin or inexpensive .

[@GoldspotPens]

There is an ink like Noodler's X-Feather Black, which is built for use on cheaper papers to prevent feathering and bleed through. Mostly, it has to do with the paper. Proper paper from a brand like Rhodia or Clairefontaine serves as the ideal component so you can use any pen and ink combination without having to worry about bleed through.

[@donnakelly8911]

@@GoldspotPens thank you, I will check out some of that paper.

[@donnakelly8911]

@@GoldspotPens can pens with ink in them, be laid down or should they be stored upright?

[@donnakelly8911]

I love my new pen so far. M200 Pastel Green!

[@naomia472]

@@donnakelly8911 upright the nib should be upright or else the ink might spill from pressure when traveling!!

[@recoveringknowitall1534]

He said "Gateway pen". Lol. Sounds like the beginning of a pen addiction. Is this like AA? How about FPA? Fountain pens anonymous? Lol

[@GoldspotPens]

One of the most popular blogs on pens is called "The Pen Addict" at www.penaddict.com

[@hubert6260]

I'm in love with your videos!

[@AryCymru2024]

Wonderful vídeo

[@DrinkWater713]

How come no Chinese pens?

[@epicsandoz]

Pilot Metropolitan is my favorite. I'd give it to my mother.

[@phillipfranco55]

Lamy Safari is my favorite and I would give one to my little cousin.

[@pablorey9203]

all my pilot and faber castell put in shame my viscontis

[@Aviation_Professional]

Would like to see an updated episode for beginners. I sent 2 emails for support on the topic in and no reply so far. Perhaps a phone call?

[@GoldspotPens]

Sure! What would you like to know more about?

[@valvibo]

Lamy Safari

[@samuellewis2100]

Whaaaaaat?? No TWSBI Eco? It is a Piston filler, yeah, which can be intimidating for a newbie, but when it comes to writing experience it is hands down my favourite sub £100 pen.

[@sjcajw7]

I agree. I have several gold nib/piston filled pens, but I think I still use my Eco as much as my expensive ones!

[@fishmeister2625]

I purchased the TWSBI ECO about two weeks ago and it is my absolute favourite work horse pen. I agree it should have been mentioned on the list as it will introduce someone new to not only a fantastic pen, but also a world of inks.

[@origamichik3n]

I wouldn't say that piston fillers are intimidating. ECO was the first pen that i bought when i got back into fountain pens. It was smooth sailing from the moment i took it out of the box. Just to be on the safe side i watched a video about how to fill it, but it didn't show anything that wasn't in TWSBI instruction booklet. The only thing that went wrong was the nib choice. I found out that because my handwriting is quite terrible, Medium one is too smooth for me to control. I think that "Western Fine" is a better choice for the beginner.

[@visakornchantakraiwat2197]

Pilot

[@imranmidas]

Lammy is mine lifetime partner.

[@TheRealJanKafka]

TWSBI Eco...End of discussion.

[@lerax2010]

Moonman M2

[@0oXcaliburo0]

Ok I commented. Now give the pen to me.... Uhhh...… I mean my dad.

[@gadeaiglesiassordo716]

I'm being a bit unpopular but to me the best newbies pens are the simple scholar fountain pens. UNEXPENSIVE and working with international pen cartridges. Weird enough I wouldn't give A NEWBIE a pen that doesn't use international ink cartidges. international ink cartridges are the easiest to find and the convertor we love it's a bit too intimidating for a newbie.

[@gardenmoose4648]

The best starter pen is the one that release your hand to speak.

[@bhadresh1135]

Lamy

[@HaberfieldchiropracticAu]

Lamy safari is a lousy pen for left hander around the corner types like myself

[@spacemooseable]

Why is there such a high value on word count? I could probably make probably make this video 1/5 of the size if I added that all the extraneous chit chat. That would make it much more watchable..

[@solstar4778]

“PENDOME” what is pendome ? You made that up ,by the way your is grip is off According to “ Palmer Method” check the book! When taking Mechanical Drawing in Junior High School they retaught you how to write with pen but that’s over 50+ years ago👌