New beginnings are never easy, says someone who is back in the gym after a 2-year break. However, I’m going to make this start a smooth one. Today’s article is aimed to help anyone who has never written with a fountain pen before, is keen to get started, but is looking for something that won’t break the bank while still offering decent writing performance. Below, I have prepared a selection of pens under $50 that I think are suitable to get started.
Lamy Safari
The Lamy Safari is often referred to as the ultimate beginner fountain pen, and for good reason. Its ergonomic grip section makes it easy to hold, even for those not accustomed to fountain pens. The lightweight plastic body is durable, comfortable to write with, and available in a wide range of colors, so you can choose the right one for your taste.
Utility-wise, this fountain pen uses Lamy’s proprietary cartridges but is also compatible with a converter for bottled inks, which expands significantly your range of ink choices. With its steel nibs interchangeable, Lamy Safari seems like a great option for experimenting with different nib sizes.
Price: $30
Pilot Metropolitan
The Japanese do it best, even on a tighter budget and the Pilot Metropolitan is a great example. Crafted of metal, it gives a premium feel while maintaining a lightweight design that’s comfortable for extended use. In addition to the color options available, I’d particularly mention the nib: it’s a dream to write with (so smooth), and for the price, I’d say it’s unbeatable; it comes in fine, medium, and medium-italic for more versatility.
Price: $20–$25
Platinum Preppy
If you’re looking for an ultra-affordable way to test the waters, the Platinum Preppy is hard to beat. Think of it this way: skip coffee at your favorite café for a day, and you’ve got yourself a Preppy. Despite its low price, the Preppy delivers surprising quality, with a durable plastic body and a nib that writes very smoothly.
One standout feature is its innovative “Slip and Seal” cap design, which prevents the ink from drying out when the pen is not in use for longer periods. The Preppy is available in a variety of nib sizes and ink colors, making it a fun entry-level fountain pen.
Price: $6–$11
Kaweco Sport
The Kaweco Sport is a compact fountain pen alternative that’s perfect for on-the-go writing. Its lightweight plastic body and screw-on cap make it a highly portable option, ideal for slipping into a pocket or bag. The pen’s design has vintage roots, giving it a unique charm that sets it apart.
It uses standard international cartridges, which are easy to find and replace. A converter can be purchased separately for bottled ink if you’re looking for more options. The steel nib on this one does a decent job but what I really like about the Kaweco Sport is the portability you get.
Price: $25–$30
TWSBI Eco
Piston-fill fountain pen under $50? You heard that right; we’re talking about the TWSBI Eco here.
An ink capacity of 1.8ml (that means more than twice the capacity of a standard international converter), a transparent body that allows you to see exactly the ink level or to feast your eyes on your favorite ink.
The Eco is equipped with a #5 Jowo steel nib with a nice design and the TWSBI logo embossed. It delivers a smooth writing experience straight out of the box. Although it’s slightly more expensive than the versions mentioned above, it could be your ticket to explore the major league fountain pens.
Price: $35–$50
Now that you’ve made it this far, we’re curious: which option sparked your interest? Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments section.
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