It may sound crazy coming from a magazine that writes mostly about the most expensive writing instruments on the market, but you read that right: purchasing a luxury fountain pen might not be the wisest decision if you’ve never written with a writing instrument before, even though it’d be nice to understand this fascinating world and become a collector yourself one day. This article is for those just starting out in the world of writing instruments, and here are a few reasons why I think it’s important to wait a bit before investing in a luxury pen.
Costs: I remember my first pen was a Faber-Castell, Ambition, I bought it when I was 18 for just under $50. I hadn’t written with a pen since elementary school and didn’t know if I would like it or not. I have to admit, I was also tempted to choose between Lamy Safari or TWSBI, but based on some reviews I chose Faber-Castell. It’s been through a lot, from minor scratches to drops (I even found a small crack in the top of the barrel). Although it didn’t cost a fortune, I became fond of it and learned to take better care of it. The stainless steel nib of this pen (probably one of the best in this range) convinced me that I would become loyal to fountain pen writing.
Here are a few affordable fountain pens to begin with: Faber-Castell (from Ambition to e-motion or any other series), Lamy Safari, TWSBI, Pilot Metropolitan, etc.
Writing technique: Fountain pens require a bit of technique to use effectively, such as holding the pen at the correct angle and maintaining consistent pressure. Starting with a pen you haven’t invested a lot of money in allows you to learn and perfect these skills without worrying about possible nib damage. The first time I wrote with a fountain pen I almost broke the nib because I was putting too much pressure on it (being used to ballpoint pens in high school).
Exploration of preferences: Starting with an affordable fountain pen also allows you to explore different nib sizes, ink types, and writing styles without a significant financial commitment. This experimentation phase can help you determine what features you value most in a fountain pen, guiding your future purchasing decisions.
Durability testing: Cheap fountain pens often lack the sturdy construction and materials of their expensive counterparts and you should be aware of this. But at this stage, you’re here to get used to the idea of owning a fountain pen (carrying it with you, using it). This is the time to assess how well you care for and maintain a fountain pen before investing in a top version that may require more delicate handling.
Appreciation of craftsmanship: As you become more familiar with fountain pens, you may develop a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship and design aspects of higher-end models. Starting with a more affordable option can make the transition to a premium fountain pen even more rewarding, as you’ll have a better understanding of what sets it apart.
After you’ve spent some time writing with an affordable pen, it’s time to refine your tastes and move on to more intricate designs. Precious materials, cleaner finishes, embellishments, gold nibs or other materials are all waiting to be explored.
