Quick guide to picking your first fountain pen

Have you ever wondered how to choose the perfect fountain pen to start with? Your first pen isn’t just the beginning of an exciting journey into handwriting—it can also define your comfort, style, and appreciation for this tradition. Choosing well can be a challenge because the world of fountain pens is as fascinating as it is diverse. But don’t worry: in this practical guide, we’ll walk you through step by step so you quickly and confidently find the ideal pen and enjoy writing like never before.

Why choose a fountain pen to start?

First of all, it’s worth understanding why a fountain pen is more than just a writing tool. Unlike a ballpoint pen, its design, ink flow, and feel offer a smooth, personalized experience that improves your handwriting and takes care of your hand. Plus, it’s a piece full of history and character that can accompany you for years—or even a lifetime.

1. Identify your main use: what will you use your first fountain pen for?

To choose wisely, think about how and where you’ll use it. Is it for quick notes? Signing important documents? Or for enjoying writing letters or journals? Each use can influence your choice:

• Daily and quick use: look for a lightweight pen, medium size, with a fine or medium nib that adapts well to any paper without tearing or slow drying. It’s essential to use quick-drying ink as a perfect complement. It’s important to test how the nib glides during “quick note-taking” to ensure the ink flow and nib size are just right.
• Relaxed or artistic writing: here you have more options, as you can try pens with more flexible or broader nibs to help vary your strokes and create your own styles. You can also experiment with steel, rhodium-plated, and gold nibs on different types of paper.

2. Choose the right size and weight

Comfort is key. When choosing size and weight, consider how long you usually write and, cliché as it sounds, the size of your hand.

• For long writing sessions: a very thin and light pen can cause discomfort, requiring more grip pressure and wrist control to create lines. Ideal for small hands writing for extended periods are thicker pens with medium weight, like the Esterbrook Oversize and the Pelikan M800. For larger hands, the ideal weight should be more solid and balanced, with models like Montblanc Meisterstuck (146 and 149) or even Montegrappa Elmo.
• For occasional writing: lighter and thinner pens win here because they allow faster turns and agile strokes on paper. Ideal for small hands are models like Lamy Safari or Aurora Style, offering lightweight models perfect for beginners looking for a daily-use pen with a highly regarded ergonomic design. For larger hands, pens with medium thickness and light weight are a perfect solution, like the Visconti Mirage and Caran D'Ache Leman.

3. What nib size is best to start with?

The nib is the “tip” of the pen that touches the paper, and its thickness defines the writing experience. For beginners:

• Fine (F): Fine tip that delivers a clear line without too much ink, ideal for everyday writing and standard papers.
• Medium (M): Medium tip that provides a more consistent and visible line, but with a controlled ink flow—great for more deliberate, refined writing.
• Broad (B): Broad tip that offers a very bold line with generous ink flow, perfect for titles, more elaborate strokes, and where high visibility is needed.
  

Standard nib sizes can vary depending on their origin:

• Asian brands: sizes tend to be one or two points finer than standard, as writing in this region usually requires very thin strokes. Examples: Namiki and Nakaya.
• German brands: nib sizes tend to be one or two points broader, characterized by a more generous ink flow. Examples: Pelikan and Lamy.
• Italian and American brands: usually maintain standard nib sizes. Examples: Cross and Montegrappa.

This is not absolute and varies by brand and collection, so it’s always good to check the nib sizes of each brand before making your decision.

Another factor influencing the ideal nib choice for your first pen is the material, as this affects flexibility, smoothness, and ink flow:

• Gold: tend to be softer, more flexible, and more generous with ink—ideal for more elaborate writing.
• Steel: harder, less flexible, and less generous with ink. Not the best for fast writing as they can tear the paper.
• Rhodium-plated: gold nibs plated with rhodium, which makes them less flexible and soft than traditional gold nibs, but smoother and more flexible than steel. It’s the perfect middle ground, great for all types of writing. 
  

Pro tip: Avoid nibs that are too broad or too flexible at the start, as they require technique and can cause ink blots.

4. Filling systems: Cartridge, converter, or piston?

Fountain pens can be filled with ink in several ways:

• Cartridges: practical, clean, and easy to replace—perfect for beginners seeking convenience. 
• Converter: allows use of bottled ink, opening an endless world of colors and special inks.
• Piston: holds more ink and also uses bottled ink; the only downside is that it can be harder to clean.

For your first pen, a simple cartridge or converter system is most recommended. For example, the Sailor 1911 (except the Realo model) comes with both cartridges and converter—ideal for experimenting.

5. Design and materials: expressing your style

Though it might seem superficial, design influences the pleasure of using your pen every day. Do you prefer a modern, innovative, and colorful style like the Benu, or a more classic and elegant design like Parker?

At Iguana, we offer both options so you can find a pen that truly speaks to who you are.

6. Budget: how much to invest in your first fountain pen?

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great pen. High-quality models start at under 100 euros, perfect for beginners who want a good experience without breaking the bank. For example, the Sailor Reglus or the Aurora TU are fantastic and affordable. Later, once you master your style, you can go for premium models like Montblanc.

7. Final tips for choosing your fountain pen

• Try before you buy: if you can, test the pen to see how it feels in your hand and how it writes.
• Take care of your pen: learn how to clean and maintain it so it lasts much longer.
• Seek expert advice: don’t hesitate to consult specialists like the Iguana team, who will guide you to choose based on your needs.

Choosing your first fountain pen is the start of an exciting adventure combining technique, history, and personal style. With this practical guide, you have the keys to decide quickly, easily, and confidently. Whether you opt for a Lamy for its ergonomic and fresh design, a Pelikan for its tradition, or a Montblanc for its timeless luxury, the important thing is that your pen reflects who you are and invites you to write every day.

Ready to take the first step? Discover our selection at Iguana, designed for both beginners and experts, and start writing with passion.