Nib sizes, filling systems and the three pens we recommend to every beginner.
A fountain pen feels different from the first stroke. There is no pressure, the line has character and the ink comes in more colours than you will ever need. Choosing the first one is easier than it looks.
Start with the nib
Most beginners are happiest with a fine or medium steel nib. Fine nibs suit small handwriting and thin notebook paper. Medium nibs are smoother and show off the colour of the ink. Japanese nibs, such as Pilot, run about half a size finer than German ones, such as Lamy.
Cartridge or converter
Cartridges are clean and quick: push one in and write. A converter lets you fill from a bottle, which costs far less per page and opens up hundreds of colours. Both the Pilot Metropolitan and the Lamy Safari take either.
Three pens we recommend
The Pilot Metropolitan has a brass body and a famously smooth nib. The Lamy Safari is light, tough and has a grip that teaches a good hold. If you would like everything in one box, the Lamy Safari Gift Set adds a converter and a bottle of blue ink.
Look after it
Flush the pen with plain water every month or whenever you change colour. Store it nib up, and use paper of 90 gsm or more to avoid feathering.
