For people who are new to the world of pens, the dizzying variety and difference in cost might be overwhelming. Maybe you were shopping for someone’s birthday and thought you’d be buying an especially fancy Bic but found yourself rudely awakened.
While we can all aspire to own a solid gold fountain pen with an engraved mammoth ivory grip, those pens are slightly out of grasp for the average fountain pen fan. Fortunately, there’s no need for a loan when starting a pen collection. There are myriad reasonably priced pens that will flesh out a collection and write reliably on a day-to-day basis. We’ve collected a few of our favorites between $50-$100 for your consideration:
Faber Castell Essentio Fountain Pen
The Essentio from Faber Castell is a simple but elegant design that values ergonomic design as much as style. The textured grip is comfortable in hand and makes writing a pleasure. The quality is assured, as Faber-Castell is a reliable brand with a reputation for quality writing utensils at reasonable prices. This pen is refillable with cartridges, which makes topping it off a quick and easy process. The Essentio is an excellent option for people who are interested in fountain pens but aren’t sure how much money they’re prepared to invest in a pen. This one costs just $52.00.
Kaweco Classic Special Al Ballpoint Pen
For $60.00, you can have the refillable ballpoint pen of your dreams. Many pen lovers gravitate toward the fountain pen, but a fine ballpoint pen can change your life. This is one of the pens that will make you realize how much more enjoyable writing is when you aren’t using a shoddy disposable pen. Kaweco, the German pen company, has operated since the 19th century, so they have had plenty of time to hone their craft, which shows in the pen. The Classic Special Al has a sleek, utilitarian design that is perfect for the office or in the field. The anodized, solid aluminum case makes it sturdy enough to weather any scenario. No matter your price point or pen collection, this model will make you reconsider the humble ballpoint.
Waterman Embléme Fountain Pen
A casual observer may guess that this pen costs much more than its $90 price tag, as the design is chic and sophisticated. The fountain pen comes with a two-year international warranty and is available in a grey barrel with chrome accents. Additionally, you can engrave the pen to make it completely singular to you and your style. The pen is refillable via cartridge or converter and takes Waterman inks. The medium nib is superb and has no issues with scratches or skips, an absolute pleasure to write with. This pen is a great gift for personal or professional acquaintances.
Caran d’Ache 849 Fountain Pen
The Caran d’Ache 849 comes in a line of bright, near fluorescent colors that will highlight your personality from across the room. The hexagonal shape is comfortable and secure in the grip. The resin body keeps it light and sturdy enough for daily use. The snap cap fits on the back to make the pen slightly longer when in use, which adds a nice counterbalance while writing. With a choice between three different nib sizes, this pen is broadly appealing for anyone who likes color, design, and functionality. (Though if you aren’t a fountain pen user, the Caran d’Ache Ballpoint may be your speed) You can refill the pen with cartridges or via a converter with bottled inks. Priced at $65.00, it is a stunning pen that doesn’t break the bank.
Monteverde Invincia Stealth Black Ballpoint Pen
The Invincia sells for $70.00 and brings a lot to the table for that price. Like our other ballpoint option above, the Invincia will make you feel like every scratchy ballpoint pen you’ve used was a waste. This pen writes with clean, comfortable lines and strokes. Layers of resin make the pen sturdy and thick in hand. If you like a robust but surprisingly nimble pen, this would be the option for you. In style, it looks sleek, black, and simple, like a stealth bomber. The refillable ballpoint pen takes P1 and P4 Refills.
A Bonus Under Budget:
TWSBI Eco Fountain Pen
The TWSBI Eco is an easily filled fountain pen that actually falls a little below our budget. The special edition pen costs $49.99, and the regular models are even less than that. At that price, the value is difficult to match. Many users report that the quality of the Eco is better than or comparable to pens available at much higher price points. The nib offers a smooth line, and the semi-transparent body makes it easy to see when the well needs a refill.
As you can see, the world of fine pens doesn’t have to be inaccessible. Great pens can be found at all price points. The only thing that matters is the quality of the pen. You can shop for more quality pens of all prices at www.penboutique.com.
