[This article was first published in May, 2022, and updated in May, 2025.]
The Ideal Graduation Pen
When I originally wrote this article, several of my Pen Boutique workmates were about to graduate from high school, and my nephew had recently graduated from college, so graduation was on my mind. My colleague Aurora mentioned to me that, second only to Christmas, graduation season is our busiest time of the year. It makes sense. A nice pen is the perfect gift to say, "Congratulations. I'm proud of you. Best wishes for the future!"
A graduation pen is usually an elegant and classic one that you hope the recipient will treasure. Many customers have told me that their first "fancy" pen was a graduation present, or that they had inherited a pen that their father or mother was given as a graduation gift. Sometimes a graduation pen will sit in a drawer, it's true... but, when that happens, it is often rediscovered years later when the recipient is older and more mature, and the pen is then enjoyed and appreciated, and the giver remembered with love and respect.
Because of the nature of graduation pens, the ideal one has a timeless quality. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it should give the message that you feel the graduate is worthy of a serious pen that they will take care of. Should it be a fountain pen? It could be, but a rollerball or ballpoint is a safer choice because it is more likely to be used, unless you know the new graduate is already a fountain pen lover.
With the advice of my very knowledgeable colleague Joy, I picked out our top recommendations for graduation gift pens. Joy is the one who reorders from vendors when our stock is low, and who talks to countless customers who call the customer service line asking for assistance, so she knows the tried and true graduation gifts. I chose a selection of rollerballs and ballpoints, and a few fountain pens, but most of the pens I'm going to discuss come in numerous variations of color and style. They span a price range from under $30 to over $500, but most are around $100-$200.
Ballpoint, Rollerball, Fountain?
Before I get into my pen model recommendations, I want to quickly explain the differences between ballpoints, rollerballs, and fountain pens. If you already know this, feel free to skip ahead to the next section! Many people don't, and understanding the differences will help you select a gift.

(Left to right: a Waterman Expert ballpoint, Montblanc PIX rollerball, and Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen.)
A ballpoint is the kind of pen you are probably most familiar with. Ballpoints use an oil-based ink that has a slightly sticky feeling and writes well on a multitude of surfaces. It rarely smears. Your typical disposable Bic pen is a ballpoint, but a quality ballpoint writes much more reliably and nicely than the kind you can buy at the drugstore. A fine ballpoint pen usually has either a twist or click mechanism to extend the writing tip. They contain refill cartridges that last a long time and can be replaced when the ink runs out. The refills are normally available in a limited number of different line widths (fine, medium) and colors (black, blue).
A rollerball uses a water-based ink and has a smoother flowing feel than a ballpoint. Many people enjoy this feeling more. You don't have to press down to write with a rollerball; it glides over the paper. The ink smears more easily because it takes a few seconds to dry, and it will smear if it gets wet. Because rollerball ink dries out more easily than ballpoint ink, a rollerball must be kept capped when not in use. The cap can be posted on the back of the pen when writing, or set aside on your desk, whichever feels better to you. Rollerballs use refills that look similar to ballpoint refills, but ballpoint and rollerball refills are not interchangeable. Like ballpoint refills, they are available in a small range of different line widths and colors.
A fountain pen uses water-based smooth flowing ink like a rollerball. When capped, the two pens look exactly the same, but if you come into the store you'll notice that we usually display our fountain pens with the cap off to show the nib. When buying a fountain pen, you choose the nib size (fine, medium, broad, etc.) and this controls the line width. A fountain pen must be cleaned periodically and refilled more frequently than a ballpoint or rollerball, so they aren't as convenient. If they sit unused for a long time, the ink dries out and they need to be cleaned and re-inked. You also need to replace the cap when not actively writing with the pen. Fountain pens use ink cartridges that come in many different colors, or are filled from an ink bottle, which enables you to use any ink color you want (the choices are almost endless!). They are more distinctive looking and can feel wonderful to write with, but they are also less reliable. Because there is so much variety between nibs (depending on brand, pen model, nib size, nib material, etc.), the look and feel of writing with different pens can vary greatly. People who are into fountain pens tend to love the whole experience of the looks, care, and feel of using the pen, but it's not for everyone.
Engraving
One of the advantages of many of the pens that I've chosen is that they can be engraved. Engraving is especially nice for a pen that is given to honor a significant event like a graduation or new job. We offer engraving for $18 per line, but, for a pen to be suitable for engraving, it needs to have a plain lacquered surface (no patterns). The engraving is done on the cap section of the pen (even for a capless pen like a ballpoint). Each line can have 10-15 characters (this includes letters, numbers, special characters, spaces, and punctuation), and we can fit 1-2 lines, depending on the size of the pen. There are two options for font style: block and script.

All engraving orders need to be done over the phone (our customer service number is 410-992-3272) or in the store. Engraving can take between 7 to 10 business days, so plan accordingly. I'll note in each pen's description if it can be engraved!
Waterman for the Win

[Pictured: Waterman Expert Black Chrome Trim Rollerball.]
My top pick for the perfect graduation pen is the Waterman Expert. The Expert is a very popular choice for those who need a beautiful and traditional gift, whether to thank a business associate or honor a milestone occasion. It's usually the first pen I show customers who come into the store looking for this type of pen, and most tell me it was exactly what they were hoping to find. Unless it is out of their price range, customers who see and hold the Expert say, "I'll take it!" Waterman writes of this pen, "A symbol of ambition and success, Expert's assertive and powerful silhouette infuses confidence into any occasion." This is the ideal message to convey for a graduation.
Waterman is a highly respected luxury pen brand that was established in 1884 in New York City by Lewis Waterman, an insurance salesman. Legend has it that the pen he was using at work leaked all over a contract he had prepared for a large policy, costing him his client, so Mr. Waterman took matters into his own hands and invented the first truly functional fountain pen, revolutionizing the pen industry. I love the symbolism of giving a Waterman pen to wish a graduate future success!

[Pictured: Waterman Expert L’Essence du Bleu Rollerball - Metal & Blue.]
Waterman is headquartered in Paris, France, but is still owned by an American company, Newell Brands. All of their pens are high quality, with a solid, substantial feel, and a refined, elegant look. They come in attractive and sturdy Waterman Prestige gift boxes in the traditional Waterman blue, with a lovely flowing wave design on the hinged lid. The inside of the boxes are a pleasing soft cream colored suede fabric that contrasts beautifully to display the pen. I love the clean design of these boxes, with their precise corners and simple "Waterman Paris" written on top in gold.

[Pictured: Waterman Expert Ballpoint - Gold Trim - Black.]
I also love the lines of this pen: the tapered shape, strong body (neither too slim nor too thick), and angled end finial on the cap. The two metal bands (one wide, one narrow) are perfectly balanced with the rest of the pen and remind me of wedding rings. The interesting slit in the clip, allowing a glimpse of the pen color to show between the metal, lightens the look of the substantial clip. The overall feeling is both harmonious and powerful. This is an eloquent looking pen.

[Pictured: Waterman Expert Ballpoint - Gold Trim - Black.]
The Waterman Expert comes in rollerball, ballpoint, and fountain, and in a variety of color and trim combinations. The ballpoint tip extends with a smooth and decisive-feeling twist of the pen and writes with a nice blue fine line.
The rollerball comes with its refill cartridge in the tray beneath the pen, and writes with a fine black line. (The refill cartridge is delivered with its small disposable cap on, to keep the water-based ink fresh until the recipient is ready to use it. It is easy to install and replace.) Its snap cap has a satisfying and solid feeling, and clicks firmly into place both to cover the tip and when posted on the back of the pen while writing. The end finial on the cap is the perfect comfortable angle to press with your thumb and snap the cap into place! (I love this thoughtful design detail.)
The pen has a nice substantial-feeling weight in your hand, and is extremely well balanced so it doesn't feel heavy even to smaller hands. It suits both men and women.

[Pictured: Waterman Expert Black Gold Trim fountain pen in my hand. The rollerball would look the same, but with a different writing tip. In the background is the Waterman Hemisphere - Reflections of Paris rollerball.]
All Experts can be engraved, except for the designs with patterned caps. (Please check to confirm that the Expert you like is currently available for engraving. We are not able to accommodate all engraving requests.)
Hemisphere, Carene, and Exception, the other three lines of premium Waterman pens, would also make superb graduation gifts. I chose Expert for my top graduation recommendation because it's the most traditional and is the most versatile size.

[Pictured: Black with Gold Trim Waterman Expert in front, and Reflections of Paris Waterman Hemisphere in back.]
The Hemisphere collection is the most budget friendly of the four lines. They are beautiful slender pens that come in many color variations and all three styles (ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain). Hemisphere is a great choice if you would like less formal color options as well as the traditional blue and black ones, or for a recipient with smaller hands. The Colour Blocking Hemispheres feature a sharp looking two-tone style that I love. The styling is reminiscent of the Expert, but the pen has a slim and stylish look rather than an assertive one. Since the Hemisphere is slim and less expensive, is a lovely choice if you'd like to create a matching set with any combination of ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain pen paired together.
Carene and Exception are more premium than Expert and Hemisphere, and feature gold-nibbed fountain pens. To learn more about the streamlined Carene, read my blog article focusing on this elegant and very special pen. Exception is the largest and most expensive, and makes a very striking gift, with its unusual square barrel.
All four series are available in the beautiful L’Essence du Bleu design, featuring deep blue lacquer with Waterman’s signature wave pattern etched into the metal cap. L’Essence du Bleu pens are slightly outside the traditional graduation style, but I think they are extremely beautiful and would be perfect if you are the kind of person who likes to be a little different.

[Pictured: Waterman Expert L’Essence du Bleu - Metal & Blue rollerball.]
The latest addition to Waterman styling is the gorgeous Reflections of Paris design. It's similar to L’Essence du Bleu, but incorporates both palladium and gold into the same pen, and has a thinner shimmering wave pattern that evokes the Seine River. Instead of blue, the lacquered barrel is black. It's an extremely elegant combination! We don't have as many Reflections of Paris pens available, but this is my favorite of all the designs, and it is offered in all four pen lines as well.

[Pictured: Waterman Hemisphere - Reflections of Paris rollerball.]
Please note that only the pens with plain caps can be engraved, so L’Essence du Bleu and Reflections of Paris pens cannot be personalized, but, they are so handsome, many customers who see them decide that their uniqueness outweighs engraving.
Montblanc Status and Style
If you have a slightly higher budget for your gift, you'll want to consider the slim and stylish Montblanc PIX rollerball. The PIX model isn't as expensive as other Montblancs, but still has the name and reputation associated with the most famous brand in fine pens. Montblanc's very name carries the image of status and luxury, along with a history going back to 1906. Montblanc's trademark white stylized six-pointed snowcap with rounded edges, representative of the Mont Blanc snowcap from above, is instantly recognizable. A gift of a Montblanc never fails to impress and make the recipient feel very special indeed.

The pen is named after Montblanc's historical PIX trademark, introduced in the 1930s as an anti-counterfeiting feature on their pens. Some Montblancs have PIX stamped onto their cap band, as well as in a much less obvious place: the underside of the clip. I think the pixie-like name is kind of cute, and suits this slender pen, but I also love that its real meaning is serious and secretive, reminiscent of an acronym used by a secret intelligence agency.
Each Montblanc is now marked with a unique serial number around the ring of the pen clip to thwart counterfeiting, and comes with a booklet containing this number and the stamp of your authorized Montblanc dealer.
The PIX is an ideal size and weight for smaller hands, and is also effortlessly transportable. You can easily carry your PIX in a shirt or suit pocket, and the styling is both timeless and genderless. Like the Waterman Expert, the PIX features a snap cap. It's made of lightweight gleaming precious resin with platinum plated trim and clean, Bauhaus architecture-inspired lines.
This PIX doesn't look out of place with the modern styling of cell phones and laptops, and is as at home in a coffee shop as it is on a desk or conference table. The iconic snowcap logo on both the cap and end finial is a great touch and makes this pen look special from any angle. I brought home a PIX in blue when I originally released this article, but PIX is now limited to classic black. I'm still keeping this photo, because I really like it!

The PIX is a beautiful pen that will become an heirloom and conveys the message that you see a bright future ahead for the graduate. For an even more memorable gift, you may also want to consider a traditional Montblanc Meisterstück or modern Starwalker. Check out my Meisterstück and Starwalker blog articles on why these pens are so special!

[Pictured: Montblanc Meisterstück Classique ballpoint on left, and Montblanc PIX rollerball on right.]
The Montblanc Meisterstück Classique Ballpoint is the timeless classic that's always in style, and is Montblanc's second most affordable pen. This pen needs no introduction, and is the overall most popular Montblanc gift pen for special occasions and lasting memories.

[Pictured: Montblanc Meisterstück Classique ballpoint in Black with Gold Trim, and silver Rhodiarama notebook.]
We even have Montblanc Classique gift sets, which come with a Classique ballpoint or rollerball packaged with a matching Montblanc notebook. Whatever Montblanc pen you choose, it is sure to be memorable and cherished.
Pilot MR Collection: Streamlined Versatility
On the other end of the graduation pen spectrum, a Pilot Metropolitan or MR makes a wonderful graduation gift on a budget. A black Metropolitan fountain pen was my first serious pen, and I still love it. You can never really go wrong with Pilot's MR Collection. It's a well-built, quality design that will stand up to years of use, looks great, and costs only around $30. The Metropolitan/MR comes in fountain, rollerball, and ballpoint, and in a plethora of eye-catching colors and designs. I think the simple black version looks the most sophisticated, but for a younger graduate or one with a colorful personality, you have a rainbow of options. This pen suits any age and any gender.

[Pictured: Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen with Field Notes 56-Week Planner. This versatile datebook works best with ballpoints, rollerballs, and gel pens.]

The "rollerball" version of the Metropolitan/MR actually uses a G2 gel pen cartridge, which writes with a nice fine line and has a great feel. Gel-based ink is vivid and even smoother than rollerball ink, but more water-resistant once it dries. The popular G2 refill comes in lots of colors including black, blue, green, red, and purple, and in both 0.7mm (fine) and 0.5mm (extra fine) line width. It's inexpensive and is easy to find at office supply stores or at Pen Boutique.

[Pictured: Black Pilot Metropolitan, looking very "Ivy League."]
The Metropolitan/MR's streamlined, nearly symmetrical shape sets it apart and looks modern... almost futuristic, but timeless at the same time. My favorites are the rollerballs and fountain pens, but the ballpoint is also really nice if you want a pen that activates with a twist and doesn't require removing a cap. It's also a great idea for the absent-minded graduate who might potentially lose a cap!

[Pictured: MR Collection ballpoint in Pop Red, with Gold Zig Zag MR.]
All three pens are metal, with premium brass matte finish barrels and polished stainless steel accents. The fountain pen and rollerball have snap caps. The fountain pen comes with an ink cartridge and a simple squeeze converter so that you can use bottled inks. A nicer converter, the Pilot CON-40, is also available to buy separately if the owner ends up wanting one later. All the pens in the MR Collection can be engraved, revealing the brass material beneath the colored outer coating. (The turquoise pen in the engraved pens image above is a Retro Pop MR.)
Pilot Corporation, founded in 1918, is the largest pen manufacturer in Japan, and its pens range from the everyday disposable variety to beautiful works of art made with traditional maki-e lacquering designs. (These are marketed under their Namiki label, named for Ryosuke Namiki, the founder of the Pilot Corporation, originally named "Namiki Manufacturing Company.") Pilot is one of my personal favorite pen brands, and the MR Collection is the perfect place to start when entering the world of quality writing instruments.

Pilot Vanishing Point: Capless Convenience
Although it feels like a very modern design, Pilot's capless fountain pen made its debut over 60 years ago, in 1963, and was billed as the world's first retractable fountain pen. It remains one of the very few retractable fountain pens on the market, and is widely considered to be the best. The Vanishing Point (or Capless, as it is called in Japan) looks more like a ballpoint than a traditional fountain pen, and provides a ballpoint's quick-operating convenience. There is no cap to remove (or lose!), so you can start immediately writing with a click of the push button at the back of the pen. The design has evolved over the years, as Pilot continues to innovate. The Vanishing Point has become a classic, and is the perfect pen for the busy graduate who would appreciate the smooth and effortless feel of writing with a fountain pen in the fast-paced modern world.
The Vanishing Point is Pilot's biggest selling gold nib fountain pen for good reason. Its convenience, ease of use, and stylish looks make it stand out from other pens, and loyalists love carrying their trusted Vanishing Point in a shirt or jacket pocket to quickly take notes at any time. Since the Vanishing Point's clip is located on its nib end, the pen is stored in a nib-up orientation if you carry it in your pocket, an extra assurance against the possibility of it ever leaking onto your clothes. (A leak with a Vanishing Point is extremely unlikely. You can read more about why in my article on the pens, which are famous for their reliability.)
Although the clip position looks a little odd at first, the Vanishing Point is actually very comfortable, and it's surprising how quickly the clip "disappears" when you pick up the pen. Writers with a nonstandard grip may find it gets in their way, but, for most people, the clip helps you align the pen in the right position and you don't even feel it because the narrowest part of the clip falls in the curved space between your thumb and finger.

[Pictured: Standard Vanishing Point in Black with Gold Trim.]
The standard Vanishing Point collection has a brass barrel. It feels good and solid in the hand, and is available in six colors with rhodium trim, four with matte black trim, and three with gold trim. Most are solid colored lacquer over the metal barrel, but some are a little fancier. For an elegant graduation gift, I particularly like the classic Black or navy Blue versions with gold or rhodium trim, but the Matte Blue or Black are also great options with a timeless cool.

[Pictured: Standard Vanishing Point in Matte Blue with Black Trim, and Black TRAVELER'S notebook.]
I find it extremely natural, quick, and comfortable to click the pen "on and off" and move it into writing position, all with one hand. Once you start using the Vanishing Point, it becomes second nature. Not only that, but the pens are very satisfying to click! Many customers comment about what a great click the Vanishing Point has, and that is actually one of the selling points for them.
Décimo, the lightest and slimmest Vanishing Point model, is built on an aluminum barrel rather than brass, and can feel more friendly to smaller hands. Décimos are the same length as the standard size pens, but about 1.1mm slimmer and weigh almost 10g less. The difference is very noticeable when you hold the pen.

[Pictured: Décimos in Purple, Champagne, and White.]
All Décimos have a brushed metallic lacquer finish, which is very cool looking and reminds me of the finish on many cars. There are eight colors: Black, Navy, Burgundy, Champagne, Purple, Light Blue, Dark Gray, and White. Standard Vanishing Points and Décimos are the same price and quality; the differentiation is in the size, weight, and appearance only. All Vanishing Point fountain pens, from the yearly Limited Edition models and hand lacquered urushi finish Maki-e Raden designs, to the slim Décimo and everything in between, use the same 18k gold nibs and CON-40 converter, which come installed together as a unit in the pens, and can also be purchased separately.
For an extra special Vanishing Point upgrade, I recommend Vanishing Point Stripes. The body of Stripes is entirely rhodium plated, so it will never pit, tarnish or patina, making it a truly timeless gift. Stripes has matching rhodium trim and a wonderful vertically ribbed texture. It's even easier to grip, and feels great moving against your hand! I love the classy silver pinstriped look.
Read my article, Updating My Perspective on Pilot's Vanishing Point Pens, if you'd like to learn more about all the different kinds of Vanishing Points and how they work. There are a staggering 36 different variations currently available if you count all the different models and color options.
All Vanishing Points and Décimos can be engraved, except Black Carbonesque, Blue Carbonesque, Stripes, the five Vanishing Point SE Italian marbled resin colors, the two Birchwood colors, and the three Urushi lacquer Raden pens.
Aurora Ipsilon: Colorful Individualism
My final pick for graduation pen is a delightful one because it comes in so many rich colors. I had fun recording an Instagram video in the store with soon-to-graduate seniors Shriya, Austin, and Winnie, and instructed Winnie to reveal the pens in this photo with a dramatic flourish, declaring that one of them even matches the colors of her future university.

The Ipsilon, which comes in ballpoint, rollerball, and fountain, can't be engraved, but I love the idea of buying a graduate a pen that is personalized in a different way and will always remind them of their school. I chose the rollerball in red resin because the colors are perfect for the University of Maryland, the state school closest to Pen Boutique.

This pen's bold lines and colors express the personality of an individualist. I like the shape of both the rollerball and ballpoint, and find the two-tone black barrel ballpoint with chrome plated cap section especially striking. The contrast between the shiny silver trim, textured brushed metal cap area, and gleaming black resin is very cool.

I also love the way Aurora describes the Ipsilon: "The pen created to become the everyday friend of those who study and faithful companion for those who work: this mission is carried out with striking success by the Ipsilon, the pen that is eye-catching because of its innovative design, full of personality and characterized by the exclusive Aurora designed 'Y' shaped clip." Perfect!
The Aurora ballpoint, unlike the others, clicks rather than twists to extend the tip, so it can quickly and easily be operated with one hand. The rollerball is another firm and satisfying snap cap that posts on the end of the pen with a good solid feeling.
Because the body of the Ipsilon is acrylic resin, this is a lighter weight pen than the Watermans or Pilots, but it is heavier than the Montblancs and has a more substantial profile, with a barrel that is similar in girth to the Waterman Expert and Pilot Metropolitan, but with an interesting slightly oversized cap section.
The Ipsilon is presented in a strong and glossy outer cardboard box with a dropdown front that makes it easy to access the elegant plain black leatherette storage box within, decorated only with Aurora's logo embossed on the hinged lid. The pen is secured on a bed of black satin, and the outer box includes an enclosure with Aurora's excellent motto, "Il Segno di un Sogno" -- "The Sign of a Dream."
Aurora pens are made in Italy and the company was founded in Turin in 1919, so it, too, has a long international legacy. But this brand has what its American distributor, Kenro Industries, describes as a "traditional-meets-modern approach [that] gives them a broad-ranging appeal." As Kenro puts it,
Their pens are coveted not only by professionals and professors but also by Millennial bullet journalers and Gen Z influencers. Imagine! An Italian fountain pen backed by 100 years of history, now considered among the best pens for journaling and a cult sketch pen adored by current artists! Surely, a testament to Aurora’s unique flair for creating timelessly on-trend pieces?
If you'd like to learn more about this pen and its many variations, please read my blog article, A Faithful Companion with Personality -- The Aurora Ipsilon.
For a limited time, we will be including a matching ballpoint when you order a Green, or Yellow Resin Ipsilon fountain pen. The ballpoint comes at no extra cost, and this set makes a fantastic gift. It's perfect if you'd like to introduce fountain pens to a graduate, but aren't sure if they will actually use one. And, having matching pens makes the gift extra special and twice as useful.
The Aurora Ipsilon manages to look both collegiate and fresh at the same time, and each color variation has its own distinct personality. This shapely pen may be the perfect way to say "Best wishes!" to the graduate in your life.
Final Thoughts
Leena, Aurora, and Joy had a few additional suggestions for graduation gift pens! Monteverde Ritma, Faber-Castell Ambition, and Graf Von Faber-Castell Classic span a price range from $35 to $650, and all come in ballpoint and rollerball as well as fountain pen. These pens would also be great options if you'd like to create your own set, combining a ballpoint and fountain pen, for instance.
The popular Ritma, starting at only $35 for ballpoints, comes in a huge range of beautiful color options, and is also available in a nice gift set that includes a fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint, plus bottle of Monteverde ink, and a MV P44 ballpoint gel ink refill! The sleek aluminum and steel Ritmas were inspired by the clean lines of 1960s and 70s design, and feature a satisfying magnetic cap. I especially love the Purple!

The very slim and streamlined Faber-Castell Ambition is well-named for a graduation choice, and its wide range of textures and materials can add an interesting twist to your graduation gift. From simple black, to elegant guilloché patterns, brushed resin, stainless steel, and a variety of different real woods, the Ambition offers something for everyone.

[Pictured: Faber-Castell Ambition in 3D Leaves design.]
If you like the Ambition, but want to give something a little more elevated, the Graf Von Faber-Castell Classic is a perfect option. My blog article, Polished Perfection with Graf von Faber-Castell, will tell you all about these writing instruments with a refined, classic look and feel, made from exotic woods and precious metal.

[Pictured: Classic Pernambuco and Classic Anello Grenadilla.]
I'd also like to add the Pelikan Souverän K600 series ballpoints as a great option, especially the K605 Stresemann, K600 in Black, and K605 Black Tortoiseshell. All three are very classy and are excellent ballpoints made by one of the finest German pen companies.

[Pictured: K605 Stresemann, K600 in Black, and K605 Black Tortoiseshell pictured on Camel passport-sized TRAVELER'S notebook.]
I hope this article has helped you decide on a gift pen. No matter which one you choose, a fine pen is a thoughtful and memorable way to tell someone how proud you are of their accomplishments and wish them a bright future, wherever their path may lead.
-Laura P.
I love comments on my blog! Please leave comments if you like the articles, and, if you have any questions about this article, or any of the other blog articles, you can e-mail support@penboutique.com. Thank you!
7 comments
Eric Arnold
Excellent choices Laura! I very much like the idea of a more mature pen design as one enters the world of adulthood, and I think Waterman is an excellent choice for that. These are also some of may collections go-to pens, fountain pens that always write. I use my Carene daily. I have yet yo explore the Aurora, but it is on the horizon. Most enjoyable reads as always!
Excellent choices Laura! I very much like the idea of a more mature pen design as one enters the world of adulthood, and I think Waterman is an excellent choice for that. These are also some of may collections go-to pens, fountain pens that always write. I use my Carene daily. I have yet yo explore the Aurora, but it is on the horizon. Most enjoyable reads as always!
Grover Eugene (Gene) Dameron
I am blessed to have a variety of pens to include three Mount Blanc and a set of Parker 51 that belonged to my Father that I really treasure. I had a gold-plated Pelican but lost it a year or so ago. I also have an old military ball point pen that dates back to the mid 1960s that my son gifted me. It is very special to me since I was in the Air Force for 22 years. I have several others to include one from Hawaii that was fashioned from teak from the deck of the Battleship Missouri.
One last thing and I hope you will not be insulted by a compliment, but you are an exquisitely beautiful lady.
I enjoy your passion for pens
I am blessed to have a variety of pens to include three Mount Blanc and a set of Parker 51 that belonged to my Father that I really treasure. I had a gold-plated Pelican but lost it a year or so ago. I also have an old military ball point pen that dates back to the mid 1960s that my son gifted me. It is very special to me since I was in the Air Force for 22 years. I have several others to include one from Hawaii that was fashioned from teak from the deck of the Battleship Missouri.
One last thing and I hope you will not be insulted by a compliment, but you are an exquisitely beautiful lady.
I enjoy your passion for pens
dhwhite@mailfence.com
The company I work for did business with a company in Osaka for 25 years. In most of that time, I was the point man for communication with the Japanese executives. Every trip out included a shopping trip to stationery shops near Osaka. When we parted ways, the president asked around and got me a Pilot Custom 743 w/SMF nib, engraved “D, White”. Funny how they follow the British/European use of a comma, where Americans would use a period. The nib itself is a very wet writer, making it the perfect signature pen.
The company I work for did business with a company in Osaka for 25 years. In most of that time, I was the point man for communication with the Japanese executives. Every trip out included a shopping trip to stationery shops near Osaka. When we parted ways, the president asked around and got me a Pilot Custom 743 w/SMF nib, engraved “D, White”. Funny how they follow the British/European use of a comma, where Americans would use a period. The nib itself is a very wet writer, making it the perfect signature pen.
Ben Kemper
Great list Laura. I’m particularly happy about your inclusion of the Aurora Ipsilon. The Ipsilon has such a unique silhouette. Mine is black with a Rose Gold Cap. The Watermans you’ve listed are also such great pens. My wife gave me a L’Essence du Bleu Caréne that I just adore. Both the Ipsilon and the L’Essence du Blue collection are perfect choices with someone willing to stand out from the crowd a bit — that has a somewhat unique personality: like us!
Great list Laura. I’m particularly happy about your inclusion of the Aurora Ipsilon. The Ipsilon has such a unique silhouette. Mine is black with a Rose Gold Cap. The Watermans you’ve listed are also such great pens. My wife gave me a L’Essence du Bleu Caréne that I just adore. Both the Ipsilon and the L’Essence du Blue collection are perfect choices with someone willing to stand out from the crowd a bit — that has a somewhat unique personality: like us!
Ben Kemper
Great Blog Laura. So pleased to see Aurora and Waterman on your list. Two of my favorite brands. The Waterman Esseńce du Bleu series is stunning. I’m keen to get my hands upon a Reflections of Paris sometime soon. The Ipsilon is just a great pen. Jazzing it up with metal cap makes it particularly nice for a gift. I like too that your recommendations are for more standard size pens in terms of diameter. Fountain pen hobbyists may love their oversize pens, but what you’ve recommended fits well with what most folks expect in a pen.
Great Blog Laura. So pleased to see Aurora and Waterman on your list. Two of my favorite brands. The Waterman Esseńce du Bleu series is stunning. I’m keen to get my hands upon a Reflections of Paris sometime soon. The Ipsilon is just a great pen. Jazzing it up with metal cap makes it particularly nice for a gift. I like too that your recommendations are for more standard size pens in terms of diameter. Fountain pen hobbyists may love their oversize pens, but what you’ve recommended fits well with what most folks expect in a pen.
Selena Mccracken
Dear penboutique.com admin, Your posts are always well written.
Dear penboutique.com admin, Your posts are always well written.
George B
Great entry! You forgot the Cross Century Classic pen & pencil set, one of the most popular gifts and the Parker Jotter. The Parker Jotter ballpoint is even less expensive than the Pilot Metropolitan and is available in a range of colors. There is a brushed stainless steel Jotter ballpoint pen & mechanical pencil set. With gold trim, it is a really sharp looking set.
Great entry! You forgot the Cross Century Classic pen & pencil set, one of the most popular gifts and the Parker Jotter. The Parker Jotter ballpoint is even less expensive than the Pilot Metropolitan and is available in a range of colors. There is a brushed stainless steel Jotter ballpoint pen & mechanical pencil set. With gold trim, it is a really sharp looking set.