What was your first fountain pen? Chances are, it was a bare-bones gateway pen made of cheerful plastic. These are perfect for learning how to use fountain pens, but once you’re comfortable, the expansive world of mid-range fountain pens awaits. These pens give you access to a wide variety of styles, higher-quality materials and construction, and specialized designs like pocket sizing and built-in filling systems. At the same time, they’re affordable enough to use consistently without worrying about losing or damaging them. This makes them ideal for anyone looking for a classy everyday pen.
We considered pens ranging from roughly $30-$100 for this article. A few of our recommendations are also available in upgraded versions, but their standard offerings are all fountain pens under $100. Keep reading to explore our top recommendations for retro style, everyday carry, office professionals, and more.
The M205 DUO was originally introduced in 2010 as part of the Classic line, taking the novel approach of combining a fountain pen with a highlighter. The Pelikan brand was no stranger to either product, but this was the first time that they sought to integrate the two. The concept was well received, and the […] read more
Thank you, Candace - Inks and Anchors on Instagram - for lending me this pen for so long!If you enjoy and/or appreciate and you want to lend your continued support, please do check me out on Patreon. You can pledge your support and/or undying love for as little as $1. You are in no way obligated to do so. I appreciate your readership, viewership, and your support so much -... read more
You don’t have to be a serious artist or calligrapher to create beautiful script. With a huge variety of brush pens to choose from on our site, we’ve compiled a guide to help you find the best brush pen for calligraphy. Read on to see our top recommendations for brush pens that suit beginners, dramatic lettering, and Asian calligraphy. read more
As a huge lover of Christmas and festive tidings, every Christmas, I take great pleasure in ensuring a Christmas-appropriate ink is in situ in one of my fountain pens. Last year, it was De Atramentis Santa (which confusingly smells of chocolate) and this year, I've opted for a personal favourite within the collection: J. Herbin Emerald of Chivor. My full review of it from 2018 can be seen here. I... read more
A long, long time ago, years before I started this website, I remember visiting a local pen store in Antwerp, where I spotted a tiny little yellow fountain pen somewhere in the corner of a display cabinet. I knew nothing about it back then, other than that the price tag unfortunately didn't read 15 but 150 euros (Oops, my mistake!), thus putting it far out of... read more
Jackdaws are the poor relations of Swans, the school pen of the Mabie Todd range. Both the nibs and the plating are thin. There was a period during the late thirties when they shared the colourful patterns of the Visofil but mostly they were rather plain pens. This Jackdaw is a basic model but has […] read more
As with so many hobbies, most things within the writing community aren't about making sensible financial decisions. Let's be honest, it's quite easy to be tempted into buying (ahem, hoarding) all kinds of pens, pencils, desk accessories, and gadgets that nobody really needs... but everybody wants! The two desk accessories by Makers Cabinet we'll be looking at, certainly categorize as such. I can't help but be quite enamored by... read more
As much as I love that bullet journaling requires the bare minimum of materials (a notebook and pen is enough!), I'm someone who likes to have a few more things to make my 'bujo' that bit more neat and reflective of my personality. My bujo arsenal now looks as follows...PaperMy first bujo was a Papier one, my 2021 one was a Leuchtturm and this year, I've opted for an Ottergami one... read more
No matter how many Opus 88 pens go through my hands, time and time again I'm impressed with their fun designs and impeccable quality! I particularly enjoy seeing their demonstrator models whenever they come up with a new model, those always inevitably pop up, though sometimes only after a while. In the case of the Opus 88 Jazz, it took them a short while to move on... read more
