Writing with a quality fountain pen is a modern-day luxury, a step back in time. Writing with a drugstore fountain pen is a sure hassle ending with ink stains and profanities. Writing with a mid-range fountain pen will leave you wanting more fountain pens.
If you’re thinking about getting your first fountain pen be sure to visit a brick and mortar store to see how the pen writes and feels in your hand. These are the most important aspects to consider when choosing a fountain pen.
The Parker Duofold Fountain Pen
Price: $450 – $520
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used a Parker Duofold to write some of the later Holmes novels. Unfortunately the new Duofolds have a different design than the pen used by Doyle, but that won’t take away from the performance of this classic pen. The pen comes in three color combos; black & gold, black & silver, and mother of pearl & gold. Personally I don’t like the mother of pearl pens. They are too distracting and take away from the beauty of the pen’s design. However, you may disagree.
Waterman Edson Fountain Pen
Price: $800
The Waterman Edson Fountain Pen is one hell of a looker. And for the price it had better be. The 18K solid gold nib will provide a lifetime of performance. My favorite design aspect of this pen is the metal continuing up from the nib towards the barrel. This elongates the pen giving it a very fluid look. If you’re ever lucky enough to join the mile high club you’ll be happy to know you pull out this impressive pen to get the digits thanks to the evenly regulated ink flow (even at high altitudes). Available in sapphire blue and diamond black.
Montegrappa Ducale Brown Emperador Fountain Pen
Price: $350
The multi-tone resin body reminds me of something my grandfather would have written with. The various shades of brown in this Brown Emperador Ducale nicely with the rose gold plating. I picture this pen laying on an antique leather top desk next to a glass of scotch. Gold on black and palladium on black versions are also available.
Dunhill Sidecar Black Resin Fountain Pen
Price: $395
What draws me to this pen is the simplicity of the design. It looks like a torpedo with an attractive and smooth silhouette. Sleek and modern, the Sidecar is a classic in the making. The pen gets its name from the 1930’s Steib sidecar which partially inspired the design of this fountain pen.
Mont Blanc Fountain Pens
Last but certainly not least, Mont Blanc. I’ve been lusting over a Mont Blanc Meisterstück (German for masterpiece) fountain pen since I was in my early teens — who could’ve guessed writing on style was in my future? The white star logo of a Mont Blanc has become an iconic symbol of quality and status. So, to tickle my fancy I will discuss two of the Meisterstück models, while I weep inside at not yet owning one.
Mont Blanc Meisterstück Classique Fountain Pen
Price: $595
The Meisterstück Classique isn’t the fanciest out there, yet one benefit is that the pen allows for the optional use of cartridges. It’s also a great entry-level instrument if you are looking to get your first Mont Blanc. Make sure you test one out before purchasing as you may prefer the size of the LeGrand over the Classique.
Mont Blanc Meisterstück LeGrand Fountain Pen
Price: $690
The LeGrand comes in two options with or without cartridge. The LeGrand is a bit more expensive than the Classique above, however it’s also a bit heftier in the hand. The gold on black really stands out and gives the pen a luxurious look. The Meisterstück is the classic fountain pen and you’ll can’t go wrong keeping one in your pocket.
Happy writing!
Stay true to yourself. Be kind to others. Define your own style.