Fountain pens
Fountain pensFountain pens from starter to gold nib: nib sizes, filling systems, weights and what each one costs. 76 Stationery Times guides, each with a direct answer and sourced specs.
Parafernalia Divina Fountain Pen: Sizes, Nibs & Colors
Parafernalia Divina fountain pen explained: Sergio Carpani's 13 g aluminium pen, 135 mm long, in nine colors with EF, F or M nibs, cartridge or K5 converter.
Montblanc Writers Edition: Homages and Edition Sizes
Montblanc Writers Edition explained: the five homages on sale, the 1,897, 1,808, 97, 93 and 88 piece editions Montblanc states, US list prices and care.
Pelikan Classic 200 and 205 Special Editions by Year
Pelikan Classic 200 and 205 special colors by year, 1988 to 2026: 14 special editions from Star Ruby to Cherry Blossom, matching Edelstein inks, older colors.
Pelikan Limited and Special Editions: Sizes by Year
Pelikan limited and special editions by year, 1993 to 2025: the sizes Pelikan states, from 238 to 5,000 pieces, Maki-e and Raden runs, and older pens.
Pelikan Souverän M800: Size, Nib and Piston Filler
Pelikan Souverän M800 explained: 14.1 cm and 28.2 g, an 18-carat gold nib, the piston filler, Black-Green stripes, M800 vs M400 and M1000, and where it's made.
Montblanc Meisterstück 149: Gold Nib, Piston & Size
Montblanc Meisterstück 149 explained: the Au750 18K gold nib, piston filler, 146 mm and about 30 g, nib widths, the 1952 launch, 146 vs 149, price and origin.
LAMY AL-star: Aluminium Body, Nibs & T10 Cartridges
LAMY AL-star fountain pen explained: anodized aluminium body, 167.4 mm posted and 22 g, EF to B and LH steel nibs, T10 cartridges or Z28 converter, and origin.
Pilot Kakuno: Smiley-Nib Fountain Pen in EF, F & M
The Pilot Kakuno is a light beginner fountain pen with a smiling steel nib in EF, F or M. It takes Pilot cartridges or a CON-40 converter; 131 mm long and 11 g.
LAMY safari: Nib Sizes, T10 Cartridges & Z28 Converter
The LAMY safari is a plastic fountain pen from Heidelberg: push-on steel nibs from EF to B plus left-hand, T10 cartridges or a Z28 converter, 139.5 mm and 17 g.
Parafernalia Woodstock: Wood and Aluminium Fountain Pen
Parafernalia Woodstock fountain pen explained: Sergio Carpani's wood and aluminium pen in cherry, olive or burl, 127 × 15 mm, cartridge or converter.
Black Forest Pen Rhombus Minimo: Size, Nibs & Metals
Black Forest Pen Rhombus Minimo explained: a German metal pocket fountain pen, 87 mm closed and 117 mm posted, eight metals, Schmidt nibs and US stockists.
TWSBI Diamond 580: 1.98 ml Piston Filler, Nibs & 580AL
The TWSBI Diamond 580 is a clear piston-filling fountain pen from Taiwan's TWSBI: up to 1.98 ml of ink, 142 mm capped and 28 g, with swappable steel nibs.
Aurora 88: Italian Piston Pen With a Reserve Tank
Aurora 88 fountain pen explained: Nizzoli's 1947 piston filler, its hidden ink reserve, 14k gold nib, 135 mm size, the black resin 800, and its Italian price.
Conklin Duragraph: Oversize Flat-Top & Omniflex Nib
Conklin Duragraph fountain pen explained: a 140 mm, 26 g flat-top resin pen with a JoWo #6 steel nib or Omniflex, cartridges or converter, sizes and origin.
Esterbrook Estie: Nib Options, Size & Filling
Esterbrook Estie fountain pen explained: a 149 mm, 26 g acrylic pen with a JoWo #6 nib, specialty grinds, a cushion cap, cartridge or converter, and versions.
Kaweco Student: 1920s-Style Acrylic Fountain Pen
Kaweco Student fountain pen explained: a 13.1 cm, 25.4 g acrylic pen in decade-themed colors, its 060 steel nibs, cartridges and converter, and where it's made.
Monteverde Monza: Clear Demonstrator & Monza 3 Set
Monteverde Monza fountain pen explained: the clear 134.8 mm, 14 g demonstrator, the Monza 3 set's F, M and flex nibs, Monza ID's eyedropper option, and sizes.
Nahvalur Original Plus: Vacuum Filler, Size & Nibs
Nahvalur Original Plus fountain pen explained: a 146 mm acrylic vacuum filler with No. 6 steel nibs from EF to 1.1 stub, bottled ink only, and the Narwhal name.
Opus 88 Koloro: Ebonite Eyedropper, Size & Filling
Opus 88 Koloro fountain pen explained: a 142 mm, 23.5 g ebonite-and-acrylic eyedropper with a shut-off valve and JoWo #5 nib, how to fill it, and its price.
Platinum Curidas: Retractable Nib, Sizes & Colors
Platinum Curidas explained: a 153 mm, 24 g clear-resin knock fountain pen with a steel EF, F or M nib, its five colors, cartridges and converters.
Sailor Pro Gear: Full-Size Pen, Gold or New Steel Nib
Sailor Pro Gear fountain pen explained: the full-size flat-top model, 128.5 mm capped, its 21k gold nib, the 2026 Casual L steel-nib editions, and the Slim.
Caran d'Ache Léman: Swiss Lacquer Fountain Pen
Caran d'Ache Léman Bicolor Black explained: black lacquered brass, 141 mm capped and 13.7 mm wide, an 18-carat nib in 4 widths, filling, the Slim and prices.
Graf von Faber-Castell Classic: Fluted Wood Pen
Graf von Faber-Castell Classic fountain pen explained: fluted ebony and platinum, 137 mm and 37 g, a handmade 18-carat nib in 6 widths, the woods and filling.
LAMY joy: Calligraphy Fountain Pen and Nib Widths
LAMY joy calligraphy fountain pen explained: 1.1, 1.5 and 1.9 mm steel nibs, 178 mm and 17 g, T10 cartridges and the Z28 converter, and joy vs Pilot Parallel.
Parker 51 (2021): The Reissued Hooded-Nib Pen
The current Parker 51 fountain pen explained: the 2021 reissue of the 1941 classic, 141 mm and 19.8 g, a hooded steel or 18k nib, cartridges and versions.
Sailor 1911 Large: The 21k Nib, Size and Weight
Sailor 1911 Large (Profit 21 in Japan) explained: a large 21k gold nib, 141 mm and 21.6 g, nib widths, cartridges, and the 2026 change to Sailor's Japan lineup.
Leonardo Momento Zero: Size, Nibs, Resins & Price
Leonardo Officina Italiana Momento Zero explained: 142 mm and 27 g, steel or 14k gold nibs, cartridge or converter, turned resin bodies, Italian origin.
Pelikan Souverän M400: 14k Nib, Piston & Size
Pelikan Souverän M400 explained: 14k gold nib, differential piston, striped cellulose acetate, 12.5 cm and 14.9 g per Pelikan, M405, Souverän sizes, origin.
Pilot Custom Urushi: No. 30 Nib, Size & Lacquer
Pilot Custom Urushi explained: 18k No. 30 soft nib, lacquered ebonite, 155 mm and 44 g per Pilot, CON-70N converter, three colors, Japan price and origin.
Faber-Castell HEXO: Hexagonal Aluminum Fountain Pen
Faber-Castell HEXO fountain pen explained: the six-sided anodized aluminum body, steel EF to B nibs, cartridge or converter, size and weight, colors and origin.
Diplomat Magnum: German Steel-Nib Fountain Pen
Diplomat Magnum fountain pen explained: 135 mm and 14 g, soft-touch resin, steel nib from EF to B, international cartridges, colours incl. Prismatic Purple.
Pilot Custom 743: No. 15 Gold Nib, Falcon & Sizes
Pilot Custom 743 fountain pen explained: 14k gold No. 15 nib in 14 types incl. Falcon, CON-70N converter, 149 mm and 25 g, US-only Verdigris vs Custom 74.
Sailor Profit Casual L: Sailor's Gold-Look Steel Nib
Sailor Profit Casual L (1911 Casual L in the US) explained: a hand-finished steel nib with gold IP, 141 mm and 19.8 g, the Japan and US versions, and prices.
Opus 88 Jazz: Eyedropper Pen, Shut-Off Valve & Size
Opus 88 Jazz fountain pen explained: a Taiwanese eyedropper with a shut-off valve, how to fill it, ink capacity, size and weight, posting, nib and Taiwan price.
Magna Carta Mag 600: 14k True Flex Nib Fountain Pen
Magna Carta Mag 600 explained: a 14k gold True Flex nib from EF to BBB, ebonite feed, 146 to 150 mm, 27 g, eyedropper option, the steel Mag 600 S and flex tips.
Sheaffer 100: Metal Fountain Pen and Coffee Edition
Sheaffer 100 fountain pen explained: lacquered metal body, snap cap, steel F or M nib, 138 mm, 29 g, Sheaffer cartridges, finishes and the brown Coffee Edition.
Visconti Homo Sapiens: Etna Lava Pen, Bronze Trim
Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age explained: an Etna lava and resin fountain pen with bronze trim, 14k nib, vacuum power filler, 146 mm, 44 g and a bayonet cap.
Visconti Mirage Mythos: Olympus Colors, Magnetic Cap
Visconti Mirage Mythos fountain pen explained: nine Greek-myth resins, a magnetic cap, a #6 Schmidt steel nib, 139 mm, 32 g, and how it differs from the Mirage.
Faber-Castell Grip 2010 Fountain Pen: Dotted Soft Grip
Faber-Castell Grip 2010 fountain pen explained: soft grip dots, a steel F, M or B nib, standard cartridges, about 140 mm capped, either hand, vs the Grip 2011.
Kaweco Perkeo: Full-Size Beginner Fountain Pen
Kaweco Perkeo fountain pen explained: 138.6 mm capped and 158.1 mm posted, 12–14 g, a triangular grip, F and M steel nibs, cartridges, vs the Kaweco Sport.
Pelikan Twist: Ergonomic Fountain Pen for Either Hand
Pelikan Twist fountain pen explained: a twisted grip for right- and left-handers, 139.4 mm capped and 21 g as measured, a steel M or F nib, cartridges, origin.
TWSBI SWIPE: Three Ways to Fill One Fountain Pen
TWSBI SWIPE fountain pen explained: 138.1 mm capped, 15 g, a spring converter, twist converter and cartridge in the box, 5.64 ml as an eyedropper, EF to stub.
Jinhao 82: The Budget Acrylic Fountain Pen Explained
Jinhao 82 fountain pen explained: 124 mm acrylic pen with a #5 steel nib, EF to M and fude nibs, converter, weight, colors, and how it compares with a Preppy.
Platinum Plaisir: Aluminum Fountain Pen with Slip & Seal
Platinum Plaisir fountain pen explained: anodized aluminum body, Slip & Seal cap, 03 F and 05 M steel nibs, 142.5 mm and 15.4 g, colors, Japan price and rivals.
Kaweco Lunar Sport: Iridescent Pen, 060 Screw-In Nib
Kaweco Lunar Sport fountain pen explained: iridescent ABS, the first plastic Sport with the screw-in 060 nib unit, 105 mm capped, colors incl. Shadow Purple.
OHTO Dude: The Hexagonal Aluminum Fountain Pen
OHTO Dude fountain pen explained: 135 mm capped, 158 mm posted, 26 g hexagonal aluminum body, medium steel nib, international cartridges, and how it compares.
OHTO Tasche: The 99 mm Pocket Fountain Pen Explained
OHTO Tasche pocket fountain pen explained: 99 mm capped and 146 mm posted, 7 g aluminum body, Schmidt steel nib, short international cartridges, and origin.
Sailor Fude de Mannen: Bent-Nib Brush-Stroke Pen
Sailor Fude de Mannen explained: the 40° and 55° bent nibs, how to hold it for thin and broad lines, 169 mm size, Sailor cartridges and converter, and origin.
Kaweco AL Sport: Aluminium Pocket Pen, Size & Nibs
Kaweco AL Sport fountain pen explained: an aluminium pocket pen at 10.7 cm and 20.5 g per Kaweco, EF to BB steel nibs, short cartridges, clip and the Classic.
LAMY studio: Metal Body, Propeller Clip & Nibs
LAMY studio fountain pen explained: an all-metal pen with the propeller clip, 140 mm and 24 g per LAMY, steel or 14k nibs, T10 or Z27 ink, finishes.
Pilot Custom 823: Vacuum Filler, 14k No. 15 Nib
Pilot Custom 823 explained: a plunger filler holding up to 2.55 ml, the 14k gold No. 15 nib, 148.4 mm and 29.5 g per Pilot Japan, Amber, Smoke and Clear colors.
Pilot Custom Heritage 92: Piston Filler & 14k Nib
Pilot Custom Heritage 92 explained: Pilot's clear piston-filling pen with a 14k No. 5 nib, 1.2 ml, 137 mm and 20 g per Pilot Japan, F to B nibs, 2010 launch.
TWSBI VAC700R: Vacuum Filler, Ink Capacity & Size
TWSBI VAC700R fountain pen explained: a vacuum plunger holding up to 2.37 ml, the shut-off valve, 147 mm and 35 g, EF to 1.1 stub steel nibs, and Iris editions.
Pilot E95S: Pocket Fountain Pen with an Inlaid 14k Nib
The Pilot E95S (Elite 95S) explained: a 119 mm pocket fountain pen that posts to 147 mm, its inlaid 14k gold nib, CON-40 converter, ink capacity and price.
Pilot Parallel Pen: Nib Widths, Inks & Calligraphy
Pilot Parallel Pen calligraphy fountain pen explained: 1.5 to 6.0 mm nibs and cap colors, the parallel-plate nib, 12 cartridge colors, color blending and size.
Pilot Varsity: The Disposable Fountain Pen Explained
Pilot Varsity disposable fountain pen explained: medium steel nib, 7 ink colors, 132 mm capped, eyedropper refills, the V Pen name abroad and where it's made.
Kaweco Liliput: Tiny Metal Pocket Fountain Pen
Kaweco Liliput fountain pen explained: 97 mm closed and 126 mm posted, black aluminium, a screw cap, EF to BB steel nibs, short cartridges, vs the Kaweco Sport.
Pilot Falcon: Soft 14k Nib, Elabo Roots & Sizes
Pilot Falcon fountain pen explained: the soft 14k beak-shaped nib in SEF, SF and SM, 136 mm capped and 19 g, the Japanese Elabo it's based on, filling, origin.
Sailor Pro Gear Slim: Gold Nib, Sizes & 21k Update
Sailor Pro Gear Slim fountain pen explained: flat-top resin pen with a 14k gold nib in the US, 123 mm capped and 17 g, Japan's 21k Slim 21, cartridges, origin.
TWSBI GO: Spring Piston, 1.61 ml & Nib Sizes
TWSBI GO fountain pen explained: a clear spring-loaded piston filler holding up to 1.61 ml, 134 mm capped and 17 g, steel nibs from EF to 1.1 stub, and origin.
Monami Olika: Korea's Budget Cartridge Fountain Pen
Monami Olika fountain pen explained: F and EF steel nibs, the wick feed, which cartridges fit, 10 ink-matched colors, how it compares to the Preppy, and price.
Pelikan M200: Piston Filler, Steel Nib & M205
Pelikan Classic M200 fountain pen explained: a German piston filler, 125 mm capped, 13.5 g, swappable gold-plated steel nibs EF to B, ink capacity and the M205.
Pilot Prera: Compact Size, CON-40 & Demonstrators
Pilot Prera fountain pen explained: a compact 120 mm, 15.4 g pen, steel F or M nib, Pilot cartridges or the CON-40, clear demonstrators and new solid colors.
Pilot Custom 74: 14k Gold Nib, CON-70 & Sizes
Pilot Custom 74 fountain pen explained: 14k gold No. 5 nib, CON-70 converter or cartridges, 143 mm and 17.4 g per Pilot, nib widths, the 1992 launch, origin.
Platinum #3776 Century: Slip & Seal Cap & Gold Nib
Platinum #3776 Century fountain pen explained: the Slip & Seal cap, 14k gold nib from UEF to C, 139.7 mm capped and about 20 g, Platinum cartridges, and origin.
Kaweco Sport: Pocket Size, Cartridges & Nib Sizes
Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pen explained: 105 mm capped and 130 mm posted, about 11 g, EF to BB steel nibs, short international cartridges, the clip, origin.
LAMY 2000: Piston Filler, Hooded Nib & Makrolon
LAMY 2000 fountain pen explained: the 1966 Gerd A. Müller design, Makrolon and steel body, 14k gold nib, 1.35 ml piston filler, 140 mm and 26 g, and origin.
Pilot Vanishing Point: Retractable Nib & Converter
Pilot Vanishing Point (Capless) explained: the click-out 18k gold nib, trap door, CON-40 converter and cartridges, 140 mm and about 30 g, nib sizes, and origin.
Platinum Preppy: The Slip & Seal Starter Fountain Pen
Platinum Preppy fountain pen explained: 02, 03 and 05 steel nibs, the Slip & Seal cap, Platinum cartridges and converter, how it compares, and where it's made.
Pilot Metropolitan: Nibs, Converters & Brass Body
Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen explained: F, M and 1.0 mm stub steel nibs, Pilot cartridges and CON-B or CON-40 converter, 138 mm and 26 g, and the Cocoon.
TWSBI ECO: Piston Filler, Ink Capacity & Nib Sizes
TWSBI ECO fountain pen explained: a piston filler holding about 1.76 ml, EF to B and 1.1 mm stub steel nibs, 138.8 mm and 21 g, the ECO-T, and where it's made.
Majohn A1: Retractable Nib, Size & Converter Fit
Majohn A1 press fountain pen explained: a metal retractable pen of about 138 mm and 30 g with an EF steel nib, its converter, versions, and how it compares.
Asvine P100: Titanium Piston Pen With a #8 Nib
Asvine P100 fountain pen explained: a titanium piston filler with a #8 steel nib in EF to 1.1 mm stub, 148 mm capped, conflicting weights, filling and the V800.
Asvine V800: Vacuum Filler With a Large #8 Nib
Asvine V800 fountain pen explained: a vacuum-filling acrylic pen with a #8 steel nib in EF to 1.1 mm stub, 153 mm capped, 32 g, filling and the Jinhao 82.
Monami Rein Fountain Pen: EF Nib, Cartridges, Size
Monami Rein fountain pen explained: clear demonstrator body, EF steel nib, spring-lined cap, which cartridges and converters fit, exact size, and Rein vs Olika.
BENU Euphoria: Tea, Coffee and Cocktail Fountain Pens
BENU Euphoria fountain pen explained: faceted Armenian resin, some with real tea or matcha inside, a #6 Schmidt steel nib, 150 mm, 26 g and eyedropper filling.