--- title: "Pentel Fude Brush Pen XFL2L: Nylon Brush, Refills" canonical: "https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-fude-brush-pen/" description: "Pentel Fude brush pen (XFL2L) explained: the nylon-hair medium brush, dye ink cartridges, the six tip types sold in Japan, size, price and how it compares." category: "Pens" type: "Brush pen" published: 2026-10-22 updated: 2026-10-24 author: "Ellis Penhale" publisher: "Stationery Times" sources: 5 products: - name: "Pentel Fude brush pen, medium (XFL2L), black" brand: "Pentel" brand_origin: "Japan" made_in: "Not stated" material: "Recycled PP front and cap, recycled PE rear, nylon brush tip (Wafuu); water-based dye ink" released: "1976" price_band: "$$ ($5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count), typical US retail, October 2026)" manufacturer: "ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand" model: "XFL2L" mpn: "XFL2L" gtin: "4902506141002" url: "https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/brushpens/pentelfude/" --- # Pentel Fude Brush Pen XFL2L: Nylon Brush, Refills > The Pentel Fude brush pen XFL2L is the medium version of Pentel's refillable Japanese brush pen, sold since 1976. Its nylon hairs mimic a real calligraphy brush, and it takes XFR-AD black dye-ink cartridges. A Japanese retailer lists it at 175 mm long and 15 g; Pentel lists it at ¥638 (about US$4) in Japan. - URL: https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-fude-brush-pen/ - Category: Pens - Author: Ellis Penhale - Published: 2026-10-22 - Updated: 2026-10-24 ![Capped black Pentel Fude brush pen XFL2L drawn to scale at 175 mm, with an inset of its nylon brush tip](https://stationerytimes.com/images/raster/pentel-fude-brush-pen-16x9.png) *The Pentel Fude brush pen XFL2L, 175 mm long per a Japanese retailer (drawn at 1 mm = 4 px).* Original drawing (SVG): . Drawings © 2026 Stationery Times, reusable with credit under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## Product facts | Product | Brand | Brand origin | Made in | Material | Released | Price range (typical US retail, October 2026) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Pentel Fude brush pen, medium (XFL2L), black | Pentel (by ASTRUM Corporation (Tokyo), called Pentel Co., Ltd. until April 1, 2026; Pentel remains the brand) | Japan | Not stated | Recycled PP front and cap, recycled PE rear, nylon brush tip (Wafuu); water-based dye ink | 1976 | $$: $5–20 per pen (multi-packs divided by the count) | - Made in (Pentel Fude brush pen, medium (XFL2L), black): Not stated. Pentel's Japanese product page doesn't state a country for the XFL2L, and the US Amazon listing (an import of the Japanese pack) doesn't either (checked October 22, 2026). Pentel of America lists Japan as the origin of its own Color Brush family, which doesn't include the XFL2L. ### Pentel Fude brush pen, medium (XFL2L), black colors - Ink in the box: Black (XFR-AD cartridge). - Per Pentel Japan (https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/brushpens/pentelfude/), checked 2026-10-24. Pentel Japan lists one ink color, black (黒), for the Pentel Fude and its XFR-AD cartridge. The tint is the color-chip value on Pentel Japan's page. Shops stock different colors; check the listing. ## Key takeaways - Pentel Japan says the Pentel Fude has been sold since 1976 and uses finely treated nylon hairs instead of natural animal hair. - Pentel lists the XFL2L at ¥638 (about US$4) with tax and the XFR-AD refill cartridge at ¥198 (about US$1.30). - Japanese retailer Wafuu lists it at 175 mm (6.9 in) long, 13 mm across and 15 g. - Pentel Japan sells 6 tip types: bold, washi-paper, medium, firm (つみ穂), soft (すき穂) and extra-fine. - On October 22, 2026 the XFL2L ranked #12 in Amazon US Calligraphy Pens, with about 5,800 ratings averaging 4.5 stars. ## What is the Pentel Fude brush pen XFL2L? **It's the medium version of the Pentel Fude (sold in Japan as ぺんてる筆), Pentel's refillable brush pen with a tip of nylon hairs that behaves like a real calligraphy brush.** Pentel Japan says the line has sold since 1976 and is still its standard brush pen. In Japan it's used for envelopes, greeting cards and New Year's cards. In the US, artists also use it for inking comics and brush lettering, where the long hairs give a very fine point and a broad stroke from one pen. ## How popular is it in the US? **On October 22, 2026, the XFL2L was #12 in Amazon US Calligraphy Pens, with about 5,800 ratings averaging 4.5 stars.** Amazon showed 500+ bought in the past month, and it also appeared in the Drawing Pens best-seller list. The US listing is the Japanese blister pack, with Pentel's Japanese barcode. ## Pentel Fude XFL2L specs | Spec | Value | |---|---| | Maker | ASTRUM Corporation (Pentel brand), Tokyo | | Type | Brush pen, refillable, capped | | Tip | Nylon hairs, medium (中字) | | Ink | Water-based dye, black | | Refill | XFR-AD cartridge | | Size | 175 mm (6.9 in) long, 13 mm across, 15 g (Wafuu) | | Code | XFL2L, JAN 4902506141002 | | Japanese price | ¥638 (about US$4) with tax | Codes, ink and prices come from Pentel's Japanese product page; the size and weight come from Japanese retailer Wafuu. ![Pentel Fude brush pen XFL2L drawn to scale: 175 mm long and 13 mm across](https://stationerytimes.com/images/pentel-fude-brush-pen-size.svg) *The XFL2L at 1 mm = 2.8 px; the barrel holds one XFR-AD cartridge.* ## What makes the brush different? **Pentel treats each nylon hair to make it fine, so the tip writes like a natural-hair brush but is springier and lasts longer.** Pentel Japan says the pen uses no natural hair such as weasel, and that the same technology is used in makeup brushes and fine painting brushes. The ink is a dye, like inkjet ink, which Pentel says lets it write smoothly even on coated paper that repels a ballpoint. The trade-off is that it isn't waterproof. ## Which Pentel Fude tip should you choose? **The medium XFL2L is the all-rounder; Pentel sells five other tips for specific jobs.** | Code | Tip | Pentel's use | |---|---|---| | XFL2B | Bold (太字) | Big, thick characters without fading | | XFL2W | Washi (和紙用) | More ink for absorbent Japanese paper | | XFL2L | Medium (中字) | Everyday brush writing | | XFL2U | Firm (つみ穂) | Easier control for beginners | | XFL2V | Soft (すき穂) | Flowing script | | XFL2F | Extra-fine (極細) | Small characters, addresses | In Japan the bold pen lists at ¥1,320 (about US$8.40) and the washi pen at ¥748 (about US$4.70); the other four, including the XFL2L, are ¥638 (about US$4). ## How do you refill it? **Unscrew the barrel and swap in an XFR-AD cartridge, ¥198 (about US$1.30) in Japan.** Pentel's FAQ warns that the barrel has a reverse thread, so turn it the opposite way from usual. Pentel also notes that ink in a long-stored pen can dry out, so a pen left for months may need a fresh cartridge. ## How does it compare with other brush pens? **Choose the XFL2L for a real-brush feel and cheap refills, the Pocket Brush for waterproof black, and a felt tip for easy lettering.** | | Pentel Fude XFL2L | [Pentel Pocket Brush](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-pocket-brush-pen/) | [Tombow Fudenosuke](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/tombow-fudenosuke/) | |---|---|---|---| | Tip | Nylon hairs | Nylon bristles | Felt (hard or soft) | | Ink | Dye, cartridges | Pigment, cartridges | Water-based pigment, disposable | | Waterproof | No | Yes | Water-resistant | | Best for | Calligraphy, inking | Comics, sketching | Small brush lettering | For colored ink in a similar refillable body, see the [Pentel Arts Color Brush](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/pentel-color-brush/), and for more options our [best brush pens](https://stationerytimes.com/guides/best-brush-pens/). ## Where is the Pentel Fude brush pen made? **Pentel doesn't say on the pages we read.** Its Japanese product page lists no country for the XFL2L, and the US Amazon listing of the Japanese pack doesn't either. Pentel of America lists Japan for its own Color Brush range. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Pentel Fude brush pen refillable? Yes. It takes the XFR-AD black ink cartridge, which Pentel Japan lists at ¥198 (about US$1.30). The barrel unscrews to swap it; Pentel warns the thread is reversed. ### Is the Pentel brush pen ink waterproof? No. Pentel Japan lists water-based dye ink for the Pentel Fude, chosen so it writes smoothly even on inkjet paper. For waterproof black, Pentel's Pocket Brush uses pigment ink. ### What does XFL2L mean? It's Pentel's product code for the medium (中字) Pentel Fude. Its siblings are XFL2B (bold), XFL2W (for washi), XFL2U (firm tip), XFL2V (soft tip) and XFL2F (extra-fine). ### Is the Pentel Fude pen good for beginners? It's a real brush with soft nylon hairs, so it takes practice. Pentel's firmer つみ穂 (XFL2U) version is made for people new to brushes; a felt-tip pen such as the Tombow Fudenosuke is easier still. ### How long is the Pentel Fude brush pen? Japanese retailer Wafuu lists it at 175 mm (6.9 in) long and 13 mm across, weighing 15 g. ### Is the Pentel Fude brush pen made in Japan? Pentel's Japanese page doesn't say, and neither does the US Amazon listing. Pentel is a Japanese brand, and the pen is sold in its Japanese blister pack. ## Sources - [ぺんてる筆 (Pentel Japan product page: since 1976, nylon hairs, dye ink for inkjet paper, six tip types, prices, codes and JAN, XFR-AD cartridge, reverse-thread note)](https://www.pentel.co.jp/products/brushpens/pentelfude/) - [Wafuu: Pentel Fude Brush Pen Medium XFL2L Black (φ13 × 175 mm, 15 g, materials)](https://wafuu.com/products/pentel-fude-brush-pen-medium-xfl2l-black) - [Amazon: Pentel Fude Brush Pen, Medium (XFL2L) (GTIN 04902506141002; #12 in Calligraphy Pens, 4.5 stars from 5,790 ratings, read October 22, 2026)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000THNGVO) - [Amazon Best Sellers: Drawing Pens (Pentel Fude Brush Pen XFL2L listed, October 22, 2026)](https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Arts-Crafts-Sewing-Drawing-Pens/zgbs/arts-crafts/12896761) - [Pentel of America 2023–2024 Product Guide, p. 83: Color Brush family (FL2F, FL2B, GFL), origin Japan](https://pentel.mywestamerica.com/2023ProductGuide/85/)