Best Fountain Pens for the Artistry of Writing in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 2, 2024
You can do a lot of things with a pen - write a novel, record information, or even draw a masterpiece. A fountain pen offers you ...Read more
PROS

The Parker Sonnet fountain pen is characterized by advanced design, durability, supreme comfort, and flawless writing performance. It’s very light, which makes it comfortable for prolonged writing. A converter and 2 black ink cartridges are included.

CONS

May feel a bit unbalanced with the cap on.

OUR VERDICT

This writing instrument outperforms many other fountain pens in its beautiful design, unprecedented comfort, and versatility on paper types. Timeless beauty combined with contemporary design makes this Sonnet fountain pen perfect for special occasions. It’s ideal for signing the documents of high importance.

detailed parameters
Nib

Stainless steel nib

Nib Size & Point Type

Medium

Ink Colors

Blue

Pen Body

Barrel accented by a gold-finished clip and trim

Cartridge Refill Type

Standard black cartridges

Packaging

1 x Fountain pen

2 x Loose standard black cartridges (inks or refills are underneath the pen platform)

1 x Welcome card introducing the product line

1 x Premium booklet (including introduction to the brand)

Warranty

2 Years

PROS

This beautifully crafted pen will reflect your appreciation for status and design. It's well-balanced and convenient to use. With it, you'll get a completely new and enjoyable writing experience. A 23 karat gold-plated nib adapts to your personal grip, adding a luxurious touch to the pen’s design.

CONS

The pen is quite thin for people with large hands to hold. 

OUR VERDICT

If you prefer slender and lightweight pens, the Cross Century II fountain pen will be your best option. The Cross brand name is recognized by many working professionals in the corporate environment due to its luxurious design. With this awesome writing utensil from Cross, you will always feel elegant and sophisticated.

detailed parameters
Nib

23CT gold nib

Nib Size & Point Type

Medium

Ink Colors

Black

Pen Body

Polished chrome-plated finish

Cartridge Refill Type

Optional converter available to fill pen from bottled ink

Packaging

1 x Fountain pen

1 x Luxury gift box

Includes 2 black fountain pen cartridges

Warranty

Lifetime mechanical guarantee

PROS

The Waterman Hemisphere Essential fountain pen has a stainless gold finish that gives the pen a sleek, modern look. Crafted from fine materials, the pen is well-balanced and glides smoothly and effortlessly over the paper.

CONS

A cap may be a bit tight to get off.

OUR VERDICT

The Waterman Hémisphère fountain pen will provide a delightful writing experience and inspire your creative thoughts. This elegantly slim pen with a black and gold trim will become a valued accessory of all active writers.

detailed parameters
Nib

Stainless steel nib

Nib Size & Point Type

Medium

Ink Colors

Black

Pen Body

Stainless steel body complemented with a golden finish

Cartridge Refill Type

Cartridge

Packaging

1 x Fountain pen

1 x Waterman gift box

Warranty

3 Years

PROS

The GC Writing Quill has 6 nibs of different sizes that offer significant variation in line width to suit a range of writing styles. So you can have a different writing experience with the same pen. The nibs glide smoothly over the paper producing whisper-thin lines.

CONS

May seem a bit far-fetched.

OUR VERDICT

This quill pen will make you stand out from a crowd and fetch the attention of rare pen connoisseurs. It's great for careful writers and note-takers. This beautiful dip pen will make an ideal gift for artists, calligraphers, and art lovers.

detailed parameters
Nib

Stainless steel nib

Nib Size & Point Type

Six nibs in different sizes

Ink Colors

Black

Pen Body

Actual feather quill pen

Cartridge Refill Type

The quill is dipped into the ink

Packaging

1 x Fountain pen

6 x Nibs

1 x Ink in 20cc

1 x Ink bottle

1 x Elegant case

1 x Gift box

Warranty

30 Days

PROS

This pen has a charcoal black colored body made of ABS plastic. The nib requires no pressure, it glides over the paper with ease, providing a light touch and good tactile feedback. Due to distinctive finger grips, the pen fits comfortably in your hand.

CONS

Doesn't give a lot of variation in line width.

OUR VERDICT

The Lamy Safari is a great pen for those who write frequently and for extended periods of time! It offers a perfect combination of style and reliability, which makes it popular among school and college students as well as business people.

detailed parameters
Nib

Black chromium-plated steel nib

Nib Size & Point Type

Medium

Ink Colors

Blue

Pen Body

Plastic

Cartridge Refill Type

Cartridge

Packaging

1 x Fountain pen

1 x Blue cartridge

Warranty

2 Years

Conveys High Quality and Prestige

The Parker Sonnet fountain pen is made by the world's largest manufacturers of writing instruments. Sonnet combines emblematic features of Parker with flawless quality, timeless, elegant design, refined style, premium feel, and unique arrow clip. This awesome ink pen is carefully hand-assembled for high precision and supreme writing comfort with every stroke of your hand. Composed of 17 pieces, the inking pen has a stainless steel finish with intricate details and a 23CT gold plated trim. Designed with excellence in every detail, the inking pen has a stainless steel nib with a latticework pattern stamped with the Parker name. The pen offers a balanced feel while gliding smoothly over the paper. It’s not too weighty to write with it for extended periods fo time. Designed for the ultimate sophistication and uncompromising comfort, this stunning pen is a distinctive mark of high status of its owner. The writing instrument comes encased in a Parker premium gift box, including 2 loose standard black cartridges, a booklet, and a welcome card. Also, the pen comes in a vast range of designs, including the Ciselé pattern.

Last updated price £83.11
Stock In stock
ASIN B015N3R1YQ

Reflect Your Status Symbol!

The Cross brand is recognized as a status symbol in the corporate world. The Cross Century II Medalist pen makes you feel really special when you hold it in your hand. This stunning pen will surely give purpose to anything you write. It has a minimalist design with the Cross name engraved on the barrel and clip. Also, the pen is pretty light, so you won’t feel hand fatigue during prolonged writing. A 23 karat gold-plated nib adds a luxurious touch to the pen’s design and adapts to your personal grip. Thus, it will suit a range of writing styles. This distinguished ink pen is a perfect combination of an elegant finish and flawless mechanical function. The pen is perfectly balanced and feels almost weightless as it glides over the paper. The ink dispenses flawlessly and dries fast on any writing surface. The inking pen is guaranteed against mechanical defects and failure. You can use 2 black ink cartridges or a converter to fill your writing instrument with an unlimited number of bottled ink colors. The pen comes in a gift box which looks a perfect presentation piece for any gift receiver.

Last updated price £159.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B000EWNWBS

A Delightful Writing Experience

The Waterman Hemisphere pen is the symbol of status and sophistication. Crafted from fine materials, the pen glides smoothly over the paper, delivering fluid curves with grace. The pen has sleek, contemporary style and minimalist design. The Waterman logo engraved on the polished metal trim adds a modern touch to your note taking. The pen has a tailored shape and a ridged grip that supports your fingers for unparalleled comfort. The 23CT gold plated nib glides smoothly over any writing paper, even a slightly textured paper. The broad ring and slim clip provide a delightful writing experience and inspire your creative thoughts. The pen is filled via an ink cartridge or converter for smooth ink flow. Refilling the ink cartridge is a breeze. Simply unscrew the nib and submerge it into the ink, twist the cartridge anti-clockwise and then reassemble the pen. The Hemisphere collection offers a great variety of uniquely crafted finishes, from smooth matt lacquer or shiny palladium to silk print. The pen comes with a nice Waterman gift box.

Last updated price £36.64
Stock In stock
ASIN B004NSCAA8

Bring a Vintage Feel to Your Writing

With the development of modern technology, the traditional act of writing with a pen has been somehow forgotten. However, handwriting, in many ways, has many advantages both functionally and creatively. Each individual has their own unique style of handwriting which cannot be replicated with a keyboard. Whether you are familiar with a quill pen or not, you will appreciate the GC Writing Quill Pen. Many of the world's most important historical documents were written with a quill pen. This antique writing instrument will make you stand out and attract the attention of rare pen connoisseurs. Due to antique style and exquisite design, it will bring a vintage feel to your writing. The quill pen is made from a finely selected feather with natural, silky luster. Also, it has a stainless nib, a uniquely carved copper stem, and 6 nibs of numerous sizes. The nibs glide smoothly over the paper, producing whisper-thin lines. Besides, the pen comes complete with a bottle of eco-friendly ink. This stunning dip pen will make an ideal gift for artists, calligraphers, and art lovers.

Last updated price £32.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01GCCH7RI

Designed to Make your handwriting unique

If you want to fulfill your writing needs in a quality, stylish, and comfortable manner, then try the Lamy Safari fountain pen. This nice writing instrument is designed to make your handwriting unique. The Lamy Safari fountain pen features a sturdy body, made of high impact-resistant ABS plastic with a black matte finish, has a flexible chrome clip of spring brass wire, and a steel fine nib with a fine point. The nib glides over the paper with ease and requires no pressure to provide a light touch and good tactile feedback. The writing instrument fits comfortably in your hand owing to its distinctive finger grips. The pen features a cartridge filling system with a refillable ink cartridge which makes it a practical choice. It can also be converted into a piston operated pen with the help of Lamy converter. The Lamy Safari fountain pen is a perfect combination of style and reliability. Not surprisingly, it is very popular among school and college students as well as business people.

Last updated price £19.41
Stock In stock
ASIN B000GPI74U

What is a Fountain Pen?

The fountain pens first appeared back in the 19th century and very soon become the most popular writing tool for everyday use. Despite the fact that by the mid of the 20th century they were replaced by more versatile ballpoint pens, they haven't lost so far their loyal enthusiasts who only grow in number with years. Today, most of us perceive ink pens as an attribute of good taste and high status of its owner rather than writing tools. Not surprisingly, when some important documents need signing a fountain pen is usually used. In our review, you'll find a selection of the best models available on the market. 

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Sources:

1. Kate McKay A Primer on Fountain Pens, Art of Manliness. May 5, 2015.

2. Adam Di Stefano The Beginner's Guide to Fountain Pens (By a True Beginner), Pen Addict.

3. How to Use a Fountain Pen, wikiHow.

4. Chris Woodford Fountain Pens, Explain that Stuff. January 6, 2017.

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