The Hamilton Pen Company’s Guide to the Most Popular & Highly Recommended Fountain Pens.
There’s nothing quite like the experience of writing with a fountain pen. That being said, not all fountain pens are made equal; finding your favourite fountain pen comes down to personal preference and writing style but with so many amazing choices on the market this can feel daunting. Fountain pens are often elegant items which can serve as an everyday tool or something to bring out for special occasions. Their shape and style differs from barrel to barrel and nib to nib, with different materials being utilised there is also a widely different hand feel across brands and even models. Don’t even get me started on the various forms of ink and capabilities! With several filling types, cartridges and bottled inks, there is much to consider. Our list brings you some of our favourites here at The Hamilton Pen Company as well as the favourites of the Hamilton Pen Customers. A quality fountain pen makes a statement, what will your fountain pen say about you?
Best for: Excellence on a Budget
Caran D’Ache 849 Fountain Pen
The Caran D’ache 849 is an effortlessly elegant and sleek design which feels sturdy yet lightweight. At under £50, the 849 is a wonderful choice for an everyday use fountain pen. The iconic hexagonal shape and chrome pocket clip as well as carefully balanced body is suggestive of a more expensive writing instrument. Available in a variety of colours, the Caran D’ache 849 is sure to please a number of tastes.
Caran d'Ache 849 Fountain Pen - Blue
Best For: Handcrafted Elements
Parker Duofold Classic International Fountain Pen - Big Red Vintage
We couldn’t create a ‘best fountain pen’ list without including the Parker Duofold! The Big Red Vintage has been chosen because it remains one of the most iconic of the Parker Duofold family. Every detail of a Duofold is incredibly well considered and executed. From the emblematic design of the ace emblazoned 18 carat solid gold nib to the precious metal finishes, each piece is meticulously brought together by hand to ensure the finest writing experience.
The Big Red is constructed from 21 individual pieces and finished with high quality resin reminiscent of enamel. Yet it feels perfectly weighted and balanced on hand. The Parker Duofold International Big Red Vintage guarantees a luxurious feel only matched by its luxurious appearance which is gorgeously punctuated with Palladium finished trims.
Parker Duofold Classic International Fountain Pen - Big Red Vintage
Best For: Hand Feel
Faber-Castell Ambition Fountain Pen - Cocos
The distinctive wooden barrel of the Faber-Castell Ambition fountain pen is a refreshing change and provides something a little different for the fountain pen aficionados out there. The Faber-Castell Cocos design has a barrel produced from a strikingly elegant coconut wood which has a zebra-like graining and is complemented by highly polished chrome appointments. The natural grain of the wood makes for a beautiful writing experience and hand feel.
The Cocos is a bit of a talking point and will certainly draw attention with its clean lines, simplistic design and quality craftsmanship
Faber-Castell Ambition Fountain Pen - Cocos
Best For: Fine Writing Preferences
Pilot Capless 2020 Limited Edition Fountain Pen
In fairness, The Pilot Capless is a wonderful fountain pen and is wonderfully well suited to those who prefer a finer nib and those who enjoy a quirk of design too. The 2020 Limited Edition Pilot Capless has made the list because of this and because of its gorgeous design, and the excitement of the limited edition with - unsurprisingly - only 2,020 in circulation.
The Capless Link Black 2020 Limited Edition presents an exquisite all black look alongside reviving the Milanese mesh design in watchmaking through its styling. Often described as audacious, the italian elegance of the 2020 limited edition evokes the styling of luxury timepieces and elegant penmanship.
The Pilot Capless retractable fountain pen is unique - just one press retracts its nib behind a tiny valve. Its shutter guarantees tightness and prevents the ink from drying. The high-precision mechanism that has been perfected since its inception is totally reliable and remains a true innovation never equaled. In over fifty years the Capless fountain pen has become a highly prized and sought after writing instrument.
Pilot Capless 2020 Limited Edition Fountain Pen - Link Black
The Best For: Sleek and Lightweight Design
Cross Century II Fountain Pen - 10ct Gold Filled/Rolled Gold
Although slim and lightweight, the legendary Cross Century II Fountain Pen in 10ct Gold Filled/Rolled Gold has a bold profile and extravagant design. The modernist design is both purposeful and appreciative of the tradition of the original Classic Century. The fountain pen is precision-balanced as expected and provides a gloriously tactile experience whilst remaining sleek and lightweight.
Cross Century II Fountain Pen - 10ct Gold Filled/Rolled Gold
Best selling Fountain Pens at The Hamilton Pen Company
The most recent examination of our bestselling fountain pens shows a diverse range of tastes, preferences and styles - which we love! The current best seller is the The Lamy Safari which was first introduced in 1980 and was targeted at the new independent young people that wished to make a statement through their own writing tool. The enigmatic fountain pen is a favourite among newbies and established users of fountain pens alike - its diverse appeal being a key reason for its popularity.
Produced from colourful, extremely resistant ABS plastic, the Safari has become renowned for its robustness and reliability. Safari's ergonomically designed front section ensures comfortable writing even for prolonged periods.
Available in what feels like an endless array of colours, the Lamy Safari and its relative the Al-Star remain an incredibly popular choice for all.
Creating a list of the Best Fountain Pens for 2021 has been a challenge because the writing instrument market has such a variety of incredible pieces available. The list could easily go on to become the 20 or 50 best Fountain Pens in 2021 with stunning options such as the
Esterbrook Estie Fountain Pen - Tortoise with Gold Trim,
Ferris Wheel Press Brush Fountain Pen - Lord Evergreen
Kaweco Collection 2021 AL Sport Fountain Pen - Vibrant Violet,
Montegrappa Felicità Fountain Pen - Black with Gold Trim and the Extravagant
Namiki Yukari 2021 Limited Edition Fountain Pen - Tanuki !
Whatever your style or preference, there is the perfect fountain pen for you at The Hamilton Pen Company. Explore our full range of Fountain pens here
