10 Best Fountain Pens in the Philippines 2024 | Pilot, Montblanc, and More
Nothing feels more personal than a handwritten note, especially if it's written with a fountain pen. As more and more people see the wisdom of investing in one, fountain pens are enjoying a comeback. They are versatile enough to take you from both casual to-do lists and formal business meetings to display-worthy calligraphy and drawings. And because they're refillable, they're eco-friendly, too!
It is an excellent writing tool that will always remain a classic no matter the latest trendsーall you need is ink! Contrary to popular belief, fountain pens need not be expensive. You could find quality fountain pens at an affordable price! In this article, we will guide you through the basics of choosing a fountain pen, as well as our 10 best picks! We also shared a few tips on how to write with a fountain pen.
Quick List - Top Fountain Pens
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose a Fountain Pen - Buying Guide
- Choose the Material of the Body Depending on Your Preference1
- Select the Nib Style Based on the Lines You Want to Create2
- Go for the Nib Size That Works for You3
- Choose the Nib Material That Fits Your Budget4
- Opt for the More Convenient Ink Filling System for You5
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Stop Fountain Pen From Leaking?
- Are Fountain Pen Ink Cartridges Universal?
- How Often Should I Clean My Fountain Pen?
- More Supplies to Use With Your Fountain Pen
How to Choose a Fountain Pen - Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Choose the material of the body depending on your preference.
- Select the nib style based on the lines you want to create.
- Go for the nib size that works for you.
- Choose the nib material that fits your budget.
- Opt for the more convenient ink filling system for you.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Choose the Material of the Body Depending on Your Preference
The body of the fountain pen is composed of the cap and the barrel, which is where you'll find the pen grip. It is one of the first major points to consider, since the body plays a big role in the durability, ergonomic design, and aesthetic value of a pen.
Plastic and Resin Are Affordable and Lightweight
A plastic or resin body is a great option for beginners, especially if you are not yet ready to shell out more for a high-end pen. It is lightweight and affordable, perfect for testing out the grip and adjusting to the feel of a fountain pen in your hand. Plastic pens are also more colorful and available in a wide range of designs.
While they are less durable than metal ones, some brands do have shockproof models. These ones are less prone to cracking or breaking when you drop them, but they do come with a higher price tag as well.
Metal Is Sturdy and Well-Balanced
On the other hand, if you already have a bit of experience with fountain pens, you might prefer metal ones. Metal pens are much sturdier and can last you a long time, sometimes even a lifetime or two! They usually come in neutral or muted colors, which lends a classy look that you can easily take from casual to formal situations.
Metal pens do tend to be on the heavy side. They can put a strain on your hand if you write for a long period of time, especially if you're not used to it. Despite that, you'll find that it feels solid and nicely balanced in the hand and will give you the luxurious feeling associated with fountain pens.
Select the Nib Style Based on the Lines You Want to Create
The nib is the pointed metal tip of the pen that channels the ink. There are so many nib styles available, each of which produces a different kind of line. Here are the most common nib styles you'll find in the market.
Round Nibs for All-Purpose Writing
From its name, a round nib is characterized by a rounded tip. This creates uniform lines regardless of which direction you write in. Think of it as like using a regular pen. This is great if you want a pen that you can use for all sorts of writing tasks, whether you are taking down notes or signing your name.
Italic Nibs Showcase Beautiful Calligraphy Lines
An italic nib, also known as a stub or calligraphy nib, has a flat and broad tip. This enables you to create varying widths in your lines while writing. This is ideal if you practice calligraphy, as you are able to showcase different penmanship styles with just one pen. However, keep in mind not to flex the nib too hard as it could break.
Flex and Fude Nibs Offer Different Line Variations
Flex and fude nibs are both styles that offer different line widths, although through different mechanisms. Flex nibs create thin and thick lines depending on the pressure applied. In this way, they are similar to calligraphy nibs, although their tip is more pointed.
Fude nibs, on the other hand, create line variations through changes in angles while in use. The tip is long and curves at an upward angle. Because of the different strokes possible with a fude nib, it is typically used for drawing.
Go for the Nib Size That Works for You
The nib size pertains to the line thickness your pen is capable of producing. You can choose from extra-fine, fine, medium, and broad sizes. While selecting a size is mostly a matter of preference, it would also be good to choose the appropriate nib size for your kind of penmanship, since fountain pens use flowy ink and tend to write thicker than regular pens.
If you have tiny handwriting, we recommend you go for an extra-fine or fine nib. A medium-sized nib, on the other hand, is great for those whose handwriting is of average size. This size is also a good place to start if you're a beginner.
Lastly, broad nibs produce vivid lines, which makes it perfect if you have large handwriting. Its bold and neat style is also quite suitable for signatures. And if you practice calligraphy, a broad nib is an excellent choice for this as well.
Choose the Nib Material That Fits Your Budget
Fountain pen nibs are made of metal. They are typically available in stainless steel and gold, but some pens are also made with iridium and titanium. There are also some brands with nibs that are coated or plated with another metal like rhodium. Performance-wise, nib material does not really dictate quality; instead, their biggest difference lies in the price.
Of the two main types, stainless steel is a practical option as it is durable and affordable, so it's ideal for beginners and those who don't want to shell out a lot. Meanwhile, more seasoned fountain pen users flock to gold nibs because they are more flexible. However, they can get rather expensive.
Opt for the More Convenient Ink Filling System for You
Unlike regular ballpoint pens that are already equipped with ink, fountain pens make use of an ink reservoir that requires you to fill up the ink yourself. Before purchasing, always check whether the fountain pen already comes with an ink cartridge or converter.
Ink Cartridges for a Hassle-Free Experience
An ink cartridge is a disposable pod already filled with ink. It is straightforward and simple, as you just insert it into the barrel of the pen, and you’re done! This prevents any ink spills and messes, as you do not need to titrate ink. It is also more compact because you can easily bring a few with you for backup.
However, ink cartridges are not universal. This means you would have to purchase a model that is specific to your fountain pen. It also tends to hold less ink, so you would need to buy more cartridges to avoid running out of ink quickly.
Converters Are Cost-Efficient
A converter, also known as an inkwell, is a small barrel that allows you to suck in the ink from the ink bottle by dipping the pen in and drawing it out. It makes use of different mechanisms to do this, such as the piston or twist, squeeze and push-button types.
This is a more economical method seeing as you don’t have to continuously purchase cartridges. It can also hold more ink compared to cartridges. In this regard, it is also more environmentally friendly. The downside is that you would need to buy an ink bottle. Ink transfers also tend to get messy and inconvenient to do on the go because ink bottles tend to be bulky.
Eyedroppers Are Easy and Mess-Free
Although this method isn't quite as common as the first two, there are some brands that do use it. This system is pretty simple and relatively mess-free-you unscrew the body of the pen to be able to receive the ink, then use an eyedropper to transfer ink from the bottle to the body of the pen.
10 Best Fountain Pens to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pilot Metropolitan Classic Fountain Pen｜Classic | | The Ultimate All-Around Fountain Pen | |
2 | LAMY Safari Fountain Pen | | A Colorful and Robust Pen for Both Newbies and Advanced Users | |
3 | Montblanc Meisterstück Platinum-Coated LeGrand Fine Fountain Pen | | A Must-Have Classic for Collectors | |
4 | Pilot Falcon Fountain Pen | | A Soft 14K Nib at an Affordable Price | |
5 | Parker IM Premium Fountain Pen | | A Classic Pen for Daily Writing Tasks | |
6 | TWSBI Eco Fountain Pen | | A Budget-Friendly Pen With Superior Performance | |
7 | Moonman M2 Fountain Pen | | Exceptional Nib Quality for Effortless Writing | |
8 | rOtring Art Pen | | A Convenient Way to Practice Calligraphy | |
9 | Platinum Prefounte Fountain Pen | | A Pen That Prevents Ink From Drying Out | |
10 | Pilot Plumix Fountain Pen | | A Solid Choice for Your Calligraphy Stash |
PilotMetropolitan Classic Fountain Pen ｜ Classic
The Ultimate All-Around Fountain Pen
Pilot, a popular stationery brand for all ages, is an excellent choice for fountain pen enthusiasts. The Metropolitan features a steel barrel and medium-sized nib, ensuring smooth ink delivery. With a user-friendly design, it includes a converter system perfect for those who prefer refilling pens with bottled ink.
Consistently praised for its affordability, ease of use, and elegant design, the Metropolitan is a durable yet sleek fountain pen that easily fits into pockets and pouches. Its classic design is versatile, making it a must-have in your collection—especially if you're new to fountain pens.
A Colorful and Robust Pen for Both Newbies and Advanced Users
The LAMY Safari fountain pen has a modern style that can suit those who want a more avant-garde design to their pens. Its plastic body is decked in a vibrant color for a fresh yet timeless look. It has an ergonomic design for a comfortable writing experience and a window on its barrel to show the ink level inside.
LAMY boasts the best of German design and engineering that makes their pen feel more than just a pen. It has a smooth ink flow with its 0.5-millimeter thick nib that will keep you writing effortlessly. This bestseller is great for both experienced users and starters who want to venture into fountain pens!
MontblancMeisterstück Platinum-Coated LeGrand Fine Fountain Pen
A Must-Have Classic for Collectors
When it comes to luxury pens, Montblanc is a brand with instant recall. This pen has stood the test of time and has, in fact, become a holy grail pen for high-quality luxury writing. With a barrel and cap made of black precious resin and the iconic white Montblanc emblem on the top, this pen screams timelessness.
The nib is made of 14K gold coated with rhodium and releases ink so smoothly that pen enthusiasts sometimes call it "wet and juicy." It sits solidly in the hand, not extraordinarily heavy, and easy to write with. There's also an ink window to show you how much ink is left in the pen.
The hefty price tag does make it a bit impractical if you're new to fountain pens. But if you're looking to build a collection, this one is a classic that you just can't miss! To keep your pen in pristine condition, Montblanc recommends a cleaning session every three months.
A Soft 14K Nib at an Affordable Price
Pens with flex nibs can be difficult to find in the Philippines, with most users having to resort to swapping out the nibs of their pens for separately purchased flex nibs. The Pilot Falcon does away with this, as its nib is made of 14K gold that's soft and capable of a slight flex. Although it's not exactly labeled a flex nib, it does have this reputation in fountain pen circles.
With its black resin barrel, this pen sits solidly in the hand and gives the feel of a pen that costs much more than it actually does. It creates smooth lines of varying widths depending on the pressure you exert, letting you add fancy strokes and tapers to your daily writing.
Take note, though, that while it's softer than most fountain pens in the market, it's not as flexible as dip pens and other types used in calligraphy. Nevertheless, this pen is flexible enough for adding character to your strokes. With all of these features, it's easy to see why it's a well-loved pen that's worth the investment.
Parker IM Premium Fountain Pen
A Classic Pen for Daily Writing Tasks
This Parker fountain pen is one that looks classic yet feels modern. It has a balanced and weighted feel in the hand, with its varnished brass body accented with the iconic Parker arrow clip for a classic look. While it's considered a mid-range pen, it's perfect for those who want their writing materials with just a touch of luxury!
The nib is quite straightforward, just a simple steel nib that writes with just enough wetness. It does get dry when unused for a few days, but starts back up again with a little prompting and writes consistently just the same. This is a great choice for those who write daily.
The cap snaps on with a satisfying click, and even when posted while writing, does not take away from the balance in the hand. And although the body is made of metal, which tends to be more slippery to use than plastic, it comes in a brushed finish that's easy to grip. It also has a filling system that's compatible with both cartridges and converters.
A Budget-Friendly Pen With Superior Performance
The TWSBI Eco is one of those pens that every beginner would hear about as they scout around for their first pen. It's a classic starter pen for several reasonsーit's economical, easy to handle, and a pleasure to write with.
With a variety of available nib sizes, you'll definitely find one that feels right for your writing style. The nibs are smooth and barely give any feedback, skipping, or scratching. The lightweight body is easy to hold, although it becomes unbalanced if you hold it posted, since the cap is quite chunky.
Refilling the Eco is fuss-free as well. Unlike other pens which you'd have to dismantle to refill, all you need to do with this one is to unscrew the end cap, dip it into ink, and screw back the cap. No wonder this affordable pen is highly sought after by enthusiasts!
Exceptional Nib Quality for Effortless Writing
This pen may look too basic and simple, but you'll be surprised how popular it is with both beginners and advanced users. And rightly so, because it punches way above its price tag. Its transparent body might seem stark at first, but when filled with ink, it turns into a visual feast, making it a great choice for those who want to see their vibrant inks displayed.
The ink flows smoothly from nib to paper, and this is where you can really appreciate how well the Moonman M2 performs. The grip is incredibly comfortable, and the nib is quite firm. If you prefer crisp and sharp lines with no drag on the paper, this one is right up your alley.
The filling system is also easy. Instead of a cartridge or converter, this pen uses an eyedropper system. Simply unscrew the body, use an eyedropper to fill it up with ink, and screw the body back in-easy and mess-free!
A Convenient Way to Practice Calligraphy
The brand rOtring is mostly known for its art pens used for designing. It has combined the balance and nib of a quill pen with the convenience of a fountain pen for a pen that's easy to use and full of character. It is made of an acrylic body, a stainless steel nib with a cartridge-type ink, and a snap-on cap.
The nib can be easily replaced and is compatible with other rOtring art pen bodies. It has a broad nib, which is great for calligraphy or journaling. This is greatly suited for those who want an extra impact when they are writing, as well as for those who want to turn their works into a masterpiece. With a bit of practice, this art pen can be one of your go-to materials for drawing!
PlatinumPrefounte Fountain Pen
A Pen That Prevents Ink From Drying Out
Platinum is known for its entry-level fountain pens, and it is also a reputable brand that keeps its quality at the very best. Their Prefounte fountain pen uses a plastic barrel with a fine metal nib, making it useful for artists who draw fine details or for users who have small penmanship.
This pen uses a cartridge filling system and delivers ink from nib to paper smoothly. It is also designed with a Slip & Seal Mechanism, which enables the ink to last long without drying out for at least a year! This feature makes this pen sustainable and economical, allowing users to maximize their ink up to the last drop!
PilotPlumix Fountain Pen
A Solid Choice for Your Calligraphy Stash
Calligraphers rise! Pilot's Plumix Fountain Pen is an entry-level italic pen that doesn't disappoint. The pen produces various line widths and shading, making it the ideal pen for calligraphers. Its plastic barrel mimics a brush, perfect for resting fingers to achieve the perfect stroke. Even with a plastic barrel, the pen is durable and polished.
It can use either a cartridge or a converter ink, so you have more options. Users can also test out different colors to find out which one they like best. What's great is that the nib of this pen is also interchangeable with other Pilot fountain pens. For calligraphers who prefer pens with variety, this is the product for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
How to Stop Fountain Pen From Leaking?
If leaking isn't due to structural damages like cracks in the body or loose nibs, then the most likely culprit is improper storage. To fix this, simply keep your pen upright when not in use to prevent the ink from flowing down. Always keep your pen capped properly as well. It's also recommended to clean your pen regularly to prevent dust, dried ink, and paper fibers from accumulating in the nib and causing leakage.
Are Fountain Pen Ink Cartridges Universal?
Unfortunately, they are not, as most popular brands require a proprietary ink cartridge. However, some brands do use what is called "International Standard Size" ink cartridges, which measure 1.5 inches and have an ink capacity of around 0.8ml. These cartridges may be used across different pen brands that use the same size.
How Often Should I Clean My Fountain Pen?
Unless the manufacturer has a specific recommendation for their pen, it's a good rule of thumb to clean your pen every four to eight weeks. It's also recommended to clean your pens every time you refill to prevent clogging the feed with dry pigment.
More Supplies to Use With Your Fountain Pen
These writing supplies ought to help you master the fountain pen in no time! Practice writing on your planner, notebook, and even a diary to help you get more comfortable in using a fountain pen!
Author: J. Cuizon
Re-editor: R. Umlas
Top 5 Fountain Pens
No. 1: Pilot｜Metropolitan Classic Fountain Pen｜Classic
No. 2: LAMY｜Safari Fountain Pen
No. 3: Montblanc｜Meisterstück Platinum-Coated LeGrand Fine Fountain Pen
No. 4: Pilot ｜Falcon Fountain Pen
No. 5: Parker ｜IM Premium Fountain Pen
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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