One of the biggest questions many people who are somewhat new to fountain pens have is what is the difference between an expensive fountain pen and an inexpensive fountain pen? It is really worth spending hundreds or even thousands more on a pen? In this post I want to talk about some of the more significant differences between expensive and inexpensive pens.
My Background
The first thing you should know about me is I like value. That is not the same thing as being cheap. I am willing to spend money on things that will stand up over time and that have a quality relative to their price. I would rather spend more money to buy something once and be done with it than need to re-purchase something multiple times. For example, I’ve owned the same set of kitchen knives for almost 20 years and they’re still amazing. Were they inexpensive when I got them? No, they definitely weren’t. Were they worth it? They were, as they have saved me much frustration over the years and I haven’t had to buy new knives to replaces ones that were no longer any good.
When it comes to fountain pens, I have a similar mindset. Of course, this is a hobby and emotion sometimes gets the better of me and value goes out the window. Still, I’d like to imagine that most of my fountain pen purchases have been decent values.
If I had to guess, I’d say the average amount that I’ve paid for a modern fountain pen is $100. This includes a handful that cost over $150 and many that cost less than $50. I have never spent more than $400 for a fountain pen. This means I don’t have much experience with the most expensive pens out there. I’ve used them and handled them before, but have never used one on a regular basis. As you’ll see, this limitation shouldn’t really affect my overall knowledge of fountain pens and the info below should be accurate.
Expensive vs. Inexpensive Fountain Pens
Fountain pens at their core are fairly simple objects. A nib, a body to hold the nib and a reservoir to hold some ink. Of course, pens are made up of more than just three pieces, but in general that’s what makes them work. Isn’t it amazing that such a seemingly simple object can have such a huge range of options and prices?
I want to discuss each part of a fountain pen that has a significant influence on price and/or performance. My goal is to give you some tools that you can use when considering a pen to decide if it’s going to be worth it to you. I know that everyone has different tastes and preferences, so I’m going to do my best to remain neutral and just present why each particular variable can influence the price of a pen.
For each part below, I’ll try to give an actual example to show how much of a price difference you can expect. Please note that for the particular pen models I mention, they will typically feature more than one price-affecting variable, so when comparing a Pelikan M200 to a Pelikan M800 for example, they will have different nibs, sizes and sometimes even body materials. Pen prices are taken from the same retailer.
Nibs
Nibs influence your writing experience and how your writing looks. Less expensive pens tend to have steel nibs, which can still write very well, but are not typically as soft or flexible as a gold or titanium nib. Extremely cheap steel nibs may not even have any tipping material, which means that they can be quite scratchy to write with. Nib shapes and sizes outside of Fine, Medium or Broad, such as stubs, italics and even music nibs, can increase the price of a pen.
Nib size can also influence the price of a pen. I’m not talking about Fine, Medium or Broad, but the physical size of the nib itself. Larger nibs will almost always cost more than a smaller nib. One reason for this is that they simply have more material, so they cost more to manufacturer. Larger pens need larger nibs to keep the overall look balanced, but some people do say that larger nibs feel nicer to write with.
Example: Lamy Studio – Steel nib: $80, Gold nib: $180
The larger Montblanc 149 (left) has a much larger nib than the smaller Pelikan M200 (right).
From L-R: Titanium Karas M nib, Gold Pelikan M800 B nib, Steel Lamy Al-Star M nib
Feeds
The material that the feed is made out of will also affect the price of a pen. Less expensive pens tend to have plastic feeds, while more expensive pens tend to have ebonite feeds. An ebonite feed typically provides better ink flow and can be more precisely fitted to a particular nib, which can lead to a better writing experience. You will rarely be able to choose the feed material when purchasing a fountain pen.
Example: This is very brand-dependent, so I can’t really give a good example.
Ebonite feeds (left) have a rougher, less perfect appearance than plastic feeds (right).
Body Materials
The material the pen body is made of is probably the most obvious fountain pen feature and therefore can have the biggest impact on the price of a pen. Typically, a solid-colored plastic body will be the least expensive option. Pens with fancier plastics, such as those with a mix of colors or sparkles, can cost more than the same pen with a solid-colored body. Metal pens will typically cost more than a plastic pen. For example, a Kaweco Sport in brass or aluminum can cost 3 to 4-times more than the plastic version, even though the rest of the pen is identical.
More exotic materials and finishes can drive the price up even higher. Hand-painted finishes such as urushi cost significantly more due to the amount of labor involved in creating them. The same goes for maki-e, which is essentially a painted scene or decoration on a fountain pen. Some of the most expensive pen bodies will even feature precious metals or gems.
Example: Kaweco Sport – Plastic: $25, Brass: $100
The aluminum version (bottom) of the Kaweco sport is significantly more expensive than the plastic version (top).
Size
In general, the bigger the pen the more expensive it will be. Larger pens are also usually the flagship pens a company offers, and therefore come with more options such as bigger nibs, gold nibs and nicer body materials. Larger pens may also have a sturdier build and weigh more.
Example: Pelikan – M400: $350, M800: $600
The Pelikan M800 (bottom) is larger, sturdier and has a nicer nib than the M200 (top).
Brand
The brand of any given pen can also greatly influence how much it costs. For some brands, you will pay a premium simply for the name that is attached to the pen. For other brands, the name is synonymous with quality and reliability. As one reader pointed out in the comments, some brands may even come with additional benefits such as annual pen tuning or the ability to swap nibs after purchasing a pen if you decide you’d like a different one.
Example: Two well-respected and iconic pens with gold nibs – Lamy 2000: $200, Montblanc 149: $935
While both are flagship models, the Montblanc 149 (top) costs about 4x more than the Lamy 2000 (bottom).
Filling Mechanism
The filling mechanism can also affect the price of a pen. Many basic pens simply use ink cartridges. Since they have fewer parts, they cost less to manufacturer and therefore are less expensive. As filling systems get added and more complicated, the pen price goes up.
Example: Pilot pens with the same nib – Custom 74 (converter): $160, Custom Heritage 92 (piston-filler): $220
You can see how much simpler a pen that uses a cartridge (top) is compared to a piston filler (bottom).
Uniqueness
Many fountain pens have some unique characteristic that can affect the price. A Pilot Vanishing Point has a retractible nib, which you may be willing to pay more for than a comparable pen with a traditional nib and cap. Another thing that many pen manufacturers are doing is releasing limited edition fountain pens. These can come in special colors or finishes that are not always available and many people will pay a premium for these pens versus the standard offerings.
Example: Lamy 2000 – Regular: $200, Bauhaus Limited Edition: $500
The Omas Cinema (bottom) is a limited edition pen that costs more than the regular Omas Paragon (top).
Handmade
There are many artisans who make fountain pens, and some people would rather purchase these than pens made by large companies. For most of these small pen manufacturers, each pen is hand-made with limited distribution channels, which can definitely increase the price of each pen.
Example: This is very brand-dependent, so I can’t really give a good example.
This Hinze Americana is made by hand and is different than pens made by major pen manufacturers.
Price Brackets
In general, I feel like there are price brackets for fountain pens in which you can find pens of similar quality and features. These are not to be taken as a rule, but instead as a guide when considering your next pen purchase:
$0-$25
Basic or beginner pens with the most ordinary of features. Many great pens can be found in this category, including the Pilot Metropolitan, Lamy Safari and Kaweco Sport.
$25-$50
Another small price range, but one that includes some added features such as improved filling mechanisms and larger pens. Some notable pens in this price range include the TWSBI Eco and Lamy Al-Star.
$50-$150
This price range includes many popular fountain pens. Gold nibs start to make an appearance and there is greater variety in pen material and size. Popular pens in this price range include the Pilot Vanishing Point, Pelikan M200, Faber-Castell Loom, Lamy Studio and Visconti Rembrandt.
$150-$250
Although it may seem expensive, this is the sweet spot for fountain pens. Gold nibs are the norm and there are many different size and material options to choose from. Many hand-made pens from small pen creators can be found in this price range. Popular pens in this price range include Sailor 1911, Lamy 2000, Platinum 3776, Leonardo Momento Zero and Pilot Falcon.
$250-$500
This is another very popular price range for pens and where many brands’ premium pen lines start. Popular pens in this price range include Sailor Pro Gear, Pelikan M600, Aurora 88 and Optima and Pilot Custom 823.
$500-$1000
While out of reach for many, there are still some extremely popular pens in this price range. These pens are almost all of the premium offerings for most brands. Popular pens in this price range include the Pelikan M800 and M1000, Visconti Homo Sapiens, Montblanc 146 and 149 and many urushi and maki-e pens.
$1000+
This is the price range where all bets are off. The main difference between pens in this price range and other, less-expensive pens are either the materials or that the pens are limited editions. Most are premium or exotic materials such as urushi, maki-e, Arco, or precious metals.
So Is It Worth It?
After seeing so many examples of how different features can affect the price of a pen, you’re probably asking if some of them are worth it. The vague, but accurate answer is: it depends. It depends on what you prefer in a fountain pen or writing experience. It depends on how much you’re willing to spend on a single pen. It depends on your aesthetic and image.
From a writing perspective, the nib and pen size will have the biggest impact. If you want an italic nib or a double-broad, the only option is to pay more. As you saw in the Lamy Studio example, upgrading from a steel nib to a gold nib will cost you an extra $100. I recently bought a Lamy Studio, tried both nibs, and went with the steel nib as I just didn’t feel enough of a difference to justify the extra cost. As for pen size, some people want a larger and heavier pen while others want a smaller and lighter pen. If you want a larger pen, you’ll likely have to pay more for it.
From a durability perspective, metal pens are probably worth the extra cost. If you’re accident prone or toss your pens into a bag or pocket and take them with you everywhere, a metal pen will probably hold up much better than a plastic pen. As for other pen materials, the added cost of a urushi or maki-e pen will likely be a big turnoff to many people, regardless of how beautiful the pens are. Still, many will see them as individual works of art and buy them to have something unique and beautiful.
From a practical perspective, brand shouldn’t matter. You would either like or dislike writing with a pen and it wouldn’t matter who makes it. That’s not always how it works, though. Many people will pay a premium for a pen from a known manufacturer. Maybe it’s trust or brand loyalty, but there is something to be said about having a name that is known by most. On the other hand, small, independent pen makers are thriving and many people love the pens that they make because they are not mass-produced by a large commercial manufacturer.
My Thoughts
If I’m going to be completely honest, I’m probably not the best person to write a blog post like this. I like black pens that write well. Fancy colors and exotic materials don’t get me excited. Unique filling systems don’t mean much to me. I’ll leave the limited editions for other people. Give me a black pen with a wet, broad nib and I’m happy.
I know that I can get amazing pens for under $300 and can’t really justify spending much more than that. I am just as happy writing with my Lamy Al-Star as I am when I am writing with my Omas Paragon. Sure, they each have their own writing experience, but both write well.
I have also taught myself some basic nib-tuning skills so that if a nib doesn’t write the way I want, I can tweak it a bit. I realize that not everyone can do that and spending more on a pen with a better nib is important to some people.
You may have noticed that I didn’t even mention vintage fountain pens, which are in a category of their own. Prices and values for individual pens vary based on condition, rarity, nib and who is selling them. I am fortunate to have a decent collection of vintage pens with fun and flexible nibs, so I don’t feel the need to track down a modern pen with a flexible nib. Again, not everyone can say that and modern flex is both safe and comfortable.
Ultimately, I’d encourage you to not fixate on one specific pen feature and instead search out a pen that works well with your writing style. If your next pen has to have a gold nib or has to be urushi, think of how many other pens you’re not considering that you may love. Ideally, you could try them out ahead of time at a shop or pen show, but that’s not always possible or practical. If you have a pen that you’re interested in, get online and ask for recommendations for similar pens. People are usually more than happy to share their experiences and opinions.
Comments 42
I have very much the same thinking as you: I rather buy one thing in good quality and have it for years than cheap things which break and you end up buying more and in the end pay more for it over time.
I love my TWSBIs, not too cheap but not too expensive, really working well. I just once spent more money on a pen, it is a custom made Nakaya Urushi pen. I just smile everytime I use it and will use it for the rest of my life 😊
Author
TWSBIs really do seem to be a great value. I only own one and enjoy it, but am always thinking I should try another one out. I really like the idea of having one really special pen that gives you a wonderful feeling every time you use it! Way to treat yourself!
Thank you John for an interesting read. I own at least 450 fountain pens. The most expensive one cost me £25. I have no intention of exceeding that price because of the law of diminishing returns. I used to retail guitars. A £200 guitar is playable and sounds good. A £400 guitar is not twice as good. If it’s possible to judge ‘twice as good’, I’d say that a £2000 guitar is twice as good as a £200 one.
Same with pens. A big reason, not the only one, for some pens having a huge price is that they don’t expect to sell many and therefore don’t gear up to mass-produce.
As I’m sure you know, the Platinum Preppy and Platinum Plaisir are the same pen with different material used for the cap and body. The Plaisir uses aluminium and costs 3 times the plastic Preppy. The question is: Do you want a tool or a status symbol?
With guitars I noticed that the most expensive ones were usually bought by non musicians. Working musicians wanted a decent tool that would last well and didn’t cost a lot.
One is reminded of the craze years ago of buying and collecting porcelain thimbles – by people who didn’t sew.
My cheapest pens are 52 pence Korean ones. They don’t leak and they write nicely. The problem, as with many cheap pens, is that they dry out if not used every day.
Author
Wow Noel, that is a lot of pens! I’d agree that if you’re only in it for a tool to write with, you don’t need to spend much. That’s the great thing about this hobby. There’s something for everyone!
Great article John. Two other things that you tend to get with expensive pens:
1) fancy packaging (which may have some use eg as desk storage, or be good for gifting, or just give pleasure)
2) associated better service (eg free Montblanc nib swap, better warranty, Graf’s free annual service for Pen of the Year, etc)
And one intangible:
More expensive pens may (but certainly not always) be produced in more expensive markets like Japan, Germany, Italy where labour is more expensive (and yes I understand that Lamy makes Safaris in Germany… but I think the trend holds that the cheapest pens will be manufactured in China). That may matter for some consumers looking to support certain economies or buy in to a heritage, like Aurora’s hundred year old factory, or Onoto’s ‘best of British’ brand.
Author
Thanks for the great comment, Anthony. I agree those two additional things may be important to some people. I hesitate to mention the packaging, as anyone who is willing to spend more on a pen because of the packaging probably doesn’t care that much about the price of the pen to begin with. I do think the associated better service is a good point, which I’ll add to the post.
Agree that one should find & buy a pen they enjoy writing with. Some enjoy an expensive item due to its cost. This is part of the pen world. The guitar analogy is spot on. There is a set of people who only buy what they know, which unfortunately may not include many of the great value pens. Very few places to actually use a pen before buying. That will limit new users options in deciding what pen they like.
Author
I agree that new users can be quite limited in being able to try out pens before they buy them. It’s unfortunate, but true.
Thank you for this amazing Post.
Author
You’re very welcome, Matthias.
Nice article thank you.
There are so many criteria for choosing a pen. I learnt something new about a feeds here.
Author
You’re welcome, Jane. It’s a little overwhelming, isn’t it?
Thanks. Great explanation. Some details I had not known.
Author
You’re welcome, Julian. Glad you learned something!
I’ve tried many fountain pens, mostly on the cheaper side, but I have a zebra that cost no more than 10dlls, and has lasted for many years maybe more than 10. Once I forgot about it for years with the cartridge on, and without cleaning and when I found it, it wrote at the first try without any clogging. I always make fun of my bf, because he has a very expensive Montblanc that no matter what it’s always clogged so for me that’s the proof that cost isn’t everything
Author
It’s true, cost isn’t everything! There are many extremely inexpensive fountain pens that just work without any fuss.
I love fountain pens. Mostly cheaper ones and I have quite a few in different colours which match the ink in them…
But I always gravitate to my second hand Parker 51. It writes beautifully, sliding across the paper without a burp! And it cost very little; less than my Twsbi Eco.
Great article. Thank you.
Author
Richard, it sounds like you got a good deal on your Parker 51! They aren’t typically cheaper than a TWSBI Eco. And you’re right, they are fantastic pens.
Same here! I own many fp’s, ranging from $2 chinese ones to $500+ ones. Hands down, the best-writing fp I have ever written with, is my Parker 51 from the late 50’s (got it used online for $70, in working condition, but previous owner did not take much care of it). Second for me, would be my Waterman Carène, after a little tweaking of the nib (tends to dry if not used). Third would be my Lamy 2000 (very smooth writer). IMO, higher price, or better materials, don’t make a fp better, at all. Example: Performance for the money, my $7 to $12 Jinhaos write better, for me, than my $500 Parker Continental. I think the best fp is the one that gives you the best overall writing experience, and that is a very subjective matter, that can only be found out by you holding it and writing with it. Barring that, your goals are the best determining reason for which tool is best. Looks? Feel? Need for showing off? Hand-made art support? A combination of any of the above?
Author
Well said, Sam. Everyone is going to have different criteria for what makes a pen “good” and writing quality is not always the number one reason. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Excellent article, John! I would like to know your secret for how you have pens like a MB 149, Pelikan M800, and other high-end pens and yet have not spent more than $400 on a fountain pen. Did you purchase these used? At pen shows? Thanks!
Author
Thanks, Pilgrim! I was wondering how long it would take for someone to question the amount I’ve spent on pens versus the actual pens I own. 🙂 Most have been picked up at pen shows. Like I said, I like value and, with a bit of searching and patience, it can be found at pen shows. For example, I was able to pick up my (both used) Pelikan M800 and Pelikan 500 together for about the same price as a new M800. As for my Montblanc 149, I was lucky enough to inherit it from my grandfather. Otherwise, I don’t think there’s any way I would ever have that pen.
I like how you mentioned that a pen’s brand will increase its value or not. My dad lives pens and he is a businessman. I think I’ll buy him an expensive pen for his work so he can show it off and actually use it to get work done.
Author
Franklin, that’s a nice sentiment, but be sure you’re buying your dad a pen that he will enjoy, as many people won’t know the difference between an expensive and inexpensive pen.
As you wish, Franklin, but I wouldn’t be happy if my wife bought me a pen that wasn’t of my choosing. A first pen as a present is fine, but if your dad is already aware of all the pen types then you’ll need to find out if he likes fine, extrafine or medium nibs; heavy or lightweight pens and whether he likes ostentatious or discrete looks. A careful look at his current pens should help. Good luck.
> I have never spent more than $400 for a fountain pen
Hi John, really enjoy this piece. Although I have only been into this hobby for 2+ years, I have been to the deep end of this rabbit hole and my most expensive pen is over 5k (the 2nd/3rd expensive being 2k & 1k, then a bunch of $400 and a lot of $150’s)
I like wet and bouncy nibs, so most steel nibs are just not exciting for me (the exception being FPR ultraflex, but I can’t the smell of the plastic they use to make the body…)
I think if I can get all my money back, I’m ok to let go of all my pens over 1k.
Like you, the writing performance is number 1 for me. A nice urushi / maki-e is definitely very enjoyable but the pen has to write superbly for me to really enjoy it.
If I have to keep a single pen under $200, it would be the pilot 742/912 FA. The nib is wet, lays down a line with varying amount of ink and the result is very artistic. For under $500 the m1000 – nib is just soft and juicy. For under $1000, the superflex/magicflex from wahl/ASC (although the pen is too heavy, the nib is sublime). Over $1000, the only nib notably different and worth of a mention is the pilot #50, but the pen is too large to use as a EDC.
Author
Thanks for your thoughts, Mike! It sounds like you really dove in and never looked back. Having not used a $1000+ pen on a regular basis, I made some assumptions about them, but it sounds like you’ve confirmed my suspicions that at that price point you’re mainly paying for material or rarity, not performance.
Hi John,
Wanted to leave a comment to thank you for all your blog posts. They’re all informative and down to earth, and I’ve learned a lot!
I am aiming to keep my pen collection in the <$200 range and enjoy using my platinum preppy as much as my opus 88 omar. I am not that particular about writing experience as long as the ink doesn’t skip, and find it fun to adapt to and experience different types of nibs, some being a lot more scratchy and others being more smooth! I like to think of each pen as having their own personality, and each time I write with them it is a new conversation ✍️
Author
You are very welcome, D. Each pen does indeed have a unique personality, but I’ve never thought of writing with them as a conversation. I love it!
Your post is really really interesting. I have get many things from yours. I don’t have much money to buy an expensive fountain pen, I tried many kinds of them. Expensive pens are so great. I think I will save money to buy an expensive one
Author
I’m glad you found it interesting, Zelda. Hope you can get a nice pen of your own to enjoy one of these days!
Thanks for your sharing
Hi John and All,
Very nice analysis of fountain pens. I also think on the same line. Performance of the fountain pen is the most desirable thing than its material and brand name. Right from my high school days I have been collecting fountain pens and have been using only black ink. I have more than 250 fountain pens ranging from the local Indian brands to Mont Blanc 149. But I am convinced that brand becomes a status symbol most of the times which is unimportant for a real fountain pen lover. Many times we find that cheaper pens also perform well.
It is very appreciable to find old-school fountain pen lovers during the days of ball-point pens and junk food. I felt like meeting an acquaintance while wandering in a dense jungle. Keep it up.
Uddhav Ashturkar
Author
Thanks for the thoughts, Uddhav. While status is very important to some, I don’t think anyone can argue that performance and writing experience are truly the most important qualities of a pen. Also, I like the jungle analogy!
Thanks for factual information. Pen manufacturers are a bit like watch manufacturers and assume a person will pay double the price for a pen with no information about additional features or benefits. 100% of their marketing is directed at the external features of the pen and even the cardboard box gets more attention than the pen mechanism.
Author
This is true, Andrew. It seems that sometimes the packaging gets more attention than the pen!
Hello Jonh, if you want something special with a resonable price, check St Paul pens website and you can have something exclusive and good quality. I eally love this pens.
Author
Thank you for the suggestion.
I appreciate your knowledge of fountain pens and indicating the more expensive ones more desirable. There is something else to consider. What about losing one or someone stealing one or just breaking one??? I like the way all my pens write. I am happy with the less expensive pens. I also like to tinker with things and I am not including the name of the company that sells them (pens). You probably know who I am talking about. I cannot argue that a fountain pen is for life just as long as you can keep your hands on it. It is really an investment, especially the high end models. I have had cheaper pens for years and they still work fine. All pens must be maintained so there is no difference between high end and low end. Certainly today’s pens are made much better than the leaky pens we had in the 50’s. But you made a good comparison and I learned a lot from your article!
Author
You’re right, Matt. The cost of a fountain pen definitely comes into play if you’re prone to losing them or use them where they may get stolen. It’s also fun to tinker with pens and if you’re not sure of what you’re doing, a less expensive pen is much safer to play with and learn on.
Luxury pens are Veblen goods. A Veblen good is a type of luxury good for which the demand for a good increases as the price increases
Montblanc could easily sell their pens for a tenth of the price and still turn a profit but that would completely change the brand. In fact, Montblanc turned their fortunes around after they increased the prices.
Similar is true when it comes to size. Large pens can cost twice as much as standard size pen from the same brand. It has nothing to do with the manufacturing cost or material cost. The difference in cost is minuscule compared to the final price. I have experience in manufacturing. It costs me 10% more to manufacture 2000 item than it does to manufacture 500 items. Big pens are expensive because of the marketing strategy.
Author
Interesting, Alex. I had never heard that term before, but it definitely applies to some pen brands.