Buying guide
The Dip Pen Desk
Updated How we research
A classic pointed-pen setup, from holder to inkwell. The page is split into five sections (Pick your dip pen; Nib sets worth owning; Oblique holders for slanted scripts; Inks that flow cleanly; Wells, jars, and nib care), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 5.8 to 8.1 out of 10.
- Best overall:CHUANGRONG-US Dip Pen Holder, 2 PCS Oblique Calligraphy Pen with Multi-Fit Brass Flange, Right Handed. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.1/10.
- Also great value:Trustela Calligraphy Set for Beginners, Wooden Dip Pen, Feather Quill, 19 Nibs, Ink Set, Gift Box. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.0/10.
- Solid build:Winsor & Newton Calligraphy Ink, 30ml (1-oz) Bottle, Black. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.1/10.
- Feature-rich:Zonon 2 Sets Oblique Calligraphy Dip Pen Set, 2-in-1 Oblique or Straight Holder with 8 Replacement Nibs. Features score of 8/10, overall 8.0/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Pick your dip pen
- Trustela Calligraphy Set for Beginners, Wooden Dip Pen, Feather Quill, 19 Nibs, Ink Set, Gift BoxOur score8.0/10
- Mont Marte Signature Calligraphy Dip Pen Set, 9 Nibs, Wooden Dip Pen Handle with Interchangeable NibsOur score7.8/10
- Speedball Basic Calligraphy Set, Set of 7Our score7.8/10
- Speedball Sketching Set with Penholders and Pens, Set of 8 (SB2964), BlackOur score7.4/10
Nib sets worth owning
- Zonon 10 Pieces Comic Pen Nib Set, G Model Calligraphy Nibs for Fountain Pen ReplacementsOur score8.0/10
- VBESTLIFE Calligraphy Nib Set, 10Pcs Dip Pen Nibs, Fine Point Drawing Nibs for Different Calligraphy StylesOur score7.2/10
- 10PCS Calligraphy Pen Nib, Oblique Calligraphy Dip Pen Comic Pen Nib Replacement NibsOur score7.0/10
- beinkmake 20Pcs Comic Pen G Model Nib Set Fountain Pen Nibs Replacement Stainless Steel Nibs Accessories for Writing Painting Signing Sketch Office Students StationeryOur score7.0/10
Oblique holders for slanted scripts
- CHUANGRONG-US Dip Pen Holder, 2 PCS Oblique Calligraphy Pen with Multi-Fit Brass Flange, Right HandedOur score8.1/10
- Zonon 2 Sets Oblique Calligraphy Dip Pen Set, 2-in-1 Oblique or Straight Holder with 8 Replacement NibsOur score8.0/10
- Gullor Oblique Calligraphy Dip Pen Nib Holder, Removable Nib Pen Handle Stand with 33 Nibs, BlueOur score8.0/10
- Wooden English Oblique Pointed Pen Nib Holder with Removable Metal FlangeOur score7.9/10
Inks that flow cleanly
- Winsor & Newton Calligraphy Ink, 30ml (1-oz) Bottle, BlackOur score8.1/10
- Speedball Art Products SB3132 Calligraphy Ink Palette KitOur score7.8/10
- Winsor & Newton Calligraphy Ink, 30ml (1-oz) Bottle, SepiaOur score7.3/10
- Manuscript Pen MC0201SP Calligraphy Ink Bottle, SepiaOur score7.1/10
Wells, jars, and nib care
- Dinky Dip Ink Well 3-Pack Inkwell for Dip Pen for Drawing Calligraphy Ink HolderOur score7.9/10
- Ink Well for Dip Pen with Lid for Fountain Pen Calligraphy Ink Holder for Glass Dip PenOur score7.1/10
- Ink Well for Dip Pen with Lid Dinky Dip Ink Holder Calligraphy Nib StorageOur score6.6/10
- Glass Inkwell with Lid Empty Ink Well for Dip Pen Calligraphy Whale Pen SetOur score5.8/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1A pair of oblique pen holders with multi-fit brass flanges for right-handed copperplate writers.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Multi-fit brass flange accepts many common nib sizes
- + Oblique angle helps right-handed writers keep a consistent slant
- + 2 holders let you keep different nibs loaded
- - Designed for right-handed writers, so left-handers need a different holder
- - Nibs are not included, so pair it with a pointed nib set
#2Winsor & Newton black calligraphy ink in a 30ml bottle, a free-flowing ink for dip pens and practice sheets.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Free-flowing formula suits dip nibs and broad-edge pens without clogging
- + Winsor & Newton is a trusted art brand with consistent ink quality
- + Small bottle is easy to store and dip into straight from the jar
- - 30ml bottle runs out quickly with heavy daily practice
- - Non-waterproof ink will smear if you add watercolor on top
#3A gift-boxed dip pen starter kit with wooden holder, feather quill, lots of nibs and ink.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 19 nibs let beginners try many line widths and styles
- + Includes both a wooden dip pen and a decorative feather quill
- + Ink and gift box make it ready to give without extras
- - Large nib assortments in starter kits vary in quality
- - Feather quills are more decorative than practical for daily practice
#4A 10-piece pack of G model nibs, popular with comic artists and modern pointed-pen letterers.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + G model nibs are firm and durable for beginners learning pressure
- + 10 pieces is a good supply for replacing worn nibs
- + Works for both lettering and inking comic line art
- - Needs a compatible holder, which is not included
- - Stiffer than flexible nibs, so thin hairlines take practice
#5Two oblique dip pen sets with holders that switch between oblique and straight, plus replacement nibs.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 2-in-1 holders work as oblique or straight pens
- + 2 sets are useful for sharing or classes
- + 8 replacement nibs included, enough to share between both holders
- - Convertible designs are less refined than dedicated oblique holders
- - Flange fit may need adjustment for some nibs
#6An oblique nib holder with removable handle, stand and a large nib assortment.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 33 nibs give plenty of options for pointed-pen practice
- + Stand keeps the pen upright while ink dries
- + Removable handle design makes nib swaps easier
- - Large nib assortments often include lower-quality pieces
- - Plastic parts may feel less premium than wooden holders
#7A wooden English oblique pen holder with removable metal flange for classic pointed-pen scripts.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Removable flange can be adjusted for different nib sizes
- + Wooden handle offers a comfortable traditional grip
- + Suited to copperplate and Spencerian lettering
- - Nibs are sold separately and need to be chosen to fit the flange
- - Flange may need fine adjustment for perfect alignment
#8A Dinky Dip ink well 3-pack, tiny screw-top ink holders for dip pen drawing and calligraphy color swaps.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Three wells let you keep black, white and a color ready at once
- + Screw lids let you save leftover ink instead of pouring it away
- + Tiny size uses little ink, which is handy for expensive metallics
- - Small jars tip over easily unless placed in a stand or holder
- - Shallow depth may not reach the vent hole on larger nibs
#9Mont Marte's signature dip pen set with a wooden handle and interchangeable nibs for learning pen styles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 9 nibs give a useful spread of widths without overwhelming beginners
- + Interchangeable nibs fit the wooden handle quickly
- + Mont Marte is an established art supply brand
- - Check if ink is included, as dip pen sets often sell it separately
- - Dip pens need practice to load ink evenly
#10Speedball's basic calligraphy set, a familiar classroom kit with several broad-edge nibs.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Speedball is a widely used brand for lettering courses and art classes
- + Set of 7 pieces gives beginners a simple starting toolkit
- + Budget-friendly way to learn how dip nibs behave
- - Basic set may need ink and practice paper added
- - Entry-level nibs are less refined than premium options
#11Speedball calligraphy ink palette kit with several colored inks, a starter way to explore color in dip pen lettering.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Kit format gives several ink colors at once for experimenting
- + Speedball inks are made for their dip pens, so nibs and ink work well together
- + Great for students who want color without buying full bottles
- - Small bottles are for trying colors, not for large projects
- - Colors in the kit are fixed, so you cannot choose your own shades
#12Speedball set of 8: two penholders (standard and No. 102 crow quill) with six pen points, Nos. 99, 56, 102, 107, 108 and 512. Flexible pointed nibs for lettering, sketching and fine line work.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Six named pen points, including the 102 crow quill and 107 hawk quill, each with its own number
- + Two holders are included, a standard penholder and one sized for the crow quill point
- + Listing describes the points as flexible and hand-crafted, for control over the line
- - Pointed pens only: no broad-edge nibs for italic or gothic hands
- - No ink is included, and the set is labeled for sketching more than formal calligraphy
#13Winsor & Newton Calligraphy Ink in Sepia, 30ml. A warm brown for dip pens and airbrush, a color change from the old black Higgins pick.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Listed for dip pen and airbrush use, with a non-waterproof formula for good flow and less clogging.
- + Established maker with a dedicated calligraphy ink line.
- + Sepia gives a traditional warm-brown look that suits formal scripts and certificates.
- - Brown rather than black, so it will not replace a black ink for everyday practice.
- - Not waterproof, and the listing gives few other details beyond the basics.
#14A 10-piece set of fine point dip nibs for trying different calligraphy styles and detailed drawing.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 10 nibs give plenty of spares for practice
- + Fine point shapes suit detail work and pointed-pen scripts
- + Affordable way to experiment with nib styles
- - Generic nibs vary in consistency between pieces
- - Holder not included, so check compatibility
#15Manuscript calligraphy ink in a sepia bottle, giving a warm brown tone for vintage-style lettering and certificates.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Sepia tone gives an aged, historic look to invitations and certificates
- + Manuscript is a long-standing calligraphy pen brand, so ink suits their nibs
- + Softer than black, which looks elegant on cream and parchment paper
- - Sepia is a specialty shade, so you will still need black for everyday work
- - Plan for some smudging with wet media, as it may not be waterproof
#16An ink well for dip pens with a lid, a simple holder for fountain pen and glass dip pen ink during calligraphy.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Lid keeps ink from drying out or collecting dust between sessions
- + Small reservoir lets you dip nibs without tipping a full bottle
- + Works for glass dip pens as well as standard pointed nibs
- - Check the ink capacity holds enough for longer sessions
- - Generic listing gives few details on material or stability
#17A pack of comic and oblique replacement nibs for dip pen calligraphy and drawing.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 10 replacement nibs keep you practising when tips wear out
- + Suited to oblique holders used for copperplate styles
- + Comic nib shape also works for inking illustrations
- - New nibs often need a quick clean before their first use
- - Listing does not specify flexibility, so test before projects
#18Pack of 20 G model comic pen nibs from beinkmake, each about 1.37 x 0.27 inches, in a clear plastic storage box. Flexible dip nibs that vary line width with pressure; no holder included.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 20 identical G model nibs, enough spares for long practice runs of pointed pen lettering
- + Flexible tip draws thinner or thicker lines depending on pen pressure, per the listing
- + Ships in a transparent plastic box that keeps the nibs together
- - All one nib type, so there is no range of shapes or sizes to compare
- - Pen holder is not included, and the brand is not an established nib maker
#19A Dinky Dip style ink well with lid for dip pens, doubling as small storage for calligraphy nibs.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Lidded jar keeps small amounts of ink ready for quick practice
- + Can store spare nibs when not holding ink, saving desk clutter
- + Compact enough to leave on the desk next to your practice pad
- - Check the pack count if you plan to fill more than one
- - Lightweight jar can be knocked over without a base
#20A glass inkwell with lid sold as an empty ink well for dip pens, paired in a whale-themed calligraphy pen set.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 6/10
- + Glass well is easy to clean and lets you see ink levels at a glance
- + Lid helps keep ink fresh when you step away from the desk
- + Decorative whale theme makes a charming gift for letterers
- - Listing title is vague about exactly what the set includes
- - Novelty design may be less stable than a weighted inkwell
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Calligraphy Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.