# Best Fountain Pens for Calligraphy Source: https://calligraphynest.com/best/best-fountain-pens-calligraphy Updated: 2026-10-06 Publisher: Calligraphy Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://calligraphynest.com/how-we-research#our-score A fountain pen for calligraphy delivers ink through an internal feed, so you can write decorative scripts without stopping to dip. Models with flex, stub, or italic nibs create the line variation that defines calligraphy while staying portable enough for journaling, addressing mail, or sketchbook lettering on the go. These pens suit calligraphers who want a low-mess daily driver and hand letterers transitioning from brush pens to traditional scripts. When comparing pens, focus on the nib style and width, how much line variation the nib actually produces, whether the filling system uses cartridges or a converter for bottled ink, and how the pen balances in your hand. Reliable ink flow that never skips mid-stroke matters most for consistent practice. ## Picks ### 1. MANUSCRIPT Classic Calligraphy Set, 5 Nib Widths, 11 Piece Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Manuscript Classic 11-piece calligraphy set: one fountain pen with five interchangeable chrome italic nib sections from 0.85 mm to 2.8 mm, black cartridges, a converter and a practice guide. Pros: - Five italic nib widths from 0.85 to 2.8 mm in one set, from fine writing to broad display strokes - Converter and black cartridges are both included, so bottled ink is an option from the start - Nib sections are made by Leonardt in the UK, according to the listing Cons: - One pen body for five nibs, so changing width means swapping sections mid-session - A budget-priced multi-nib learning set, not a single premium pen for daily carry Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B0CB4QLB65 ### 2. PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set, 1.5mm Nib with Black and Red Ink Cartridges (90050) Our score: 8.3/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) The narrowest Parallel Pen, a good first pen for practising italic hand at normal writing size. Pros: - 1.5mm nib suits journaling, cards and practice sheets at everyday size - Black and red cartridges included for accent letters - Easy for beginners to control compared with wider nibs Cons: - Fine width shows less dramatic thick and thin contrast - Single size limits you if you want headings later Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B002RJNT46 ### 3. MANUSCRIPT Italic Calligraphy Fountain Pen Medium 1.1mm with Black Ink Cartridge and Converter Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) A Manuscript italic fountain pen with a medium 1.1mm nib, cartridge and converter. Pros: - 1.1mm italic nib suits everyday italic handwriting - Includes converter for bottled ink use - Cartridge included for immediate writing Cons: - Narrow nib gives subtle rather than dramatic stroke contrast - Converter requires cleaning when switching inks Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B0CB4PZ3NJ ### 4. PILOT Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set, 3.8mm Nib with Black and Red Ink Cartridges (90052) Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) A single wide 3.8mm Parallel Pen for bold headings, posters and large gothic lettering. Pros: - 3.8mm nib is wide enough for eye-catching titles and signage - Includes black and red cartridges for two-colour headings - Refillable cartridge system avoids the mess of dipping Cons: - Too broad for everyday journaling or small body text - Only one nib size, so you need other pens for smaller work Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B002RJPPMK ### 5. Sailor Fountain Pen HighAce neo Clear Calligraphy Nib Width 1.0mm 1.5mm 2.0mm Included 3 of Cartridge Ink Black (1.5mm) Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Budget-priced Sailor HighAce Neo Clear Calligraphy fountain pen in the 1.5 mm nib width, with a stainless steel nib, transparent ABS resin body, aluminum cap and 3 black ink cartridges. Pros: - Dedicated calligraphy nib in stainless steel, in a range sold in 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mm widths - Listed as both cartridge and converter type, so it can move to bottled ink later - Transparent body shows the ink, and three black cartridges are included Cons: - Detail text on the listing describes the 1.0 mm model, so confirm the 1.5 mm width before ordering - Converter use is supported, but the listing only confirms cartridges in the box Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B07NDSCS6J ### 6. Brushed Black Forest Fude Pen, Bent Nib Calligraphy Fountain Pen (Fine to Broad) with Converter and Metal Box Set by Asvine Our score: 7.4/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Asvine Brushed Black Forest fude pen: a fountain pen with a bent nib that writes from fine to broad as you change the writing angle. Comes with a converter and a metal pen box. Pros: - Bent fude nib gives fine to broad lines from one pen by varying the angle to the paper - Converter is included for filling from bottled ink - Ships in a metal pen case, which suits gifting or carrying Cons: - No ink is included, so bottled ink or cartridges must be bought separately - Bent nib is a different design from a flat italic or stub nib, so line width depends on pen angle Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B07Y8MJBT9 ### 7. Sailor Fountain Pen HighAce neo Clear Calligraphy Nib Width 1.0mm 1.5mm 2.0mm Included 3 of Cartridge Ink Black (1.0mm) Our score: 7.3/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Sailor HighAce Neo Clear Calligraphy fountain pen in the narrow 1.0 mm width, model 12-0155-100. Stainless steel nib, transparent ABS resin body, aluminum cap and 3 black cartridges. Pros: - 1.0 mm calligraphy nib, close to the 1.1 mm italic width used for everyday calligraphic handwriting - Works with cartridges or a converter, according to the listing - Stainless steel nib with an aluminum cap on a clear resin body Cons: - Narrowest width in the range, so it is less suited to large display lettering - Listing is a single spec line with little detail on grip, length or weight Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B07NXR8BVF As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.