I’ve always wanted to improve my writing—not just the words I use, but the act of writing itself. I think the journey really started the day I lost my father’s Parker pen at work. It was a small but sentimental item, and losing it made me notice just how awful the standard office pens really are. They run dry quickly, scratch across the page, and feel cheap in your hand.

After misplacing my dad’s pen, I went on Amazon and picked up a Pentel EnerGel Alloy RT Gel Pen. It had solid reviews, looked sleek, and wrote surprisingly well. It was a definite upgrade from the office stash.

But somewhere along the way, I stumbled across fountain pens—and that changed everything.

I’m not even sure what sparked the curiosity. Maybe it was the look, the nostalgia, or just the promise of a better writing experience. Whatever it was, I quickly realized that fountain pens weren’t just tools—they were a full-blown hobby. And like with most things I enjoy, I dove in headfirst.

The first big question when starting with fountain pens is simple: Which one should I buy?

That’s when I discovered a vibrant community of enthusiasts who love to write, collect, and obsess over pens. The variety is endless. There are affordable options, high-end luxury models, and plenty of great choices in between.

Some pens use disposable ink cartridges—similar to ballpoints. Others can be equipped with special converters that allow you to use bottled ink, unlocking a whole world of colors and brands. It’s a little more work, but for many people (myself included), it adds to the experience.