Fountain Pens
Fountain pens make you want to write again, whether you’re chasing your first smooth nib or hunting a rare limited edition. Explore top brands across every price point, with options like cartridges, converters, and piston fillers, all backed by Pen Chalet’s authenticity guarantee, price matching, and helpful “old school” support. Plus, get free U.S. shipping on orders over $75.
Fountain pens use a gold, steel or other material nib, which disperses water based ink. They may use ink by using a converter (bottled ink), a purchased cartridge, or it may even have an internal piston filling system for use with bottled ink. Used as common writing instruments, fountain pens add prestige and class to everyday tasks. Whether you choose an expensive limited edition, or an inexpensive starter pen, it will be a great conversation piece every time it is used. At Pen Chalet, we know after you purchase your first pen, you'll fall in love again with the writing experience. That's why we offer only the best fountain pens for sale at great prices; so you can expand your collection to fit your style, passions, and personality. Let Pen Chalet fulfill all your writing instrument needs today and in the future.
At Pen Chalet we have a large selection of fountain pens for sale in all different price ranges. Have questions? Let one of our expert staff members help you choose the fountain pen that is right for you or read some common FAQs about what is the best make of fountain pens.
Fountain Pen FAQs
What is a fountain pen?
A fountain pen uses liquid ink that flows from a reservoir (cartridge, converter, or built-in filling system) through a nib onto paper for a smooth writing feel.
Are fountain pens good for beginners?
Yes—many beginner-friendly fountain pens are easy to use, require minimal pressure, and can make writing more comfortable and enjoyable.
What nib size should I choose (Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad)?
Extra Fine/Fine work well for smaller handwriting and everyday notes, while Medium/Broad give a smoother, wetter line that shows ink shading better. Paper and ink choice can also change how wide a line looks.
What’s the difference between cartridges, converters, and piston fillers?
Cartridges are pre-filled and convenient, converters let you use bottled ink in a cartridge-style pen, and piston/vacuum fillers have a built-in mechanism that holds more ink and fills directly from a bottle.
Can I use any ink in a fountain pen?
Use fountain-pen-safe ink only. Avoid India ink, calligraphy ink, and other pigmented/drawing inks unless they’re specifically labeled safe for fountain pens, as they can clog the feed.
How do I fill a fountain pen with a converter?
Insert the converter firmly, dip the nib into the ink (past the breather hole), then twist or press the converter mechanism to draw ink up. Wipe the nib and section before writing.
How often should I clean my fountain pen?
A quick rinse when you change inks is ideal. For regular use, cleaning every few weeks helps prevent buildup—especially with saturated, shimmering, or sheen-heavy inks.
Why is my fountain pen skipping or writing dry?
Common causes include dried ink in the feed, oils on the nib from skin, low ink level, or paper that doesn’t play nicely with the ink. Try a gentle rinse, use light pressure, and test a different paper or ink.
What paper works best with fountain pens?
Smoother, heavier paper typically reduces feathering and bleed-through. If your ink spreads or ghosts, try fountain-pen-friendly notebooks or a higher GSM paper.
Can I fly with a fountain pen without it leaking?
Yes—keep the pen nib-up during takeoff/landing and consider traveling with the reservoir partly filled to reduce pressure changes. A protective case and a quick wipe help, too.
Are fountain pens good for left-handed writers?
Absolutely. A finer nib and faster-drying ink can reduce smudging, and adjusting hand position (writing a bit below the line) often improves comfort and results.
How should I store a fountain pen when I’m not using it?
For short breaks, cap it tightly and store horizontally. For longer storage, clean it and let it dry; this prevents ink from drying out inside the feed.
