10Best.Guide

Calligraphy Pens

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Excellent ink quality
  • Smooth writing and drawing experience
  • Long-lasting
  • Waterproof
  • Solid black color
Cons
  • Some pens may arrive dry or run out of ink quickly
  • Tips may wear down quickly if pressed hard
Bottom Line
Sakura Micron pens are a great investment for artists, note-takers, and journalers. They offer a smooth writing and drawing experience, excellent ink quality, and a variety of widths. However, some users may experience issues with dry or leaky pens, and the tips may wear down quickly if pressed too hard.
Pros
  • Colors go on smoothly and cover surfaces great.
  • Easy to work with and give more precision than brushes.
  • Vibrant colors that maintain their vibrancy on black paper.
  • Great for tracing templates on plastic and marking cables.
  • Water-based paint that is hard to find in other brands.
Cons
  • Paint flicks off the felt tip when doing detailed designs.
  • White pens can be difficult to get ink out of and may splash.
Bottom Line
The Artistro Paint Pens are a good choice for those looking for water-based paint pens that are easy to work with and provide precision. However, some pens may not work or dry out quickly, and the finish may not be suitable for non-paper surfaces.
Pros
  • Great for calligraphy and handwriting styles
  • Easy to control line variance
  • Glides beautifully onto paper
  • Allows for pressure sensitivity
  • Stiffer than normal brush pens
Cons
  • Some colors may be dry
  • Nib may not deliver ink quickly enough
Bottom Line
The Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers are a great tool for calligraphy and handwriting styles, allowing for pressure sensitivity and easy control of line variance. However, some colors may be dry and the pens may be expensive.
Pros
  • Great for highlighting and color-coded note-taking.
  • Easy and enjoyable to use.
  • Excellent as markers.
  • Consistent color quality.
  • Decent quality for the price.
Cons
  • Limited color selection for realistic painting.
  • Expensive for the quality.
Bottom Line
These watercolor markers are great for highlighting, color-coded note-taking, and general use as markers. They are easy and enjoyable to use, with consistent color quality and a variety of vibrant colors. However, they may be expensive for the quality, and some markers may have issues with fine nibs splitting or inconsistent brush tip softness. Additionally, the markers are not labeled, and the cap colors do not match the ink color. Overall, they are a decent quality option for those looking for a variety of colors and two different tips per color.
Pros
  • Dual tips for coloring and writing.
  • Nice variety of colors.
  • Good quality markers.
  • Great for coloring books and bullet journaling.
  • Amazing customer service.
Cons
  • Some markers arrived dried out or with frayed tips.
  • Peach/tan colors came out like neon yellow.
Bottom Line
These markers are a good value for the price and have a nice range of colors with dual tips. However, some markers may arrive dried out or with frayed tips, and they may not last long before drying up. They are great for coloring books, bullet journaling, and adding color to journals and notes.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Calligraphy Pens: Types, Features, and Prices

Overview

Calligraphy is a beautiful and timeless art form that requires the right tools to achieve the desired effect. One of the most important tools for calligraphers is the pen. In this buying guide, we'll explore the different types of calligraphy pens, key considerations when choosing a pen, important features to look for, and prices to fit any budget.

Types

There are several types of calligraphy pens to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most popular types:

1. Fountain Pens - Fountain pens are a popular choice for calligraphers due to their smooth and consistent ink flow. They use a refillable ink cartridge and come in a range of nib sizes for different lettering styles.

2. Dip Pens - Dip pens are a traditional choice for calligraphers, using a metal nib that is dipped into an inkwell. They offer a lot of flexibility in terms of ink choice and nib size, but require more skill to use.

3. Brush Pens - Brush pens are a great choice for creating bold and expressive lettering. They use a flexible brush tip that can create a range of strokes and styles.

Key Considerations

When choosing a calligraphy pen, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. Here are some things to consider:

1. Skill Level - Consider your skill level when choosing a pen. Beginners may want to start with a simpler pen, while more experienced calligraphers may want a pen with more flexibility and options.

2. Ink Type - Consider the type of ink you prefer to use. Some pens are designed for use with specific types of ink, such as fountain pens with ink cartridges or dip pens with inkwells.

3. Nib Size - Consider the size of the nib you need for your desired lettering style. Smaller nibs are better for detailed work, while larger nibs are better for bold and expressive lettering.

Features

There are several features to look for when choosing a calligraphy pen. Here are some important ones to consider:

1. Refillable - Look for pens that are refillable to save money and reduce waste.

2. Comfortable Grip - Look for pens with a comfortable grip to reduce hand fatigue during long writing sessions.

3. Nib Flexibility - Look for pens with flexible nibs to create a range of strokes and styles.

Prices

Calligraphy pens can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Fountain pens and brush pens tend to be more expensive, while dip pens are often more affordable. Consider your budget when choosing a pen.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect calligraphy pen:

1. Try Before You Buy - If possible, try out different pens before making a purchase to see which one feels most comfortable and suits your needs.

2. Research Reviews - Read reviews from other calligraphers to see what they like and dislike about different pens.

3. Practice - Practice using your new pen to get comfortable with it and discover its full range of capabilities.

FAQs

Q: What is the best type of calligraphy pen for beginners?

A: Fountain pens are a great choice for beginners due to their ease of use and consistent ink flow.

Q: Do I need to use a specific type of ink with my calligraphy pen?

A: Some pens are designed for use with specific types of ink, so be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations before using any ink.

Q: How do I choose the right nib size for my calligraphy pen?

A: Consider the size of your desired lettering style when choosing a nib size. Smaller nibs are better for detailed work, while larger nibs are better for bold and expressive lettering.

Q: How much should I expect to spend on a calligraphy pen?

A: Calligraphy pens can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Consider your budget when choosing a pen.

With this guide, you should be well-equipped to choose the perfect calligraphy pen for your needs. Happy lettering!

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Beautiful and unique designs.
  • Good value for the price.
  • Smooth writing experience.
  • Fun to use.
  • Hold a lot of ink.
Cons
  • Fragile and prone to breaking during shipping.
  • Inconsistent quality control.
Bottom Line
These glass dip pens are a great value for the price and offer a unique and fun writing experience. However, buyers should be aware of the fragile nature of the pens and the need for improvements in packaging and quality control.
Pros
  • Well-designed pen with a lovely unboxing experience.
  • Writes smoothly and reliably.
  • Good for fine details and shading.
  • Solid and well-balanced with a nice weight.
  • Holds enough ink to last a while.
Cons
  • Extra fine point nib may not write well.
  • May require some effort to get ink flowing initially.
Bottom Line
The Hongdian Fountain Pen is a well-designed and reliable pen that writes smoothly and is good for fine details and shading. It has a solid and well-balanced feel with a nice weight, but may require some effort to get ink flowing initially and may not be the most comfortable for extended writing sessions.
Pros
  • Good quality for beginners
  • Affordable price
  • Versatile for different art techniques
  • Complete color coverage
  • Crisp ink
Cons
  • Inconsistent ink flow
  • Not suitable for long-term hobbyists
Bottom Line
The Speedball Elegant Writer Calligraphy Markers are a good choice for beginners or those looking for an affordable option for casual calligraphy or art projects. However, they may not be suitable for long-term hobbyists or those looking for consistent ink flow. The fine tip may not be fine enough for some users, and the felt tip may not be the best choice for learning calligraphy.
Pros
  • Good variety of tip options
  • Nice fit in fingers
  • Great for beginners
  • Consistent ink dispensing
  • Responsive pens
Cons
  • Some pens arrived dried out
  • Tops of pens not labeled
Bottom Line
This calligraphy pen set offers a good variety of tip options and is a great starter kit for beginners. However, some pens may arrive dried out and may dry out quickly. The tops of the pens are not labeled, but the pens are responsive and consistent in ink dispensing.
Pros
  • Good for beginners
  • Variety of sizes
  • Affordable price
  • Good for faux calligraphy
  • Good for brush calligraphy
Cons
  • Tips fray quickly
  • Ink bleeds through thick paper
Bottom Line
These pens are great for beginners who want to practice hand lettering and brush calligraphy at an affordable price. However, they may not be suitable for professional use and the tips may fray quickly.
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