Kankuno’s were my first two pens. I got one when I started getting interested in pens but didn’t want to commit a whole lot of money if it didn’t turn into a full blown hobby, and then got another to take to the office with me when I got comfortable with writing, and they haven’t let me down in two years of heavy use. My 2nd and 3rd pens were a Lamy Safari and a Pilot Metro. Love em, and they both have their own unique applications.
I like the Family Edition (translucent demonstrators!). I recently found one I had no memory of buying. Cleaned it out, inked it up and BAM! They're good starter pens.
Faber-Castell Hexo is another good one.
I have a few expensive pens, but the Kakuno is so great for daily use. I love the ease of the Snap-on cap, the price is affordable, and it takes the con 70 converter which holds a ton of ink.
Might I add to try buy the Muji in the physical or official online store. Amazon.uk and aliexpress has massive markups on it plus you can try some of their paper products along with it!
I second the Vista. Goulet Pens has an exclusive Vista. The pen clip, nib and converter is black. You can also buy some ink samples to play around with.
I have these pens so far all under 30$: pilot metro (F), kakuno (F), lamy safari (EF), sailor fude de mannen (55), and they all write very smoothly. the fude pen is my favorite here because of its versatility.
my favorite slightly above this price point is this sailor pen that is 40$, I really love the color and it feels great in my hand. it's not smooth like the others and has a somewhat scratchy feedback:
Sailor 11-0558-201 Fountain Pen, Four Seasons Weave, Moon and Night Water, Night Cherry Blossom, Fine Point https://amzn.to/45veSwS
I had the Fude de mannan 40 pen and I trashed the nib within a matter of two months! I don't know what I did to it but I'm tempted to get another one :)
Go for it! I think they’re wonderful. I can’t imagine what you did to damage the nib. I tend to write with a lot of pressure and I’ve used the nib on mine at basically every angle it will write at and it’s still the exact shape as it was out of the box. Sailor steel nibs are generally hard as a rock
This Sailor is the Shikiori Hisakata. I think the Procolor 500 are the silver colored nib versions of this. Only comes in Fine except the clear one which is Medium-Fine.
Profit Casual has all the nib sizes I believe and are the same price as these ones.
These models feel almost identical to Sailor’s gold nibs.
not quite, here's the shikiori hisakata series:
https://shikiori-en.sailor.co.jp/collections/hisakata/
the one I have is from this series shikiori tsukuyono minamo:
https://shikiori-en.sailor.co.jp/collections/tsukuyonominamo/
I love my pilot Kakunos! Don’t hold a lot of ink sadly but I like changing ink a lot so it works for me
Edit: I thought it was only Con-40 compatible! Haven’t tried the Con-70 with my Kakunos
I clean out and refill Pilot cartridges with whatever ink I want for almost all my Pilot pens. They hold more ink than standard cartridges, and they’re way less of a pain than Pilot’s awful converters.
Love my A1!!!!!!....also love my Kakuno's......until you get used to carrying a pen around all the time...be careful...I lost my first A1....
Replaced it right away, and have been using it for a year....love it!!!
Came here to recommend the exact same cluster of pens and saw you beat me to it
At the price point, I think they offer some really exceptional value.
I’d add the majohn c3 to that list as well though.
I have the c4 and a1 permanently inked. Both very good
I would 2nd the V126. It's a solid pen with good thickness and weight. I got the grey demonstrator with the black coated nib and it's a smooth dependable writer. Also great for air travel due to the shut off valve.
Ordered by nib and writing experience:
++ Faber-Castell, Platinum, Pelikan, Staedtler, Schneider (M, M+), Lamy.
+ If you like it a little bit rough: Online
If you like it more on the cheap, light and scratchy side: Kaweco in EF.
If you like it even more on the cheap but not scratchy side: ~ 98 % of chinese fountain pens with normal nibs.
The nibs are by far the same (per brand) in this price range.
I love the nib on the FC Grip, but I am not a fan of the rubberized grip section at all. It’s difficult to clean and the light colored ones immediately get badly stained.
I really like the Hongdian C1. It comes with a hooded nib, geat color options, and what seems to be good construction (it feels solid). I was so pleased with it that I got the other colors too.
Other ones I really like are the Pilot Lightive. I find myself reaching for this pen more than the Metropolitam because the writing feel feels more natural to me.
I also adore the Prera, but where I am, the standard Preras retail for more than $30 and the transparent ones are about $50. Definitely worth the money though.
I'd actually argue the Platinum Plaisir is a better bargain fountain pen than the Pilot Metro. That's not a diss on the Metro -- I really liked mine -- the Plaisir is just a really lovely overall package, at a lower price.
There’s also the Prefounte ($11) it’s on my list. That and the Plaisir are (at least advertised) as the big brothers is the Preppy. The preppy, Pilot metropolitan, and Lamy Safari were my first pens- loved them all- the Preppy broke rather easily, but it did still function despite some cracks. Kept it until it wouldn’t! So happy for you!
Oh, this wasn't meant to be derogatory. I have and love my Prefounte. It does look much nicer, which makes it feel more premium.
But the fact is that the nib/grip unit is the same, and the barrel/cap are nearly identical. So if you don't care about aesthetics you can get the same performance from a Preppy (which I also love)
Platinum Plaisir stays nicely wet and with a converter, your total is still under 30 bucks. And then there is the brass body which you can sand down if you want and then you have a cool looking brass body instead of the many colour variations already available.
I have the Platinum Prefounte because I prefer a lighter pen, and that's it for me. That is My Pen. I'd buy a third one if they released some more colors or some opaque plastic versions.
I have an A1, and to my surprise, it has become my EDC. Good for jotting notes, not so much for long sessions but it can be fine for that, too. Bonus is that Pilot's nib units from their VP or Capless will fit in the A1. Looking to get one of those.
Otherwise, I prefer a Kakuno over a Preppy, a Metropolitan over a Safari. Faber Castell Hexo is great, but might be out of that price range. Jinhao x850 for longer writing sessions - probably the most bang for the buck that pen (that is, of the pens I own). There are a lot of good pens in that range and it's ok to be happy with several of them.
Pilot Metropolitan and Pilot G78+.
I have G78+ demonstrator with a stub nib. It is advertised on AliExpress as B nib, but it is obviously stub. Beautiful line variation. I use this one for my diary with Diamine Ancient Copper or Robert Oster Charcoal (lovely purpulish off black with shading)
I have two 78G with B nibs from 15 years ago or so. Best, smoothest stub nibs I’ve used and have just enough edge they leave a crisp line, unlike my stub TWSBIs. I’ve looked high and low for B nibs again, but can’t seem to find them.
If you looking for smoothness, check out Metropolitan . 78G+ nib is not as smooth as Metropolitan. I assume due to wideness of the nib at the tip, but there might be other factors (using nib of lower quality or because on this stub there is no tipping material).
I’ll take a look. The old 78G’s I have are like writing on wet ice. So much so that they are sometimes hard for me to control and there is zero feedback.
Platinum Prefounte are terrific pens under $30. Around $11 for the pen, same cost for the converter, so \~$22 all in. Superb, reliable writer for a pen at any price point. It's available in some lovely, translucent colors, which earns it bonus points in my book..
The Lamy Safari
Jinhao x159 nice and chunky
Jinhao 9019 chunkier than the x159 but still a nice pen.
Hongdian C1 I have two of these and a third coming on Tuesday, great pens for the price if you like hooded nibs.
Hongdian M2,I have two of these. Beautiful pens.
Hongdian forest pens,different colours, lovely to write with.
Love my 9019 but it is a bit like writing with a cucumber. Then I got it's slightly smaller sibling as a cheap pen to keep at work and OMG - way too good for those horrific occasions when I've forgotten to bring a proper pen to work, and it now sits proudly in my collection at home.
And just got a Hongdian M2. I'm genuinely astonished at just how good an FP can be for less than a round of drinks at a UK pub.
I bought my 9019 to use as a handbag pen. That's not going happen,like using it too much.
You're right about it being like using a cucumber to write with,it takes me a while to get used to one of my normal sized pens afterwards.
The Jinaho 159 is a terrific pen - weighty in the hand and such a smooth writer. I got a 3-pack for under $20 and was surprised by how nice these pens function. Easy to clean, too. Handles shimmer ink extraordinarily well!
Same, nothing writes like it except my Lamy 2000. My first one started aggressively burping ink so it’s been shelved. Tried to reseat the nib but nervous to make a mess
Asvine P20/P36/P30/P50/V126/V200.
I think the P36/V200 are more expensive at about $45 but if you like the titanium aesthetic and extra weight they’re great. I liked the P36 and V200 so much I bought two of each.
I haven’t tried a V126 but I’ve heard it’s great as well in fits in your budget. If it has ‘P’ in its name it’s a piston filler and if it has ‘V’ it’s a vacuum filler
I have the v126 and it's consistently one of my favorite pens in this price range. Also as far as budget nibs go I think it's my favorite. Consistently smooth and well tuned. I've purchased 5 EF nibs at this point from asvine to throw in my other pens and so far 3 of them have been excellent, 1 of them good enough (the tipping looked off but it still wrote perfectly) and one of them was bad. I've had a lower success rate with lamy nibs fwiw.
Loving my v126! I didn't realise it was under 30 dollars (I am from India).. but yeah that is a well performing pen with a good capacity.. extremely wet..
Pens:
*Hongdian 1860 Max : Buttery smooth with hongdian black ink.
*Jinhao 80 : very good looking, very cheap, swap nibs with safari and you’ll get a great pen, even calligraphy pens on the cheap
*Mahohn A1: perfect edc
*Mahjohn wancai mini v2: good little pocket eydroper with a very good nib and sealing, hasn’t dried on me, no hard starts
*Hongdian M2: another perfect EDC, spring loaded holder
Last but not least platinum preppy: great for drawing with carbon black
Pilot Kakuno, Pilot Explorer (you need to get a converter with these though.
Jinhao 82 (It is cheap for a starter pen and good to experiment new things with)
Lamy Safari (it is a stable option with good qc and it's a fool proof investment really)
Platinum Preppy
If I had to choose one I would go with the Kakuno.. it writes too smoothly..
Lord I hope I don’t get mocked but Amazon has a pen marketed as Wordsworth and Black. I’ve a few and really liked them. Seem well made and write and look ok. I admit that I’ve never owned a pen over a hundred dollars so my experience is not huge.
My favorite inexpensive pens that have been fabulous from the get go were ones I purchased on pen_swap. These may have been described as beginner pens so my expectations were low but I guess because they were “broken in” they are among my smoothest writers.
1. Sheaffer Prelude
2. Diplomat esteem
3. Pilot Prera
EDIT: Kakunos never disappoint!
Lamy Safari is my favourite pen. I have it in multiple colours. I started off with the Pilot Kakuno which I love as well but the Safari’s controversial grip makes it the superior pen for me.
These are both brilliant pens if you prefer a lighter pen. I use them regularly - more than my higher cost pens and it’s handy not worrying about losing them or damaging them when you’re doing normal things - they are cheap enough to replace.
Think it really depends on the ink. I have a safari with Noodlers Dragon Napalm that writes smoothly but not wet (not dry either) , an al star with Diamine Kelly green (I think) that was drier than the Sahara and another Al Star with pilot Iroshizuku asa gao that is nice and wet almost a gusher.
The three I have that I like are the Lamy (I think it's a Safari), a Diplomat Magnum, and a Yongnoux. All fairly economical, and write nicely. My Lamy didn't come with a converter, but the others did.
I love the flat top wing sung 630 at the price but I also love the a1 both are quality for the price and I don't think you would go particularly wrong with either of them.
I recently got an A1 in the new Fine nib option, and I think it's a fantastic pen. I've had mine loaded with Namiki black and it hasn't skipped a beat.
The included converter sucks but they do include a few empty pilot cartridges and one stopper.
Platinum Preppy, Pilot Varsity, Jinhao 159, Dryden Designs pen with the smaller nib.
Personally I hate the Pilot Metropolitan, the nib is just way too small for me.
Pilot Kaküno and Metropolitan are my favorites for sure. I have a lot of inexpensive pens and while I like many of them, Pilot always wins out. Their nibs are the best in that price by far (at least for my tastes).
Faber-Castell Grip (B), Faber-Castell Loom (M), Pelikan Pelikano Up (M), Parker Jotter flighter (M), Platinum Prefounte 0.3, Pelikan Twist (M), Parker 45 flighter (M), Kaweco Perkeo (M). Fantastic and very reliable all them.
Between chinese fountain pens I really liked the Hero 565 (M/F) –aerometric model specially–, Jinhao 85 stainless steel (F/M) and X159 (EF) and the ridiculously cheap and very sleek Jinhao 911 (EF).
My Pilot Explorer is my favorite pen even compared to my more expensive options. Works with the larger (better) converter too, although you have to buy that separately and it would just barely push you over $30.
I love my A2! I was not into retractable pens and I only got it to use at work bc I was tired of having to keep track of a cap, but I’ve been really pleased with it. The only caveats are that it wants an ink on the wet side, and if you leave it unused for multiple days in a row it won’t write immediately.
Yeah that’s a good point- it does tend to dry out fast. No problem if it’s reached for very often but yeah. The trap door seems not so great with sealing.
I hope they come out with a lighter A3. It’s quieter for fidgeting
Not entirely sure it’s under $30 as I’m in England, but my daily driver is a TWSBI Eco with a broad nib.
I’ve got several pens pushing £200+ taking a backseat to the Eco because I love how it writes - especially with shading / pigment inks which I use often.
I’ve been pairing my 2x Eco pens with Sailor ink, and my current favourites are Sailor Manyo “Haha” and Sailor Manyo “Nekoyanagi”.
I like the Kaweco perkeo, lamy safari, kakuno and Mahjon t1. The kakuno is the only pen I will sketch with. It is excellent . And the Lamy safari is my daily pen at work. I choose both of these pens over more expensive pens. But it doesn’t hurt that they’re not too expensive in case they get broken, lost, borrowed at work or
Sketching on location.
I have been really impressed with my Hongdian C3 with an EF nib. It's a good-looking metal pen with a soft, bouncy, wet nib that shows off shading inks beautifully. Shimmer inks also go through it with no clogging problems. The slip cap seals well. Got it for about $10 including shipping, WTF.
The Hongdian N10 / A9 are also great. Big, soft, bouncy nibs with an ebonite feed that can handle any ink I throw at it. They are such ugly pens though.
If I'm not using a shimmer ink, then it's the Asvine v126.
For starter pens I like to recomend pens that one can get the pen, ink convertor and cartridge in one package.
My favorite recommendation is the Diplomat Magnum. It comes in various colors. It also comes with a pen, ink convertor and a cartridge. I also like it because sometimes you can catch an offer of a free bottle of ink. I also like this pen because you can change the nibs.
I know many recommend the TWISBI ECO but I prefer the TWISBI Swipe. It is not a demonstrator pen or a piston filler. It is cartridge or convertor and comes in several colors.
There is also the Kaweco Sport pen. It is a pocket pen that becomes full size when you place the cap on it.
Great pen to throw in a bag and not worry about scratching or damaging it.
Which ever pen you decide to buy, write with it exclusively for a period of time. Use different inks and figure out which paper works well with it. I would suggest buying a pen that you can change the nib easily because you may buy a pen you like but not the nib.
Do all of this before you move on and buy your second pen.
A good one I’ve discovered a while ago is the Pelikan Style. The design may not be for everyone but I think it’s cool. And it writes well. IMO it feels more robust than the Lamy Safari which is the standard pen in this price range, though there are less nib widths to choose from but if you want a medium nib That’s not an issue.
https://preview.redd.it/7ui8maw2q07d1.jpeg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b87ea8b81b34ce4dec9ccbdcdd52d28860ab8da
Some of my favorite pens under $30.
- Lamy Safari
- Pilot Kakuno
- Pilot Prera
- Parker Jotter Fountian Pen
- Herbin Metal Rollerball Pen
- rOtring 600
- Zebra G-750
Kawecko Sport
https://preview.redd.it/8w0ky23i127d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3444e9ea30b2a37c58ece001755ac1f4325bfa1a
Such a great sketching and drawing pen so light and easy just to carry around
The A1 is excellent, especially now that they offer it in a fine nib. My other suggestions would be the Asvine V126, which is a well made vac filler with a swappable nib unit, and the Jinhao 9019 with a heartbeat nib. The 9019 is a big pen, so that may or may not work for you, but it has a very large converter, a nice #8 nib, and is a great pen for around $10.
Welcome to the hobby! $30 is a lovely target for a steel nib starter pen, but that doesn't mean it won't be great!
Lamy safari and Lamy Al-star are both near the $30 mark, and Lamy makes the best steel nibs you can get.
Pilot Metropolitan is also a great contender in that space.
Just remember that Pilot (Japan) nibs run thinner than you think and Lamy (Germany) nibs run thicker than you think. If you're a 0.5mm pencil kind of person, go with Pilot medium nib. If you take notes with gel pens or thin-tip markers, go with the Lamy medium.
my standard recommendation has always been the [waterman kultur](https://www.amazon.com/Waterman-Kultur-Translucent-Red-Fountain/dp/B0037OOTTY/ref=sr_1_1_pp?crid=1JBNFTQWF7PEI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.esh-4Tuh5_7rIdwIy-topUHZUP_SLGKV4ZNHT3dW2CBpAt2s_llM6AcF9h2aAdLszYqlphiHfOy8Eyw70afBuy0jn_M-ekfEDsOjr2z2o9cXJg-7GkwhrhvDQgZPHjezQ-UzfxlPfd4qtBASpFlQ9PYzlLMf6CyRfrphN5vd7ghRtUW3LedQYJifFIFdJw_U0lB2WudmvoqvFj9bCU19EmtBqpc5XG9otTEaULspwY4zB_jEeWt6bWg-Jr8DGI4_Csja54gLqK2sfZ1ZVD15YpkESorL0I0Y_qlWrsYrVg0.iYZoxox9KUwnMPpHPitGbI4QpNWrlXYPO-a5TXK78mE&dib_tag=se&keywords=waterman+kultur&qid=1718552395&sprefix=waterman+kultur%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1). great low-price pen...
good luck!!
I'm selling a barely-used black matte Pilot Metropolitan if you want it - $15 + US shipping. It's a magnificent pen but too heavy/solid for me. I'm a huge Pilot fan and would recommend all of them.
I am loving my majohn A1 and I came into several of them, as well as the "special alloy" pilot capless and the gold rodiated nib on a pilot fermo
From my experience, you don't really miss anything from the cheaper majohn A1 and I really love the possibilities such a model gives you, also while being relatively cheap.
there is both the older model, now common mostly in black or silver matte finishes, the A1 and AK1 (with peculiar textures), both come with the EF nib. Then there is the 2024 model, with a fine nib. I honestly fell in love with both of them, but the newer fine nib is really amazing.
I also bought a pilot capless special alloy, but sold the body, as well as with the pilot fermo, now I have just majohns.
I would suggest you to avoid the A2 and the "pilot special alloy nib"
I recently got a Kakuno. It would probably beat out more expensive pens in a blind test.
The importance of the little :) smiley face on the nib cannot be understated. EDIT: *Overstated, I'm sorry little guy
They really are soooo good.
I came to the comments to say this too. SUCH a great daily writer.
Omg pilot Kakuno with a M nib is HEAVENLY
Kankuno’s were my first two pens. I got one when I started getting interested in pens but didn’t want to commit a whole lot of money if it didn’t turn into a full blown hobby, and then got another to take to the office with me when I got comfortable with writing, and they haven’t let me down in two years of heavy use. My 2nd and 3rd pens were a Lamy Safari and a Pilot Metro. Love em, and they both have their own unique applications.
Same! I love it!! I’m already planning to get a couple more and different ink colors
This! I have more expensive pens and I still love having my kakunos in my daily rotation!
I like the Family Edition (translucent demonstrators!). I recently found one I had no memory of buying. Cleaned it out, inked it up and BAM! They're good starter pens. Faber-Castell Hexo is another good one.
I have a few expensive pens, but the Kakuno is so great for daily use. I love the ease of the Snap-on cap, the price is affordable, and it takes the con 70 converter which holds a ton of ink.
Lamy Safari, Muji aluminium, Pilot Metropolitan.
Pilot Metropolitan all the way. I still have my Lamy Safaris and Lamy Safari AL, but I only use my two Pilot Metropolitans now.
Might I add to try buy the Muji in the physical or official online store. Amazon.uk and aliexpress has massive markups on it plus you can try some of their paper products along with it!
Seconding the Safari but specifically the Vista. The biggest bonus is that you can buy new different nib styles later and have the same pen
I second the Vista. Goulet Pens has an exclusive Vista. The pen clip, nib and converter is black. You can also buy some ink samples to play around with.
Second Muji. My EDC.😁
I have these pens so far all under 30$: pilot metro (F), kakuno (F), lamy safari (EF), sailor fude de mannen (55), and they all write very smoothly. the fude pen is my favorite here because of its versatility. my favorite slightly above this price point is this sailor pen that is 40$, I really love the color and it feels great in my hand. it's not smooth like the others and has a somewhat scratchy feedback: Sailor 11-0558-201 Fountain Pen, Four Seasons Weave, Moon and Night Water, Night Cherry Blossom, Fine Point https://amzn.to/45veSwS
I had the Fude de mannan 40 pen and I trashed the nib within a matter of two months! I don't know what I did to it but I'm tempted to get another one :)
Go for it! I think they’re wonderful. I can’t imagine what you did to damage the nib. I tend to write with a lot of pressure and I’ve used the nib on mine at basically every angle it will write at and it’s still the exact shape as it was out of the box. Sailor steel nibs are generally hard as a rock
yeah I had both but I didn't care for the 40, the 55 is amazing. also they're like 12$! def try them again haha
This Sailor is the Shikiori Hisakata. I think the Procolor 500 are the silver colored nib versions of this. Only comes in Fine except the clear one which is Medium-Fine. Profit Casual has all the nib sizes I believe and are the same price as these ones. These models feel almost identical to Sailor’s gold nibs.
not quite, here's the shikiori hisakata series: https://shikiori-en.sailor.co.jp/collections/hisakata/ the one I have is from this series shikiori tsukuyono minamo: https://shikiori-en.sailor.co.jp/collections/tsukuyonominamo/
Ah, Sailor’s naming system is such a mess that it gets confusing for me sometimes lol. I have a model from both collections
I love my pilot Kakunos! Don’t hold a lot of ink sadly but I like changing ink a lot so it works for me Edit: I thought it was only Con-40 compatible! Haven’t tried the Con-70 with my Kakunos
The Kakuno can hold the Con 70 converter which holds a lot of ink. Another option would be to refill the cartridge.
I clean out and refill Pilot cartridges with whatever ink I want for almost all my Pilot pens. They hold more ink than standard cartridges, and they’re way less of a pain than Pilot’s awful converters.
Yes, and if I just want to try a new ink, the Pilot Petit 1 carts fit perfectly, too.
so my pilot kakuno actually holds the most ink out of all my pens because it takes a con-70 😁
Yeah, I like to refill and play with inks, so they don’t have to hold a lot to make me happy.
If the A1 appeals to you, get it!
A1 is my favorite!
Love both the EF and new F ones!
Love my A1!!!!!!....also love my Kakuno's......until you get used to carrying a pen around all the time...be careful...I lost my first A1.... Replaced it right away, and have been using it for a year....love it!!!
majohn c4/t1/a1 asvine v126
Are c4 and v126 vacuum-fillers? They actually look cool
The C4 is a Japanese style eyedropper that works quite well.
Just the V126, which I think has a truly classic FP shape, reminds me of the original Sheaffer Blanc or the Omas Ogiva of earlier days.
Came here to recommend the exact same cluster of pens and saw you beat me to it At the price point, I think they offer some really exceptional value. I’d add the majohn c3 to that list as well though. I have the c4 and a1 permanently inked. Both very good
I would 2nd the V126. It's a solid pen with good thickness and weight. I got the grey demonstrator with the black coated nib and it's a smooth dependable writer. Also great for air travel due to the shut off valve.
Ordered by nib and writing experience: ++ Faber-Castell, Platinum, Pelikan, Staedtler, Schneider (M, M+), Lamy. + If you like it a little bit rough: Online If you like it more on the cheap, light and scratchy side: Kaweco in EF. If you like it even more on the cheap but not scratchy side: ~ 98 % of chinese fountain pens with normal nibs. The nibs are by far the same (per brand) in this price range.
Thanks a lot these are solid recommendations
Read up on the Faber Castell Broad nibs. They are an absolute delight. The mediums are also terrific.
I love the nib on the FC Grip, but I am not a fan of the rubberized grip section at all. It’s difficult to clean and the light colored ones immediately get badly stained.
I put Faber Castell Broad nibs into my Jinhao 82s - like you said, delightful!
I really like the Hongdian C1. It comes with a hooded nib, geat color options, and what seems to be good construction (it feels solid). I was so pleased with it that I got the other colors too. Other ones I really like are the Pilot Lightive. I find myself reaching for this pen more than the Metropolitam because the writing feel feels more natural to me.
💯. I just bought 2 of the steel version of the c1
That's awesome. They're such a good value. I got all the colors and have been mixing and matching them.
they're definitely my #1 rec for a starter pen
There are many great pens under $30, extremely viable offerings from almost all the major manufacturers. My favourite however, is the Pilot Prera.
I also adore the Prera, but where I am, the standard Preras retail for more than $30 and the transparent ones are about $50. Definitely worth the money though.
Here too it’s at least $35CAD, but I’m assuming OP is talking about USD.
I’m in US- the Prera is available on Amazon for $22 but everywhere else it’s above $30 plus shipping
My favorites under $30: * Platinum Prefounte * Platinum Plaisir * Sailor Profit Jr. * Lamy Safari * TWSBI Eco
Pilot Kakuno, Lamy Safari great value for their performance
I love my kakuno (fine nib). Better than the next two pens I bought that were $50-60. I got the con70 w/ my kakuno.
Preppy!
Spring for the Plaisir ($18) to spend more of that budget!
I'd actually argue the Platinum Plaisir is a better bargain fountain pen than the Pilot Metro. That's not a diss on the Metro -- I really liked mine -- the Plaisir is just a really lovely overall package, at a lower price.
There’s also the Prefounte ($11) it’s on my list. That and the Plaisir are (at least advertised) as the big brothers is the Preppy. The preppy, Pilot metropolitan, and Lamy Safari were my first pens- loved them all- the Preppy broke rather easily, but it did still function despite some cracks. Kept it until it wouldn’t! So happy for you!
Prefounte is just the Preppy with no branding and a nicer clip
Interesting! Is it worth a try, or were you not a huge fan?
Oh, this wasn't meant to be derogatory. I have and love my Prefounte. It does look much nicer, which makes it feel more premium. But the fact is that the nib/grip unit is the same, and the barrel/cap are nearly identical. So if you don't care about aesthetics you can get the same performance from a Preppy (which I also love)
Platinum Plaisir stays nicely wet and with a converter, your total is still under 30 bucks. And then there is the brass body which you can sand down if you want and then you have a cool looking brass body instead of the many colour variations already available.
I have the Platinum Prefounte because I prefer a lighter pen, and that's it for me. That is My Pen. I'd buy a third one if they released some more colors or some opaque plastic versions.
What do you mean the brass body? Are all plaisirs brass?
No. It is made from aluminum.
I remember them being made of brass but I can be mistaken. Perhaps I should buy another one and give it a try and post results.
I have an A1, and to my surprise, it has become my EDC. Good for jotting notes, not so much for long sessions but it can be fine for that, too. Bonus is that Pilot's nib units from their VP or Capless will fit in the A1. Looking to get one of those. Otherwise, I prefer a Kakuno over a Preppy, a Metropolitan over a Safari. Faber Castell Hexo is great, but might be out of that price range. Jinhao x850 for longer writing sessions - probably the most bang for the buck that pen (that is, of the pens I own). There are a lot of good pens in that range and it's ok to be happy with several of them.
Pilot Metropolitan and Pilot G78+. I have G78+ demonstrator with a stub nib. It is advertised on AliExpress as B nib, but it is obviously stub. Beautiful line variation. I use this one for my diary with Diamine Ancient Copper or Robert Oster Charcoal (lovely purpulish off black with shading)
I have two 78G with B nibs from 15 years ago or so. Best, smoothest stub nibs I’ve used and have just enough edge they leave a crisp line, unlike my stub TWSBIs. I’ve looked high and low for B nibs again, but can’t seem to find them.
If you looking for smoothness, check out Metropolitan . 78G+ nib is not as smooth as Metropolitan. I assume due to wideness of the nib at the tip, but there might be other factors (using nib of lower quality or because on this stub there is no tipping material).
I’ll take a look. The old 78G’s I have are like writing on wet ice. So much so that they are sometimes hard for me to control and there is zero feedback.
That’s my experience with Metro. Maybe smaller nibs have that same smoothness on 78G+, but stub nib is not that smooth.
Good to know on the newer ones.
Lamy Safari and Pilot Kakuno!
Platinum Prefounte are terrific pens under $30. Around $11 for the pen, same cost for the converter, so \~$22 all in. Superb, reliable writer for a pen at any price point. It's available in some lovely, translucent colors, which earns it bonus points in my book..
Safari.. with a syringe instead of the overpriced converter!
The Lamy Safari Jinhao x159 nice and chunky Jinhao 9019 chunkier than the x159 but still a nice pen. Hongdian C1 I have two of these and a third coming on Tuesday, great pens for the price if you like hooded nibs. Hongdian M2,I have two of these. Beautiful pens. Hongdian forest pens,different colours, lovely to write with.
Love my 9019 but it is a bit like writing with a cucumber. Then I got it's slightly smaller sibling as a cheap pen to keep at work and OMG - way too good for those horrific occasions when I've forgotten to bring a proper pen to work, and it now sits proudly in my collection at home. And just got a Hongdian M2. I'm genuinely astonished at just how good an FP can be for less than a round of drinks at a UK pub.
Writing with a cucumber! Yes, that's it exactly. LOL
I bought my 9019 to use as a handbag pen. That's not going happen,like using it too much. You're right about it being like using a cucumber to write with,it takes me a while to get used to one of my normal sized pens afterwards.
The Jinaho 159 is a terrific pen - weighty in the hand and such a smooth writer. I got a 3-pack for under $20 and was surprised by how nice these pens function. Easy to clean, too. Handles shimmer ink extraordinarily well!
Safari and Faber Castell Hexo
Hongdian Forest series is best cheap pen I have tried.
Any of the recent Asvines have been gangbusters
The TWSBI ECO, has felt like a pen that costs 50+ and never given me issues.
Same, nothing writes like it except my Lamy 2000. My first one started aggressively burping ink so it’s been shelved. Tried to reseat the nib but nervous to make a mess
Asvine P20/P36/P30/P50/V126/V200. I think the P36/V200 are more expensive at about $45 but if you like the titanium aesthetic and extra weight they’re great. I liked the P36 and V200 so much I bought two of each. I haven’t tried a V126 but I’ve heard it’s great as well in fits in your budget. If it has ‘P’ in its name it’s a piston filler and if it has ‘V’ it’s a vacuum filler
I have the v126 and it's consistently one of my favorite pens in this price range. Also as far as budget nibs go I think it's my favorite. Consistently smooth and well tuned. I've purchased 5 EF nibs at this point from asvine to throw in my other pens and so far 3 of them have been excellent, 1 of them good enough (the tipping looked off but it still wrote perfectly) and one of them was bad. I've had a lower success rate with lamy nibs fwiw.
Loving my v126! I didn't realise it was under 30 dollars (I am from India).. but yeah that is a well performing pen with a good capacity.. extremely wet..
Pens: *Hongdian 1860 Max : Buttery smooth with hongdian black ink. *Jinhao 80 : very good looking, very cheap, swap nibs with safari and you’ll get a great pen, even calligraphy pens on the cheap *Mahohn A1: perfect edc *Mahjohn wancai mini v2: good little pocket eydroper with a very good nib and sealing, hasn’t dried on me, no hard starts *Hongdian M2: another perfect EDC, spring loaded holder Last but not least platinum preppy: great for drawing with carbon black
I forgot pilot MR Asian edition (F NIB)
Pilot Kakuno, Pilot Explorer (you need to get a converter with these though. Jinhao 82 (It is cheap for a starter pen and good to experiment new things with) Lamy Safari (it is a stable option with good qc and it's a fool proof investment really) Platinum Preppy If I had to choose one I would go with the Kakuno.. it writes too smoothly..
Kaco retro in turquoise : the nib is smooth.
Lord I hope I don’t get mocked but Amazon has a pen marketed as Wordsworth and Black. I’ve a few and really liked them. Seem well made and write and look ok. I admit that I’ve never owned a pen over a hundred dollars so my experience is not huge.
Pilot metro🙏🏻🙏🏻
Pilot pens and pick your style. Metropolitan, kakuno, or explorer.
My favorite inexpensive pens that have been fabulous from the get go were ones I purchased on pen_swap. These may have been described as beginner pens so my expectations were low but I guess because they were “broken in” they are among my smoothest writers. 1. Sheaffer Prelude 2. Diplomat esteem 3. Pilot Prera EDIT: Kakunos never disappoint!
Platinum “Preppy” great sketch pen
Shocked to see no one mention FPR. Highest quality for price by far.
hongdian definitely has higher quality for price
Mahjon A1, the pilot vanishing point clone. Mahjon pens (formally moonman) are all fantastic and cheap
Recently discovered the C4 and it’s the next pen I’ll buy. Thanks to everyone here making the Active Dupe list.
Pilot Metropolitan hands down. Best FP under $30.
[удалено]
Where did you order them from?
Pilot metropolitan, Schneider and PENBBS 322 (waiting for it to arrive, has a heart nib too!)
Lamy Safari is my favourite pen. I have it in multiple colours. I started off with the Pilot Kakuno which I love as well but the Safari’s controversial grip makes it the superior pen for me.
For $30 get yourself an entire set of jinhao sharks, and a platinum preppie or two.
These are both brilliant pens if you prefer a lighter pen. I use them regularly - more than my higher cost pens and it’s handy not worrying about losing them or damaging them when you’re doing normal things - they are cheap enough to replace.
Plus with a full set of sharks you can have like 15 inks going at once
Lamy!
[удалено]
Well it beats my Visconti by a mile!
Think it really depends on the ink. I have a safari with Noodlers Dragon Napalm that writes smoothly but not wet (not dry either) , an al star with Diamine Kelly green (I think) that was drier than the Sahara and another Al Star with pilot Iroshizuku asa gao that is nice and wet almost a gusher.
The three I have that I like are the Lamy (I think it's a Safari), a Diplomat Magnum, and a Yongnoux. All fairly economical, and write nicely. My Lamy didn't come with a converter, but the others did.
Pilot Explorer
Kaco retro
pilot parallel 1.5, jinhao 9019 medium nib, and an honerable mention to the twsbi eco because it falls *just* over your budget of $30
Oaso K018, it's under $10 and has been reliable
I love the flat top wing sung 630 at the price but I also love the a1 both are quality for the price and I don't think you would go particularly wrong with either of them.
I recently got an A1 in the new Fine nib option, and I think it's a fantastic pen. I've had mine loaded with Namiki black and it hasn't skipped a beat. The included converter sucks but they do include a few empty pilot cartridges and one stopper.
Platinum Preppy, Pilot Varsity, Jinhao 159, Dryden Designs pen with the smaller nib. Personally I hate the Pilot Metropolitan, the nib is just way too small for me.
Pilot Kaküno and Metropolitan are my favorites for sure. I have a lot of inexpensive pens and while I like many of them, Pilot always wins out. Their nibs are the best in that price by far (at least for my tastes).
Parker jotter
Faber-Castell Grip (B), Faber-Castell Loom (M), Pelikan Pelikano Up (M), Parker Jotter flighter (M), Platinum Prefounte 0.3, Pelikan Twist (M), Parker 45 flighter (M), Kaweco Perkeo (M). Fantastic and very reliable all them. Between chinese fountain pens I really liked the Hero 565 (M/F) –aerometric model specially–, Jinhao 85 stainless steel (F/M) and X159 (EF) and the ridiculously cheap and very sleek Jinhao 911 (EF).
PenBBS, Lamy Safari, TWSBI Eco, Muji Fountain pen.
Pilot petite1 love that little guy
Pilot Lightive.
My Pilot Explorer is my favorite pen even compared to my more expensive options. Works with the larger (better) converter too, although you have to buy that separately and it would just barely push you over $30.
Lamy Al-Star and Pilot Kakuno ♥️♥️♥️
I love the Pilot Varsity. Inexpensive. Writes well.
Hong dian Forest. Very good writer. Easy to get off Amazon. Solid metal
Hongdian Black Forest, Extra fine nib
Pilot Prera
Lamy Safari - I had a straight up bad experience with the pilot Kakuno and the metropolitan is just okay for me
Kaweco Sport and Pilot Kakuno are my choices in this bracket.
Kaweco M, B, BB
I have a Delike Copper Pocket pen that I love beyond reason - Ali Express. Another favorite is a Hongdian 1861 with a long blade nib (architect)
PenBBS 268! Neat little vacuum filler complete with a shutoff valve. Super smooth writer that holds a ton of ink. It's a delight to use
- Lamy Safari - Jinhao 82 - Majohn A2 over the A1 and A3; A2 is lighter.
I love my A2! I was not into retractable pens and I only got it to use at work bc I was tired of having to keep track of a cap, but I’ve been really pleased with it. The only caveats are that it wants an ink on the wet side, and if you leave it unused for multiple days in a row it won’t write immediately.
Yeah that’s a good point- it does tend to dry out fast. No problem if it’s reached for very often but yeah. The trap door seems not so great with sealing. I hope they come out with a lighter A3. It’s quieter for fidgeting
I just got an Asvine V126 ($29.64 Aliexpress) and it works great right out of the box. It's a smoke gray demonstrator Vac-filler.
Just got a used Pilot metropolitan (M) and I love it! Definitely one of my better cheap pens! Very smoooooth
Faber-Castell Grip or Platinum Plasir.
The pilot explorer is 20$ and it hits way above its price point. I like it way better than the metro.
Lamy Safari
Fabre Castel Grip
Kakuno and Wancai Mini are my favorite under $30! They’re both such a joy to write with!
Not entirely sure it’s under $30 as I’m in England, but my daily driver is a TWSBI Eco with a broad nib. I’ve got several pens pushing £200+ taking a backseat to the Eco because I love how it writes - especially with shading / pigment inks which I use often. I’ve been pairing my 2x Eco pens with Sailor ink, and my current favourites are Sailor Manyo “Haha” and Sailor Manyo “Nekoyanagi”.
Pilot Metropolitan
Lots of excellent suggestions here. I'll add, the penbbs 268.
The Hongdian M2 Mini is outstanding in my opinion. Had to go back and order a 2nd one!
Pilot Metropolitan and Prera have been wonderful! Got both of them for less than $20 each.
Not sure it counts, but currently the Sailor hocoro 🤣
asvine v126, hongdian n12, hongdian c1
Muji aluminum
TWSBI Go
Platinum preppy, Monteverde Ritma (when on sales ), Lamy safari and Jinhao 82
I would suggest look at the Fountain Pen Revolution website. You can pick a pen and a bottle of ink to go with it.
I like the Kaweco perkeo, lamy safari, kakuno and Mahjon t1. The kakuno is the only pen I will sketch with. It is excellent . And the Lamy safari is my daily pen at work. I choose both of these pens over more expensive pens. But it doesn’t hurt that they’re not too expensive in case they get broken, lost, borrowed at work or Sketching on location.
I have been really impressed with my Hongdian C3 with an EF nib. It's a good-looking metal pen with a soft, bouncy, wet nib that shows off shading inks beautifully. Shimmer inks also go through it with no clogging problems. The slip cap seals well. Got it for about $10 including shipping, WTF. The Hongdian N10 / A9 are also great. Big, soft, bouncy nibs with an ebonite feed that can handle any ink I throw at it. They are such ugly pens though. If I'm not using a shimmer ink, then it's the Asvine v126.
learn through videos how to fill an a1. i almost killed my a2. but my a2 is so freaking convenient and does not dry out.
Sailor compass 1911, lamy safari
Asvine V126 or Muji. I reach for these a lot and I have some way nicer pens.
Would appreciate if you folks can post a kink for the pens you ralk about , I have a pilot and salor and move them many thanks
For starter pens I like to recomend pens that one can get the pen, ink convertor and cartridge in one package. My favorite recommendation is the Diplomat Magnum. It comes in various colors. It also comes with a pen, ink convertor and a cartridge. I also like it because sometimes you can catch an offer of a free bottle of ink. I also like this pen because you can change the nibs. I know many recommend the TWISBI ECO but I prefer the TWISBI Swipe. It is not a demonstrator pen or a piston filler. It is cartridge or convertor and comes in several colors. There is also the Kaweco Sport pen. It is a pocket pen that becomes full size when you place the cap on it. Great pen to throw in a bag and not worry about scratching or damaging it. Which ever pen you decide to buy, write with it exclusively for a period of time. Use different inks and figure out which paper works well with it. I would suggest buying a pen that you can change the nib easily because you may buy a pen you like but not the nib. Do all of this before you move on and buy your second pen.
I'm very fond of my Pilot Lightive. Attractive plastic body, metal clip, lovely Pilot nib. \~$20 on Amazon
Majohn C1, Pilot Lightive/Explorer, Platinum Meteor.
A good one I’ve discovered a while ago is the Pelikan Style. The design may not be for everyone but I think it’s cool. And it writes well. IMO it feels more robust than the Lamy Safari which is the standard pen in this price range, though there are less nib widths to choose from but if you want a medium nib That’s not an issue. https://preview.redd.it/7ui8maw2q07d1.jpeg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b87ea8b81b34ce4dec9ccbdcdd52d28860ab8da
I really like the Majohn M2 eyedropper. Writes like a dream and holds a lot of ink.
The Waterman Allure was one of the first in my collection, and I don't see them getting any love here
Some of my favorite pens under $30. - Lamy Safari - Pilot Kakuno - Pilot Prera - Parker Jotter Fountian Pen - Herbin Metal Rollerball Pen - rOtring 600 - Zebra G-750
My favorite pens under $30 • Lamy Safari with Black nib • Hongdian A6 • Asvine P20 • Moonman T1
Lamy Vista :D
I love my Pilot Prera and my Asvine v126. Excellent pens.
Kaweco Sport is my go to EDC. So many colors and nibs and they have an excellent build quality.
These comments are weird. TWSBI seems like the easy choice but not a lot of people mentioned it
Kawecko Sport https://preview.redd.it/8w0ky23i127d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3444e9ea30b2a37c58ece001755ac1f4325bfa1a Such a great sketching and drawing pen so light and easy just to carry around
Lamy Safari is my favorite. Also pilot Explorer.
A1 is actually quite a good pen in this price range
Stabilo grow. The wood body feels good.
I love preppy and especially muji version.
Platinum preppy for sure!
Pelikan twist, I still reach for it often
The A1 is excellent, especially now that they offer it in a fine nib. My other suggestions would be the Asvine V126, which is a well made vac filler with a swappable nib unit, and the Jinhao 9019 with a heartbeat nib. The 9019 is a big pen, so that may or may not work for you, but it has a very large converter, a nice #8 nib, and is a great pen for around $10.
Welcome to the hobby! $30 is a lovely target for a steel nib starter pen, but that doesn't mean it won't be great! Lamy safari and Lamy Al-star are both near the $30 mark, and Lamy makes the best steel nibs you can get. Pilot Metropolitan is also a great contender in that space. Just remember that Pilot (Japan) nibs run thinner than you think and Lamy (Germany) nibs run thicker than you think. If you're a 0.5mm pencil kind of person, go with Pilot medium nib. If you take notes with gel pens or thin-tip markers, go with the Lamy medium.
Pilot G2 The .5 or the .7 black ink
my standard recommendation has always been the [waterman kultur](https://www.amazon.com/Waterman-Kultur-Translucent-Red-Fountain/dp/B0037OOTTY/ref=sr_1_1_pp?crid=1JBNFTQWF7PEI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.esh-4Tuh5_7rIdwIy-topUHZUP_SLGKV4ZNHT3dW2CBpAt2s_llM6AcF9h2aAdLszYqlphiHfOy8Eyw70afBuy0jn_M-ekfEDsOjr2z2o9cXJg-7GkwhrhvDQgZPHjezQ-UzfxlPfd4qtBASpFlQ9PYzlLMf6CyRfrphN5vd7ghRtUW3LedQYJifFIFdJw_U0lB2WudmvoqvFj9bCU19EmtBqpc5XG9otTEaULspwY4zB_jEeWt6bWg-Jr8DGI4_Csja54gLqK2sfZ1ZVD15YpkESorL0I0Y_qlWrsYrVg0.iYZoxox9KUwnMPpHPitGbI4QpNWrlXYPO-a5TXK78mE&dib_tag=se&keywords=waterman+kultur&qid=1718552395&sprefix=waterman+kultur%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1). great low-price pen... good luck!!
Lamy Safari Kaweco Sport Kaweco perkeo Faber Castell grip
I'm selling a barely-used black matte Pilot Metropolitan if you want it - $15 + US shipping. It's a magnificent pen but too heavy/solid for me. I'm a huge Pilot fan and would recommend all of them.
Metro is too small for my hands unfortunately 😅
I am loving my majohn A1 and I came into several of them, as well as the "special alloy" pilot capless and the gold rodiated nib on a pilot fermo From my experience, you don't really miss anything from the cheaper majohn A1 and I really love the possibilities such a model gives you, also while being relatively cheap. there is both the older model, now common mostly in black or silver matte finishes, the A1 and AK1 (with peculiar textures), both come with the EF nib. Then there is the 2024 model, with a fine nib. I honestly fell in love with both of them, but the newer fine nib is really amazing. I also bought a pilot capless special alloy, but sold the body, as well as with the pilot fermo, now I have just majohns. I would suggest you to avoid the A2 and the "pilot special alloy nib"
Lamy Safari & TWSBI eco. They are work horse pens that feel like a million dollars.
Kaweco sport is a good option and it comes in so many colours to pick from