Tuesday Toolset, Top 5 Fountain Pens Under $50

The Lamy Safari is back on top.

I love the TWSBI ECO, and it is number one on my personal list for this range, but the Safari is a better recommendation if you think of this as the beginner fountain pen section. And, according to my inbox, that is how readers take it.

Cartridges make all of the difference for first time pen buyers. Piston-fillers, and the required ink bottle, are intimidating. I’ve listened to the feedback on this and feel that it is the right change to make. I love the Safari, so it’s not a tough call to put it back up top, where it has been before.

The ECO and Safari swap spots on the list, with the Pilot Metropolitan separating the two. Again, it’s the cartridge. But I will say it is a clear top three, then everything else.

Top 5 Fountain Pens Under $50

1. Lamy Safari - It’s universally great. Yes, the molded grip section could be an issue for some, but I don’t believe it is enough to move it out of the top spot. (Buy)
2. Pilot Metropolitan - A 30% price increase last year slowed down the hype train, but it is the most traditional fountain pen on this list. (Buy)
3. TWSBI ECO - My personal favorite in this range, but the piston filling mechanism is a turn off for new users. If you are fine with it, then this is number one. (Buy)
4. Kaweco Sport - It isn't just a great portable, pocketable fountain pen. It's a great fountain pen period. (Buy)
5. Platinum Preppy - Is there such a thing as a quality fountain pen under $5? Yes. Yes there is. (Buy)

(Notes: The Kaweco Sport is a personal favorite, but an odd pen for a beginner. The Platinum Preppy almost has to make the list strictly from a value perspective. The Pilot Kakuno is always in consideration, along with the Pilot Prera. I need to spend more time with the Platinum Prefounte to see if should be ahead of the Preppy.)

My personal use ranking:

1. TWSBI ECO
2. Kaweco Sport
3. Lamy Safari
4. Pilot Prera
5. Pilot Kakuno

Blackwing Volumes 155 Bauhaus Edition Giveaway

The Blackwing Volumes 155 Bauhaus Edition is one of the more popular recent releases of their limited edition service, and I have a dozen ready to give away. I got this pack from JetPens, where they are already sold out, but be sure to check out all of the standard Blackwing editions if you want to try out one of the best pencils on the market. For the giveaway, read the rules below, and get entering!

Blackwing Volumes 155 Bauhaus Edition Giveaway

Limited Edition Leonardo and Aurora Fountain Pens from Casa della Stilografica (Sponsor)

Casa della Stilografica is a family-owned and operated fountain pen boutique and retailer based in Firenze, Italy. Founded in 1944, the shop has worked closely over the years with all of the biggest brands in the world, with a special focus on their home country of Italy.

For example, the Aurora Optima 366 Gialla Limited Edition features a striking yellow auoroloide barrel with a black grip section and finials, along with a Rhodium plated 18k gold nib and hardware. This pen is limited to just 366 pieces, one for each day of the year - plus Leap Year!

Similarly, the Leonardo Officina Italiana Messenger uses a Leap Year theme, with 366 pens per color to represent the days of this special calendar year. The five barrel colors - Aqua, Caramel, Green, Red, and Orange - each feature a translucent resin swirl and silver-colored nibs and trim.

Casa della Stilografica is a full-service brick and mortar retailer, with a flourishing online business. They ship worldwide from their shop in Firenze, and if you make a purchase this week, they are offering Pen Addict readers a 10% discount with the code Penaddict at checkout.

My thanks to Casa della Stilografica for sponsoring The Pen Addict this week.