Writing with a fountain pen is a classic experience that every fountain enthusiast can acknowledge. Fountain pen calligraphy is more of an art, and writing with a fountain pen can be accurately described as a culture.
Over the years, more companies have included the production of fountains in their business. You can now choose from several brands apart from the popular fountain pen that we’re familiar with, like Parker, Waterman, Sheaffer, and more.
Fountain pens can cost a lot, and we understand this can be a big discouragement to many. However, we’ve prepared a list of five fountain pens under 50 dollars. These pens have been tested and proven effective at a low price.
1. Parker IM Fountain Pen
To start our list, we have a model produced by one of the best fountain pen brands on the market, Parker. Parker is one of the early makers of fountain pens that invented the air feed system. The air feed system is commonly seen in today’s fountain pen models by Parker and other brands.
The Parker IM fountain pen is a quality fountain pen, and the best part is that it won’t put a dent in your wallet. The Parker IM is made to be both elegant and easy to use. It should leave an impression on anybody that views the pen.
The first thing we like about this product is its aesthetic appeal. The pen has a classic look that gives off the impression of a professional. At the same time, the pen’s design gives it a refined appearance, and it will look good for official occasions. If you’re looking to get a pen for a business function or to carry it around the workplace, you should consider this product.
Not only is the design made to boost the aesthetic values of the pen, but it also covers the weight of the pen. The pen is lightweight, and you can easily carry it around in your pocket without feeling burdened. The pen weighs 1.06 ounces, which is relatively light for a fountain pen.
For those worried about the design of this pen and its relation to past Parker products, you can rest assured. The Parker IM maintains the exceptional standard of its predecessors. The glossy black lacquer paint used on the exterior with the gold trims, and the customary Parker arrow clip, ensure that you can’t mistake the pen for any other.
The nib is made with stainless steel, a very durable and lightweight material. You can write more comfortably with confidence in your strokes.
Also, this pen features more than great looks: It’s also highly functional. The shape of this product fits your hand perfectly, and it features an ergonomic shape that fits nicely into your fingers while feeling well-balanced.
Another reason we like this product is the flexibility. By flexibility, we’re referring to the refill options. With Parker IM, you don’t have to worry about refills because you can use both an ink cartridge and a liquid ink bottle for a refill.
What we like
- It has an appealing design.
- You can refill with an ink cartridge or liquid ink bottle.
- It offers an ergonomic grip.
What we don’t like
- The nib is not very fine.
The Parker IM is a modern product that does a good job of imitating older, more expensive models. It is an excellent choice for official functions since it gives a sophisticated and professional outlook.
2. Wordsworth & Black Fountain Pen Set
When discussing top fountain pens under 50 dollars, we must mention the Wordsworth & Black Fountain Pen set released in 2018. This pen is a beauty to the eyes, and it is also available in different colors.
The pen is designed to appeal to the eyes and performs well when put to paper. This pen is not just about looks, however. Rather, its high-quality design ensures that the pen will write well for a long time.
This product is made of metal, a great material for making fountain pens because it is strong and light. With this pen, you don’t have to worry about your pen wearing out from frequent use or getting damaged if it falls.
Also, the pen has a lightweight design, although it slightly weighs more than the earlier model. You can comfortably fit this pen in your chest pocket or hand without feeling much weight.
Apart from the appearance and weight, the pen’s design aims to make writing as comfortable as possible. You can enjoy a great writing experience thanks to the balanced feel of this quality pen.
Also, this product is more of a package deal because you get to enjoy more than just the fountain pen. There are also other accessories included in the package, and this will save you a lot of extra expenses.
With this product, you get your fountain pen and an ink converter that allows you to refill your pen with liquid ink. Also, you get three cartridges each for two different ink colors, black and blue. Furthermore, you get a classic holder or pen case as attractive as your pen and a gift box if you want to use the pen as a gift.
What we like
- It has an elegant design.
- It comes with many accessories, including different ink colors.
- You can use it with a cartridge or ink converter.
- It has a reasonable price.
What we don’t like
- Poor ink flow.
The Wordsworth is another great pen at a low price. Although it might take a few scribbles to get the ink flowing, it has a well-balanced feel when writing.
3. Dryden Designs Fountain Pen
The Dryden Designs Fountain Pen is older than the previous product and was introduced in 2017. Most other fountain pens have a decidedly masculine design or options. However, this particular product has options to please any taste.
Unlike the metal that was used in the production of the Wordsworth & Black Fountain pen set, this model is made with stainless steel. The stainless steel used in the production of this product has a lot of points when it comes to durability. For decades, you can use this product without fear of its wearing out or suffering damage easily.
However, stainless steel construction does have a drawback: the weight. The Dryden Designs Fountain Pen has a weight of 2.39 ounces which is way heavier than the other two models we’ve discussed. However, if you’re into the more antique styles of fountain pens, you will like this product’s weight.
Asides from the weight and material used in making this pen, there is also the matter of the design. Dryden Designs created this pen with a modern touch, and you can feel this even when you write.
The pen should balance in your hand and give you a smooth writing experience. For that reason, there is a smaller chance of you spilling ink or making marks while writing with this product. You can also write using any hand of your choice; the pen is crafted to fit both your right and left hand.
Of course, one problem with fountain pens is the liquid ink. For that reason, this product boasts well-sealed packaging and a cap cover. The cap cover makes it possible to pack your pen in a bag or carry it in your pocket without fear of ink stains.
Also, you don’t have to limit yourself to one method of refilling because the pen allows for both cartridge refill and using an ink bottle. Furthermore, you get a guide that teaches you all you need to know about handling the pen.
What we like
- It is elegant.
- It is well-balanced.
- You can use cartridges or ink bottles.
- It comes with a guide.
What we don’t like
- It stops working intermittently.
The Dryden Designs Fountain pen is suitable for everyone, and it works well in both hands. It is also affordable and has a nice design.
4. Scriveiner Silver Chrome Fountain Pen
Next, we have the Scriveiner Silver Chrome Fountain pen. This pen is a more recent model than the previous products we’ve discussed, released in 2020. The pen has a bold design that is sure to stand out, and it was crafted from a different type of material.
We recommend this pen for those that have a thing for making a statement. The design of this product is bold, and it screams sophistication. The Scriveiner fountain pen features a silver chrome exterior that catches the light when you write or want to sign.
The edges, nibs, and other parts are plated with a 24K Gold finish, apart from the silver chrome color. In terms of flashiness, there is no other product on this list that beats this product. If you’re the bold type or want a memorable gift, this product is a good candidate.
High-quality materials used in making this pen are another point of interest. The pen is crafted from brass, different from the common stainless steel and base metal used on the other products. The brass used in making this product contributes to its durability, and you are likely to still have your pen intact after many years.
Besides being durable, the brass construction means this pen weighs a hefty 5.3 ounces. Although it might feel heavy, the weight of the pen compliments the balance. You can write easily without wasting movements and moving your fingers instead of your wrist.
Also, the nib’s design contributes to the ease with which you can write. Originally, this product came with a Schmidt medium nib, but you can get a smaller or larger option depending on your preference.
What we like
- You can use it for any occasion.
- It is durable.
- The appearance is unique.
- It writes smoothly.
What we don’t like
- It is quite heavy.
The Scriveiner Silver Chrome Fountain Pen is a bold product that will stand out. It is a great choice of gift for both men and women.
5. Picasso 902 Gentlemen Collection Fountain Pen Original Box
The Picasso 902, in our opinion, is the pen that comes close to rivaling the Scriveiner in terms of looks. This product was released in 2017, and it is still in high demand in the fountain pen market.
Like many fountain pens, it features a metal casing, and it is way lighter than the solid brass Scriveiner. The metal material used is durable, and you can use your pen without fear of damage for a long while.
Also, the material used to make the pen is relatively light, so this pen weighs 1.31 ounces. You can easily carry this pen around with you, and you are never in lack of a pen anywhere you go. Also, the weight and material of the pen contribute to the overall balance and feel when you’re writing.
The Picasso 902 features a push cap that fits nicely and securely over the nib. The cap is also designed to add to the pen’s aesthetic value, evident in the adopted Relievo color.
Also, the pen comes with a converter using a screw mechanism. You can also buy cartridges for the pen, but they don’t come with it.
What we like
- The design is beautiful.
- It is lightweight.
What we don’t like
- It doesn’t come with cartridges.
The Picasso 902 is the last on our list of fountain pens under 50 Dollars, and it is also worth more than it costs.
Conclusion
Price doesn’t have to be a limitation when getting a fountain pen. We’ve looked at five fountain pens under 50 Dollars, and each of them will give you a great experience.
The Parker IM Fountain Pen is our top choice from the list. It has a refined look that makes it suitable for various occasions and official events. Also, it has a balanced feeling when writing, and the weight is perfect.