Best pens on Reddit

336 reviews from r/fountainpens, r/pens, r/hobonichi and 22 more subreddits

336 reviews from
and
By Brand
/
By Product
#1

Pilot

4.7
(69)
"G2 pens are goat for glove writing."
·
"I really like the dr. Grip wacom pen. Feels very comfy and writes smooth."
·
"I love Pilot pens, just like the other comments."
·
"They sell billions of them for a reason."
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"Ergonomically designed ung pen so di masakit sa kamay."
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"Pilot G2 is excellent."
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"Only two correct answers: Pilot G2 or Sharpie S•Gel."
·
"I use a Pilot Decimo in ef..."
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"Pilot 823 and VP."
·
"Pilot Vanishing point for a work pen."
·
#2

Lamy

4.7
(41)
"Timeless design, looks fantastic, great build quality."
·
"It just looks heavy and classy, but without gearhead greebles."
·
"Best option for me with BNA4c is Lamy with felpa nibs."
·
"Try the Lamy CP1. It’s thin, weighty, and super sleek."
·
"Stainless steel Lamy 2000."
·
"Lamy Studio - one of my top 3 pens."
·
"Lamy al-star?"
·
"Have been using it as my main pen for a while, absolutely love it."
·
"Lamy 2000 and a Lamy 2000."
·
"1 is the LAMY 2000 that my wife bought me for a birthday."
·
#3

Pentel

4.8
(21)
"I personally prefer EnerGel for taking and making notes, due to high contrast"
·
"Pentel energel its worth it i even wrote boards with it"
·
"I’ve personally loved the Pentel Energel for years, as I felt it’s smoother than the Pilot G-2."
·
"The Pentel Energel 1.0 mm green is the same color and writes just as well."
·
"As another lefty…I would also recommend the Pentel Energels"
·
"If G2s are too smudgy, look at Pentel Energels. They come in lots of colors."
·
"Gel pens: pentel energel, uniball signo"
·
"This pen feels really good and the Pentel Energel refills write very black, smooth, and dries quickly."
·
"(2) Pentel Energel"
·
"I’ve recently (2 days ago) converted to a Pentel Energel Clena 0.5 and I am IN LOVE. And no smudging!!!"
·
#4

Uni-Ball

4.8
(14)
"Uniball alpha grip Jetstream."
·
"Uni Ball Jetstream (the Hobonichi multi pen freebie) is also great to use."
·
"Gel pens: pentel energel, uniball signo"
·
"I love the uniball one in .38 or .5."
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"I also use the Uniball Signo!"
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"I use the Uniball One P .38."
·
"I like Uni One (specifically the Uni One P which is a short little one)."
·
"I love UniBall Signo pens, in .5 and. 38."
·
"Uniball One (both available in both 0.5 and 0.38 and really good colours)."
·
"I use a uniball one p swapped with a .38 energel refill!"
·
#5

Parker

4.6
(12)
"Or parker jotter if you prefer a slim body."
·
"Some vintage pens are excellent Parker 75..."
·
"My 1930 Waterman's 3 and my 1958 Parker UK Junior Duofold."
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"I've got a vintage parker 51 with a m/b stub nib which has great sharp line variation..."
·
"If you are looking for something a bit more tapered, the Parker Jotter will serve you well."
·
"Well good pens I have gifted were the Parker Jotter."
·
"Parker Duofold can be had under $400 if you watch promotions."
·
"Stainless steel Parker Jotter or Rotting 600."
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"Parker 51 and Parker 75."
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"1. Parker 75 for sentimental reasons."
·
#6

Platinum

4.8
(10)
"Gonna echo Platinum. I like the little meteor/shooting star bodies over the preppy but it’s all the same nib at the end of the day."
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"Platinum Preppy. I have a 02 (EF) I put a PCB cartridge into over 2 years ago and it still works perfectly every time."
·
"Platinum Preppy with Carbon Ink has been really great for me this year..."
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"Platinum 3776 laurel green/rhodium M."
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"3 is a bare minimum."
·
"Fountain pens: platinum preppy, pilot kakuno, kaweco sport"
·
"Highly recommended for its quality."
·
"Go for platinum preppy it’s extremely good and not expensive ₹425."
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"I use a platinum preppy in 0.2 with platinum ink, but i also havent had problems with zebra mark on in 0.4!"
·
"The Platinum Preppy is great for extra fine notes and is also inexpensive."
#7

Zebra

4.8
(9)
"Go for a Sarasa vintage set, you won’t regret it. It’s like they’re made for each other."
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"...the Sarasa Nano in Dark Grey..."
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"Zebra Sarasa Dry Gel Pen - 0.4 mm - Blue ink is vivid and dries quickly."
·
"Zebra Sarasa Dry Gel Pen - 0.4 mm - Blue."
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"Zebra Sarasa - smooth, many colors: basic, vintage, pastel."
·
"I like Sarasa’s zebra, quickly dry, vintage, and milk best and in .3 - .5mm."
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"Same form factor as a Pilot G2, but the ink dries instantly and doesn't smear."
·
"I've been using the Sarasa Mark On and it's been going well!"
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"Zebra SARASA series (not SARASA dry) , Pilot Juice or Juice Up series."
#8

Pelikan

4.8
(9)
"Pelikan M800 Stone Garden."
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"Pelikan M1000 in fine; and Pilot CH912 with the Falcon nib."
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"Pelikan M1000 green stripes (F) and a KOP 1911 (B)."
·
"My Pelikan M1000 Renaissance Brown <M>."
·
"I love Pelikan M 800’s. I own 4 and two are particularly outstanding."
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"My go-tos when I need to do extensive writing."
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"Pelikan M800 can be had under $400 if you watch promotions."
·
"And then maybe my Pelikan M200 ground to xxf."
·
"For $100 more you may get lucky and find a M1000."
#9

Uni

4.8
(8)
"Uni Jetstream Alpha Gel is my pick."
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"Uni Jet-stream, uniball signo DX, Uni Style fit in various colours, Zebra Sarasa."
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"I like the Jetstream and also the Pigma Microns in the 01 size."
·
"My go-to non-FP pen is the Uni Jetstream in 0.38mm."
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"Suggest oil based hybrid ink pens - Jetstream or Acroball."
·
"The Uni Fine Liner is always the best in my hand."
·
"Drawing pens... fineliners.. felttips: Molotow Blackliner Uni Fine liner Pentel Pointliner Artline Drawing system."
·
"If you want something even more comfortable, I'd maybe look into Jetstream A."
#10

TWSBI

4.6
(8)
"I have TWSBI Ecos as dedicated shimmer pens, and I find that the M, B, and 1.1 stub nibs work wonderfully for shimmers."
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"A twsbi eco with a fine nib and a kaweco sport with a medium nib."
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"* TWSBI Eco(Go or swipe too?)"
·
"I recently purchased a twsbi eco in B as my usual pens were either too expensive or had EF/F nibs."
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"Any decent fountain pen will do."
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"Some of my favorite nibs-swap options: Narwhal, TWSBI, ASA/Gama/Ranga"
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"I love sheening ink and have no issue with it in any of my pens: Twsbi Eco, Jinhao x750, Lamy Safari, Preppy."
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"My Twisbi eco stub nib & my green medium nib Jinhoa 82."
#11

Muji

4.6
(8)
"MUJI, Pilot Gtec 0.4."
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"Muji gel pen and Zebra Sarasa Clip"
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"Muji's gel pens are so smooth on TRP."
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"I like the Muji .38 knock back ball point. They are my favorite."
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"Muji gel pens are amazing - they flow so easily and really reduce the amount of pressure I need."
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"Muji gel pen 0.38"
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"Muji sells some pretty well designed pens."
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"MUJI, Pilot Gtec 0.4."
#12

Pilot Acroball

4.9
(7)
"Akala ko alam ng lahat na ito ang pambansang ballpen for charting?"
·
"Acroball lang sakalam!!! 0.7 black para readable at maganda line width."
·
"Parang walang bisa orders ko sa chart pag hindi yun gamit ko."
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"You can't go wrong with Pilot Acroball or the Acro 300."
·
"The only time my penmanship is decent haha."
·
"Acroball supremacy! very smooth yung traction, nice grip."
·
"Actually lahat maganda pero if laging nawawala, opt for something cheaper na lang na hindi nakakahinayang kahit manakaw hahaha like flexstick, hbw, or panda hehe"
#13

Kaweco

4.9
(7)
"...the brass, bronze, or copper Kaweco Sport..."
·
"Give that Kaweko brass sport a go as your daily pen, fits nicely in a pocket."
·
"I have a Kaweco Brass Sport and it is always in my pocket."
·
"Fountain pens: platinum preppy, pilot kakuno, kaweco sport"
·
"The Kaweco Sport is a portable and versatile pen available in fountain, rollerball, and gel options, with a few special metal versions."
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"Super durable and a great EDC option."
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"Kaweco Brass Sport."
#14

Sakura

4.8
(6)
"Sakura pigma micron! they're super black, doesn't bleed and dries super fast"
·
"I’ve been using a Sakura Pigma Micron and Muji pens. No bleed through!"
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"My everyday pen for years and years has been the Sakura Pigma Micron."
·
"Love the Sakura Pigma Microns; they don’t fade over time."
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"I like Sakura Pigma Microns. Permanent and write on a wide variety of papers without bleeding."
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"I personally use the 08 (0.5mm) and 005 (0.2mm) sakura pigma microns."
#15

Sharpie

4.7
(6)
"Sharpie S-gel for sure."
·
"Sharpies 100%."
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"Sharpie S gel."
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"Best pen in existence. Can’t change my mind lol."
·
"Sharpies. I bought a verity pack from Amazon so I can actually use the colors I’m tufting with as reference."
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"I like the latter, as the grip is rubber and its shape is great."
#16

Uni-ball

4.7
(6)
"Uni-ball one P definitely."
·
"I like them and they have great gel ink."
·
"Love Uniball."
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"I recommend the Uni-ball I’ve had the best experience with them!"
·
"I got the uniball one last week and I’ve really been enjoying it. No smudging issues so far for me."
·
"Ek naya haath lelo and uniball black pen."
#17

Uni Jetstream

4.6
(5)
"I've loved pens all my life but once I used a uni jetstream, all others seem to pale in comparison."
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"Uni Jetstream pen - usually it's the pen that is packaged with the hobonichi."
·
"Uni Jetstream ... 1.0"
·
"I personally use fountain pens and an uni jetstream pen (they're really good, I've used them even before I knew about hobonichi."
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"I’d probably replace the Vicuña with another low-viscosity hybrid ballpoint pen like a Uni Jetstream or Pilot Acroball."
#18

Big Idea Design

5.0
(4)
"They both have a clutch mechanism like the drafting lead holder that grips onto the tip."
·
"Get a caran d'ache ballpoint or rollerball in red."
·
"It’s a Titanium Pen, looks great for a professional setting for a lawyer."
·
"The Fountain Edc is a great pocket size fountain pen."
#19

Platinum Preppy

4.0
(4)
"Platinum Preppy and Pilot Vpen ... plastic body"
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"Preppy. You can also use the Carbon ink without having to buy a converter and bottle of ink."
·
"Wearingeul potions mixed with other inks have worked well in my platinum preppy fine-nibs (03)."
·
"Has anyone tried the Preppy Platinum fountain pens that are on the Hobonichi site? They seem like a good starter fountain pen."
#20

Linc

4.0
(4)
"You can use Pentonic"
·
"Saste me linc pentonic, flair, Doms , Reynolds butterflow le"
·
"Linc is goated pen in 2013 when i was in grade 3 but now max is good"
·
"Linc, atlas buttergel and rotomac fine tip"
#21

Pilot Kakuno EF

5.0
(3)
"My favorites are a Pilot Kakuno EF with DA Document Black or Brown"
·
"My go-to is a Pilot Kakuno EF with De Atramentis Document Black."
·
"I highly recommend the Pilot Kakuno EF as an alternative to the smaller fineliners."
#22

Uni-Ball Jetstream

4.7
(3)
"Uni jetstreams!"
·
"I second the Uni Jetstream! I have a heavy hand too and I've never had any issues."
·
"Jetstream."
#23

Zebra Sarasa

4.7
(3)
"OP, go for Zebra Sarasa. You won't regret it, I promise."
·
"Zebra sarasa, pilot precise, bic gelocity, bic Atlantis, bic cristal Xtra Bold"
·
"Zebra sarasa, but a dong-a has a cheaper alternative."
#24

Energel

4.3
(3)
"Got these from blinkit, have been loving them everysince, everyday. Highly recommended"
·
"Energel, find yourself the tip size you want but cuz it comes in 0.5 and 0.7, 0.5 is better for maths and technical drawings"
·
"Highly recommended for writing."
#25

Pentonic

4.3
(3)
"Pentonic"
·
"Pentonic."
·
"Us pentonic coloured pens."
#26

Deli

4.0
(3)
"Deli sa shopee. Ok lang kahit mawala."
·
"Yung Deli pens from Shopee! Recently bought a box of 12 pieces 0.5mm for less than P200."
·
"Super cheap, sagad tlga. Plus they have ung clickable pens with rubber/foam grip."
#27

Hobonichi

5.0
(2)
"I use the free hobinichi pen and it works great!"
·
"The Hobonichi pen works well for my needs."
#28

Pilot Kakuno

5.0
(2)
"The pilot kakuno!! they come in really cute colors and just have one of the best nibs."
·
"I’d recommend starting with a Pilot Kakuno with an Extra Fine nib."
#29

Montblanc

5.0
(2)
"Vintage Pelikan 1000 and vintage MB 149."
·
"Vintage Montblanc 149"
#30

Zebra Sarasa Mark On 0.4

5.0
(2)
"Sarasa Mark On 0.4 gel pen. You can highlight over this ink, drys quick, writes smooth."
·
"Zebra Sarasa MarkOn 0.4 and Sarasa Nano 0.3 are my main pens of choice."
#31

Pentel Energel

5.0
(2)
"Pentel Energel is my personal favorite, super smooth, nice dark black."
·
"Just get a energel 1.0 or 0.7 or 0.5"
#32

Atlas Butter Gel

5.0
(2)
"ATLAS BUTTERGEL SUPREMACY"
·
"Atlas Butter Gel"
#33

Rotomac Ten

5.0
(2)
"Rotomac Ten FTW."
·
"Rotomac ten followed by mango my10."
#34

TWSBI Eco

5.0
(2)
"I just got the TWSBI Eco in 1.1 stub for shimmer inks and wow, I am blown away!"
·
"The fountain pens I use most in it are my lamy, twsbi eco, and sailor pro gear slim mini."
#35

Posca

5.0
(2)
"Seconding the Posca recommendation. I have about 4 dozen of the things."
·
"Posca pens are nice and not too expensive. There a lot of options with different color options and tips."
#36

Waterman

5.0
(2)
"Waterman Carene. Elegant, nice feedback, good weight."
·
"2 - Waterman Carene 18k <B>."
#37

Molotow

4.5
(2)
"The Molotow Blackliner is also excellent."
·
"Drawing pens... fineliners.. felttips: Molotow Blackliner Uni Fine liner Pentel Pointliner Artline Drawing system."
#38

Jetstream

4.5
(2)
"The Jetstream is amazing."
·
"I usually buy a box of the Jetstream and substitute the refill and have a pen for less than $2."
#39

De Atramentis

4.5
(2)
"De Atramentis document inks are amazing for crisp and clean lines."
·
"Platinum Carbon Black is a good ink for this purpose."
#40

Cross

4.5
(2)
"A pen used by Presidents, ideal for bold signature lines."
·
"Get Cross Century II or Townsend Selectip."
#41

Fountain Pen

4.5
(2)
"Closing for a sentimental boss that wants wet signatures sounds like a job for a fountain pen."
·
"If you get a fountain pen be sure to get an appropriate ink."
#42

Wing Sung

4.5
(2)
"Wing Sung 601 is a vac filler, huge ink capacity, and built like a tank."
·
"The Wing Sung 601 is slim, cheapish, has a good ink capacity, is easy to fill, and looks fantastic"
#43

Ensso

4.5
(2)
"Ensso Bolt Titanium - absolutely the best writing experience of my collection."
·
"They are the Kickstarter Ensso Bolt <EF>, for quick notes."
#44

Diplomat

4.5
(2)
"Look at the new Diplomat Viper..."
·
"My Diplomat Viper and Franklin christoph 20."
#45

PenAgain

4.0
(2)
"Pen Again. It’s a Y shaped pen and your finger goes between the Y and it’s supported that way."
·
"PenAgain and any brand of thixotropic pens."
#46

Fisher

4.0
(2)
"I'd recommend the Fisher Space Pen but I'm not sure those are $20 or less."
·
"Fisher Space pen would check off most items on your list except mainly the price."
#47

Asvine

4.0
(2)
"For price and ease to get combined with quality, Asvine"
·
"For high ink capacity you could go for any Asvine vac or piston filler."
#48

Sakura Pigma Micron

4.0
(2)
"I can reliably get Sakura Pigma Micron pens here en Suisse and prefer those."
·
"I'll also use Sakura Pigma Micron, Pilot G-Tec-C4, and various EF-F nibbed fountain pens on occasion."
#49

BIC Ballpoint

4.0
(2)
"Bic ballpoint"
·
"BIC, Atlas ballpoint, LINC."
#50

Retro 51

4.0
(2)
"It will take Parker-style refills such as the Easyflow 9000."
·
"Retro 51 Tornado - comes in many interesting designs."
#51

Rotring

4.0
(2)
"Rotring 600."
·
"Rotring 600."
#52

Opus 88

3.5
(2)
"The Opus 88 pens are great for traveling."
·
"I like the Opus88 but the flex isn’t that pronounced."
#53

Stabilo

5.0
(1)
"They come in every color imaginable."
#54

Staedtler

5.0
(1)
"That won."
#55

Aen Art

4.0
(1)
"A pack of 120 is like $18."
#56

Pilot Parallel Pens

4.0
(1)
"Some other options: Pratikpens, Automatic pens, pilot parallel pens."
#57

Artline

4.0
(1)
"Drawing pens... fineliners.. felttips: Molotow Blackliner Uni Fine liner Pentel Pointliner Artline Drawing system."
#58

Mono

4.0
(1)
"Mono graph lite 0.5 ballpoint pen"
#59

Bamboo Qalams

4.0
(1)
"You can try Bamboo Qalams!"
#60

Mein

4.0
(1)
"Gel mein octane and ball mein cello"

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