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Introduction to the Best Calligraphy Pens for Beginners, Key Considerations, and Frequently Asked Questions
Calligraphy is an ancient art form that is graceful, impactful and poetic. Long used with brushes, this art form is alive and well today.
The market is saturated with a large variety of pens for calligraphy. If you are just starting out, consider looking for something that is easy to use and offers enough variety to let your imagination run wild.
We look at some of the best calligraphy pens for beginners that can help you do just that.
If you are short of time, here is our list of Best Calligraphy Pens for Beginners
There are hundreds of pens you can find at stores for learning calligraphy. Some are better in writing quality and some offer a stylish design. Some pens come in a set that gives you greater stroke variety while some are unique.
We have reviewed 15 of the best calligraphy pens for beginners that will help you learn calligraphy in style without worrying about the budget. These pens are also great as gift ideas for someone you know who is into calligraphy.
- Tombow 62038 2-Pack Calligraphy Pen <<Best Value, Grab This One
- Scribe Sword Calligraphy Pen
- Itoya Doubleheader Calligraphy Pen
- Sheaffer Viewpoint Calligraphy Pen
- Parker Jotter Fountain Pen
- Lamy Joy Calligraphy Pen
- Kentaur Calligraphy Fountain Pen
- Sailor Fude De Mannen Calligraphy Fountain Pen
- ASXMA Wooden Calligraphy Pen Set
- AIVN Calligraphy Pen Set
- GC Quil MU-02 Calligraphy Pen Set
- Pablo Calligraphy Pen Set
- STAEDTLER Calligraphy Pen Set
- Monte Marte Calligraphy Pen Set
Calligraphy is an ancient art form that is graceful, impactful and poetic.
Long used with brushes, this art form is alive and well today.
Quill and ink pens are also frequently used to create masterful calligraphy:
Visual rhythm and beauty in this graceful sample is impossible to miss
It can also be jarring and emotional, rhythmic and individualistic!
A lot of creative people take up calligraphy because it opens a whole new world of imagination and design art for them. The process is very easy to start and all you need is the right set of tools, particularly calligraphy pens and ink, a willingness to practice, and a bit of help you get there.
Even colored markers can be great for calligraphy beginners! Check out our great review here.
Reviews of Best Calligraphy Pens for Beginners
1. Tombow 62038 2-Pack Calligraphy Pen
(Best for flexibility and ease of use)
Tombow is a stylish brand that is popular among users. It offers an elegant collection of dual pens with hard and soft tips. The 62038 2-pack is a flexible brush set that is perfect for beginners who are trying to learn the art of calligraphy.
The set offers two different types of pins, medium and extra fine. This allows you to create coarse font or stroke designs where you want with extra fine details in places by making adjustments to the nib. Both pens come filled with water based pigmented black ink, so you are ready to start working with the pens, right out of the box.
Beginners generally struggle with up and down contrasts with their strokes, but this pen allows you to create them with finesse.
- Flexible brush that is easy to adjust and use
- Allows you to create thick, medium and extra fine stroke for a variety of fonts and calligraphy design
- Shipped with water based ink and ready to use out of the box
2. Scribe Sword Calligraphy Pen
(Best pen design and material)
The Scribe Sword is a beautifully crafted, calligraphy pen designed to meet the needs of creative users. In terms of design, it looks similar to a sword with tapered ends and a broad middle shaft. It is a brushed, stainless steel with a polished royal blue color.
It has an executive style, stitched case design that looks good in your shirt pocket or your desk. Writing quality is precise and the stainless steel nib flows effortlessly on the paper with no smudges or break. Even beginners will be able to create master class, consistent lines with the right amount of ink flow.
The set comes with six international standard ink cartridges in black ink that feature an air tight to prevent it from drying out. This pen combines the traditional art of calligraphy with modern pen design to create a magnificent product.
- Beautiful design with a high quality stainless steel finish
- Very precise nib that allows the right amount of ink to flow on to the paper
- Comes with six, black ink cartridges to last a long time
3. Itoya Doubleheader Calligraphy Pen
(Single pen with dual tips)
Let’s look at a pen that is specifically created for calligraphy. The Itoya doubleheader is perfect for improving creativity and trying out your hand on a variety of font styles. It has a unique, doubleheaded design with nibs at both ends.
The fine end has a 1.5 mm nib that allows you to create delicate design and strokes. The other end is 3.0 mm thick for more pronounced, bold letters and lines. The dual end design makes it easy to write with a single pen, without switching between different ones.
You can fit both ends with the same ink or different colors based on your needs. It uses water based, acid-free ink making it perfect for younger pupils and beginners without worrying about the harmful effects of ink stains.
- Offer a unique double ended design
- Different nibs of 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm points at both ends
- Acid-free ink that is easy to refill and can be different for both ends.
4. Sheaffer Viewpoint Calligraphy Pen
(Reliable pen with see through ink barrel)
If you want something stylish that gets noticed, Sheaffer’s viewpoint calligraphy pen can get the job done. This pen comes in a set of two and it is great for the delicate style of calligraphy. It features the classic stainless steel nib that is very easy to clean and maintain.
The pen has a clear barrel near the tip so that you can easily see the level of ink and change it when required. You can buy this pen in a range of colors, including red, yellow, orange and blue.
Sheaffer is an old and established brand that offers high quality pens and stationary that is trusted by millions around the world. The viewpoint is another versatile handwriting pen that offers a rubber based traction grip that is easy to hold and use for new and experienced users.
- Classic and easy to clean stainless steel nib
- An easy to see through window barrel that makes it easy to monitor ink level
- Soft grip rubber barrel for easier handling
5. Parker Jotter Fountain Pen
(Firm grip and best for smooth drawing)
Parker is one of the oldest and most recognized brands of pen designers in the market. They also offer specialized pens for calligraphy, such as the Jotter fountain pain.
This newly designed Jotter pen brings a whole new type of fine writing technique to calligraphy. It features a sleek stainless steel barrel in a streamlined contrast of black and white. The feather shaped medium nib allows you to create gorgeous letters and lines without any splotches or breaks. The ink flows gently in a uniform pattern, allowing you to create your masterpiece without worry.
The pen is neither too thick nor too thin, making it easy to hold and work with. It offers a firm grip and comes in various colors including blue, red, black and silver. The product includes 1 large cartridge of water based blue ink.
- Stainless steel, stylish barrel with a smooth design
- It is a special edition calligraphy version of the popular Jotter series from Parker
- Comes with a large ink cartridge and an elegant gift box
6. Lamy Joy Calligraphy Pen
(Most durable calligraphy pen)
This is a solid, high quality calligraphy pen from Lamy Joy that will inspire you to create wonderful work. It fits perfectly when you hold it in your hand and you will feel that it is quite different from other regular pens. It feels almost like a paint brush used to create strokes on canvas. You will be able to write beautiful letters and words with this pen, even if you are new to calligraphy.
It has an ergonomic design that feels right and allows you to make upward or downward strokes with ease. Made with a shiny black, thick plastic, the pen could be used on anything from paper and greeting cards to boxes, envelopes and certificates.
It features a stainless steel nib that allows ink to flow naturally. The box comes with a blue ink cartridge, so you can start writing as soon as you get the pen. It is a wonderful writing tool that will suit both new and advanced writers.
- Unique, ergonomic grip design similar to painting brush
- 1 mm stainless steel nib and free blue ink cartridge
- Easy to use for beginners with a flexible clip of spring brass wire
7. Kentaur Calligraphy Fountain Pen
(Most customizable pen with a variety of nibs)
The Kentaur calligraphy pen is excellent for promising students or beginners looking to take up calligraphy as an art. It is a metal case pen with a classic design that most fountain pen users will be familiar with.
What makes this pen different is its adjustability. It has a changeable nib and you can open up the casing to fit the nib that you want. It comes with three different sizes of nibs that include 1.1 mm, 1.5 mm and 1.9 mm tips. With this level of customization, you can get the exact type of calligraphic thickness and font that you want.
The pen comes with an instruction manual that shows how to change the nib and also provides information on techniques for creating different styles of lettering. A perfect gift for a beginner!
- Stylish metal body with a classic design
- Offers three different nib dimensions that are easy to adjust
- Includes an instruction manual which makes it perfect for beginners
8. Sailor Fude De Mannen Calligraphy Fountain Pen
(Creative new design and unique writing style)
The Fude De Mannen is a special-design calligraphy pen from Sailor that offers easy writing in different font styles. This pen is quite popular with students and people who are new to calligraphy. It allows you to create stylish letters and lines with varying thickness levels based on how you use it.
These pens are becoming very popular in Asia where letters are written with variable thickness based on up or down strokes. It offers a practical and comfortable grip, ergonomically designed for comfort and control. The pen comes in two styles of nibs, the high angled nib at 55 degrees or a low angled 40 degree nib that is lowered for thicker strokes.
The type of calligraphic work that you can create depends on the angle of pen that you use.
- Smooth pen design with a stainless steel nib
- Perfect for variable calligraphy based on the angle of pen you choose
- Creates beautiful design for letters, numbers and strokes on a variety of writing paper
9. ASXMA Wooden Calligraphy Pen Set
(Most stylish wooden pen for authentic calligraphy)
Let’s look at something suitable for more serious users who want to take up calligraphy long-term. The ASXMA calligraphy pen offers a complete solution for calligraphy enthusiasts. It includes a wooden calligraphy pen that can be fitted with a variety of nibs. It features 11 different stainless steel nibs in different sizes including a golden nib for stylish writing.
The pen itself is handcrafted, made with pure Bronewood. The construction feels very solid in your hand and the pen glides effortlessly on paper. The box comes with four, non-toxic ink bottles that are resistant to fading.
The box also includes complete instructions on fitting nibs and use in calligraphy. It is a great set that is equally useful to professional calligraphers as well as people looking to take it up as a hobby.
- Comes in a box with placeholders for nibs and ink bottles making it perfect to keep everything in one place
- 11 different sizes and styles of nibs to fit on the pen
- Comes with four different color inks that are easy to use
10. AIVN Calligraphy Pen Set
(Best quality calligraphy set overall)
This calligraphy pen set comes in a stylish felt-lined box set that makes it easy to carry as well as a great gift. It includes a durable wooden pen with 12 different pen nibs and 2 acid-free ink bottles. It also includes a beginner instruction manual that comes in handy for learning calligraphy.
The handcrafted wooden pen is made of rosewood while the nibs are made with rust-free stainless steel. You can attach the nibs to the pen with a pewter fastening rig that gives you stable and smooth pen strokes for letters and lines.
The nibs hold a good volume of ink before you need to dip them again in ink. The fitting attachment is standard so you can use nibs from other sets on this pen as well.
- 12 nibs offer versatility in writing for users
- Detailed instruction set and multiple nibs for learning make this great for beginners
- Can attach nibs with a standard attachment rig
11. GC Quil MU-02 Calligraphy Pen Set
(Most artistic calligraphy set)
The GC Quil is a set of 2 pens that are great for calligraphy and stylish writing. This set is just gorgeous! The set includes one glass pen and one hand-crafted rosewood pen. Both pens are intricately designed and easy to hold, offering a firm grip.
It includes 6 extra attachment nibs for drawing lines of different thickness. Each nib offers a very smooth drawing experience, which makes the GC Quil a great set for beginners to learn the art of calligraphy.
The pens come with a set of 5 different colored inks including red, yellow, black, purple and green. The product is delivered in a stylish antique-inspired carrying case that features an old French world map which will look great on your desk.
- Large color selection of 5 inks
- 2 stylish pens with intricate designs including a glass and a wooden pen
- Cool, antique style carrier box that can also be used as a desk piece
12. Pablo Calligraphy Pen Set
(Most economical calligraphy pen set)
If you are looking to start calligraphy but don’t want to spend too much money on it early on, then the low cost Pablo Calligraphy pen set would be ideal for you. It is a good, mid-quality set of calligraphy equipment that costs about $25.
It offers 3 different styles of calligraphy pens, each of them made from a durable composite material. This set comes with a preloaded ink cartridge so that you can start working immediately out of the box. The set also includes 12 additional water based ink cartridges in red, blue, green and black colors. With three different pens to use, it gives you great variety in writing.
The set also includes a beginner’s guide to calligraphy.
- Comes with 3 different pens
- Offers 12 ink cartridges that will last you quite some time
- Very low cost for a complete calligraphic set
13. STAEDTLER Calligraphy Pen Set
(Comprehensive set with the most attachments)
Staedtler calligraphy pen set is a comprehensive solution in an affordable price that will fulfill all your calligraphy needs. It is a 33-piece set that offers everything you could possibly need to create great calligraphy on paper or canvas. It includes everything from four pens with 5 interchangeable nibs to 20 ink cartridges in seven different colors.
The nibs offer great variety and come in five different shapes and sizes. They go from an extra fine point to extra broad tips. The kit also includes an instruction manual and a writing pad to help you get started and learn the art.
The product comes packed in a minimalist storage tin box. Not too impressive, but it gets the job done. The four calligraphy pens are made from plastic. They have a marble-like finish, but it is very easy to tell the material. The 20 ink cartridges are water based and supplied to the nib through an internal little pump.
- An affordable set that offers four pens for the price of one
- 20 different ink cartridges in seven colors
- Five nib sizes from extra fine to extra broad tips
14. Monte Marte Calligraphy Pen Set
(Best calligraphy set for learning)
The main attraction of Mont Marte calligraphy set is its versatility and options that you get for learning calligraphy. The Mont Marte comes with 33 different attachments that can be set up on four calligraphy pens.
The box includes 20 ink cartridges in seven different colors, including blue, green, pink, brown, orange, yellow and black. It also includes an instruction manual with complete instructions for learning good, high quality calligraphy techniques.
With 33 nib attachments and 7 unique colors, this box set is the most comprehensive on our list. It is great for beginners to learn calligraphy and unleash their creativity skills.
- 33 nib attachments give you complete freedom to create everything from the finest stroke to the boldest, thickest lines on paper
- Ink cartridges in 7 different, unique colors are included
- Includes instruction booklet on using calligraphy techniques for beginners
Which Calligraphy Pen Should You Get?
Calligraphy pens have three main components, the pen itself, the writing nib and inkwells or the cartridge system.
The pen is the main part that you hold while striking lines and letters. A good pen must offer a firm grip that doesn’t slip and allows you to make firm strokes in all directions. It mustn’t be too heavy, and grip part should be soft enough that it doesn’t cause strain on your fingers and thumb.
Another aspect of the pen is its design. Pens come in different designs. The classic design is where the pen is broad in the middle and tapered at the ends like the Kentaur and Scribe Sword on our list. Another popular design is when the pen is broad near the tip to give it a brush like feeling, like the ASXMA and Lamy Joy pens.
The build material also makes a difference. Stainless steel cases are more durable but generally expensive. Plastic cases are cheaper, but you won’t get that top quality feeling with these pens. Wooden and glass pens are generally the most elegant but they are not as sturdy. They can also strain your hand more.
The nib is the tip of the pen, which affects the quality of ink flow on to paper. A good quality nib transmits the right amount of ink on to paper and doesn’t create blots of splotches. Stainless steel is the preferred material as it is most resistant to corrosion which is the number one cause of pens losing their fluidity.
As for the ink, there are two options you have. You can use an inkwell where you dip the pen in an ink pot as you make strokes on paper or use a pen where you can attach a cartridge to the pen.
Cartridges are easier to use and preferred by beginners. However, professionals prefer to go with inkwells because they create a much superior quality stroke than you can get with a cartridge pen. Some new calligraphers prefer to start with inkwells because they want to get the basics right and don’t want to switch to inkwells later.
Tutorials:
Here are a few short tutorials to get you excited about learning calligraphy with your new pens!
Conclusion
Since every person’s needs are different, it is difficult to announce a single winner from our list. A person looking to create the most varied projects would find the Staedtler the most useful for them while a person with simpler needs would be happier with the no-frills Pilot Metropolitan. Someone with productivity in mind will favor Itoya doubleheader because a single pen gets the job done while others may find it difficult to master.
We have selected not one but two pens that will serve the needs of most beginners, based on what you want. The first is the Tombow 62038, 2-pen set. This is a simplistic, no frills set that offers an elegant design and flexible usage.
The second is the AIVN calligraphy set. It offers enough nib attachments that will allow you to test out different strokes without overwhelming you with choices. The writing quality is great while the price is in the mid range, which shouldn’t burden most users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Should I Learn Calligraphy?
Calligraphy, like all other arts, is a way to express your talents and create something wonderful. It focuses on expressing words, ideas, symbols and quotes in an illustrated way for viewers. It can be an outlet to express your creative genius with words and lines.
While most people do it as a hobby, really good calligraphers can make a career out of it and get paid good money for their craft.
How Do I Practice Calligraphy?
There is no better way to practice calligraphy than actually doing it. Most calligraphy pens and equipment comes with instruction manuals or booklets that describe the basics.
You do not need to take up expensive classes for it unless you want to pursue it professionally. All you need is a passion for drawing, a vibrant imagination and a pen.
How Many Pens Should I Get?
If you are just starting out, we suggest keeping things under budget. Don’t get more than 1 or 2 pens at most. Test out how you like it.
If you find out that it really interests you and you enjoy spending a lot of time drawing intricate designs, then move up and get a professional kit. But until then, a couple of pens are all you need.