The Best Calligraphy Pens

Historically, calligraphy is believed to have originated from the ancient Roman culture. The crumbling statues of ancient Rome display this beautiful handwork that was painstakingly transcribed into stone. Today, calligraphy can be seen anywhere from monograms to wedding invitations, to tattoo work. Whether you're an old pro or simply interested in learning this ancient transcription and art form, you'll want a proper calligraphy pen to practice with. These are the top calligraphy pens you'll find.

Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens

These Brush Pens are a Favorite

These Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens are an excellent option for calligraphic writing.
Best Overall

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Although brush pens have a bit more of a learning curve when it comes to writing with a calligraphy pen, these Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens are the best of the best with it comes to creating artistic writing, art drawings, or of course, practicing calligraphy. Although some prefer the hard tip of a more traditional-style nib, the unique tip of the Fudenosuke pen comes with a flexible brush trip that allows writers to deftly change the stoke and brush pressure, resulting in a truly artistic and graceful final product.

Pros:

  • Unique design allows for precise strokes.
  • Ink doesn’t smudge and is odorless.
  • Versatile pen that’s great for everything from calligraphy to artwork to journaling.

Cons:

  • Pens are not refillable.

MISULOVE Calligraphy Pens

MISULOVE's Calligraphy Pens are Another Fan Favorite

This set of six calligraphy pens are a fine option as well.
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These brush pens are an all-around ideal pen for any artistic writing project you have in mind, from calligraphic writing to sketching to journaling (or really, whatever else you can think of). Coming in a pack of six, these are completely non-toxic, acid-free, and odorless water-based brush pens.

If you’re just learning or simply exploring calligraphy or artistic writing, these pens have an added bonus of coming in four types of tips: soft, hard, extra-fine, and medium brushed tips are all included in one set. You’ll find that the ink dries quickly, a serious plus if you’re trying to create those elegant, clean lines and curves as is typical of calligraphy.

Pros:

  • Easily refillable ink.
  • Water-based ink that is odorless.

Cons:

  • The larger brush pens fray after a number of uses. This can be prolonged by working with a thin stroke.

Plotube Calligraphy Set

A Complete Gift Set

This antique-inspired set is a wonderful idea as a gift for any budding calligraphy fan.
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For the budding calligraphy writer in your life, this is an excellent option as a gift. Plotube’s beautiful calligraphy set is almost artistic in its presentation. Everything you need in this box is included, from the dip pen to the nibs to the included inks. Made as a vintage style gift box, this is a handcrafted calligraphy set with antique-style pens and holders. Plotube has created a truly elegant set to learn calligraphy from, or to give to someone as a gift.

Regardless if this is for you or for someone else, just a note: these types of calligraphy pens are a bit harder to learn on. If you’re a beginner at this art form, consider also adding in a felt tipped pen and an exercise book to get some practice with it before diving into this set. Although it is a fantastic set, there is a bit of a learning curve to using these types of calligraphy pens.

Pros:

  • Includes a wooden dip pen, 4 ink bottles (in red, green, pink, and brown), 11 different nibs, and an antique holder.
  • Package comes with a gift box.

Cons:

  • Most common complaint? Ink is a bit water. This is nice for practicing, however.

Mont Marte Calligraphy Set

Everything You Need To Get Started

If you're looking for a full set for yourself, this is a fantastic option for a calligraphy pen set.
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While single pens and basic sets are a great option, a classic style calligraphy pen set is a really great present to yourself. This one by Mont Marte will not disappoint. Included in this set are four classic-style, refillable calligraphy pens and cartridges, five nib grades, 20 ink cartridges, and a couple booklets for instructional purposes. Literally everything you’ll need is in this set except for the paper, and it all comes in a tidy, organized, slim box.

Pros:

  • Refillable classic-style calligraphy pens with included ink cartridges
  • 20 ink cartridges in seven different colors (2 brown, green pink, orange and yellow, and 5 black and blue)
  • Included introduction booklet for learning the art of calligraphic writing (with letter-by-letter introduction).
  • Exercise booklet to practice your newfound skills.

Cons:

  • Pens tend to clog a big easily.

Dryden Designs Luxury Fountain Pen

Simplicity and Sophistication in a Calligraphy Pen

If you're looking for a simple, straightforward, and yet beautifully designed calligraphy pen, you'll want to go with this one.
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If you’re looking for a single calligraphy pen, this luxury fountain pen by Dryden Designs is a fan favorite. Why? Well, it has many positives and very few negatives. For starters, you’ll find that this pen has the perfect weight to comfort ratio, with a specifically designed, and unique to this company, Ergocomfort Technology that means you can write for hours without any strain to your wrist or your hand. Amazingly, it is also designed to be used with either right hand or left hand…a major plus for those left handers among us who struggle to find a pen that works for them, too.

What’s more? This pen is designed with Elegant Ink Flow, a technology that creates smooth lines and precise curves. Although a bit on the pricier side, this is a classic pen that will deliver gorgeous results.

Pros:

  • Comes in ten different colors.
  • Includes ink refill converter.

Cons:

  • Common complaint? Pen cap and barrel aren’t the greatest fit, resulting in a cap that can be finicky and fall off during use if you’re not careful.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should you look for in a calligraphy pen?

There are four main types of pens that can be used for calligraphy.

  1. Felt Tip Pens. These are an excellent choice for beginners. These types of pens typically run out quickly, and are not refillable. They can also bleed through paper or other writing surfaces easily. But, on the positive side, they are excellent for practicing.
  2. Fountain Pens. Fountain pens have changeable nibs and ink cartridges. They’re more commonly used among those who have had some calligraphy practice.
  3. Dip Pens. This type of pen is used among those with much more experience.
  4. Brush Pens. These are pens made of a very thin brush, and you’ll need dip to use with the pen (think of it like a paint brush and paint). These are responsive, but not the best choice for beginners.

It’s best to try a few different styles of pens over time…really play around with each type of pen to see which you prefer. If you’re a beginner, a felt tip pen is a solid option.

2. What is the proper way to clean and store a calligraphy pen?

Proper care is essential to the longevity of your calligraphy pens. You’ll want to keep your nibs clean even during use–every two minutes, in fact. Simply dip and swish in water, and then pinch the nib in a non-fibrous cloth to dry before dipping the nib again. This can be done for a final cleanse before storing, as well. For proper storage, you’ll want to make sure that your nibs are kept completely away from moisture. Storing with the nibs upright and not touching anything is a great way to ensure this. Using an old mug with pens upside down is a good option. Just make sure that nibs are always put away dry, whatever you do.