Rediscover the joys of writing with ink on paper affordably. Because Writing is cool again! And stress (pressure)-free writing is in. This is why fountain pens are making a comeback as perfect tools for the digital detox you have been craving. The trend, though, is not new. What started as a fad during the COVID-induced lockdown period has become a popular choice.
In this article, we will help you make a lifestyle choice at half the cost of a feature mobile phone – considered ideal for a digital detox. Carrying a fountain pen would enhance your office image among your clients and friends and get you in touch with the habit of writing.
Moreover, it is excellent for mental health and the environment, makes a great gift for all age groups, and could be a legacy.
India has long been a major fountain pen manufacturer and market. The choice of fountain pens here can range from good European, Japanese, Indian, US, Chinese, or Taiwanese picks. Both fountain pen and ink manufacturers from India have seen an exciting revival in demand across their domestic and export markets.
But most people still see fountain pens as an expensive proposition. However, that is just a misnomer. Here is a list, in no order, of affordable fountain pen choices to explore – even on a tight budget. Read till the end for a bonus recommendation.
Pilot, V Pen
Are you curious about fountain pens and want to try them out at a minimum cost? The wet writing experience of the Pilot V Pen with medium-point nibs is your best choice. These low-cost disposable fountain pens (which can be refilled, too) are the standard issue pens for many government employees, including the UK government.
Pilot is a well-known Japanese pen brand that manufactures some of the finest nibs and fountain pens. Available for just INR 100, these no-nonsense pens are ideal for first-time fountain pen users, school-college-goers, and regular office users. These are even better as giveaways to keep handy.
Parker Vector
The global brand Parker pens have been dominating the Indian market for many years now and are considered ideal gift items. The Vector and Vector Metallix range of fountain pens is available in a range of exciting colours and finishes, with prices ranging from INR 200 to INR 700. Available in fine-point nibs, these pens are ideal for small writers and schoolgoers.
These made-in-India pens are equipped with a cartridge converter to use your choice of inks and come with two long Parker ink cartridges. Using and maintaining these pens is easy, making them the first fountain pen choice of many. This fountain pen is easily one of our top three recommendations for this list.
At this point, note that there are several choices of reasonably good fountain pens from Chinese and Indian manufacturers under Rs 300. However, pens are a bit of a hit-and-miss in this price range (Rs 90 – Rs 300). So, on this list, we suggest only the more reliable options for your next fountain pen carry. On with the list now…
Click, Aristocrat
Indore-based Click is a prominent name in the fountain pen industry. They are currently one of the biggest manufacturers of fountain pens and pen components for Indian and global pen brands. The Aristocrat model is their best seller, featuring a versatile pen with a good nib.
At Rs 350 to Rs 550, these pens are available in a variety of finishes across major online platforms or directly from the Click Pens website. The USP of this pen is a large #6 nib manufactured in-house by Click. The pen has a triple-filling system, which can accommodate using a converter, an ink cartridge, or simply eyedropping (filling the pen body with ink using a syringe or an eyedropper).
The pen is easy to maintain, and spares are readily available online and offline across India and neighbouring countries. A bit higher priced (Rs 650-Rs 750) are the demonstrator versions of this pen, which feature a lovely acrylic transparent body that allows you to see the ink slosh around inside.
Platinum Preppy
This pen from noted Japanese pen manufacturer Platinum is available in demonstrator-only versions. The USP of these pens is a lovely nib and feed and a cap that keeps the nib wet even if opened after a year! One of the largest-selling fountain pens in the world in numbers, the Preppy is the go-to fountain pen for school kids in Japan. This is easily one of the top three pens on this list. In India, these are available at Rs 425-Rs 550. This pen has nicer versions, costing up to Rs 845, with Japanese Maki-E design imprints.
The Preppy can be loaded with the trademark Platinum cartridge. This pen is most known for its eyedropper capability. The pen design is minimalist and is sturdy. However, some users have experienced barrel cracking, so use Vaseline on the threads if eyedropping (filling the pen body with ink using eyedropper or injection) or put on a rubber o-ring to avoid overtightening and any leakage.
Pierre Cardin, Kriss
Pierre Cardin is a French luxury goods manufacturer from the 1950s. They are also a luxury stationery maker and have been operating in the Indian market for over 30 years. They manufacture better-quality writing instruments and are known for their fountain pens, ranging from Rs 90 to Rs 10,000.
The Kriss model launched in 2018-19 is priced at Rs 300 and is available in black-gold, black-chrome, or chrome-gold versions. It competes with the Parker Vector, but this pen has a metallic body compared to the Parker’s acrylic body.
The pen features a generous gold nib with a tipping point of Medium-fine, allowing for smooth writing, even in a slightly larger font size if you so desire. The one downside of this pen is that the nib dries if the pen stays unused for some days but still offers excellent value for money for office goers, professionals like doctors, lawyers, and even college students requiring a juicy and smooth fountain pen for fast notetaking.
This is also the only fountain pen on our list with an individual metal case with the pen. Pierre Cardin Kriss becomes our number one choice for a good fountain pen recommendation under Rs 500.
For fountain pens, the choice in the market is quite broad, even in the Rs 500 price range. Most of the pens suggested here are beginner-level fountain pens. However, if you can flex your budget by another Rs 150 and prefer more style and luxury, here is a bonus recommendation.
Pierre Cardin, President
The President is a metal body pen featuring a large number 6 dual-tone nib. It is a cigar-shaped pen with a comfortable grip section wide enough even for large hands. Slightly on the heavier side, the President fountain pen is available with cartridges and a converter for Rs 650.
Easily one of the best choices for signing a document, writing quick notes in the office, or making file notings. The pen is made in China, but Pierre Cardin’s quality control allows enough tuning and adjustments to the medium point nib to give its user a luxurious writing feel.
Like all fountain pens, the one mentioned here needs attention in handling, for eg. keeping your pens turned upside down to prevent ink leaks, keeping your writing instruments away from the reach of children and capping them securely to ensure nib protection.
The occasional maintenance and love (water bath in a cup followed by tap rinse) are needed to keep them going as trusty tools for years. Happy nibs to you!
