Four of Our Favourite Fountain Pens We’ll Never Fall Out of Love With

March 11, 2025

Some pens are just cooler than others. Not everyone understands the appeal of a high-quality fountain pen, until they try one. At Papersmiths HQ, we geek out about pens daily. While we love a reliable ballpoint, there's something undeniably special about a luxury fountain pen. The rich history, the smooth glide of the ink, the angles of the nib and the satisfying weight in your hand. It’s a joy to write with something so well crafted.

If you're on the hunt for a premium fountain pen, it's worth knowing the details before making your choice. Some of these pens are true investments. But they're made to last, and with ink cartridges and changeable nibs, they’ll stay with you for years. That’s the beauty of buying quality over a throwaway pen. Bleugh! We could never.

At Papersmiths, all of our fountain pens come with a standard medium nib. They're set up ready for day-to-day use. It’s smooth, reliable, and easy to get started with. Each pen includes classic black or blue ink. Make sure you check the product specs when you purchase. Although we do also stock a variety of other inks and converters if you want to experiment!

Now, let’s dive into the four fountain pens we’re currently obsessing over at Papersmiths. We’ll break down the brands, their history, and what makes these pens stand out to us. Then, we’ll get into the details. Design, best uses, and why they deserve a spot in your collection. We'll never fall out of love with these pens.

Kaweco

Iconic German Fountain Pens

Kaweco has built a huge reputation for its craftsmanship, combining design with function. If you know pens, you know Kaweco. They’ve been making them since 1883, and their expertise shows. Known for their compact, lightweight designs, Kaweco pens fit perfectly in your hand and on the go. They’re always releasing new colours and styles, and we’re constantly scouting them out to bring you the best.

Caran d'Ache

Luxury Swiss Fountain Pens

Caran d'Ache is a Swiss brand celebrated for its sleek designs and impeccable quality since 1915. With a priceless heritage of expertise, it designs and produces innovative products in its workshops. The Caran d’Ache 849 series is a perfect example, blending bold colours with unique craftsmanship. Whether it's a fountain pen or a mechanical pencil, their writing instruments are built to last. You can really feel the difference between a Caran d’Ache and a cheap plastic pen. The ink flows effortlessly—it’s an experience in itself.

Our Fountain Pen Line Up

1. The Kaweco Liliput Fountain Pen

Tiny but mighty, the Kaweco Liliput is a marvel of engineering. This pocket-sized pen is crafted from solid brass and has a metallic blue finish that’s both sleek and striking. Despite its size, it feels surprisingly substantial in hand. The fine nib is great for smaller handwriting, and the compact design makes it perfect for travel. Each Liliput comes in its own charming tin, making it a great gift (even if it's for yourself!).

Fountain Pen Specs:

Usability - Super functional despite its size. A pocket-sized pen with personality.
Comfort - Small but solid. Best for short writing sessions.
Style - Minimalist and elegant.
Extra Details - Comes in a charming tin. Feels extra special.

2. The Kaweco Sport Fountain Pen

A true classic. Designed in 1911, the Kaweco Sport is available in plastic or metal, with a wide range of colours to choose from. The smooth medium nib offers a consistent ink flow, making it a dream to write with. The nib is made by Bock of Heidelberg, a company with 75 years of experience in precision fountain pen parts. You don’t get more expert than that. Our current favourite? The deep Bordeaux and Green. Sophisticated and rich colours that add to the essence of the pen.

How big is the Kaweco Sport?

10.5cm closed, 13cm when extended.
Weighs just 20g—perfectly pocket-friendly.

What cartridges does the Kaweco Sport use?

It takes standard-size ink cartridges.
Prefer to ditch single-use plastic? Grab a converter and use bottled ink instead.

Fountain Pen Specs:

Usability - A great all-rounder with smooth ink flow.
Comfort - Balanced and comfortable for longer writing sessions.
Style - A sleek, timeless design in standout colours.
Extra Details - There's no fancy tin gift box with this one, but it's compact and customisable with different nibs and ink.

3. The Kaweco Art Sport Fountain Pen

A step up from the original Sport, the Art Sport is elegance in pen form. Each design is one of a kind, individually cast with unique colours and patterns. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. So this is an investment that will last.

Fountain Pen Specs:

Usability - Effortless writing. Reliable and easy to carry.
Comfort - Slightly larger than the Sport, making it even more comfortable.
Style - Bold, artistic, and totally unique.
Extra Details - Comes in a high-quality tin gift box, making it perfect for gifting.

4. Caran d'Ache Paul Smith 849 Fountain Pen

A collaboration between two design icons, this limited-edition pen is a collector’s dream. The contrasting duo-tone finish is a Paul Smith signature, while the hexagonal barrel feels perfectly balanced in hand. The medium nib glides effortlessly, leaving behind a trail of rich, vibrant ink.

Fountain Pen Specs:

Usability - Smooth, consistent writing. Great for professionals and creatives alike.
Comfort - The hexagonal shape makes it easy to hold, even for long sessions.
Style - A sleek, bold design with Paul Smith’s signature colour combinations.
Extra Details - Limited edition, stylishly packaged—a true luxury item.

Some pens are just cooler than others. And while we love a good ballpoint, there’s something undeniably special about a fountain pen. The smooth ink flow, the weight in your hand, the pleasure of writing with something beautifully made it’s an experience that can bring so much pleasure.