Top 10 Entry-Level Gold Nib Fountain Pens
Once you start into the fountain pen hobby, you realize that there's another level of fountain pens beyond the basic steel nibs: gold nib fountain pens. These pens start around $140 and go up from there, so I wanted to give you my personal favorites that are entry-level price (under $250) with 14k or 18k gold nibs.
Why gold nibs?
Why gold nibs? The gold is a softer metal than stainless steel, and will act sort of like a shock absorber when you're writing. It will typically make for a smoother writing experience. These pens I'm about to mention are the ones I think are the best value, to give you the best writing experience, most unique features, and best introduction into gold nib pens.
Top Recommendations:
In no particular order:
Pilot Custom 74
- I personally just really love the way this pen writes; it was my first gold nib pen
- Multiple fun demo color options
- Attractive design
- Takes the larger Pilot Con-70 converter with slightly higher ink capacity
- Fantastic nibs
LAMY 2000
- Classic design from 1966
- Hooded nib stays wet for a long time
- Very durable
- Piston-filled
- Snap cap
- It does have a sweet spot that takes getting used to
Pilot Vanishing Point/Decimo
- Not only affordable, but has a retractable nib!
- Very convenient to use
- Nice range of nibs (including a quality stub)
- Tons of color options
- VP is fatter/heavier, Decimo is lighter/slimmer but take the same nibs
- Nibs are swappable
- Not a huge ink capacity
Pilot Falcon
- Classic design
- Very unique soft nib
- Popular among drawers, calligraphers, or anyone wanting line variation
- Can be used as an "everyday" pen without flexing
- Reliable and very light in the hand
Platinum #3776 Century
- Classically designed pen
- Several beautiful color and trim options
- Slip-n-Seal cap which seals up amazingly well, preventing ink from drying out
- Nibs are stiff and toothy, which feel really different than all these others (some may like this)
Pilot E95s
- Many of us here on the Goulet team LOVE this pen
- Smaller, great for a pocket pen
- Not advertised as soft, but the nibs feel pretty darn soft
- Inlaid nib, throwback vintage-style design
Sailor Pro Gear Slim
- Available in a massive range of color options, probably the most of any Sailor pen model at this time
- Reliable 14k gold nib, available in up to seven different sizes
- Sailor converter included, also accepts ink cartridges
- Flat-top design
- Fairly small in size, more ideal for smaller hands
LAMY studio palladium
- LAMY studio comes in both steel and 14k gold nib options
- Swappable nibs give more options
- 14k gold nib is very wet writing!
- Sleek design, snap cap
- Annual limited edition colors
Sailor 1911S
- Available in a wide range of color options, with frequent new additions
- Reliable 14k gold nib, available in up to seven different sizes
- Sailor converter included, also accepts ink cartridges
- Cigar-shape design
Platinum Kanazawa Leaf
- Basic maki-e techniques with gold leaf
- Each themed after nature and seasons
- Snap cap
- Uses Platinum converter or ink cartridges
Videos:
To learn more about these pens and why we've chosen them, check out Brian's videos below! Our original list of 5 was made back in 2016, with a "sequel" published in 2021.
Summary:
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE pens with steel nibs, and it's not to say you HAVE to buy a gold nib fountain pen to have a great writing experience. However, now you're a little more aware of some of my favorites! I hope this helps you feel more confident when you're ready to take the step to the next level.
