Top 5 Italian Pens
One of my favorite things about working in the fountain pen industry is witnessing the passion that enthusiasts have for these incredible writing instruments. In niche markets like ours, it's particularly unique to see that the biggest pen brands are just as passionate about their products as their customers are. I've previously discussed the dedication and tradition behind German and Japanese pens. However, there's one country that stands out when it comes to wild, unbridled passion – Italy.
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to five remarkable pens from Italian manufacturers. This isn’t a "top 5 best Italian pens" list, but rather a selection of pens that, if I were sitting across the table from you, I’d slide over and say, "You should try this one." Let's dive in!
Visconti Homo Sapiens - Bronze Age
You should’ve known this was coming! The Visconti Homo Sapiens, specifically in its “Bronze Age” version, is the most popular fountain pen from Italy right now. Despite its higher cost, this Florentine pen attracts a lot of attention. Made from basaltic lava sourced from Mt. Etna in Sicily and mixed with resin, it offers a unique sensory experience. Enthusiasts have enjoyed this pen for nearly 20 years, and rightfully so! The Homo Sapiens is incredibly durable yet warm and soft to the touch. It features a beautiful 18k gold nib and Visconti’s “Power Filler” system, which uses vacuum pressure to fill the pen. This pen is a "grail pen" for many writers and remains the only mass-produced pen made from such an extraordinary material.
SCRIBO Brand
Next on the list is SCRIBO, located in Bologna, Italy. Led by Luca Baglione, formerly of OMAS, SCRIBO utilizes the original manufacturing equipment from OMAS to produce their pens and revered nibs. The highlight here is their European flex nibs, made with the same machines that created the highly regarded OMAS flexible nibs, which is exactly why I want you to try one of these pens. Flex nibs are challenging to perfect, but SCRIBO offers a consistent and enjoyable writing experience with their 14k flexible and 18k standard nibs. While these aren’t made to be flexed as severely as a Magna Carta MagnaFlex nib, they can take some downward pressure and produce reliable and consistent line variation for you. I recommend trying the Extra-Fine flexible 14k gold nib for a unique experience that showcases the brand’s craftsmanship.
Pineider Brand
Pineider is a brand that exudes the “unbridled passion” I mentioned earlier. While Montegrappa may have some truly avant-garde designs, Pineider offers pens that are meant to be experienced with your hands. The standout feature here is the brand’s Quill Nib, which I fell in love with at first sight. The imprint is stunning, and the shape itself just begs you to write with it. It also provides one of the most comfortable writing experiences, as the nib is bouncy and smooth with every motion. Although initially marketed as a flex nib, its true charm lies in its natural bounce. Enjoy the smoothness and responsiveness of the Quill Nib without the intent to flex, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Visconti Mirage Mythos
Returning to Visconti, let's talk about the Mirage Mythos. As a luxury brand, Visconti’s pens often come with a hefty price tag. However, the Mirage Mythos, priced under $200, offers the quality and feel of a true Visconti pen without the extensive cost. This pen is crafted from familiar Visconti resin and features a new nib made in collaboration with German manufacturer Schmidt, merging Italian design with an industry staple German nib.. I was initially skeptical about a sub-$200 Visconti pen, but the Mirage Mythos exceeded my expectations. It writes beautifully and feels like a much more expensive pen, making it a must-try for anyone looking for luxury at a more affordable price.
Delta DV Original Oversize
When Delta shut its doors in 2017, everything froze in time. But in 2023, Nino Marino, one of Delta’s original founders, revived the brand using the original equipment. This sort of thing never happens! Usually, when a brand goes out of business, the chances of it coming back just as it was—well, it just doesn’t happen! So, this was a big deal, and it was exciting to know that a famous pen like Delta’s Dolce Vita wasn’t going to be lost forever. The Delta DV Original pen, with its JoWo nib, offers the same specifications and manufacturing as the original Dolce Vita, which originally featured a Bock nib. I recommend the DV Original Oversize for its historical significance and surprising comfort. This pen is particularly well-suited for those with chronic hand pain, as its thicker design and large #8 14k gold nib provides a comfortable writing experience.
There are many incredible Italian brands that I haven’t included on this list, but these selections have unique elements that I felt were worth sharing. Write on!
