Fountain Pen Tips for First-Timers: What I Wish I Knew
I remember when I first got into fountain pens—I spent hours watching Brian Goulet and Pen Habit videos, trying to make sense of it all. The sheer number of brands, the wide price range, the endless ink choices… it felt overwhelming. Should I go for a vintage pen? What nib size is best? Which ink won’t ruin my pen? It seemed like an endless sea of questions. But over time, I realized it’s not as complicated as it first appears. You just have to enjoy the journey.
Getting into fountain pens is exciting, but it can definitely feel a bit daunting at first. With so many options to consider, it’s easy to make beginner mistakes. Looking back, there are plenty of things I wish I had known when I started. Here are some of the key lessons and tips that would have saved me time, money, and frustration—hopefully, they’ll help make your fountain pen experience even more enjoyable.
1. Enjoy the Pens You Have
It’s tempting to keep buying more pens, always looking for something better, but I’ve learned that there’s real joy in slowing down and appreciating what’s already in my collection. I used to chase after every new release, thinking that the next pen would finally be the one. But after a while, I realized that I wasn’t really using the pens I already owned—I was just collecting them.
Instead of constantly looking for the next purchase, I’ve started spending more time writing with the pens I already love. It makes the hobby feel more meaningful and helps me truly connect with each pen’s unique feel and character.
2. Try Before You Buy (If You Can)
Some pens look amazing online, but they might not feel right in your hand. Early on, I made the mistake of ordering pens based purely on looks, only to find that they were too heavy, too thin, or didn’t suit my grip. If possible, visiting a pen store or a pen show is a game-changer. It’s the best way to get a feel for different nib widths, barrel sizes, and grip sections before committing to a purchase.
Trying pens in person has saved me from buying ones that wouldn’t have worked for me—and has also introduced me to models I might have overlooked.
3. Use Your Pens—Don’t Just Collect Them
Fountain pens are made to be written with, not just displayed on a shelf. I’ll admit, I’ve fallen into the trap of treating some of my pens like delicate treasures, too scared to ink them up in case I “ruin” them. But the truth is, a pen isn’t really mine until I’ve written with it.
Over time, I’ve learned that it’s okay to get ink on my fingers, to experiment with different papers, and to take my pens with me wherever I go. A well-loved pen tells a story through its use, and that’s what makes the hobby special.
4. Be Careful with Shimmery Inks
Shimmery inks are beautiful, but they can be a nightmare in the wrong pen. I made the mistake of putting a heavily pigmented, glittery ink in a vintage pen once—and it clogged almost immediately. Since then, I’ve learned to only use shimmer inks in pens that are easy to disassemble and clean, like modern demonstrators.I usually use my transparent TWSBI or Nahvalur demonstrator pens since they’re a safer choice. Plus, shimmer inks look stunning in clear pen bodies.
If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend sticking with basic inks until you get more comfortable with pen maintenance. And if you do use shimmer inks, clean your pen often to avoid buildup.
5. Budget Wisely—Don’t Go Overboard
It’s easy to get carried away in this hobby, but one of the best lessons I’ve learned is to avoid impulse buying. Early on, I would buy several cheaper pens just to satisfy my curiosity, but later realized that I could have saved that money and invested in one higher-quality pen I really wanted.
Now, I take my time before making a purchase, asking myself whether I truly want a pen or if I’m just caught up in the excitement of buying something new. It’s a habit that’s saved me a lot of regret (and a lot of money).
6. Patience is Key
Everything in this hobby benefits from patience—choosing a pen, getting used to a new nib, even cleaning and maintaining your collection. I used to rush through things, expecting every new pen to write perfectly out of the box. But fountain pens often require adjustments, and getting to know a pen takes time.
Now, I wait before making decisions. I give myself time to understand whether I really want a new pen, and I don’t judge a pen too quickly if it doesn’t write exactly how I expect. Sometimes, a simple nib adjustment or a different ink choice makes all the difference.
7. Research Before Buying
There’s an incredible amount of information available online—reviews, video demonstrations, and detailed guides on everything from nib tuning to ink properties. Watching and reading these before buying a pen has saved me from a lot of frustration.
Whenever I’m considering a new pen, I look up reviews from people who have actually used it. Seeing how a pen performs in real-world use helps me make smarter decisions.
8. The Right Ink and Paper Matter
I used to think that if a pen wasn’t writing well, it was the pen’s fault. But over time, I learned that ink and paper make a huge difference. A pen that feels scratchy on one type of paper might glide smoothly on another. Some pens work better with wetter inks, while others prefer dry inks.
Tomoe River Paper is the gold standard for fountain pen users. Want to see why writers swear by it? Read more about Tomoe River Paper here.
Now, whenever I try a new pen, I test it with different fountain pens inks and papers before deciding if it’s really for me. Sometimes, a simple ink change is all it takes to transform a pen from disappointing to perfect.
If you want to find the best paper for your fountain pens, check out our guide on The Best Notebooks for Fountain Pens.
9. Fountain Pens Require Tinkering
Unlike ballpoints, fountain pens aren’t always ready to go right out of the box. Some nibs need adjustments, and some pens require a bit of maintenance to write the way you want. At first, I found this frustrating, but now, I see it as part of the charm.
Simple things like adjusting nib alignment, flossing the tines, or smoothing a scratchy tip can make a huge difference. It’s worth learning these little tricks—they’ll help you enjoy your pens much more.
10. Cleaning is Essential
I used to clean my pens only when they started acting up, but I’ve since learned that regular maintenance keeps them in top shape. A simple rinse every few weeks (especially when changing inks) prevents clogs and helps pens last for years.
If there’s one cleaning tool I’d recommend to every beginner, it’s a bulb syringe. It makes flushing out ink so much easier and speeds up the entire process.
11. Expensive Isn’t Always Better
There’s a common myth that you need expensive pens, gold nibs, and boutique inks to enjoy fountain pens. The truth? Some of my best writing experiences have come from affordable steel-nib pens and basic, well-behaved inks.
There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy this hobby—just find what works for you.
If you’re wondering whether gold nibs are actually worth the price, check out my full breakdown on Gold vs. Steel Nibs.
12. Stay Humble and Enjoy the Hobby
One of the best things about fountain pens is the community. Most pen lovers are welcoming and helpful, always happy to share advice. But every now and then, you’ll run into pen snobs—people who look down on cheaper pens or certain brands.
The reality is, any fountain pen is better than a ballpoint if it brings you joy. Whether you’re writing with a simple entry-level pen or a custom-made masterpiece, what matters is that you enjoy the experience.
13. Go to Pen Shows and Socialize
Pen shows are not just for shopping—they’re an incredible opportunity to meet other fountain pen enthusiasts, try different pens and inks, and learn from experienced collectors. It’s one of the best ways to expand your knowledge and get hands-on experience with pens you might not have access to otherwise.
14. Join Online Fountain Pen Communities
Social media groups and forums like Facebook fountain pen groups or the Fountain Pen subreddit are great places to ask questions, get opinions, and share experiences. Connecting with fellow enthusiasts can help you avoid common mistakes and discover new brands and models.
15. Visit Stationery Stores Whenever You Can
Whether it’s your local shop or a stationery store you find while traveling, exploring different stores can give you access to pens, inks, and papers you might not see online. Plus, shop owners and employees often have valuable insights and recommendations.
Final Thoughts
Starting with fountain pens is a journey, and everyone’s path is a little different. The best advice I can give? Take your time, experiment, and don’t stress about getting everything “right” from the start. Learn as you go, have fun, and most importantly—write with your pens.
Happy writing!
Answers to Common Beginner Fountain Pen Questions
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Before using a fountain pen for the first time, flush the nib and feed with water to remove any residual oils or manufacturing debris. This ensures smooth ink flow from the start and prevents skipping or clogging.
Next, choose the right ink and paper. Avoid thick or low-quality paper that can cause feathering, and use a well-behaved, beginner-friendly ink.
Once you've selected your ink, properly insert the ink cartridge or fill the converter. If using a cartridge, press it firmly until you see ink reaching the feed. If using bottled ink, fill the pen according to its filling mechanism (piston, vacuum, or eyedropper).
Finally, prime the nib by gently tapping it on paper or giving the converter a slight twist to encourage ink flow. Let the pen sit for a minute to allow the feed to saturate before writing.
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