10 Best Calligraphy Pens 2026 in the United States

The LAMY Safari Scarlet fountain pen is a well-known, stylish choice that’s great for beginners and everyday writers, including those interested in calligraphy. It features a polished steel fine nib (0.3mm), which is precise and good for detailed writing but might feel a bit rigid if you want more flexible strokes common in advanced calligraphy. The pen uses blue ink cartridges (LAMY T 10), making refills simple and mess-free. Its body is made of durable plastic, which keeps it lightweight but may not feel as premium as metal pens.

One of the standout features is its ergonomic grip, designed to fit comfortably in your hand for long writing sessions without fatigue—this makes it particularly suitable for students and office users. The pen also offers interchangeable nibs, so you can switch to different sizes or styles, increasing versatility. However, if you are looking for a truly flexible nib for varied line thickness or professional calligraphy, this model might be somewhat limited.

Its robust clip and bright scarlet color add personality and practicality, and the pen is designed mainly for right-handed users, though left-handed versions exist. The LAMY Safari Scarlet is an accessible, reliable pen that balances everyday functionality with a touch of creative potential, making it perfect for those starting out or wanting a stylish, comfortable pen for regular writing and basic calligraphy.

The LAMY Safari fountain pen is well-regarded for its fine steel nib, which provides a smooth and consistent line suitable for everyday writing and beginner calligraphy. The nib size marked as 'F' (fine) offers precision but less line variation, so it may not satisfy those looking for more flexible, expressive strokes often desired in advanced calligraphy. The pen uses blue ink cartridges, making it convenient to replace and maintain, although it primarily supports cartridge ink rather than bottled ink without a converter.

Made from robust and lightweight ASA plastic, the pen body is durable and easy to carry around. One of its strongest points is the ergonomic grip, designed to reduce hand fatigue during long writing sessions, which is great for students and professionals alike. However, while the grip is comfortable, the pen’s plastic finish may feel less premium compared to metal-bodied options. The nib itself is polished steel, offering durability but limited flexibility, so it’s better suited for neat writing rather than highly flexible calligraphy styles.

The Safari also features a functional ink window to monitor ink levels, adding to its practicality. It supports interchangeable nibs, which can be helpful for users wanting to experiment with different line widths. The LAMY Safari serves as a dependable, stylish choice for beginners and intermediate users seeking a reliable fountain pen for writing and basic calligraphy, especially right-handed users, though it might feel limiting for those wanting more expressive or traditional calligraphy tools.

The Tombow 56188 Dual Brush Pen set is designed more as an art marker than a traditional calligraphy pen, featuring a fine tip and a flexible brush tip that make it well suited for hand lettering, illustrations, and coloring projects. The nibs are water-based and blendable, allowing for smooth color transitions and a watercolor-like effect, which is ideal for creating vibrant, artistic strokes rather than precise calligraphy lines. The pen tips self-clean after blending, helping maintain consistent ink flow. The ink is acid-free and odorless, making it safe and pleasant to use, especially for longer sessions.

The available nib size is fine (about 0.5mm), which might feel a bit narrow for those who prefer broader calligraphy strokes. These pens work best on smooth, non-textured paper, so they may not perform well on rough or highly textured surfaces.

For those seeking a versatile, artist-friendly pen set capable of handling lettering with flexibility and vibrant colors, Tombow's Dual Brush Pens present a solid option. However, individuals primarily focused on traditional calligraphy with specific nib sizes and more comfort-focused designs might consider exploring pens with specialized nibs and ergonomic grips.