Best Fountain Pen

LAMY fountain pens have been among the most popular writing instruments in German-speaking countries for decades, as they combine a high-quality finish, clean design and fair prices.

The Heidelberg-based manufacturer has been producing pens in Germany since 1930 and, with the LAMY safari, has created a cult classic that has accompanied generations of schoolchildren, students and professionals. But which LAMY fountain pen is really the best for your everyday use?

In this guide, we compare five of the most popular models from the current LAMY collection. The assessment is based on writing comfort, build quality, ergonomics, nib and value for money.

LAMY safari, the timeless classic for school, university and beginners.

1. LAMY AL-star, the more elegant and robust aluminium version for everyday office use.
   
   

2. LAMY Lx, the premium model with a soft-coated nib and anodised aluminium.
   
   

3. LAMY nexx, the ergonomic everyday companion with a soft grip zone.
   
   

4. LAMY abc, the maple wood learning fountain pen designed especially for children starting school.

LAMY was founded in Heidelberg in 1930. In Germany, the brand is synonymous with functional, Bauhaus-inspired design. The LAMY safari, designed in 1980, continues to define the look of modern school fountain pens to this day and is exported to many countries.

LAMY fountain pens stand out from many competitors thanks to their interchangeable nib system: nibs can be changed by the user without tools, allowing for flexible adjustment of line width or writing direction. In addition, almost all models can be filled with both LAMY T10 cartridges and the LAMY converter (piston mechanism), which offers a wide choice of inks.

Independent reviews such as the BILD buying guide regularly highlight LAMY as a reliable brand for school and everyday use. The comparatively moderate entry-level prices make LAMY particularly attractive to first-time buyers, as confirmed by the idealo price comparison.

The selection of the Top 5 is based on five evaluation criteria that have proven particularly relevant to the purchasing decision in practice. Each model was tested over several weeks in everyday school, office and note-taking situations.

LAMY offers nibs in various widths and thicknesses for most models

The LAMY Lx has a PVD-coated nib, which offers a smoother writing feel than a steel nib. The writing experience differs from that of a hard steel nib

All the models featured use the same cartridge-converter system. Standard cartridges are the LAMY T10 (blue, royal blue, black, red, green, turquoise, violet).

The optionally available LAMY Z28 converter allows the pen to be filled from ink bottles.

LAMY uses three main materials: ASA plastic (LAMY safari, LAMY nexx, LAMY abc), anodised aluminium (LAMY AL-star, LAMY Lx) and stainless steel (LAMY studio, LAMY 2000). The weight varies and is adapted to suit both children’s hands and adult users.

The characteristic grip zone on the LAMY safari, LAMY AL-star and LAMY Lx guides the fingers into the anatomically correct position, which is particularly helpful for learners.

Ideal for: school pupils from Year 5 onwards, students and anyone looking for a robust, everyday fountain pen with cult status.

The LAMY safari fountain pen is the brand’s best-selling model and has remained virtually unchanged in the range since 1980. The ASA plastic barrel is extremely resistant to drops, scratches and sweat. Distinctive features include the curved clip and the transparent ink window on the barrel, which allows the ink level to be seen at all times.

The ergonomic grip zone with three flattened contact points is the centrepiece of the LAMY safari. It gently guides the fingers into the classic three-point grip and is therefore recommended by many primary school teachers.

The standard nib, made with a chromium finish on stainless steel, writes cleanly, smoothly and without scratching. The model is available in classic colours as well as in a range of limited-edition colours, which are highly sought after by collectors.

Key features

• Body made from impact-resistant sturdy plastic, non-fade plastic

• Ergonomic grip zone with finger indentations

• Replaceable nib in various widths and for left-handers

• Transparent ink level window in the barrel

• Distinctive clip

• Compatible with LAMY T10 cartridges and Z28 converters

• Annual special colours as collector’s editions
  
  

What makes the LAMY safari fountain pen stand out

• Excellent value for money in the entry-level segment

• Extremely robust; survives school satchels and drops

• Special left-handed nib available

The LAMY safari is the best entry-level fountain pen in the range and is practically unbeatable for everyday school use.

Ideal for: Students, professionals and design enthusiasts who prefer a lightweight metal barrel with a sophisticated look.

The LAMY AL-star fountain pen is the LAMY safari’s big brother and shares its basic shape, but replaces the plastic barrel with anodised aluminium. This reduces the weight and gives the fountain pen a cool, high-quality feel. As with the LAMY safari, the grip section is made of transparent plastic, so the cartridge or converter remains visible.

The anodised surface is scratch-resistant, colourfast and sweat-resistant. The LAMY AL-star is also released annually in a range of changing fashion colours, which quickly become collector’s items. Reviews from independent specialist blogs particularly praise the consistent nib quality and low maintenance requirements.

The grip zone is identical to that of the LAMY safari, creating the same ergonomic effect. Anyone who is already familiar with and appreciates the LAMY safari will find the LAMY AL-star to be the business-ready version for meetings, notebooks and bullet journals.

Key features

• Anodised aluminium barrel

• Transparent plastic shaft with ink viewing window

• Ergonomic plastic grip zone

• Changing special colours in fashionable shades

• Compatible with LAMY T10 and converter
  
  

What makes the LAMY AL-star fountain pen stand out

• High-quality aluminium barrel with a sophisticated look

• Lighter than other fountain pens, pleasantly balanced

• Excellent nib quality

• Trendy colour variants with collector’s value

The LAMY AL-star is the logical evolution of the LAMY safari and the best choice for anyone who writes daily and wants a more premium feel in their hand.

Ideal for: Discerning everyday users and design enthusiasts looking for a premium experience for under 100 euros.

The LAMY Lx fountain pen shares the same construction and nib system as the LAMY AL-star, but stands out thanks to its high-quality finish and a fully metallised clip. Available colours include rose gold, maroon and others, all with a matching clip in the same metal colour. The set includes a high-quality metal case to keep the fountain pen safe.

When it comes to writing, the LAMY Lx is virtually indistinguishable from the LAMY AL-star, as it features the same nib in the familiar LAMY quality. For frequent writers who already appreciate the look of the LAMY safari or LAMY AL-star, the LAMY Lx is the more prestigious option, offering a significantly more upmarket appearance in a business setting.

The LAMY Lx is particularly popular as a gift fountain pen, as the included pouch and elegant colour scheme mean it can be presented without the need for additional packaging. It has also established itself as a bridge model between the entry-level and premium ranges.

Key features

• Barrel made from high-quality anodised aluminium
  
  

• The clip and barrel screw are PVD-coated
  
  

• Ergonomic grip zone in black
  
  

• Nibs in various thicknesses
  
  

• Metal case included
  
  

• Elegant colour options
  
  

• Compatible with the LAMY T10 and converter
  
  

• Hardening: PVD coats the nib with an ultra-thin layer, making the surface extremely hard and scratch-resistant. This improves the feel and ensures a noticeably smoother writing experience.
  
  

• Durability: Nibs with a PVD finish are more durable and more resistant to scratches and damage.
  
  

• Appearance: PVD-coated nibs offer an attractive colour and a high-quality finish, which is often regarded as part of the writing instrument’s iconic design.
  
  

• Ergonomics: Nibs with a PVD finish are generally lighter and offer better handling, making writing more comfortable.
  
  

What makes the LAMY Lx fountain pen stand out

• A very high-quality appearance with a matching clip

• Metal case included, ideal as a gift

• The same reliable LAMY functionality as the LAMY safari and LAMY AL-star

• Elegant, subtle colour shades

The LAMY Lx is the best gift and corporate fountain pen in the mid-price range and justifies its premium price through its stylish, elegant appearance and pouch.

Ideal for: Children from Year 3 onwards, and users who prefer a particularly soft, non-slip grip zone.

The LAMY nexx fountain pen was specifically designed as the successor to the LAMY safari school fountain pen, featuring enhanced ergonomics. The shorter, stockier barrel made of matt aluminium is complemented by a generously padded, rubber coated grip zone. This is significantly softer than on the LAMY safari and offers a secure grip even for sweaty or damp fingers.

The flattened sides of the LAMY nexx are deliberately wider, preventing the pen from rolling off the table. The clip is durable and fits easily into pencil cases and school bags. The cap clicks securely into place, providing important tactile feedback, particularly for younger children.

When writing, the pen delivers the familiar LAMY writing experience with a smooth ink flow and no scratching. As a transitional model between the LAMY abc and LAMY safari, the LAMY nexx is particularly suitable for children who have outgrown the ‘learning fountain pen’ stage but still require a highly ergonomic grip zone.

Key features

• Aluminium barrel with rubber coated grip zone supports beginners

• Short, compact design for smaller hands

• Non-slip, soft grip zone

• Replaceable nib

• Anti-roll cap prevents the pen from rolling away

• Compatible with LAMY T10 cartridges and converters

• Colour options: A wide range of colours and special editions
  
  

What makes the LAMY nexx fountain pen stand out

• Very comfortable, soft grip zone

• Compact length, ideal for smaller hands

• Beginner’s nib A available for learning to write

• Practical for everyday school life

The LAMY nexx is the best choice for the transition from a starter fountain pen to a school fountain pen and stands out thanks to its excellent ergonomics.

Ideal for: Children starting school in Year 1 or 2 who are learning to write with a fountain pen for the first time.

The LAMY abc fountain pen is designed purely as a beginner’s fountain pen and specifically tailored to the requirements of the initial writing phase. The barrel is made of lacquered maple wood with red, black or blue-coloured ends. Wood was deliberately chosen because it feels warm in the hand and provides a natural, comfortable grip. Its light weight reduces strain on children’s hands whilst they are learning to write.

The triangular grip zone is clearly defined and guides the index and middle fingers into the correct position. A labelling area on the cap allows a name tag to be stuck on, which helps prevent the pen from being lost at primary school. The nib is a special beginner’s nib (A), which makes slightly softer contact with the paper and is forgiving of mistakes in writing posture.

The LAMY abc is specifically designed as a first fountain pen. It is too small and too light for adult hands, but is an ideal choice for children in their first and second years of school, before they move on to the LAMY nexx or LAMY safari.

Key features

• Lacquered maple wood barrel

• Distinctly triangular grip zone

• Beginner’s nib A, specially designed for those just starting to write

• Anti-roll cap prevents the pen from rolling off the table

• Labelling field on the cap for names

• Lightweight, ideal for children’s hands

• Available in red, black and blue

• Compatible with LAMY T10 cartridges

What makes the LAMY abc fountain pen stand out

• Warm, comfortable grip thanks to the wood

• Very lightweight, child-friendly design

• Beginner’s nib, which is forgiving of poor posture

• Name field – practical for everyday school life

The LAMY abc is the best LAMY fountain pen for children starting school and one of the best beginner’s fountain pens on the market overall.

Model Material Ideal for

• LAMY safari Sturdy plastic, non-fade plastic School, university, everyday use
  
  

• LAMY AL-star Anodised aluminium University, office, design enthusiasts
  
  

• LAMY Lx Finished aluminium Gifts, business, prestige
  
  

• LAMY nexx Aluminium with soft grip Children, ergonomics-conscious users
  
  

• LAMY abc Lacquered maple wood Beginners, Years 1 and 2

Choosing the right LAMY fountain pen depends primarily on age, intended use and personal preferences. The following user profiles will help you find your way:

For a very first fountain pen, the LAMY abc is the best choice. The lightweight wooden barrel, the well-shaped grip zone and the A-nib are ideal for learning to write. Alternatively, the LAMY nexx with its soft grip zone is suitable for slightly older primary school pupils.

The LAMY safari is the undisputed classic here. It is robust enough to withstand years of everyday school life in a pencil case and is available in many colours, allowing pupils to express their individual preferences. The special LH nib for left-handers also makes it the ideal fountain pen for left-handers to learn to write with.

For everyday use at university or in the office, the LAMY AL-star is recommended. The aluminium barrel has a more mature look, the design complements notebooks, and the nib quality is of the same high standard as the LAMY safari. Those willing to spend a little more should opt for the LAMY Lx with its elegant metal clip.

The LAMY Lx is the first choice as a gift for starting school, graduating from sixth form or starting a career, thanks to the metal case included. Collectors look forward to the annual special colours of the (LAMY) safari and (LAMY) AL-star, which are released in limited editions and sell out quickly.

The nib width determines the line width and thus the appearance of the handwriting. For most models, LAMY offers the following nib sizes: EF, F, M and B.

• EF – for small, precise handwriting

• F – for everyday use and standard handwriting sizes

• M – for a particularly smooth, fluid writing experience

• B – for large, expressive handwriting and signatures.

LAMY T10 cartridges are available in many colours. They are neat, quick to change and ideal for when you’re on the move. The LAMY converter allows you to fill the pen from ink bottles.

LAMY releases special colours for the LAMY safari and LAMY AL-star every year. These models sell out quickly and are traded at a premium on collectors’ platforms. If you want the latest special colour, you should buy it directly from an authorised specialist retailer or the official LAMY Shop in the month of its release.