There are a lot of great calligraphy pens on the market, and deciding on one can be a daunting undertaking! In today’s post, I’ll lay out some of my favorite straight pens, and hopefully help you to reach a decision about which is best for you! The straight pens in this post are all in a reasonable price range, widely available, and user-friendly.
I love using straight calligraphy pens for two things: creating illustrations and writing in calligraphy styles — like Amy Style and Beth Style — that don’t require a considerable right-leaning slant. For styles that do require a right slant, I generally turn to oblique pens, but we’ll talk about that in the next TPK blog post! In the meantime, if you are new to the world of calligraphy, I would absolutely recommend starting out with one of the pens outlined below.
Manuscript Calligraphy Pens
When I teach workshops, I provide Manuscript calligraphy pens to participants! I have to admit that this pen first caught my eye because of its beautiful simplicity; and the fact that it has a universal insert totally sold me. Speaking of which, let’s talk about why it’s important to buy a straight pen with a universal insert!
Do you see the four metal “petals” surrounded by a rim on the bottom of the pen? That’s called a universal insert, and it will accommodate a wide range of nibs. Since nibs come in all shapes and sizes, that versatility is important! It may seem logical to put a nib in the middle of a universal insert, but you actually need to put your nib in just below the split in the lip of the rim. I know that can be a little bit hard to understand without seeing it, so I made a video to demonstrate:
While Manuscript calligraphy pens don’t have a fancy ergonomic grip, they are a solid and very economical choice if you want to add beauty and function to your pen collection. I don’t think I’d write with one for several hours at a time, especially considering there are more grip-friendly pens on the market; but if you anticipate using it for an hour a day or so, you’ll really enjoy it!
Cork-Tipped Calligraphy Pens
Cork-tipped calligraphy pens come with a universal insert; this means that they can accommodate that same range of nibs that the Manuscript pens can accommodate. The difference is the grip!
If I am working on something for a long span of time (several hours), then I like to use a pen with a nice, substantial grip. Cork-tipped calligraphy pens have such a grip; you’ll be able to work with them for long periods of time more comfortably than you could with a Manuscript plastic pen. For that reason, I generally use cork-tipped pens if I’m calligraphing several envelopes in a single sitting, like the Amy Style piece pictured below.
While I have pictured the General’s cork-tipped pen above, there are several different brands of cork-tipped pens (for example: e+m and Koh-I-Noor). All of the cork-tipped pens on the market are very similar, so you shouldn’t feel pressure to choose one brand over another. Whatever cork-tipped pen that appeals to you will be fine!
Tachikawa T40 Calligraphy Pens
I discovered the Tachikawa T40 holder earlier this year and instantly fell in love with it for several reasons! First of all, it has a cushioned grip that — in my opinion — is even more comfortable than cork-tipped calligraphy pens. It also features a cap that you can put on the pen for easy transportation. In the photo below, you can see that the pen’s nib, a Nikko G, is completely protected because of the handy plastic cap!
The Tachikawa T40 holder distinguishes itself from other straight calligraphy pens because it features a plastic insert, as shown below:
The insert is touted as a benefit because it won’t rust. Honestly, though, you probably won’t experience rusting issues with metal inserts; the insert shouldn’t ever touch the water you use to clean your nib as you are writing. If no water is getting in the insert, then there’s no risk of rust. That said, the T40’s plastic insert is still pretty awesome because it can accommodate crow quill nibs! That is a feat that calligraphy pens with metal universal inserts don’t have the bragging rights to. You can read more about what you can do with crow quill nibs in this blog post, but basically, they are fantastic for drawing tiny details and/or writing letters!
The only downside to the Tachikawa T40 holder is it doesn’t readily accommodate all standard dip pen nibs like calligraphy pens that have a metal universal insert do. The T40 holder is great if you plan on using it with a Nikko G nib, Brause EF66, or Leonardt Principal (among other nibs), but nibs like the Brause Rose and Brause Steno actually fall out of it.
Despite the fact that it can’t accommodate all nibs, the Tachikawa T40 is the perfect calligraphy pen to invest in if you appreciate a cushiony grip, do a lot of traveling, or just want a nice, new pen to add to your collection!
Other Pens
Most craft stores offer Speedball straight calligraphy pens for sale, and I do want to say that Speedball pens aren’t a bad choice if you’re just starting out. After all, they can accommodate a Nikko G nib, which I consider to be the best beginner nib.
You should remember, however, that standard straight Speedball pens do not have a universal insert. While the Nikko G is a good fit, small nibs like the Brause EF66 will not fit in the plastic groove at the bottom of the pen. In short, the Speedball pen isn’t a bad choice — in fact, it’s extremely economical — but I would plan on using it only for the Nikko G and nibs that are similar in size to the Nikko G.
There are countless other pens available besides those that I have mentioned above, and all of them have their positives and negatives. Here are two things to consider when you’re trying to reach a buying decision:
- Does the pen have a universal insert? If yes, it can fit a variety of nibs that you can switch out at your leisure; if no, it will only accommodate a select shape/size of nibs.
- Does the pen have an ergonomic grip? If yes, you will be able to comfortably write with it for long periods of time.
You can have as many or as few straight pens as you want. As long as you have a straight pen with a universal insert, though, you actually only need one pen! You can insert nibs in and out of the pen to suit whatever project you are working on. Alternatively, you can collect several different straight pens and keep a different nib inserted in each. That way, the pen is ready to write whenever you are!
In this weekend’s blog post, we’ll talk about a couple of different oblique calligraphy pen options. We’ll also examine why some people — myself included — like to use oblique pens instead of straight pens in certain circumstances! In the meantime, if you have any questions about straight calligraphy pens, please don’t hesitate to comment. 🙂
Thanks so much for reading TPK, and enjoy the rest of your day!
Warmly,
Hello Ms. Lindsey!
In a lefty beginner in terms of dip pen calligraphy. Can I ask if a zebra g nib fits into a speedball straight holder?
It does!
First off, Lindsay, thank you for the treasure trove of information on this blog! I’ve only been practicing calligraphy for about 2 months but I’ve learned so much from your posts and have been having so much fun following your decorative tutorials for the small projects I’ve undertaken!
That said, my particular question today is about the Tachikawa T40 holder. I bought it b/c I was excited that it could hold crow quill nibs & has a bigger, more economic grip (that Hunt plastic crow quill holder is just so teeny!), but both my Hunt 102 & 108 nibs fit too loosely in the inner circle and slip right out! I read somewhere that it’s meant for Japanese crow quills that are slightly larger in diameter, but I’m wondering if there’s something you’ve done to your holder to accommodate the Hunt crow quill nibs or if you have any suggestions on other crow quill nibs that actually fit? Thanks!
Angela
Thanks for this post Lindsey, it’s super helpful, especially the video on how to insert a nib into a universal pen holder. (@peoniesandpalette)
Thank you! I hoped that the video would help more than a few people. 🙂
Thank you for sharing information. May I ask your opinion regarding glass pens? I was gifted a very nice glass pen. The pens weight in my hand is good and it works in my hand well enough for me to play with but I’ve not yet tried to write something of value. Are the glass pens merely a show piece or can they be for work too?
I do appreciate your time and thank you again for sharing.
Respectfully ,
Sylvia Pelekane
Hi Sylvia!
I wish I could offer input, but I have only had one glass pen (also a gift), and the tines of the nibs were bent in transit, so I couldn’t use it! That said, I don’t think it hurts to give the pen a try. If it doesn’t work, then it doesn’t work; and if it does, awesome! 🙂
Thank you Lindsey for another great post! Been practicing calligraphy for a little over a month now with your great worksheets and advice. I have the cork pen and another which I forgot the name of it, but it was suggested to me. Its used for manga drawing and I was told its good for calligraphy as well. I haven’t used it yet since its a lot smaller than the cork pen. But I will give it a try! Thank you again for your great and informative posts. 🙂
It’s my pleasure to write the posts — thanks so much for reading them! 🙂
Hi Lindsey,
I can easily say that I would be lost on learning calligraphy without you, so thank you! I read a blog post awhile ago on a beginner’s guide to calligraphy and bought the Kaitlin Style sheets to practice on. I also bought a straight cork-tipped calligraphy pen and a Nikko-G nib per your recommendation. The only problem is, I’m left-handed and the nib drags and catches on the paper because of it. Please help! I love calligraphy and want to practice, but I need to figure out a better way to do it and am lost. Should I get an oblique holder instead? Hold it a different way? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Shannon!
You know, I taught a workshop last month in Colorado Springs, and the sole leftie in there was having a really hard time using a straight pen; her issues were just as you are describing. Then, we got to the part of the workshop where we use obliques — she had this one. It was like night and day; all of a sudden, she was able to write with both tines evenly on the paper, and was enjoying the creation process! That said, I do think that a more shapely oblique is better. If you can squeeze in an order from Rodger Mayeda (around $30-35), then that would be ideal! You’ll just want to make sure you mention that you need a left oblique. No matter what you choose to do, I genuinely think a left oblique would help!
Another possible solution is to use a flourishing pen, which you can order from TSandN on Etsyhttps://www.etsy.com/nz/shop/TSandN?ref=search_shop_redirect I think Christine has one left. I’m sure if you ask Bron (see her comments above), she would have some great suggestions for you as she is left handed. A flourishing pen is much like a straight pen, except the nib is held at a canted angle, about the same as one of my obliques, but the nib is inline with the axis of the pen (like a straight pen). Having the nib at a canted angle keeps the nib flatter to the paper and helps to prevent catches on the upstroke. Also as Lindsey says, a left handed oblique may help. Really, it just depends on how you hold your pen and how your write, so it can be a bit difficult to figure out.
I love the Manuscipt pen – thattiffany blue is downright dreamy! Would you advice on a Brause natural wood holder? I see them for HK $35 while a nib (Brause CITO-FEIN for example) is HK $25. They seem a bargain, but then I heat irate to buy them due to your lack of recommendation!
I agree — the color is awesome! I don’t own a Brause wood holder, but after looking at photos online, they look a lot like the Manuscript as far as design. And, they have a universal insert! I’d say go for it. 🙂
SUCH a helpful post Lindsey, thank you. I just received my first nibs and penholders the other day and lo and behold you’ve shown me how to put them together. Exactly what I needed. Your blog is absolutely the best for all things calligraphy, I’m learning so much every time I visit. It’s a real treat, thank you.
Thanks so much, Claire! I’m really happy that the video/instructions here helped you! I can remember getting my first pen and being stumped about how to put it together, so I’m glad that this post prevents that puzzlement for you. 🙂
I’ve only ever used cork tipped pens but I absolutely love the look of the manuscript. I’ve never seen one in person so I’ll have to look for one.
The Tachikawa’s ability to cap it is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen! Haha. That is SO genius!
And I’ll admit that I most definitely put my nib in wrong for quite a long time. It was never loose so I never thought anything of it until I saw a photo of a nib in a pen on some site and zoomed in after I realized the nib looked like it was in differently. Oops.
Re: putting your nib in wrong, I can definitely see how you could have done that! It’s really not a very intuitive design, and one would think that you should put it in the middle! And I know! That Tachikawa cap is awesome; it has accompanied me on many a journey outside of Colorado. 🙂
Thank you again for such an informative post. I just want to add that I saw someone on IG with a squishy pencil grip on their manuscript pen. So of course I wanted fun shimmery colors so off to amazon I went. Well I had to buy 40 of them but they were super cheap. It was a total game changer for me. My calligraphy has improved quite a bit since adding to my nib holder.
I don’t know why, but I would have NEVER thought of that – even though I used them years ago and would suggest someone use them for a pencil, etc. Haha.
Okay — that’s genius! Such a great tip!