Once you get used to a fountain pen, it’s hard to go back. The ink moves more smoothly across the page, your hand doesn’t have to work as hard, and you can choose how the pen writes depending on the nib. Over time, you also stop going through disposable pens, which makes it feel like a small but meaningful upgrade to your everyday routine.

Cartridge pens are the simplest place to start—they’re easy to refill and low-maintenance. Converter pens give you a little more flexibility, letting you use bottled ink instead of cartridges. Piston and other built-in filling systems hold more ink and tend to appeal to people who enjoy the mechanics of the pen itself. If you’re new, cartridge or converter pens are usually the easiest entry point.

A solid everyday fountain pen with a medium nib is usually the safest place to begin. It’s easy to use, not overly particular, and works well for most handwriting styles—something you can pick up and use right away without overthinking it.