Why do people still use fountain pens?

As ballpoint pens have become the default for our day-to-day lives, fountain pens can often feel like relics of history. However, if you look closer, the modern fountain pen is a more recent and resilient invention than you might imagine.

Over the decades, fountain pens have faced multiple challenges as new technologies emerged. From the rise of convenient, low-priced ballpoints to the typewriter, and eventually the computers and phones dominated.

Yet, in business, threats often create opportunities. During that period of decline in 1970s-1980s, many luxury brands pivoted to focus on elite craftsmanship, turning fountain pens into high-end, limited-run collectibles. But as the internet age broke down geographic barriers, it also sparked a "golden age" for the everyday writer. It became easier than ever to find affordable pens and an incredible diversity of inks, proving that these tools weren't just for collectors—they were for everyone.

Mont Blanc advertisement back in 1950s

The Everyday Appeal: Flow and Freedom

So, why are people switching back to them today when convenient ballpoint is available everywhere? It really comes down to two things that standard ballpoints just can't mimic: the feel of the ink and personal expression.

Unlike a ballpoint pen, which uses a thick, sticky oil-based ink that requires you to press down hard onto the paper, a fountain pen uses liquid, water-based ink. It relies on capillary action, meaning the ink effortlessly flows the moment the metal nib touches the page. This creates a smooth, continuous line with zero hand fatigue. It's a game-changer for anyone who writes or sketches for long period of time.

At the same time, it also requires a specific angle and a lighter touch. This slight shift in control forces you to slow down just enough to focus on the page and stay in the moment, bringing a natural sense of mindfulness to your writing experience.

Furthermore, you aren't restricted to standard office blue or black. The world of fountain pen ink is vast. You can customise your pen with your own choice of colours, from deep forest greens to vibrant autumn oranges, and even inks that shade or shimmer as they dry. It turns writing from a chore into a creative, personalised ritual.

Pilot Kakuno pen was originally designed specifically for children and students. (Left) 
Fountain pens allow users to choose different types of ink. (Right)

High Performance Without the Price Tag

Japanese brands like Platinum, Sailor, and Pilot have been at the forefront of this shift, balancing tradition with modern accessibility.

Platinum, in particular, has managed a feat that many other manufacturers haven't: offering a range that spans from luxury gold-nibbed models to high-performance entry-level pens that hold their own against much more expensive counterparts.

Their Preppy series is a perfect example of this. It has become a favourite for journallers and artists because it lets you experience that premium, flowing ink experience without the luxury price tag:

• Reliability: One of the biggest complaints about fountain pens is that the ink dries out if they aren't used daily. Platinum’s signature "Slip & Seal" cap design solves this entirely; it keeps the ink moist for up to a full year, making it truly practical for everyday use.

• Design & Utility: Beyond the transparent case, which gives it a clean, modern look, the clear barrel lets you monitor your ink level at a glance, so you’re never caught empty-handed.

• Versatility: It allows you to easily swap out ink cartridges, making it an easy, low-maintenance gateway into exploring different colours.

Fountain pens don't have to be expensive status symbols kept in a glass case. For many, they are simply a better way to write.

If you’re curious about making the switch from a disposable ballpoint to something more reliable and enjoyable, the Preppy is a fantastic place to start. It delivers the same engineering philosophy as high-end Japanese pens, but at a price point that makes it the perfect companion for your daily carry.