There is no established universal winner among the LAMY Safari, TWSBI ECO, and Pilot Kakuno: the best choice depends on how you want to hold, fill, and use a fountain pen. Choose the Safari for an ergonomic-shaped grip and the option to switch between cartridges and bottled ink; the ECO for a built-in piston filler; or the Kakuno for a nib-orientation cue and beginner-friendly positioning. Product details and the dated TWSBI listing price below were checked on October 8, 2026.
Compare the three pens at a glance
| Pen | Grip and body | Nib choices | Filling system and included ink | Bottled-ink cost | Dated price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAMY Safari | LAMY describes subtly ergonomic grip surfaces and a resistant, matt ASA plastic body. Listed US specifications: 16 g and 144 mm long. | Multiple grades, including left-handed availability on the US product page; check current options. | One blue T 10 cartridge included. LAMY recommends the Z 28 converter for bottled ink. | Converter required for bottled ink; price not stated by LAMY’s cited product page. | Not stated on the cited US product page. |
| TWSBI ECO Transparent Blue | Cap can post; body material and weight are not stated on the cited product page. | EF, F, M, B, and Stub 1.1. | Piston filler; ink is not included. Fill by dipping the pen and operating the end cap. | No separate converter is needed for its piston filling system; bottled ink is needed to fill it. | $36.99 for the Transparent Blue model on TWSBI’s page when checked October 8, 2026; listing price, not a permanent or cross-market price. |
| Pilot Kakuno | The cited brochure lists white-, gray-, and clear-barrel variants; grip shape and weight are not stated there. | Brochure lists fine for white-barrel, medium for gray-barrel, and extra-fine, fine, and medium for clear-barrel models. | Filling system and included ink are not stated in the cited brochure. | Not stated in the cited brochure. | Not stated in the cited brochure. |
Sources: LAMY US Safari product page; TWSBI ECO Transparent Blue product page; Pilot brochure (older, approximately 2020). The table reports listed product details, not comparative writing tests.
Choose by how you want to fill the pen
LAMY Safari: cartridge now, bottled ink with a converter
The Safari comes with one blue T 10 cartridge, according to LAMY’s US product page. If you want bottled ink, LAMY recommends buying its Z 28 converter separately. That gives the Safari two filling routes, but bottled-ink use adds a converter purchase to the pen itself.
TWSBI ECO: built-in piston filling
The ECO’s piston mechanism draws ink into the pen when the nib is dipped into bottled ink and the end cap is operated, as described on TWSBI’s product page. The reviewed Transparent Blue listing says ink is not included, so plan to obtain bottled ink before using it. The listed $36.99 price applied to that model on the date checked; price, stock, color, and nib availability can change.
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#1 Best Overall
- The Hongdian forest fountain pen is equipped with a unique, streamlined stainless steel extra fine nib to deliver an incomparable writing experience.
- It comes with a converter for bottled ink, No Ink included for safety in transit. You can purchase the Hongdian cartridges or bottled ink in our store.
- The weight of Hongdian fountain pen is carefully calculated and much more suitable for long time writing.
- This Hongdian foutnain pen was designed for those who appreciate an exceptional writing experience.
- Beautifully well balanced and artfully writing instrument, this matte black fountain pen set is top of its class. With metal pen case, it makes an amazing gift for yourself, your family or absolutely anyone else.
Pilot Kakuno: check the exact model before buying
The cited Pilot brochure does not establish the Kakuno’s filling system, whether ink is included, or the cost of using bottled ink. If those details affect your decision, confirm them with the current listing for the exact model and market rather than assuming the variants share the same accessories.
Pick a nib and grip that suit your hand and writing
Nib width is a preference, not a ranking. The ECO page lists extra-fine, fine, medium, broad, and Stub 1.1 choices. LAMY lists multiple grades, including left-handed availability on its US page. Pilot’s older brochure associates Kakuno nib options with barrel variants: fine for white, medium for gray, and extra-fine, fine, or medium for clear.
Rank #2
- Tradition Meets Convenience: Enjoy the nostalgia and fun of a fountain pen with this ready-to-use, pre-filled pen; The visible ink supply lets you see how much ink is left so you never run dry
- Smooth Writing: A precision laser cut stainless steel nib and an Advanced Liquid Ink Feed System ensure steady ink flow, delivering velvety smooth strokes for an exceptional writing experience
- Patented Precise Point Technology: Pilot's Precise pens feature a precision tip that delivers clean and accurate lines every time, making your writing or creativity come to life with remarkable detail
- Versatile: Perfect for taking notes & jotting down grocery lists; Writes smooth for a polished, error-free writing, drawing, designing, sketching or doodling experience
- Power to the Pen: Express yourself effortlessly with Pilot's line of innovative writing tools, including gel ink, erasable, rolling ball, ballpoint and fountain pens & dry erase markers & more
These options alone do not establish which nib will feel best on your paper or match your handwriting. LAMY describes the Safari’s grip surfaces as subtly ergonomic and its body as resistant matt ASA plastic; its listed US dimensions are 12 × 12 × 144 mm and its listed weight is 16 g. Those manufacturer descriptions and specifications do not guarantee comfort or durability for every user.
Pilot says the Kakuno’s nib smiley is a reminder to orient the nib correctly and presents the pen for both first-time and experienced users. That visible cue may be useful if you are learning to position a fountain pen, but the brochure does not establish a comparative performance advantage.
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- Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen: The Pilot fountain pen Kakuno is designed for novice and experienced fountain pen users in mind, the Kakuno features a smiley face on the finely crafted nib to ensure the perfect writing position
- Variety of Nib Sizes and Colors: This beginner fountain pen comes in a Medium point nib with red, blue or lime caps and gray barrels. The hexagonal barrel design makes this fountain pen easy to hold
- Express Yourself: Whether you're bullet journaling or working on other creative projects, you'll want to try our full line of Pilot pens including calligraphy and hand lettering pens, brush markers, fountain pens for journaling and more
- Trusted Quality: We've been making pens for over 100 years. Whether you're taking notes, stocking up on school or office supplies, or writing in a bullet journal, Pilot has the perfect writing pen for you
- Power To The Pen: Pilot makes exceptional writing instruments to suit all your needs. We have fountain pens for writing, ballpoint, retractable, erasable and gel ink pens, plus whiteboard markers and more for every writing style
Check price, availability, and warranty in your market
Prices and stock are not established consistently across these three sources, so the dated TWSBI listing should not be read as a like-for-like price comparison. The Kakuno brochure is older—approximately 2020—and does not establish which variants are currently available. Check the exact nib, color, and accessories offered where you plan to buy.
Pilot’s two-year limited warranty for the Kakuno and Metropolitan is limited to products distributed by Pilot in the United States and bought from an authorized US retailer. Pilot’s FAQ describes exclusions, including consumables and damaged nibs, along with proof-of-purchase and inspection requirements. Read the Pilot warranty FAQ for the conditions; this is not a global warranty.
Rank #4
- Elegance Meets Function: Discover the FINTANIX fountain pen, a perfect blend of sleek design and superior writing performance. Its refined metallic finish adds modern class, while the comfortable grip ensures an effortless writing experience.
- Fountain Pens for Writing Redefined: Enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted ink flow with balanced weight distribution. Whether jotting quick notes or crafting detailed letters, this pen delivers a delightful writing experience.
- Comprehensive Fountain Pens Set: Includes an elegant pen, 10 ink cartridges (5 black, 5 blue), an ink converter, a protective pen sleeve, and a user manual. A complete set to enhance your writing journey.
- Perfect Gift for Any Occasion: Ideal for graduations, promotions, or as a thoughtful gift, this luxurious fountain pen set is perfect for writing enthusiasts and professionals alike.
- Ideal for Various Writing Scenarios: Designed for artists, scholars, and professionals, this timeless pen is a reliable companion for brainstorming, meetings, or moments of reflection.
A simple decision guide
- Choose the Safari if you want a pen supplied with a cartridge and the option to use bottled ink with a separately purchased Z 28 converter.
- Choose the ECO if a piston filler and a broad listed selection of nib widths fit your preferences, and you are comfortable sourcing bottled ink separately.
- Consider the Kakuno if its nib-orientation smiley and the nib option associated with its barrel variant appeal to you; verify the current model and its filling details before purchase.
No controlled head-to-head evidence establishes which of these pens is smoother, more reliable, better value, or more comfortable. Treat those as personal fit questions, not proven differences between the models.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Appearance & Quality: This refillable fountain pen has an exquisite metal body with a matte black finish. It is well made, sturdy and durable. Perfect metal weight and balance for premium feel in your hand.
- Writing Experience: JINHAO iridium alloy fine nib combined with High-end Ink delivery system makes writing silky smooth. You can write continuously without worrying about any skipping.
- What You Get: The set includes a high-quality fine fountain pen, JINHAO ink cartridges (2.6mm bore diameter, 5 black & 5 light blue), a converter, a protective sleeve, and a guide to use. The included ink cartridges will save you the cost of buying them separately.
- Detail: Ergonomic and streamlined design is easy to hold. A satisfying click will be heard when the Snap-on cap is closed. Superior writing performance, Even just pinching the tail-end and dragging the nib across the paper can also create clean and even ink lines. With zero ink leaks, you can pack it into the included nicely crafted sleeve and take it anywhere.
- Perfect Gift: The JINHAO black Fountain Pen Set excels in both style and performance, making it an ideal gift for Father's Day, graduations, and everyday use. Its elegance is sure to turn heads.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
