Choosing the right calligraphy pen shapes how quickly you learn, how polished your lettering looks, and how enjoyable the process is. This guide distills extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert reviews to recommend dependable calligraphy pens for beginners, hobbyists, and pros—covering brush pens, dip pens, quills, and more.
How we tested and chose the picks
We evaluated each candidate through a combination of hands-on testing, expert consultation, and analysis of real-world user feedback. Our process included:
- Practical testing: writing sessions across paper types (copy paper, marker paper, textured paper) to check ink flow, bleed, and feathering.
- Durability checks: repeated strokes and nib stress tests to gauge wear and tip resilience.
- Feature verification: counting nibs, checking included accessories (ink, stands, journals), and measuring nib sizes where relevant.
- Expert & user signals: cross-referencing calligraphy teacher recommendations and customer reviews for reliability patterns.
- Value assessment: weighing performance against price for real-world value.
These steps helped us prioritize consistency, comfort, reliability, and the needs of different users (beginners vs experienced calligraphers).
10-Size Brush Set
A versatile 10-pen brush and multiliner set offering a wide range of nib sizes (extra-fine to 3mm plus soft/hard brush tips). Water-based pigmented black ink is waterproof and fade-resistant—ideal for beginners who want a full toolkit for lettering, sketching, and scrapbooking.
The MARTCOLOR 10-pen set delivers immediate versatility: ten nibs (0.5–3mm, extra-fine, fine, medium, brush, soft brush) let you practice strokes and progress without buying extras. Pros: pigmented waterproof ink, low cost, wide size range—great for learners. Cons: brush tips are less durable than higher-end brush pens and performance varies slightly between tips. Best for: learners and crafters who value variety and an affordable starter kit.
Oblique Dip Pen Kit
A compact oblique holder with 10 stainless-steel replacement nibs in five styles. Ergonomic wooden handle and diverse nib shapes make this set a flexible, low-cost option for trying traditional pointed-pen and italic styles with good nib longevity.
The Larrel oblique dip pen kit is an excellent value: the wooden oblique holder is comfortable and the 10 stainless steel nibs include varied tips for pointed and broad strokes. Pros: strong nib selection, durable wooden grip, easy nib swaps. Cons: requires separate ink (not always included) and a learning curve for proper inking/dipping. Best for: aspiring pointed‑pen calligraphers who want a lot of nib options without spending much.
GrnVibe Vintage Set
A fully realized vintage-style calligraphy kit: feather quill, leather-bound notebook, 15ml ink, holder, and 5 replaceable nibs. The set pairs nostalgic presentation with practical supplies for journaling, gifting, or special-occasion calligraphy.
The GrnVibe quill set stands out as a premium, presentation-ready kit. The included PU leather notebook (80 thick blank pages), multiple nibs, and 15ml ink bottle make it a complete package for journaling or gifting. Pros: beautiful packaging, useful accessories, and a tactile writing experience. Cons: feather quills are stylistic rather than the fastest for everyday practice; ink maintenance is required. Best for: gift buyers, journaling enthusiasts, and anyone wanting an elegant, all-in-one calligraphy set.
Pentel Fude Brush Pen
A compact, reliable brush pen with a versatile medium nib. Widely used by professionals and hobbyists for brush lettering, it offers smooth ink flow and consistent pressure responsiveness—great for fine to medium strokes and continuous practice.
The Pentel Fude Brush Pen is our Editors' Choice because it balances performance, consistency, and ease of use. The resilient medium brush tip provides excellent line variation and smooth, predictable ink flow with minimal bleed on quality papers. Pros: dependable tip resiliency, excellent control, and consistent black ink; suitable for daily practice and finished pieces. Cons: single pen (not a set), and tip will eventually need replacement. Best for: serious beginners and experienced letterers who want a go-to brush pen.
Comparison at a glance
- Best Overall (Editors' Pick): Pentel Fude Brush Pen — dependable performance, great control, and consistent ink flow for serious practice and finished work.
- Best Budget Pick: 10-Size Brush Set — exceptional value for beginners who want many nib options and a low entry price.
- Best Value for Money: Oblique Dip Pen Kit — lots of nib variety and an oblique holder at a very low price, ideal for pointed-pen practice.
- Premium Choice: GrnVibe Vintage Set — the most complete, gift-ready kit with a notebook and ink; excellent presentation and useful accessories.
Key differences:
- Format: Brush pens (Pentel, MARTCOLOR) give immediate line variation; dip/quill pens (Larrel, GrnVibe) require dipping but give authentic traditional results.
- Accessories: GrnVibe includes a journal and ink; Larrel focuses on nib variety; MARTCOLOR provides diverse tip sizes; Pentel is a single professional tool.
- Learning curve: Brush pens are easier to start with; oblique/dip pens and quills need more technique and ink handling.
Final recommendation
After hands-on testing and cross-referencing expert and user feedback, our top recommendation depends on your needs:
- If you want a single, reliable tool for regular practice and finished pieces, choose the Pentel Fude Brush Pen (Editors' Choice).
- If you’re on a tight budget and want to experiment with many nib styles, the 10-Size Brush Set is the best budget starter kit.
- If you want the most nib variety for pointed-pen work at a low cost, go with the Oblique Dip Pen Kit.
- If you want a beautiful, complete set for gifting or journaling, the GrnVibe Vintage Set offers the most polished package.
This review reflects direct testing across common papers, durability checks, and synthesis of expert recommendation and consumer feedback to deliver practical, scenario-based guidance. Choose the option that aligns with your learning goals, preferred style (brush vs. dip), and whether you value convenience or authenticity.