A scratchy, blotchy, uncomfortable pen is one in every of life’s nice frustrations. In distinction, there’s one thing extraordinarily satisfying about utilizing a writing implement that has weight and stability and glides throughout the web page, giving a constant, clear line.
You may level your stylus at us all you need; nothing beats a pen. So whether or not you’re trying to deal with your self or give the reward of luxurious writing to another person, right here’s our rundown of the best pen makers on the earth proper now.
Graf Von Faber-Castell
Ape’s Decide: Anello Ballpoint Pen
Established in Germany in 1761 by entrepreneur Kaspar Faber, Graf von Faber-Castell is likely one of the oldest and best-known firms within the discipline of writing devices.
Famend for utilizing luxurious supplies reminiscent of resin, ebony and ivory, the model produces an array of ballpoint and fountain pens in addition to mechanical pencils which can be value each penny.
Buy now at Graf Von Faber-Castell
MontBlanc
Ape’s Decide: Meisterstück Ballpoint Pen
Crafters of among the best pens cash can purchase, Montblanc is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the posh pen world. Though now a worldwide model dealing in leather-based items, watches and extra, the beating coronary heart of Montblanc stays its writing devices.
The enduring Meisterstück – which interprets to ‘masterpiece’ – isn’t only a pen; it’s a standing image. With its ribbed cap, shiny black physique and gold accents, it’s the Rolex Submariner of writing instruments: timeless, elegant and endlessly imitated.
However Montblanc goes additional. Its Writers Version and Nice Characters collection honour literary and historic giants – from Hemingway to Shakespeare, Mandela to Einstein – with limited-edition pens which can be as collectable as they’re useful. For those who’re on the lookout for a present that borders on artwork, that is it.
Montegrappa
Based in 1912 and nonetheless producing from its authentic workshop by the River Brenta, Montegrappa pens are steeped in Italian aptitude, historic allure and unapologetic luxurious. That is the model for individuals who like their writing instruments with a little bit of drama and a whole lot of character.
The Additional Otto is one in every of Montegrappa’s best creations—a daring octagonal design impressed by classic pens from the Thirties, handcrafted in pure celluloid and trimmed with sterling silver. Due to the natural nature of the supplies, each is barely totally different, and the 18k gold nib ensures a writing expertise as clean as silk.
It’s much less an on a regular basis jotter, extra an announcement piece – one which whispers wealth reasonably than screams it. Consider it because the Ferrari of fountain pens: high-performance, unmistakably Italian, and constructed to show heads.
S.T. Dupont
Ape’s Decide: D-initial Rollerball Pen
S.T. Dupont was initially based as a carriage-making firm in France, however after a damaging hearth, founder Simon Tissot-Dupont turned his attentions to a workshop and started crafting briefcases. Since then, the luxury goods company has develop into extensively recognized for its beautiful vary of writing implements.
The D-initial Rollerball is enjoyably chunky, with a beautiful black physique accented by polished chrome. The proper luxurious jotter.
Chopard
Ape’s Decide: Allegro Ballpoint Pen
Precision and unfaltering high quality are the secret at Chopard, and so is its penchant for barely different design. Whereas different manufacturers keep on with acquainted silhouettes, Chopard pens are recognized for his or her curvature and form, leading to comfy and attention-grabbing writing devices.
Living proof: the Allegro Ballpoint. Its curved edges, clean resin and recognisably fluid writing mix to make it a particularly luxurious choice.
Cross
Ape’s Decide: ATX Brushed Black Ballpoint Pen
For over 175 years, Cross has quietly constructed a repute for fashionable, reliable writing instruments – the sort that really feel proper at residence in each a boardroom and a breast pocket. The ATX vary is the place the model leans into up to date design, providing a sleeker, extra sculptural silhouette with out sacrificing the heritage really feel.
The ATX Brushed Black Ballpoint is effortlessly cool – matte black, with chrome accents and an ergonomic form that matches the hand prefer it was custom-made. It’s not overly flashy however nonetheless feels particular. The twist mechanism is clean, the ink circulation is dependable, and the construct high quality is spot on.
A workhorse with model – superb for each day use, but sharp sufficient to reward.
Sheaffer
Ape’s Decide: Sheaffer 100 Black Ballpoint Pen
Sheaffer has been synonymous with high quality American penmanship since 1913. It provides sturdy, no-nonsense writing devices that quietly get the job carried out—and look good doing it. With its basic cigar-shaped silhouettes and polished finishes, the model has lengthy been a favorite amongst those that favour perform over flash.
The Sheaffer 100 is a stable introduction to luxurious pens. With its shiny black barrel, gold-tone accents and satisfyingly weighty really feel, it punches nicely above its price ticket. The twist-action ballpoint mechanism is clean and dependable, whereas the ink circulation is clear and crisp.
A reliable on a regular basis pen with simply sufficient polish to impress – consider it because the navy blazer of your desk drawer.
Caran d’Ache
Ape’s Decide: Léman Grand Bleu Fountain Pen
A Swiss model synonymous with precision, Caran d’Ache has been producing luxurious writing devices since 1915. The home is very nicely regarded for its meticulous consideration to element and flawless enamel work.
The Léman Grand Bleu is a standout, combining fluid design with a vivid deep blue lacquer paying homage to a Mediterranean summer season. Paired with a gold nib and buttery ink circulation, it’s a fountain pen that makes each signature really feel like a declaration.
Yard-O-Led
Ape’s Decide: Viceroy Grand Barley Sterling Silver Fountain Pen
Handmade within the UK and steeped in custom, Yard-O-Led pens are a uncommon combine of workmanship and collectability. Every pen is comprised of stable sterling silver and hallmarked in Birmingham’s Jewelry Quarter – a reality that ought to make Anglophiles swoon.
The Viceroy Grand Barley provides Victorian class, full with barley-patterned engraving and a reassuring weight within the hand. It’s much less pen, extra heirloom.
Pilot (Namiki)
Ape’s Decide: Customized 823 Fountain Pen
Japan’s reply to tremendous European penmanship, Pilot – notably by its Namiki sub-brand – has develop into a cult favorite amongst severe writers. The Customized 823, typically known as one of many smoothest-writing pens ever made, has a vacuum filler mechanism and a 14k nib that glides like silk.
It’s an ideal mix of innovation and understated luxurious, proving class isn’t at all times wrapped in silver and gold.
Lamy
Ape’s Decide: Lamy 2000 Fountain Pen
Whereas it sits on the extra accessible finish of the posh scale, Lamy nonetheless deserves its seat on the desk. Designed in 1966 and nonetheless in manufacturing right this moment, the Lamy 2000 is a Bauhaus masterpiece – minimalist, dependable and endlessly useful.
The matt Makrolon physique and spring-loaded clip make it a favorite amongst design purists. Proof that good style doesn’t at all times should shout.
