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Top 8 Best Calligraphy Pens To Buy In 2023 Review

Calligraphy is a very special kind of visual art. Some people call it the art of writing. And to make a good job of it, you need to find the Best Calligraphy Pens.

Fine calligraphy was developed, as we know it today, in the 15th Century. Although the art of specific style writing had already been seen for about 3000 years.

Back in ancient Egypt…

Top 8 Best Calligraphy Pens To Buy In 2023 Review

The Egyptians invented hieroglyphics by using pointed rocks on the walls of caves. This was to record stories about their gods and daily happenings. History hidden behind beautiful characters.

When you are writing using Calligraphy, it is said your heart must be on the tip of your pen. Every line you draw has a meaning. It can be used to make a picture into letters. It can also be used to make text into a picture.

To do that, you need the right pen. So, let’s go through the best currently available and find the Best Calligraphy Pen for you…

Best Calligraphy Pens In 2023 – Top 8 Reviews

  1. Pilot Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set
  2. STAEDTLER calligraphy pen set – Best Calligraphy Pen Gift Set
  3. Sakura 38062 8-Piece Pigma Assorted Colors Brush Pen Set – Best Basic Calligraphy Brush Set
  4. Mont Marte Calligraphy Set
  5. Speedball Oblique Pen Set – Most Versatile Calligraphy Pen Set
  6. Kuretake Zig MS34008V Memory System Calligraphy Markers – Best Calligraphy Markers for Beginners
  7. Pentel Fude Brush Pen Medium – Best Calligraphy Brush Pen
  8. SAKEYR Hand Lettering and Calligraphy Pens – Best Beginners Calligraphy Pens

1 Pilot Parallel Calligraphy Pen Set

This is a pen set from the world-renowned pen manufacturer Pilot. The Pilot Parallel Calligraphy Pen was created with an idea. That it should be a pen that will allow you to create stunning calligraphy.

But more than that, it must be convenient and easy to use. No need to dip into ink, making it both clean and precise. It gives you four line widths that you can use, but more on this later.

Choice of nibs…

The Pilot Parallel Calligraphy Pen has a tapered as well as a normal nib. The pen cap has a flattened edge that protrudes so that it can be easily twisted by hand. The nib consists of two long plates parallel to each other that join together at the end. This design allows the ink to flow evenly along the length of the pen nib.

So let’s go back to the line widths; there are four different pen nib sizes. And each size has a different cap color. Size 1.5mm is red, 2.4mm is orange, 3.8mm is green, and 6.0 blue. Pilot, therefore, give you plenty of creative options.

Keep it consistent…

Calligraphy pens use more ink than standard pens, and the ink must flow quickly and evenly. Wider pen lines require more ink to be used and must be smooth and uninterrupted. This is to keep the lines consistent throughout the writing.

There is a thin plastic sheet for cleaning. If writing for a while, the nib may become a little clogged with ink. This can cause the lines to break down. Using this clean plastic sheet, you can keep your nib clean and perfect for use.

Turn, turn, turn…

Writing flat or fine lines is easy with a simple turn of the nib. This gives you the different styles you need to create great calligraphy.

A well-designed pen from a company that is hugely popular in Calligraphy circles.


Baggallini Avenue Tote Top Handle Bag

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Nicely designed and easy to use with a range of colors.
  • Ink flows smoothly and consistently.

Cons

  • Not much spare ink is included.

2 STAEDTLER calligraphy pen set – Best Calligraphy Pen Gift Set

JS Staedtler is a German manufacturer of stationery products founded in 1835, who have become a very well-known name. This is a Calligraphy set with an added bonus. Stay with us, and you’ll see why.

This Calligraphy set is presented in a great looking metal case. It takes us all back to our school days to see this. It is delicately hinged and makes a nice case to keep your pens safe.

Everything you could need…

Included are four pens and five different nib sizes. The nibs are interchangeable and will fit on all of the pens. Sizes range from Extra Fine to Extra Broad. This covers all the necessary widths you will need.

To add to the effect of your writing, there are twenty different colored cartridges. These add an extra level of creativity to your finished product. However, you don’t have to use these cartridges if you don’t want to.

There is a pump converter included with the package. Dip the convertor into the bottled ink. You can then squeeze the pump, and it will fill up the pen for use.

Need some instruction?

So let’s take a look at the added bonus you get with this set. There is an instruction booklet with some exercises for those who might be wishing to learn Calligraphy. It covers all aspects of how to use the pens and cartridges.

The booklet gives some basic instructions on the art of this style of writing. This makes this set the perfect present for someone you think may enjoy the pastime. A reasonable price point and some nice extras, and its case, make this one of the Best Calligraphy Pens sets currently on the market.


STAEDTLER calligraphy pen set

Our rating:4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Pros

  • Four pens, a range of nib sizes, and color cartridges included.
  • Nice carrying case and an instruction book.

Cons

  • Not the highest quality.

3 Sakura 38062 8-Piece Pigma Assorted Colors Brush Pen Set – Best Basic Calligraphy Brush Set

The Sakura company was founded in Japan, where they still have their Head Office. They are now a worldwide company with a European Base in the Netherlands and a US office in California.

People suddenly noticed Sakura during the 1980s when they invented the first ink that had a gel-base. The success of that product enabled their expansion. They are now a household name.

This is a very basic set that is designed for people experimenting with writing styles using a brush. This set is more a brush pen set than what we know as a Calligraphy set. But it still enables the user to create good visual effects. There is a difference between a brush pen and a Calligraphy pen.

So what is a brush pen, and how is it different?

Included are eight different brushes in a range of colors. There is one each for black, red and blue, purple and orange and green, brown and rose. The colors are one of the high points of this set, as they are so bold and vibrant.

They are brushes, not a rigid nib design like Calligraphy pens. Therefore there is no specific size for each brush. They do come to a fine tip but are not really designed for hard lettering. They are probably best suited for casual lettering or picture creations.

Not as defined…

Maybe the best way of describing them is like a paintbrush. But, it is possible to create some great shapes and designs. But the lines will not have an accurate and precise edge as you would get from a nib.

If you are using letters or sweeping strokes, there can be problems when changing from a thick to a thin stroke. Also, when navigating around corners. This is due to the flexibility of the brush. For some, of course, that will be an advantage.

Quick-drying and waterproof…

The flow of ink is generous enough to make the strokes clean with plenty of body. But you do have to make sure you do not push too hard on the brush. This can sometimes cause the brush to flood. The ink is quick-drying and waterproof and can be used on all thicknesses of paper.

A budget brush set that will suit those who enjoy the creative work that can be achieved with a pen. Set at a decent price point.


Sakura 38062 8-Piece Pigma Assorted Colors Brush Pen Set

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Plenty of color options.
  • Great for creating artwork.

Cons

  • Not really designed for hard lettering.

4 Mont Marte Calligraphy Set

Mont Marte is a stationery products manufacturing company from Queensland in Australia. In a relatively short time, they have built a brand with an impressive customer base. They are now established all over the world in over 70 countries.

If you are looking for a calligraphy set that ticks all the boxes, this is special, and it must be considered as one of the Best Calligraphy Pens sets around.

Why? You’re about to find out…

The 33- piece Mont Marte Calligraphy Set comes in a great presentation box that contains everything you will need. Everything inside is packed in its own space. It can, therefore, be carried around securely.

It has four pens that are made from plastic. Also included in the box are five different nib sizes that can be fitted to the pens. These are sized from extra-fine to extra-broad and three sizes in between.

Superb choice of colors…

To give you plenty of color options, there are twenty cartridges of ink. These include five cartridges of both blue and white and two each of yellow, orange, pink, green, and brown. The equipment included, therefore, gives you plenty of opportunities for creating great writing.

Included with this set is an instruction booklet. This will show you how to construct and write each letter. This includes talking about the different angles of the pen when writing. Basic techniques are shown and plenty of practical advice for someone who may be learning. The pens will accommodate both left and right-handed users.

Easy to refill…

In case you do not want to use the cartridges or need a color not supplied, there is a refillable pump. This allows you to draw ink from a bottle.

This set is great for experienced calligraphers. But it also makes a great present for someone thinking about starting. It comes at a good price and is not too expensive.


Mont Marte Calligraphy Set

Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros

  • Very nice presentation case with space for all the equipment.
  • Plenty of nib sizes and colors with a helpful instruction book for new starters.

Cons

  • Better to use reasonably thick paper with these pens.

5 Speedball Oblique Pen Set – Most Versatile Calligraphy Pen Set

Speedball has what you might consider a modern name, but the company was first formed in 1899. It has been producing pens and art supplies since then. They are also well-known for their invention of the ink-retaining pen tip.

As a pen design, it offers some extra alternative writing options that it performs very well.

More on this later…

Their Calligraphy products are creative and offer pens and nibs for a range of styles. This is a single pen with six interchangeable pen points that are made to be flexible. The plastic holder is oblique in design, which many people find more comfortable than the usual straight holder.

It is suitable for both right and left-handed users and is lightweight; it is, therefore, suitable for long drawing sessions.

Takes some getting used to…

But we have to say this is not really a pen for those just beginning. The pen itself is easy and comfortable to hold, and its design allows for fluent movement. However, the pen tips will take some experience to use efficiently.

We mentioned some alternative writing styles this pen can produce well. The oblique angle of the nib allows you to create a Spencerian script and Copperplate style easily. This gives you options to create appealing Calligraphic scripts in a variety of basic styles.

Versatile, practical, and affordable…

It is a nice set and has a very attractive price point. It includes plenty of variety of sizes of pen nibs. These will create a variety of writing styles.

Unfortunately, if there is one downside, it is that it does not come supplied with ink. You will have to supply your own.


Speedball Oblique Pen Set

Our rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros

  • A variety of flexible nibs and an oblique pen at an attractive price.
  • A good pen for Copperplate and Spencerian script.

Cons

  • No ink is supplied.

6 Kuretake Zig MS34008V Memory System Calligraphy Markers – Best Calligraphy Markers for Beginners

Kuretake was established in Japan in 1902 and has grown into one of the most well-known suppliers of art supplies. They produce a range of products for illustration, fine art, graphic design, and of course, Calligraphy. They also have a design feature that helps you make the creation of the lettering impressive.

But more on this later…

In the set are eight separate pens, each with a different color. They include black, red, and blue and also pink, yellow, brown, green, and violet. Enough color options to cover most applications. One of the great things about this set is the brightness of the colors, which are impressive.

The colors are water-based and therefore are not prone to bleed, and there is little seepage. However, one thing to consider is that these pens need to be stored flat. If not, the ink can dry up.

So what is the design feature we mentioned earlier?

Apart from them being very comfortable to hold, they have tapered twin tips at one end of the pen. This is a great design feature when first learning Calligraphy. The nibs also react to the amount of pressure applied.

But it should be noted that these pens are actually markers. They are, therefore, highly suited to the beginner. Markers are easier to use and to handle.

Under pressure…

The thickness of the line you need can be created by the amount of downward pressure applied. In applying pressure, the nib does not become scratchy and maintains a smooth flow of ink. This gives you a lot of individual options for creating a beautiful script.

The Kuretake Zig MS34008V Memory System Calligraphy Markers not only are great for Calligraphy. They can also be used for fine-line drawings using the various colors supplied. They are supplied at a very attractive price point. If you like drawing and Calligraphy, these have got to be worth considering.


Kuretake Zig MS34008V Memory System Calligraphy Markers

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • A great range of colors with good controlled ink flow.
  • Good design features for a variety of drawing and Calligraphy uses.

Cons

  • Pens need to be laid flat when not in use, or the ink can dry up.

7 Pentel Fude Brush Pen Medium – Best Calligraphy Brush Pen

Pentel is another quality stationery brand from Japan. The company has continuously focused on its environmentally friendly work. In doing so, they have created a pen that is easy to keep clean. But it has many other good design points.

So, let’s find out all about it…

The Pentel Fude Brush Pen is a good option. It is designed to be suitable for brushing smaller and medium-sized characters. The brush pen is beautifully designed, and it has a comfortable size that will easily fit your hand. The body of the pen has a ribbed grip.

This is more of a brush pen than a pen with a nib. The ink is stored in the handle of the pen. You get the ink to the bristles of the brush nib by squeezing the pen gently. This is a delicate operation because the pen can drip if you squeeze too hard.

A superb choice for experienced calligraphers…

It is an excellent pen that is suitable for those with some experience of calligraphy. It will create beautifully swirling characters. And you can alternate between thin or thicker lines by the amount of pressure on the paper.

The brush tip has a high-quality design, and the spread of the ink is even. After use, there is no cleanup needed; just put the cap on when you are done.

Ready in a flash…

The Pentel Fude Brush Pen is excellent too for quick practice and making sketches. It works well when used for line drawings. Set at a great price, it is a good option.

One downside is that the instructions included are only in Japanese. However, there are some pictures to explain how to use it.


Pentel Fude Brush Pen Medium

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • A refillable pen with a well made brush nib.
  • The amount of ink flow is controlled by hand pressure on the pen.

Cons

  • Instructions for use are in Japanese, not English.

8 SAKEYR Hand Lettering and Calligraphy Pens – Best Beginners Calligraphy Pens

This is a set of calligraphy pens from Sakeyr, who are a part of the Guangzhou Jingshimaoyi Limited company in Shenzhen, China.

If you are new to calligraphy or line-drawing or are considering it, this set of pens is a good option. It has just what you need to get you started.

Here’s why…

This set has nine pens, each with a different tip size. The sizes are marked on the caps of the pens. The tip pen size is 0.05 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm nib. Also, a 3 mm nib, extra-fine(XS), fine(S), medium(M), a brush nib(L), and a soft brush nib(BR).

Each pen has a smooth action and is comfortable to hold. The ink flow is stable, does not bleed, and it dries quite quickly.

Very versatile…

With these pens, you can create a range of calligraphic styles or use them for line-drawing. The nib sizes allow you plenty of options. However, although there are plenty of nib sizes, they only come with black ink. They are excellent value at a great price point and will make a nice affordable gift.


SAKEYR Hand Lettering and Calligraphy Pens

Our rating:4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)

Pros

  • Comfortable and easy to hold with a range of nib sizes.
  • Smooth ink flow.

Cons

  • Only has black ink.

Best Calligraphy Pens Buyer’s Guide – Let’s get creative

Kuretake Zig MS34008V Memory System Calligraphy Markers, Multicolor, 8-Pack

There is very little about Calligraphy that isn’t nice to look at, and at times the results can be stunning. This is really a very underrated art form.

However, choosing a pen that is suitable can be difficult because there are so many to choose from. You certainly need to think about what you need. And at what level you are working at. So, let’s help you make the perfect decision with some commonly asked questions…

Do You Want Colors, Or Are You Hhappy With Plain Bblack?

There are some sets that come with a wide range of colors, which gives you more creative options. However, some pens offer just black ink.

But some pens come without ink at all, so bear that in mind and get some ink when you buy them.

Are You Buying For Someone Who Is Learning Or New To Calligraphy?

SAKEYR Hand Lettering and Calligraphy Pens

If so, a water-based, lightweight pen will be a good option. That will allow them to get used to the techniques they are learning. Also, the rate of ink-flow and the potential for seepage or bleed is something to consider.

Some people who are just starting Calligraphy prefer to use marker pens, so that is something also worth looking at.

What About The Ink?

Some calligraphy pens are like quill pens and need to be dipped in ink. Some are like traditional fountain pens and can be filled from an inkpot. Others have cartridges inside the barrel of the pen. So, there is plenty of choice.

Is The Pen For Other Activities?

Some pens are also suitable for line-drawing, a craft not a million miles away from calligraphy. And there are some that have brush nibs rather than hard nibs that are also good for drawing.

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STAEDTLER calligraphy pen set, Complete 33 piece tin, ideal for all ski

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So, What Are The Best Calligraphy Pens?

As we would be complete beginners, we would choose a pen that will be easy to learn with. But it will also last us for a while. We would also prefer water-based ink. We would therefore choose the…

Kuretake Zig MS34008V Memory System Calligraphy Markers

It offers a superb range of colors with good controlled ink flow. And has good design features for a variety of drawing and Calligraphy uses.

Enjoy your pens, and enjoy your writing.

About Paul S. Brunet

Known as the "Tech Lover", Paul is an expert of current and trending technology. Here at TinyGrab, he makes "tech" easy to understand for the average person.

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