By The Eye desk · Last verified 12 October 2026
The most important choice in a fountain pen is the nib. Widths run EF (extra fine), F, M and B, and Japanese nibs run one to two sizes finer than European ones, so a Japanese M writes roughly like a European F. A steel nib is durable and writes beautifully; gold adds a softer, springier feel but is not automatically smoother. Start with bottled or cartridge dye-based ink from a reputable pen maker. In Singapore, enthusiasts browse Bras Basah Complex, the fountain pen counter at THINK in Funan, and specialist dealers in person and online. As of October 2026, check each shop’s stock and hours before you travel.
A fountain pen turns a shopping list into a small pleasure. Get three things right, nib, ink and care, and a modest pen will serve you for years.
Quick facts
- Nib widths: EF, F, M, B, sometimes BB; plus stubs, which give thick downstrokes and thin cross-strokes.
- Japanese nibs run one to two sizes finer than European nibs of the same letter.
- Steel nibs suit beginners; gold karat (14k, 18k, 21k) measures purity, not quality.
- Finer nibs dry faster, which helps left-handed writers avoid smudging.
- Sheen and shading show best in medium or broader nibs; shimmer inks need wetter nibs.
- Bras Basah Complex and Funan are the usual starting points for pen browsing in Singapore.
Which nib should I choose?
| Nib | Line | Good for | Japanese equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| EF (extra fine) | Thinnest | Small handwriting, cheap paper, planners | Japanese F is roughly European EF |
| F (fine) | Clean, controlled | Everyday notes; left-handed writers | Japanese M is roughly European F |
| M (medium) | Fuller, more expressive | Letters, journals; shows ink shading and sheen | Japanese B is roughly European M |
| B (broad) | Bold | Signatures, cards, larger handwriting | Varies by maker |
| Stub (e.g. 1.1mm) | Thick and thin strokes | Headings, decorative writing | Varies by maker |
Worked example: you write small, in a pocket diary, and you like the feel of a fine gel pen. Choose an F from a European maker or an M from a Japanese maker; both will give a similar line. If your writing is large and you want to show off a sheening ink, go one size up.
Steel or gold?
The Journal Shop puts it neatly: gold nibs do not write more smoothly because of the gold. Gold is softer, so it gives a little bounce, and higher karats are softer still. Most beginner and mid-range pens use steel, and a good steel nib is a joy. Spend on gold when you already know which nib width and feel you love.
Inks: what to put in your pen
- Cartridges are clean and simple; check they fit your brand, as many are proprietary.
- Bottled ink with a converter opens up hundreds of colours and usually costs less per page.
- Standard dye-based fountain pen inks are the easy, low-maintenance choice for daily use.
- Speciality inks, such as shimmer, pigment or iron gall, can need more frequent cleaning or a pen that suits them. Read the ink maker’s guidance and your pen’s manual before filling.
- Never use drawing ink, India ink or calligraphy dip-pen ink unless it is labelled safe for fountain pens.
Simple care in five steps
- Cap the pen whenever you stop writing, so the nib does not dry out.
- Flush with clean water when you change colour.
- Flush every few weeks anyway if the pen sits unused.
- Let it dry nib-down on tissue before refilling.
- Do not lend a pen to a heavy-handed writer; pressure can spread the nib.
Where enthusiasts shop in Singapore
Shops here are named for information only. Stock and opening hours change, so call or check online before a special trip.
| Where | What to expect | Reported by |
|---|---|---|
| THINK, Funan (level 2; City Hall MRT) | A dedicated fountain pen counter | Reddit users, February 2026 |
| Fook Hing, Bras Basah | Described by enthusiasts as mainly a fountain pen store | Reddit users, February 2026 |
| Kwang Guan Watch & Pen, #01-37 Bras Basah Complex | Watches and pens; fountain pens listed at S$98 to S$238 | Seth Lui, February 2025 |
| Cityluxe, 12 Little Road | Fountain pens and stationery | Honeycombers, 2024 |
| Overjoyed | Online pen and ink shop | Reddit users, February 2026 |
| Popular, Art Friend and general stationers | Starter pens and some inks; selection varies | Reddit users, February 2026 |
Brand boutiques and department stores carry their own luxury lines, and enthusiasts also gather in online groups to swap advice and meet up. The best way in is to try pens in person: hold the pen, check its weight, and ask to dip-test the nib on paper.
The WahLiao Verdict
Buy your first fountain pen with a steel nib in F (or a Japanese M), a converter and one bottle of a well-known dye-based ink. Try before you buy at Bras Basah or Funan, and spend the savings on good paper. Once you know the line you love, then and only then think about gold. A modest pen, kept clean and capped, will write happily for years.
Questions people ask
Why is my Japanese pen so fine?
Japanese nibs tend to run one to two sizes finer than European nibs with the same letter. Go up a size if you want a European-style line.
Is a gold nib worth it?
Only if you want its softer feel. Gold does not make a nib smoother on its own; the grind and tuning matter more.
Which nib is best for left-handers?
A finer nib with a faster-drying ink usually smudges less. Try EF or F first.
Can I use any ink in my pen?
Use ink made for fountain pens. Drawing and India inks can clog the feed, and speciality inks need more care.
Sources: Pure Pens, nib widths and Japanese sizing; The Journal Shop, steel versus gold nibs and ink properties; Seth Lui, Bras Basah Complex store guide; Honeycombers, stationery stores in Singapore; Reddit (archived), Singapore fountain pen shop discussion, February 2026. The Eye explains; it does not endorse.
Read next: Bookshops in Singapore: Chains, Independents and Second-Hand · Caring for Leather, Watches and Books in Singapore’s Humidity · Back to The Eye
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
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