Searching for the ultimate classically-inspired holiday gift for a family member, friend, or the gentleman in your life? Or maybe it’s time to indulge yourself this holiday season? No matter who you’re shopping for, our expertly curated gift guide, organized by price point, is sure to have something you’ll absolutely adore!

Up to $50

The ideal gent’s

Stocking Stuffer

What makes an old pair of shoes look brand new without worrying about sizing or fit and at a fraction of the cost? New shoe and boot laces! A dash of unexpected color or unique texture from new laces can change your shoes or boots’ formality, appearance, and effect. And best of all? No sizing to worry about.

Just $9 per pair!

Gentleman Jon Alum Block ($10)

Necktie Travel Roll Case ($12)

Traveling with a necktie can be risky; they are easily squished or creased in luggage, and what’s the point of having a tie if not to look good? Check out this simple and inexpensive solution for frequent travelers: the necktie travel roll case. While we don’t recommend storing your ties rolled for longer than necessary, this is a great solution for getting from point A to B.

Available on Amazon!

Kent Wang Horn Collar Stays ($15)

Keep your shirt collars looking crisp and elegant with these horn collar stays from Kent Wang, sustainably sourced from water buffaloes. Each of these stays, which measure 2.5″ by 3/8″, vary in color from a warm brown to a deep tan, and thanks to the natural flexibility of the horn, they will offer years of service, keeping your shirt collar points from appearing lank or crumpled.

BUY NOW!

Vorspack Dopp Kit ($16)

Be ready to help your man look his best on his next trip, no matter where life takes him! This durable and attractive dopp kit is 10 x 5 x 5.5 inches: large enough to handle all you need but still easy to stow in carry-on luggage. The waterproof interior lining protects you and your clothes from accidental spills.

Anker PowerCore III Sense 10K ($20)

Here is what one of our writers, Elaisa, has to say about this power pack:

“I like my purchases to be worthwhile, so I always try to find the best brands that will satisfy these three considerations: cost, quality, and aesthetic (I know not everyone will agree with this, but let’s be honest, everything needs to look good these days). So I’ve been using this power bank for almost 2 years now (gifted this during Christmas Manito-Manita last year), and it has proven its worth. This has been dropped a few times, and I couldn’t see any scratches or cracks, although the back is prone to fingerprints—it’s not really a problem for me. The standout factor for me is how super lightweight it is, despite being able to charge my phone 3-4 times, plus it’s fast charging! Compare this with other options of the same charging capacity, which are heavy, bulky, and really add weight to your luggage or travel bag. This power bank, however, is travel-friendly and compact enough to fit in small bags. I also use this to charge my DJI Pocket 2, and it can charge it up to three times, allowing me to take videos of the beautiful places I visit. If you look at its textured cover, you’ll notice the cool, modern look of the surface details, and I love the effect  (I also love gray, so …). It’s the first thing others notice, too, often earning me compliments, so I’m really happy with this one.”

scented candles by

Lulu ($20+)

With dozens of different scents available, these long-lasting soy candles with cotton wicks will help you set any desired mood in any space in your home. One of our favorites is warm pipe tobacco!

Buy now!

Colorful Montblanc Ink Bottles ($26)

What do you give the fountain pen lover who has everything? How about a bottle of Montblanc ink in an exciting and unexpected color? From modena red to toffee brown and amethyst purple to Irish green, these unique shades help even the most accomplished writer stand out in the best possible way.

Crane & Co. Stationery ($28)

Could there be a better complement for your exceptional gift-giving than when they send you a “Thank You” note with the fine stationery that you bought for them? Crane & Co. offers a wide array of writing papers, envelopes, and cards: you can even create a custom set!

Air Tags / Galaxy Tags / Tile Trackers ($30+)

Are you constantly losing little items like your keys, the remote, or a commonplace book? Or are you afraid that your airlines might lose your luggage? Consider a discreet but extremely helpful tracking tag that allows you to hunt down those lost items wherever they might be hiding. Consider Airtags for optimization with Apple products, Galaxy Tags for Android phone users, or Tile trackers for a generic option.

Classic Vinyl Records ($30+)

Audiophiles often say that nothing compares to the pressed-in audio fidelity of a genuine vinyl record. We’re inclined to agree, and if anyone on your “Nice List” owns a turntable, consider expanding their LP collection with a few classic records. We suggest In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning by Frank Sinatra, Kind of Blue by Miles Davis, and Time Out by the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

You can find re-releases on Amazon or originals in your local record shop.

Fishwife Tinned Seafood Co.

Smoky Trio ($33)

Enjoyed as a cooking ingredient, a crumble over salads, or by itself, tinned fish from The Fishwife Tinned Seafood Co. is a delectable stocking stuffer that any fish-loving fellow will enjoy. Caught in Norway and smoked in the state of Washington, he will flip over this fantastic fish; we suggest starting with the Smoky Trio pack of salmon, mackerel, and rainbow trout.

Highball Wood Cocktail Muddler ($38)

Muddling cocktails helps to release the fragrant oils of citrus fruits and herbs. Some muddlers can be too narrow or slippery, which makes a simple Mojito far more work than it should be. This muddler is nearly as wide as a typical highball glass, offering a better grip and preventing the fruits and herbs from escaping being crushed. For the home cocktail enthusiast, a muddler is a tool that is as attractive as it is functional.

Bottoms up! Find it on Etsy!

Fort Belvedere Black Tie Accessories ($45+)

Black Tie elegance has never been easier (or more dapper!)

Fort Belvedere

Black Self-Tie Diamond Bow Tie in Silk Satin Sized with Pointed Ends

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Fort Belvedere

Dark Red Carnation Boutonniere Life Size Lapel Flower

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Fort Belvedere

Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Onyx Ball – 925 Sterling Silver Platinum Plated

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Fort Belvedere

White Linen Pocket Square with Handrolled Edges, Made in Italy

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Fort Belvedere

Finest Over The Calf Socks in Black Silk

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Fort Belvedere

Black Satin Evening Shoelaces

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When it comes to formal attire, every little detail matters. Help him get the details exactly right with these stunning Black Tie accessories from Fort Belvedere. Everything you need to make a smoking Le Smoking ensemble is here, from decadent silk dress socks to crisp bow ties that are individually sized and come with various bow styles to make your formal evening look all your own.

$50 to $100

J.C. Leyendecker: American Imagist Art Book ($50)

Whether seeking out vintage style inspiration or a way to liven up a drab coffee table, J.C. Leyendecker: American Imagist by Laurence S. Cutler and Judy Goffman Cutler chronicles the life and career of this remarkable illustrator with a fascinating narrative and countless high-quality, vibrantly transferred full-color photographs of his most famous and iconic works.

Luigi Bormioli "Veronese" Rocks Glasses ($60)

When your dad drinks, make sure that he drinks in style. Luigi Bormioli is one of our favorite producers of beautiful, functional, and practical barware. We especially like their “Veronese” line of rocks glasses because they have a lovely heft that feels great and keeps your drink in place while the thick glass prevents your hands from warming up cold beverages; the beautiful classic lines don’t hurt, either!

Bottoms Up! Buy them here!

Fort Belvedere Wool-Silk Pocket Squares ($60+)

Over 100 pocket squares are available at the Fort Belvedere website!

Fort Belvedere

Buff Rabbits on Navy Blue with Green Silk Wool Pocket Square

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Fort Belvedere

Wine Red, Yellow,Blue, Green, Orange Silk Wool Medallion Pocket Square

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Fort Belvedere

Purple, Orange, Green, Blue Silk Wool Pocket Square

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Fort Belvedere

Peruse Our Entire Collection

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During the colder days of the year, pocket squares in a wool-silk blend look particularly dapper because they are less shiny than their all-silk counterparts, and the colors are still vivid but a bit more subdued and, hence, perfectly fitting for the season.

Museum Membership ($60+)

Give the gift of culture and the arts this holiday season by surprising that special someone with a local art, history, or cultural museum membership. Whether for a connoisseur or a newbie, a museum membership is a gift that can be enjoyed the entire year. Our local art museum, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offers starting memberships at just $60.

Roberto Ugolini Fragrance Sampler Set ($70)

Can’t choose between all of the fabulous fragrances offered by Roberto Ugolini? Now you don’t have to! This sample pack gives you access to the entire line to wear and test each fragrance to find your perfect fit.

Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel 11 ⅞ Fry Pan ($70)

Raphael himself swears by this pan as a versatile option that doesn’t break the bank like other brands can. He has found that the 11 7/8″ size is ideal for most home chefs.

Want another tip? Raphael says: “Elevate your cooking experience with a Lodge silicone handle.”

Folio Society Classic Edition

Books ($75+)

For the dedicated reader, these handsomely bound and illustrated editions of favorite novels could be the perfect way to experience a beloved book again. We especially enjoy the James Bond books by Ian Fleming.

Shop the whole collection

Wireless Earbuds ($98+)

Wireless earbuds make it so easy to enjoy music discreetly, talk on the phone, or block out that outside noise! For best results, select a product that matches the make of the gift-receiver’s mobile phone. We suggest Sony WF-C500 Wireless Earbuds for Android phones and AirPods for iOS users.

$100 to $300

Annual Subscription to the Criterion Channel ($100)

Elevate their streaming experience with an annual subscription to The Criterion Channel this holiday season. An incredible repository of foreign, art, and classic films, The Criterion Channel features thousands of films that will keep the cinephile in your life busy until next Christmas!

Thrifty Traveller Premium Subscription ($100)

For the dad who loves to travel, consider a subscription to Thrifty Traveler! The Schneider family has been utilizing this program for years, and it has saved them thousands of dollars. It also allows them to upgrade to business class for international flights. Say “goodbye” to coach!

This program provides one-on-one personal credit card recommendations based on your spending behaviors, and they advise you on the best way to go about collecting miles so you can collect points and transfer them to all airlines. Even if you don’t collect miles, they have great cash deals domestically and internationally. The premium subscription gives you access tp their portal and email newsletter, where they send you deals from your home airport that you can then book, all with great step-by-step instructions.

Please note that this program currently only operates in the United States of America.

eReader ($105+)

This Gift is Preston-Approved!

A dedicated e-reader eliminates the distractions of other devices, allowing the user to focus fully on reading. When Preston was gifted an e-reader (in his specific case, an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite) by his wife, he was initially unsure whether or not he would get much use out of it; after all, he had considered himself someone who appreciates the tactile, experiential nature of paper books. While this remains true, Preston immediately realized the benefits of the e-reader when taking a trip to Sweden in the spring of 2024. Not only did he have a more engrossing way to occupy his non-conversational downtime at airport gates and on trains than simply scrolling on his phone, but he could choose from a far wider selection of books than if he had endeavored to bring physical copies along. Further, many e-readers support free e-book loans with a valid library card, so Preston was happily able to reengage with his local library. He reports with some pride that after going several years finishing one book or none at all annually, he has read five books and counting in 2024!

Genuine Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Italy by Villa Ronzan ($110)

When we say “real” balsamic vinegar, we don’t mean the kind you buy at the grocery store or even on the shelves of your local Italian specialty store. Authentic balsamic vinegar is produced in a strictly regulated, time-intensive process carrying a D.O.P. stamp. One of our favorites is made by Villa Ronzan.

Find it on Amazon

Custom Portrait Illustration ($120+)

Give the gift of an unforgettable work of art! Online or locally, find an artist who will transform your photographs, like a portrait or treasured memory, into a unique piece of art.

At the 2023 Belvedere Bash in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we commissioned a local artist, Claire Ward, to create fashion-style illustrations of some of our guests’ fantastic ensembles.

Henckel Classic Set of Four

Steak Knives ($125)

Bon appétit! Every steak he eats will taste better thanks to these classic and elegant steak knives.

available on Amazon

Fort Belvedere 4-Cardholder Slim Wallet ($125+)

Give the gift of the slimmest, finest, most elegant card carrier wallet! The four study slots on this cardholder will allow him to carry all of his essential cards in a slim profile wallet that won’t ruin the lines or drape of his clothes. With nine colors and four leather varieties, we offer a slim wallet to suit every style, occasion, and type of gentleman in your life!

Fort Belvedere

Black Slim Card Carrier Wallet with Cash Pocket in Full-Grain Togo Leather

Only Available from Fort Belvedere!

Fort Belvedere

Golden Brown Slim Card Carrier Wallet with Cash Pocket in Full-Grain Togo Leather

Only Available from Fort Belvedere!

Fort Belvedere

Orange Slim Card Carrier Wallet with Cash Pocket in Full-Grain Togo Leather

Only Available from Fort Belvedere!

Fort Belvedere

Boardroom Taupe Slim Card Carrier Wallet with Cash Pocket in Full-Grain Togo Leather

Only Available from Fort Belvedere!

Fort Belvedere

Black Slim Card Carrier Wallet with Cash Pocket in Full-Grain Americana Leather

Only Available from Fort Belvedere!

Fort Belvedere

Vintage Gold Tan Slim Card Carrier Wallet with Cash Pocket in Full-Grain Americana Leather

Only Available from Fort Belvedere!

Fort Belvedere

Antique Mahogany Slim Card Carrier Wallet with Cash Pocket in Full-Grain Montecristo Leather

Only Available from Fort Belvedere!

Fort Belvedere

Saddle Brown Slim Card Carrier Wallet with Cash Pocket in Full-Grain Montecristo Leather

Only Available from Fort Belvedere!

Fort Belvedere

Saddle Brown Slim Card Carrier Wallet with Cash Pocket in Full-Grain Dumont Leather

Only Available from Fort Belvedere!

Piedaterre Venezia Velvet

Slippers ($135)

Throw the bunny slippers in the trash and help him upgrade his house shoe game with a gorgeous pair of velvet house shoes. Our writer Eb Daniels loves his emerald green pair from Piedaterre Venezia, and with dozens of decadent color choices, you can find a pair to suit any style or personality. They also carry slippers in other materials for warm weather and hotter climates.

It always pays to invest in items that keep you comfortable, and that’s doubly true for anything that also helps to keep you dry! A quality stick umbrella is a dapper tool that ensures you look great while avoiding the wet.

Fort Belvedere Pen Cases ($145)

Vintage Tan

Full-Grain Leather

Mahogany

Magnet Closure

Togo Black

Full Protection

Discover the ultimate in luxury and protection with our high-quality luxury pen pouches. Crafted with precision, these pouches feature folded edges and are made entirely from top-grade leather—no fabric, just pure elegance. The magnetic closure ensures easy access, allowing you to effortlessly retrieve your writing instrument whenever inspiration strikes.

These pen cases are designed to safeguard your treasured writing tools, whether it’s a fountain pen, ballpoint, or rollerball pen. Not only do they provide superior protection, but they also add a touch of sophistication to your everyday carry. Elevate your writing experience and make a statement with a pen pouch that reflects your refined taste. Choose our luxury pen pouches and protect your pens in style.

Don’t miss out on owning the finest accessory for your writing instruments. Act now and indulge in the elegance and functionality that only our pen pouches can offer!

World Poker Tour Clay Poker Set ($150)

When it is poker night at The Gentleman’s Gazette, we gather around the table and play with Raphael’s exceptional World Poker Tour clay chips. Looking for a pack of cards? We use Copag.

Fort Belvedere 4 Suits Poker Pocket Square with Embroidered Hearts, Spaces, Clubs, and Spades

Be ready for poker night with this fun 100% Italian linen pocket square from Fort Belvedere, embroidered with the four suits. We can’t guarantee it will bring you luck, but we can guarantee that it will help you look your very best!

Will Luck be a lady tonight?

Fort Belvedere

Watch Cases

Starting at just $175 for a single-capacity case and available in two- and three-watch capacities in four different Italian tannery-made leather finishes, these carriers are fully lined in grippy suede that naturally holds and protects your watch in place.

Luxury Watches need luxury cases

HORL Knife Sharpening Set ($189)

A good chef knows that his knives are only as good as their sharpness, because dull knives are ineffective and dangerous; but getting knives professionally sharpened is inconvenient and can be expensive. Enter the HORL Knife Sharpening Set, featuring all of the tools that you need to keep your fine knives in fine shape.

Raphael Schneider loves to cook, and he has derived considerable use and benefit from this set, so he highly recommends it. In fact, it is so easy and fun to use that Raphael almost looks forward to sharpening his knives, meaning that he is more regular in his care. This attentiveness drastically improves the lifespan of the expensive German and Japanese knives that the Schneiders own.

Shun Premier 8″ Chef’s Knife ($200)

We’ve tested numerous chef knives. There are many we like, such as the Wustoff knives from Germany and the Evercut Furtif from France, but the one we like the most is the Shun 8” Premier chef’s knife from Japan. It is lightweight, surgically sharp, easy to use, and comfortable for most hands. What makes it an especially stunning investment piece is how beautiful it looks on the counter with the gorgeous dark wood handle, its gold cap, and the layered Damascus cladding with a hammered tsuchime finish. 

Baturina Classic Dressing Gown ($215+)

Whether he’s bundled up against the cold or getting ready for an evening out, he will love doing it in a classic men’s dressing gown. We are particularly impressed with the offerings from Baturina. No matter your choice, it will look much better than a pair of sweatpants!

Audio-Technica Bluetooth Stereo

Turntable ($220)

Old favorites sound better on a turntable record player, and if he has a collection of records, he will love listening to them on this hi-fi record player outfitted with all the latest bells and whistles.

Find it on Amazon

Bose Portable Bluetooth

Speaker ($220)

Don’t let inferior speakers ruin your listening experience. These exceptional speakers from Bose connect wirelessly without compromising sound quality.

Available from Amazon

Roberto Ugolini Fragrances ($255+)

Give him the gift of an introduction into the rarefied world of luxurious niche fragrances with a beautiful flacon from Roberto Ugolini. These exceptional scents represent the pinnacle of olfactory excellence in the world of menswear. With an expanding collection from which to choose, find your and his new favorite scent today.

Full-Grain Leather Passport Holder ($260)

When traveling, focus on the experience, not on managing your flight credentials with bulky folders, multiple wallets, or crammed pockets. Introducing the Fort Belvedere Passport Holder, crafted from premium Italian full-grain leather and designed for frequent flyers. This passport protector and document carrier offers all the storage you need, including three passport pouches, seven card slots, and a full-sized central pouch. Elevate your travel experience with the Fort Belvedere Travel Document Holder today!

Available in Four Leather Finishes

Cotton Bathrobe by

Frette ($265)

Whether leaving the bath or leaving the pool, a quality and classic bathrobe keeps away the chill while layering on the class. Frette is an Italian company that has been manufacturing fine household products for decades and even holds an exclusive commission from some of the world’s finest luxury hotels; our writer Eb Daniels bought his from the Gritti Palace Hotel in Venice, Italy!

Fort Belvedere Leather Wallets ($270)

If he uses it daily, he should love it, so find a wallet he will love at Fort Belvedere!

We aimed to create a bifold wallet that combines spacious storage with a slim profile, using high-quality full-grain leather for durability. By precisely skiving the joining sections, we reduce thickness, and each material is chosen to ensure a sleek look without losing function or sturdiness. We redesigned the central pocket layout to make it slimmer without losing capacity.

This wallet offers eight or ten card slots and a divided main pocket, maintaining its slim profile even when fully loaded, thanks to our careful design choices. While other brands might achieve thinness with smaller card slots, tighter card placement, or synthetic linings, we focus on intentional design to keep the wallet thin and functional.

Saddle Brown

European Leather

Vintage Tan

Leather Dividers

Mahogany

Full Capacity

$300 to $500

Bossanova Kingsize Classic Hammock ($300)

Hammocks are a tradition in South America, and Raphael has enjoyed using one to relax since childhood with his Brazilian father. Unlike synthetic hammocks, this handmade Brazilian hammock is made from breathable, durable organic cotton, which keeps you cool and comfortable. 

Luxury Caviar from Paris

Kaviari ($305)

Served at some of the finest restaurants in the world, including Atlas in Atlanta, where our write Eb sampled some, this Kaviari Imperial Beluga Caviar is the ultimate luxury stocking-stuffer for the gormound in your life.

Get the toast Wedges!

Persol 649 Sunglasses ($342)

Classic rounded sunglasses not only flatter almost all faces but also have the unique ability to make young faces look more mature and more mature faces look more youthful. The iconic Persol 649-series sunglasses are rightfully famous in Classic Menswear as the epitome of stylish flair and charm and will make the ideal addition to any wardrobe. Thanks to their dark tortoiseshell coloring and combination of oversized, organically curved frames, these sunglasses will naturally suit the overwhelming majority of face shapes, meaning that no matter what your father’s face looks like, it will probably look awesome in a pair of these stylish Italian sunglasses.

Bowhill & Elliott Opera Pumps ($380+)

Let's Hear from Jack Collins!

“Am I biased because I live near Bowhill & Elliott? Perhaps. Am I biased because I’m a classic style enthusiast who loves his Bowhill & Elliott opera pumps? Absolutely. When it came to assembling my first black tie ensemble for my 30th birthday celebrations, I knew I wanted something that would be specific to an eveningwear outfit, so no high-shine oxfords for me; it had to be black patent leather. The beauty of the opera pump is that you can then also wear them with a white tie ensemble if ever given the chance, so you’re getting a surprisingly versatile shoe in one purchase. With an almost indestructible leather sole, the opera pumps from Bowhill & Elliott pair longevity with comfort, as the low vamp and quilted lining make them perhaps the most comfortable element of your eveningwear wardrobe. Plus, Mr. Sinatra found opera pumps to be so comfortable and stylish that he used to wear them for traveling. You can’t get a better endorsement than Frank.”

Riedel Wine Decanter ($400)

Decanting allows wine to breathe, which helps to release its aromas and flavors. This is especially beneficial for young red wines, which can be tight and closed off right out of the bottle. Riedel has been manufacturing luxury glassware for decades and remains a leader in the field, and our writer Eb receives nothing but compliments when he serves wine from this elegant decanter that also has the benefit of being very easy to clean.

Maglia Dark Maple Umbrella ($440)

Getting soaked in a sudden rainstorm is never a good look, so make sure the gent in your life is ready for any weather by arming him with a telescopic umbrella from Maglia, makers of fine umbrellas since 1854. Built to last, perfectly waterproof, and beautiful, too, these umbrellas are some of our favorites.

Take shelter under this umbrella now!

Baracuta G9 Harrington Jacket ($450)

When Raphael first reviewed the Baracuta G9 Harrington jacket, he didn’t think that he would like it. Imagine his surprise when it quickly became one of his favorite transitional jackets.

We’ll let his review speak for itself:

“First of all, it comes in a really large range of colors but it also has a very pleasing slim modern cut, even though it was designed in 1937. I’m really pleased with the length of the sleeves. On top of that, it’s a very functional jacket; I can wear it when it’s raining outside when I need to pick up some groceries or drop off my daughter somewhere.

If you consider the price per wear and you just wear it ten times during the spring and ten times during the fall for just ten years, that breaks down to $1.95 per wear which I think is totally worth it.”

$500 to $1000

Museum-Quality Replicas ($500+)

Make his desk or den the envy of any collector with a quality, large-sized reproduction of a beloved work of art. On a large scale, these replicas become one-of-a-kind decorative items themselves and will always make a monumental impression on anyone who sees them.

Check out these offerings from Design Toscano, the Getty Museum, and Museum Replicas.

Season Tickets to a Cultural Event ($550+)

During the season of giving, consider a gift that can be used year-around: tickets to a recurring cultural event, like a season of plays, musicals, or operas. While season tickets are available at many price points, for an unforgettable gift, why not splurge on prime orchestra or mezzanine seats? After all, who doesn’t love an excuse to get all dressed up?

Montblanc MB 01 Over-Ear Headphones ($600)

If the man you’re shopping for is an audiophile, he should never compromise when it comes to enjoying the beauty of sound; too often, headphones are made too small for men with larger ears, like Raphael. Whether he has large ears or not, he will never have to compromise with these classic over-the-ear style headphones from Montblanc. Made with high-quality aluminum, fine leather, and robust silicon, these headphones will last even when taken on the road or through the skies on long trips.

Nakata Valet Stand

“Giorno” ($650)

He will truly feel like the lord of the manor when aided in his dressing and undressing by this beechwood valet stand made in Japan by Nakata. The sturdy hangers keep his jacket and trousers handy and neat while the tidbit tray provides the perfect temporary storage for a wallet, keys, cufflinks, and similar small objects. This model even features an elevated shoe rack for airing shoes; Nakata has truly thought of everything.

Lello 4080 Musso Lussino Ice Cream Maker ($700)

We all scream for ice cream, and with this fun and easy ice cream maker, your dad can make it himself! With a 1 ½ quart capacity this industrious little machine can freeze up to three quarts of ice cream or sorbet per hour. Fully automatic, you only need to fill it with ingredients and then push two buttons with preconfigured settings for different frozen confections.

Raphael received this exact model as a gift from his family and making his own ice cream has quickly become one of his favorite hobbies. Every time Raphael makes ice cream for others he is inundated with compliments and after dessert he is happy to show off this handy gadget to his guests.

Tissot PRX ($725)

What does Chris Dummer have to say about this classic wristwatch?

“The Tissot PRX is an excellent holiday gift choice for those who appreciate timeless style blended with modern functionality. Its sleek, retro design nods to classic 1970s timepieces, offering a vintage charm that’s right on trend. This watch is versatile enough to be dressed up or down, making it suitable for any occasion and a perfect wardrobe staple. The Swiss craftsmanship ensures precision and durability, signaling a gift of quality. It’s a thoughtful present that speaks to one’s taste and the desire to offer something both luxurious and practical. For anyone looking to make a lasting impression, the Tissot PRX won’t disappoint.”

Classic Silk Pajama Set ($885)

Nothing will make the man in your life feel like a gentleman of leisure quite like a true silk pajama set. Traditional pajamas, composed of a button-down, notch-collar lapel shirt and matching drawstring bottoms, used to be a department store staple. Few men wear them anymore, so why not revisit them with this ultra-lux pair from Derek Rose made from 100% silk? You won’t be afraid to open the door for the UPS guy wearing these pajamas.

$1000+

iPad Pro 13-Inch with Keyboard and Stylus ($1250)

As a busy entrepeneur who seeks out the best technology, Raphael is never far from his iPad Pro. The 13-inch screen lets him see what he needs to see without affecting portability. And with a stylus and keyboard interface, he can utilize this tool in any way he needs to get things done, whether he’s at the office, commuting, or riding in an airplane.

Whether the lucky fellow who receives this gift uses it for business, pleasure, or both, we believe that the beautiful iPad Pro will make a welcome addition to his tech cadre; Raphael certainly can’t get enough of his!

Sony Alpha 6700 Camera ($1500)

Superlative cameras have never been cheaper, and when it comes to remarkable value at an attainable price point, the Sony Alpha 6700 leads the pack. With a 26 MP sensor, AI-based subject recognition, 16-50mm zoom, and the ability to shoot 4K video, he will put Man Ray to shame with this versatile little camera.

Jack, our senior content manager, has recently begun shooting more photographs for us and he prefers to use the Sony Alpha 6700.

Available on Amazon!

Belstaff Leather Jacket

Trialmaster ($1795)

Invest in his comfort and his style with a quality leather jacket like the Belstaff Trialmaster. The silhouette of the Panther jacket hasn’t changed in years, so you can be assured the look will remain relevant for years to come. The tumble-finished, hand-waxed cowhide leather also makes it a much sturdier leather jacket than most.

Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case ($2150)

As a regular luxury traveler, Raphael knows that there is no substitute for a quality suitcase. Recently, we partnered with Sterling Pacific to discuss their 40L cabin travel case. As part of that partnership, we carried out a thorough review of this luggage and found it to be an exceptional product.

Whether as a gift for yourself or for the jet-setter in your life, this suitcase could be a perfect addition to their travel trousseau and an ideal luggage option.

Cartier Tank Must ($3450)

Jack says: As an icon of not only horology, but also of design, the Cartier Tank has always been on my radar as a “grail watch”. The simple, elegant, and utterly timeless design pairs with so many varieties and combinations of clothing, making it an extremely versatile watch. The price is also an attractive factor, as many Tank Musts were produced in the 70s and 80s, meaning you can find an exquisite version on the vintage market for around $1500 – $3000. When compared to the price of similarly iconic watches, and when you consider how much wear you’ll get out of it, it’s a remarkably low investment AND cost-per-wear item that’s still valuable to treasure and eventually hand down as an heirloom piece. As a final thought, the quartz-powered Tank Must makes it a tremendous watch to travel with due to its reliability, and the almost silent movement (and lack of a seconds hand) means it feels and looks far more elegant. Invest in an additional strap to change out between light and dark colors for added bang-for-your-buck, or go with an expert-level forest green, oxblood, or gray strap for the ultimate “one-watch collection”.

Berkel Flywheel Slicer ($6600)

For the man who has everything and loves to eat,consider a manual flywheel meat slicer that adds a unique culinary twist to any kitchen space. Raphael enjoys this example from Berkel that offers several benefits that make it a standout choice for both home and professional kitchens.

Made with high-quality materials and attention to detail, these slicers are not only durable but also add a touch of elegance to any kitchen. Their vintage design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making them a conversation piece.

Using a Berkel slicer can enhance the flavor and texture of the food. The sharp blade and precise slicing help maintain the integrity of the food, ensuring that each slice retains its natural juices and flavors. This results in a superior taste experience that is sure to impress guests and elevate any meal.

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• Select from the gift card value that works for you
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Conclusion

We hope you’ve found something for every gentleman on your shopping list! If not, here is additional content that may help you on your holiday search!

In the US, unless they intentionally seek them out, most adults never get acquainted with fountain pens. In Germany, where Raphael grew up, it’s part of the school curriculum, so he first wrote with fountain pens when he was five years old.

Over time, he’s used many different fountain pens–expensive and inexpensive ones. Today, we’ll highlight the five best-value pens that won’t break the bank. If you’re unsure whether a fountain pen is right for you, this guide will focus on low price, easy maintenance, easy writing, and overall, a good experience at a minimal investment.

History of Fountain Pens, in a Nutshell

The fountain pen looks like a more modern variation of the dip pen, but it actually dates back centuries to 973 A.D., when Ma’ād al-Mu’izz, the caliph of the Maghreb, wanted a pen that wouldn’t stain his hands. He was given a pen with a built-in reservoir for the ink that could be held upside down without leaking.

The 1600s saw the invention of

Pens with Ink Reservoir

In the 1600s, pen makers in Germany were producing pens with some kind of ink reservoir. The development improved, and by the late 1600s, fountain pens, as they are known today, were in vogue and being used throughout England.

What was once reserved for the wealthy aristocrat due to cost was now widely available for a minimal price that almost anyone could afford. For the men and women who previously couldn’t afford to write, the fountain pen proved to increase literacy as they began to acquire their own collection of pens.

The knowledge of the pen’s dynamics caught on in the mid-1850s, and from then on, there was a growing number of manufacturers filing patents on a regular basis. Once the free-flowing ink was invented, along with hard rubber and the iridium-tipped gold nib, the industry caught fire, and fountain pens became the standard writing instrument used on an almost global scale.

By the 1900s, self-filling pens were developed by companies like Waterman, Parker, and Shaeffer, which had twist, button, and lever fillers. Still, the pens continued to leak, so safety pens were produced, which either consisted of a retracting nib or a screw-on cap that sealed tightly around the nib, preventing it from leaking.

In Germany, concurrently, companies like Pelikan, which had been around since the early 1800s, were beginning to produce fine writing instruments with the more modern piston filler, patented in 1925.

In the 1960s, ballpoint pens were invented and rendered the fountain pen almost useless in many parts of the world including North America. Since then, ballpoints have been the standard writing instrument in America. Across the pond, though, in Europe, we were still using fountain pens in school.

These days, only those with a particular interest in fine writing instruments know about, own, and use fountain pens, but we think they’re great to have, and that they shouldn’t be too intimidating!

Fountain Pen Terminology

As with any interest or hobby, there’s a lingo in the fountain pen world that we think you need to understand so you can distinguish between the different pens.

The Cap

Basically, the cap is the part of a pen that covers the tip of the pen or the nib. It attaches to the pen’s body. Attached to the cap is the clip, which is a metal strip that allows the pen to hold onto a shirt pocket and keep the pen from rolling off a desk. It can also be a part of one’s style, since some clips are decorative, and there are those that can be bought separately, allowing you to “match your metals.”

Another detail on the cap that keen enthusiasts notice is the finial, which can be found on top of the cap. It is usually designed with the pen maker’s logo.

The Nib

The nib is arguably the most important part. It is the pointed metal piece at the tip of a fountain pen that you write with on a piece of paper. Basically, a fountain pen uses capillary action as well as gravity to get the ink from the inside of the pen through the nib onto the paper.

The Ink Feed

Right below the nib, you can find the ink feed which helps the capillary action and to get the ink onto the paper. Unlike ballpoint or rollerball pens, nibs come in different widths. The finest ones are EF, which means extra fine, and then there’s F for fine.

from the INK FEEd

To The Nib

The most common nib is M for medium. If you want a broader nib, you get a B, an even wider one is a BB nib, and if you want it really broad, which is usually only used for signatures, you get an O3b nib. Sometimes, you can also find oblique nibs, which means they’re angled at the tip, and that would, for example, be an OB, which is an oblique broad nib.

When you start for the first time, I suggest you maybe go with a medium nib, a fine, or an extra fine nib, because they’re easiest to learn with, and later on, you can upgrade and invest in more pens with broader nibs.

The Converter

Unlike a ballpoint pen, most fountain pens don’t come pre-loaded with ink. You can either get cartridges, but they’re more expensive per use. Instead, you can use a converter, so you can choose from any kind of ink you want and just fill the ink into it. Usually, they cost anywhere from one to five dollars, but you’ll save money over time compared to a cartridge, which is usually one-time use.

The Piston-Filler

The piston filler doesn’t have a cartridge, and you simply turn the knob at the end of the fountain pen to basically suck ink in or push it back out. This kind of mechanism is commonly found in expensive fountain pens. I am a big fan of the piston fillers or the converters because, down the line, they’re less expensive than cartridges, and they’re also less hard on the environment because you have less waste.

5 Highly-Recommended Beginner Fountain Pens

With the essential knowledge up your sleeve, you might ask, what is a good fountain pen to start with? We’ve got great value, inexpensive fountain pen recommendations today.

1. Pilot Metropolitan – A Fine, Good-Value Fountain Pen

First on our list is the Pilot Metropolitan fountain pen. It was introduced in 2012, and it was universally praised as a really good fountain pen, especially at its price point. It comes in a nice gift box, has a nice weight of about 91 grams, and has very clean lines. It seems durable as well.

It has a fine, Japan-made steel nib, which seems to be high-quality and you can even choose between different nib sizes, which is not something you often find in this price range.

It uses proprietary cartridges and converters, but when you buy a new one, it comes with a converter where you just have to squeeze and let go, which sucks up the ink into the fountain pen, allowing you to increase ink capacity.

Price Point: Retails around $19

2. Pilot Varsity – The Most Inexpensive Fountain Pen

The Pilot Varsity is an easy-to-use, disposable fountain pen. If you want to, it is also refillable with an eyedropper. It’s a very good pen that comes in different finishes, colors, and ink colors, so you can personalize it to your taste. Its design allows you to see the ink supply. The nib is made out of steel, made in Japan.

For what it is, it is really good, not harsh, and definitely, a pen that we recommend to anyone who just wants to start out and who’s not sure if he wants to invest hundreds of dollars into a fountain pen.

Price Point: Retails around $13 for a pack of 6 ($2.20 a piece)

3. Jinhao X450 – Huge Bang For The Buck

Most people are surprised by how low the prices are and how valuable Jinhao pens seem in comparison. Unlike the pilot Metropolitan, the Jinhao pens are larger, and the X450 is also a lot heavier.

CHEaP BUT HAS

Some Weight

For long writing sessions, this can tire out your hand more quickly, but if you just use it for signatures, it’s really nice to have a certain weight. The nib of the X450 looks pretty similar to a Montblanc nib. However, it’s just gold-plated and not made out of solid gold.

When you buy one, it already comes with an ink converter, which is rather nice and unexpected in that price segment. It is compatible with international, standard cartridges as well. Overall, it doesn’t look like a high-end fountain pen. At the same time, it doesn’t look like an eight-dollar pen, either.

Price Point: Retails around $8

4. Jinhao X750 – Inexpensive Fountain Pen Made in China

Our fourth pick is still from Jinhao, which is the X750. We have a model with a barrel that kind of brushed stainless steel look in platinum. It comes in other black with other finishes, too. The nib that comes in stock is made of steel, non-plated, and medium in size #6. It has a nice lid that clicks on and seems quite tight even though, over time, I don’t quite think it will stand the test of time.

The brand name engraving on it looks rather cheap, but at the end of the day, it is a cheap fountain pen. It’s very similar to the X450, but it’s more lightweight. If you want to try them out, you can get both without having to spend so much and have an extra in your arsenal.

Price Point: Retails around $8

5. Lamy Safari – Inexpensive Fountain Pen Made in Germany

Lamy pens are made in Heidelberg, Germany, which is very close to my home state. When I was in third grade, this was the fountain pen I used. Because of its sleek design and look, you can even see sometimes people today wearing it with their bespoke suits. This is ironic because it was a school pen that I used. For the same reason, I just can’t get myself to use that pen today because it always makes me feel like a little school pupil.

the budget edition

Made of Plastic

The standard version of the Lamy Safari fountain pen is made out of plastic. You can also find different versions of metals, such as aluminum, but in Raphael’s experience, they dent very easily and scratch, so they don’t look very well. Going with the original plastic version is just fine. 

The styling is definitely the most industrial one in our list today, but it’s very comfortable in your hand and it’s very easy to grip for small and medium hands. If you have really large hands, I find the Lamy Safari is not quite the right pen for you.

Lamy was quite smart, and they introduced the proprietary ink cartridges, which are much larger than regular ones but also more expensive. They also have ink converters but you have to buy them separately, and they are not part of the package as for the Jinhao. Unlike the other pens in our lineup, the Lamy Safari has a convenient ink window so you can see if the pen is dried in or if you simply ran out of ink.

The Lamy Safari nib is smooth right out of the box and it comes in different nib widths as well. It’s also easy to exchange the nibs in different widths and because it is such a popular pen, it comes in many different colors and patterns and varieties. The Lamy Safari is the most expensive of the bunch today and costs a little over $20, depending on where you buy it.

Price Point: Retails between $20-$25

Conclusion

Fountain pens are not the most typical writing instrument of today, and there aren’t too many who know and appreciate them, it shouldn’t stop anyone from trying it out. Moreover, there are affordable options when you just want to pique your interest in what is believed to be the pinnacle of writing instruments. It could improve your handwriting and make it unique as well.

If I had to choose just one fountain pen out of the five, it would probably be the Pilot Metropolitan in an F or fine nib because the medium is something you find in many nibs, so fine is a little different. It also has an ink flow that it’s not as strong, so you can basically write on it with any paper without risking it bleeding. It also has a heavier weight than the Lamy Safari and to me, it’s a more professional-looking pen, and it doesn’t have that schoolboy image.

All the pens mentioned here can be used by right-handed and left-handed people. We suggest you go out and try them out. You can even buy two or three different ones to see which ones you like more and then write it up for a little bit.

If you really fall in love with them, you’ll probably want to invest in a more expensive piece that has nicer materials and a nicer nib because, that way, it remains a good investment and could last a lifetime.

Budget Fountain Pen Recommendations

Outfit Rundown

Raphael is wearing a summery outfit which consists of a royal blue polo shirt paired with bleeding madras cotton shorts. The shoes are vintage-inspired canvas sneakers from PF Flyer, which he finds comfortable and breathable, especially in the summer months.

A recurring theme here at the Gentleman’s Gazette is that the actual value derived from a product – how well it functions relative to its price – is often more important than its initial upfront cost. Essentially, investing in a well-made, well-functioning item, even if it is expensive, is a better long-term financial decision than throwing away money on a cheap alternative that does not function as well. 

This conception is best explained by the theory of cost-per-wear, or the “real” price of an object expressed relative to how much use you can get out of it: the more regularly you benefit from an object, the more justified the initial upfront cost becomes.

In this guide, we will share with you 12 types of items that we have purchased and enjoyed and found to be fully worth their relatively high price tag. While these items are certainly expensive, we have found them to be a great value and to have repaid that initial investment many times over. 

Don’t Forget about

Second Hand!

While this guide concerns new products, many of the items discussed can be acquired at a steep discount when purchased gently used.

Learn our secrets to second hand shopping!

Leather Weekender Bag

Your Classic Constant Companion

Leather goods are some of the most expensive in menswear because of the production and craft costs associated with high-quality leather. 

Quality leather also, however, offers a lifetime of dependable service, and nowhere is that service more appreciated than in a sturdy regular-use bag like a weekender. 

A bag with these superlative features will naturally command a high price, and you should expect to pay $1000 or more for a comparable new product. Unlike a nylon or canvas bag, however, it is likely that no one else will have one, so you are more likely to stand out. Leather bags, when properly cared for, can also last a lifetime, offering exceptional cost-per-wear.

One of Raphael’s most useful possessions is his brown-toned weekender made from Italian leather. It is leather-lined, but because the interior leather is skived, that lining does not add excessive bulk or wait. 

Because the leather was artisanally chrome-tanned and treated, it has a gorgeous pull-up effect: stretching the leather puts the full depth and range of color variation on full display. Waxes and oils in the leather also make it “self healing:” any little scratch or ding causes secretions that cover the mark and essentially integrate it into the unique look of the leather. 

Leather of this quality patinas as it ages, only becoming more beautiful with time, and as you live with a bag like this, it changes with your experiences and becomes a totally unique item.

How does Raphael

Use this bag?

“I use it every time I go on a weekend trip, and it is also a great carry-on bag. I’ll even bring it to the gym!” -Sven Raphael Scheinder

Quality Over-the-Calf Socks

The Key to Comfort and “Staying Up” All Day

You probably wear socks almost every day, and when it comes to items that help you look good and keep you comfortable, it pays to invest. Quality socks can start at anywhere from $20 a pair to over $75 or $100 if made from luxury materials like silk or cashmere.

You might be wondering: what makes relatively expensive socks better than socks that cost $3, $2, or even less than $1 a pair? The biggest differences all center around the wearing experience. 

Cheaper socks save on costs by giving you “less sock:” many sit in the middle of or below the calf. But in this position, gravity will naturally drag the sock down, requiring you to constantly hoist your socks back into place. 

The best socks will sit over the calf, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit all day long so you look your best and don’t need to worry about whether your socks are puddling. 

Quality socks are also constructed with thin, elegant seams and superior materials: these features ensure your comfort, as thick seams won’t be rubbing against your toes and your skin will be able to breathe thanks to the use of natural materials and not cheaper synthetics.

Why Did Raphael design his own line of men's dress socks?

After years of struggling with subpar socks, I finally designed my own and made them available in our Fort Belvedere shop. I came up with a design of high-quality yarns with socks that stayed up with the right elastics. On top of that, I wanted two-tone colors because they make it much easier to combine the socks with your outfits and your shoes.I also wanted them to be individually sized, so that each sock can mold and fit properly at all the right spots of the foot. These socks cost $40, but because we use a very expensive high-quality long staple cotton yarn, they will last longer, and the cost per wear is as low or lower than a cheaper pair of socks.

Find Our Entire Sock Collection Here!

Classic Overcoat

Invest in Your Warmth, Comfort, and Style

Like comfort, warmth is worth investing in, and for classic gentlemen, nothing is more comfortable, warmer, or more stylish than a classic overcoat. Not only does it keep you warm during the cold months of the year, but it’s also very refined. You can wear it on top with a suit, a jacket, or just your regular sweater.

Overcoats can be had for as little as $200, but expect to pay around $1000 for an article made from genuine, high-quality wool and even more for luxury fabrics like cashmere. 

For the best value, select an overcoat made from 100% heavy wool. For a more luxurious but also more expensive wearing experience, consider a cashmere blend: pure cashmere will be softer but will not be as warm and will wear out more quickly.

If you can just invest in one overcoat, we suggest selecting an example in charcoal gray, navy, or dark blue. The paletot is a useful and versatile style with its elegant peaked lapels and double-breasted construction that keeps you extra warm thanks to its extra layers.

Have you considered

Second hand?

If you’re on a budget, overcoats are a great item to buy second-hand because they don’t fit as snugly because of the heavy fabric, they drape better, and they’re just more forgiving than a suit would be.

Learn how to buy an overcoat!

Raphael’s Overcoat Collection

Well-Fitting Gloves

The Hallmark of a Classic, and Comfortable, Gentleman

For decades, a gentleman wasn’t fully dressed without gloves, and on most days, he wore an elegant pair of beautiful, well-fitted day gloves. 

Dress glove prices depend largely on materials: kid or calf leather will start around $150 while gloves made from peccary, the “king of glove leathers,” should cost at least $300 retail.

What makes a quality pair of gloves?

Conventionally, men assume that the insulation provided by gloves is the only factor you need to consider when assessing quality. While warmth is essential, it is not the only hallmark of a genuine, high-quality dress glove. 

First of all, your gloves should fit tightly, and should be made of a soft glove leather that stretches with the movement of your hands. You also want quirks between the fingers: these cut-out inserts increase the range of movement of your hands and fingers and make wearing the glove more comfortable. Quality gloves should have some by-hand stitching, as it is more relaxed for increased movement, and the best examples will improve with age, becoming softer and more malleable. For example, lamb nappa is incredibly soft, but it lacks durability. Peccary leather, while hardy, becomes broken in with age. 

The King of Glove Leather

Peccary

Raphael has owned one pair of peccary gloves for over ten years. He wears them every winter, and when they get soiled, they can be washed and dried with ease without compromising their soft hand.

Learn Why Peccary Leather is So expensive!

Precious Metal Cufflinks

Beautiful Heirlooms to Last Generations

On a French-cuffed or evening shirt, cufflinks are a functional accessory with remarkable styling potential. When crafted from precious metals like gold or platinum, these pieces of jewelry can range from $300 up to $25,000 in cost, and while this price represents a considerable investment, we consider it fully worthwhile. 

Cufflinks are an example of classic menswear jewelry that is easy to wear in this day and age, making them the ideal piece for those who are new to wearing jewelry. A pair of cufflinks instantly elevates any ensemble and makes it appear more formal, adding discreet, dapper charm.

Unfortunately, most modern cufflinks are examples of mass-produced costume jewelry assembled from cheap materials with gaudy detailing that is loud and obtrusive, dragging down the look of your outfit. 

Classic cufflinks should subtly highlight your ensemble, emphasizing their own beauty with a tasteful design, like a timeless monkey’s fist knot, and fine elements like precious or semi-precious stones or cloisonné enamel. Crafted by dedicated artisans, these pieces are works of art in themselves and are intended for decades of use: not only can you wear them your entire life, you can pass them down to your children and grandchildren. 

Be wary of name brands!

Like many luxury products, jewelry also features a mark-up for designer names. Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany all inflate their prices to reflect the legacy of their brands, their store of experience, and the social cachet of wearing their products. 

Only you can decide if these aspects are worth the additional cost. Many designer cufflinks are made from precious metals but are hollow and have basic designs that don’t feature hand-carved elements. These pieces can easily cost $2700. 

At Fort Belvedere, we offer a pair of classic monkey’s fist knot cufflinks that are plated in gold or platinum at a thickness that guarantees they won’t wear through with regular use. Each cufflink is crafted from solid metal and, as such, has a fine, weighty feel in the hand. The design was hand-carved by a skilled craftsman and perfectly replicates the appearance of a real knot. They currently retail for around $400. 

Fort Belvedere Monkey’s Fist Cufflinks: Available in Three Lusters

Your Grandchildren Will Be Fighting Over These!

Warm Rose Gold

Available Here!

Refined Platinum

Available Here!

Classic Yellow Gold

Available Here!

Pinky Rings

Timeless Statement Pieces for Refined Gentlemen

Like cufflinks, pinky rings are a timeless and elegant piece of jewelry that can be worn by anyone and could represent an exceptional addition to your wardrobe. Prices will vary widely based on materials, with second-hand silver rings available for less than $50, while custom rings in gold or platinum could easily cost thousands of dollars. 

Pinky rings come in many styles, including simple bands, set with stones, or as signet rings. The key is to find a ring that suits your personal style and can be integrated into your larger aesthetic. 

What do pinky rings

Represent?

Did you know that there can be an understood meaning behind the fingers that you wear your rings on? Find out that meaning here as we detail what message you are conveying with a ring on each finger.

Learn their meaning!

Peruse Raphel’s Pinky Ring Collection

Fountain Pens

An Elegant Writing Instrument from a More Civilized Age

If we may be forgiven a truism, the pen is mightier than the sword, and in many ways, a fountain pen is the mightiest of pens! 

Quality fountain pens can be found at every price point, from budget to mid-range to high-end. Popular brands include Omas, Montegrappa, Parker, Waterman …, and the list goes on! But we have had particular success with Montblanc, especially the Meisterstück line. 

Why Raphael prefers

Meisterstück

“It’s a very classic status symbol for many, but it’s also a perfect item that will not wear out prematurely. It has a nice gold nib, and it writes very beautifully. At one point in time, I owned over a hundred Montblanc fountain pens because I was a collector: fountain pens were essentially my gateway to Classic Style.”

Today a Meisterstück can easily cost $1000. Bargains can be found online, but beware, as many counterfeits exist. Therefore, if you buy any expensive fountain pen second-hand, be sure that it comes from a reputable source.

How Raphael Uses His Montblanc Fountain Pens

Fort Belvedere

Product Name

Goodyear Welted Shoes

Put Your Best Foot Forward!

The selection of your footwear should align with your lifestyle preferences. Opting for a Goodyear-welted shoe typically means investing in superior-quality leather, as opposed to the materials used in glued footwear. Goodyear-welted shoes are designed with a timeless last, offering durability that withstands the passage of time. In addition, the possibility of resoling extends the life of the shoe and proves cost-effective compared to purchasing new ones.

Luxury shoes often feature meticulous, hand-stitched Goodyear welting, exquisite shaping of the waist, and considerable attention dedicated to their construction. When prepared to invest over $2,000, one has the opportunity to commission a bespoke Goodyear welted shoe, an unparalleled experience yielding a product tailored exclusively to the contours of one’s foot.

Why is there so much variety in

Cost?

From an economic standpoint, prices for Goodyear welted shoes can vary substantially, ranging from below $200 to upwards of $3,000. The disparity in cost reflects differences in the caliber of leather, the intricacy of patina or hand-dying processes, and the finesse of the finishing touches. The craftsmanship details are significantly more refined in higher-end models.

Deciding whether to invest $3,000 instead of $200 in a pair of shoes is a deeply personal decision. However, if your foot is compatible with the lasts offered by high-end brands—which frequently come in varied widths and shapes—selecting a premium shoe could represent greater value. Nonetheless, it is important to note that even the most luxurious factory-made shoe may not match the comfort provided by bespoke footwear, which is crafted to the specific measurements and nuances of your foot.

Quality Leather Belt

Keep Your Trousers Up with Style!

Belts are a widely variable accessory in terms of price and quality. While it is possible to find belts available for as little as $10, luxury options can exceed $3,000. The value of a belt often correlates with the materials and craftsmanship involved in its creation. High-quality belts typically start at approximately $150 and are notably distinguished by their use of premium-grade leather, both internally and externally, as well as in the lining.

The finishing touches on a belt greatly impact its durability and aesthetic appeal. Many belts on the market undergo edge painting, a process where the edges of the leather are cut, burnished, and then painted to achieve a cohesive appearance. However, superior quality belts often exhibit thinned and carefully folded edges that are then stitched together. This method requires more leather and results in a construction that significantly extends its lifespan when compared to merely edge-painted belts.

The Benefits of Buckles

The buckle is another critical aspect of a belt’s quality. Commonly, belt buckles are composed of zamak, an alloy consisting of zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and copper. While cost-effective, zamak is prone to aging poorly and succumbing to scratches, leading to a diminished appearance over time. On the other hand, high-end belts might incorporate solid brass buckles known for developing an attractive patina. These may be further enhanced through gold plating or coatings of platinum or palladium, especially in formal dress belts.

A solid brass buckle with a substantial layer of gold or palladium plating offers considerable value, balancing longevity with cost. For those with fewer budget constraints, options extend into the realm of solid 925 sterling silver or 14 to 18-karat gold buckles. Such buckles can be considered investments, as they often hold intrinsic value exceeding that of the belt itself. Whether the additional investment for a sterling silver buckle as opposed to a solid brass buckle, which can increase the cost by several hundred dollars, is justified depends on individual preferences for luxury and aesthetics, considering that silver will develop a unique patina not found on plated alternatives.

The benefits of Going

Modular

Fort Belvedere offers a modular belt system, meaning that every belt and buckle is interchangeable. This makes pairing lusters and leathers a breeze. For example, during a trip, packing three Fort Belvedere belts and three buckles will allow you to create combinations that are equivalent to having packed nine belts, all at a fraction of the cost and the space needed for packing.

Professional-Grade Camera

In an age where smartphones are ubiquitous, many users tend to equate their capabilities with those of professional cameras. However, there are distinct advantages that professional-level cameras offer. For instance, cameras with larger sensors provide a shallow depth of field, yielding images where the subject appears sharply focused against a smoothly blurred background. This effect enhances the visual appeal of photographs by isolating the subject and adding depth.

Is a camera really worth this

Investment?

Professional DSLR cameras, like the Nikon D850 or Nikon D500, benefit from interchangeable lenses, which add versatility to a photographer’s toolkit. While acquiring a high-quality DSLR and a comprehensive set of lenses may require an investment of approximately $5,000 – $10,000, this can be justified by the significant improvements in image sharpness and color reproduction these cameras provide. Such an investment is particularly worthwhile for professional use, but even for enthusiasts looking to elevate their photography, it remains a commendable option.

For individuals seeking the pinnacle of image quality and resolution, medium format digital cameras, such as those by Hasselblad, represent the zenith. These cameras can produce images upwards of 100 megapixels, requiring robust computing power, ample storage solutions, and specialized workflows to manage effectively. It’s important to note that the complexity and cost associated with this level of equipment make it more suitable for professional photographers rather than casual users.

Luxury Wallet

Instant Elegance Stored in Your Pocket

As a companion carried with you almost every day, you never want to skimp on your wallet, especially when it plays such an important role as a functional tool and as an emblem of your personal style.

Wallets made from synthetic materials can cost as little as $5, but considering how often you will use your wallet, investing in an example that will last for years to come and look lovely while doing so is usually a wiser strategy. Most leather wallets will cost at least $100, with higher-quality leathers and superior craftsmanship commanding a price of between $200 and $350 dollars for a full-sized bifold wallet. 

In addition to their boring appearance and poor functionality, cheap wallets are most seriously plagued by a durability issue: they break down extremely quickly with regular use and have to be replaced. If a wallet only costs $50, but it has to be replaced every year, you will be shelling out the equivalent of hundreds of dollars very quickly. 

Conversely, let’s say you invest $285 in a Fort Belvedere wallet which is made of the highest quality leather available in Germany. If you break it down to the cost per wear, you probably end up at 5 to 15 cents a day depending on how you treat it, which impacts how long the wallet will last.

What about a

Slim Wallet?

Slim wallets, also called card carriers, are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to a full-sized wallet. Convenient and low profile, these could be the right wallet for you if you carry mostly cards.

See Fort Belvedere’s Slim Wallets!

Smartphone

If You Use It Every Day, It Should be Quality

It lives in your pocket, and you check it almost every moment of every day: it’s your smartphone! Whether employed primarily for business or pleasure, any piece of technology that is used regularly is worth spending money on to ensure your desired functionality. While smartphones have a high upfront cost, especially if you are constantly upgrading them, daily use effectively drives down that cost according to the principle of cost-per-use.

As a case in point, consider the recent acquisition of a Google Pixel. Including taxes, the initial investment exceeds $1,000. However, distributed over a 24-month usage period, the cost is effectively reduced to roughly $1.40 per day. This calculation demonstrates the practicality and affordability of high-end smartphones when considered on a daily use basis.

Have you considered

Reselling?

There is a thriving market for secondhand phones. If you purchase a premium model and take care of it during two years of use, when it is time to upgrade, returns from reselling the older phone can help defray the cost of the new phone. In good condition, a phone that is only two years old can usually be sold for around $200, or you could give your old phone to a family member instead.

The Environmental Concerns of Planned Obsolescence

The quest for sustainability in technology solutions highlights the necessity for more environmentally conscious options like modular phones. These allow users to customize and upgrade specific components without the need to replace the entire unit, thereby mitigating electronic waste. Despite the appeal of modular designs, current market offerings do not fully address the ecological concerns associated with rapid technological turnover.

Conclusion

You made your money the hard way, so when you spend it, you want to spend it in a way that makes sense. We hope that by highlighting expensive products that we have found to be worth it, you feel encouraged to invest in expensive products that make sense for you, too.

What are some high-end purchases that you consider worth their cost? Let us know in the comments!

Outfit Rundown

In today’s outfit, Raphael emphasized styling that is typical of autumn. Its main feature is a three-button, single-breasted tweed coat in various shades of brown that was purchased vintage. He pairs it with a burgundy wiastcoat and a white shirt with prominent red stripes.

The red is picked up by Raphael’s pocket square, which is a silk and wool blend made by Fort Belvedere with a wine-red and blue body and medallion motif. His tie is made from knit silk in the two tones of charcoal and cognac yellow to add more autumnal colors. A white Edelweiss boutonniere adds a neutral tone that unites all the colors in his top half.

For jewelry, Raphael is wearing classic monkey’s fist knot cufflinks in a warm gold tone from Fort Belvedere, as well as a gold pinky ring with a green tourmaline stone. Both elements set off the yellow in his tie and the gold buttons on the waistcoat.

To provide a toned-down foundation to the ensemble, Raphael is wearing simple navy corduroy trousers. His footwear consists of brown jodhpur boots with blue and red Fort Belvedere striped socks that incorporate color elements from throughout the ensemble.

Fort Belvedere

Edelweiss Boutonniere

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Fort Belvedere

Two-Tone Knit Tie in Charcoal and Cognac Yellow

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Fort Belvedere

Wine Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange Silk Wool Medallion Pocket Square

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Fort Belvedere

Gold Monkey Fist Cufflinks

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Want to see even more expensive but worth it products? Watch this!

There is a best use for every tool in a gentleman’s arsenal, and here at The Gentleman’s Gazette, we want you to derive perfect enjoyment from every product you own, from neckties to bow ties and pocket squares to business card cases: well-crafted, sartorially-savvy products can improve every aspect of your life.

Writing instruments are near and dear to our hearts, which is why we have published several articles and videos, which you can find in our Pen Archives, relating to all aspects of writing.

While fountain pens are more often associated with Classic gentlemen, the fact of the matter is, your arsenal of writing instruments might benefit considerably from the inclusion of the somewhat humbler, but no less useful, ballpoint pen.

In this guide, we will introduce you to ballpoint pens, examine their storied history, consider their finer points, their not-so-fine points, and share our buying guide and recommendations so that you know what constitutes a quality pen. Armed with this information, you will be able to determine if, and what kind of, ballpoint pen is “write” for you.

How a Ballpoint Pen Works

As its name implies, the functionality of the modern ballpoint pen depends upon the “ball” in a socket at its “point,” or tip. This metal ball rolls freely in the metal socket tip and is able to rub against an ink reserve housed within the body of the pen – this ink is usually in a paste form.

The ink from the reserve, usually called a cartridge, is thinly layered over the metal ball. As the ball rotates, it then transfers the ink from its surface onto the desired writing surface.

The Parts of a Ballpoint Pen

• Tip and Ball: Perhaps the most essential part of the pen, this feature allows the ink to be transferred from the pen onto the writing surface. On most modern ballpoint pens, the tip, socket, and ball are a part of the ink reserve, known as a cartridge.
• Cartridge: The ink reserve, housed inside a shell and called a cartridge, holds the ink and, in modern pens, also includes the socket that houses the ball of the ballpoint pen. Steel, brass, tungsten carbide, and plastic are commonly used to make the cartridge.
• Ink: Like most inks, ballpoint pen inks consist of dyes that provide color and various other substances intended to improve the writing experience: ballpoint inks are almost always suspended in an oil-based solution. To ensure that the ink dries quickly, many ballpoint pen inks include solvents that counteract the wetness of the dyes. Ballpoint pens also feature fatty acids that help to lubricate the ball in the socket, facilitating its rotation for a smooth writing experience with minimal skipping.
• Retraction: To prevent the ink from transferring from the ballpoint when the pen is not in use, many ballpoint pens include a feature by which the ball can be retracted or covered. Such pens usually use a button and spring to retract and extend the point, often with an iconic clicking sound, into and from the pen’s body. Other models may use a twist functionality to similar effect or the simpler solution of a cap that covers the tip of the pen.
• Barrel: The barrel of the ballpoint pen, also called the body, serves as the housing for all of its inner workings. The barrel provides a practical function, ensuring that all moving parts are protected and properly aligned, and features of the barrel, such as grip, ergonomics, and heft, have a considerable impact on the comfort of the writing experience.
  
  The barrel also has an aesthetic component, as its appearance and decorative aspects can influence how elegant and refined the pen appears. Common materials for the barrel include plastics, celluloid, metals, wood, and essentially any material that can be hollowed out to house the ballpoint pen’s inner workings.
• Clip: Many ballpoint pens feature a clip on the barrel or the cap of the pen. This clip is intended to hold the pen in position relative to a pocket, slip, or pouch in a recepitlce.

History of the Ballpoint Pen

The Ballpoint Pen is Older Than You Might Think!

Because of their popularity today, you would be forgiven for assuming that the ballpoint pen must have been a fairly recent invention developed after the waning of the fountain pen. But in fact, the ballpoint pen was first created in the late 19th century, just a few decades after the standardization of the modern fountain pen.

The Ballpoint Pen was Invented by a Tanner to Write Directly on Leather

The first patent for a ballpoint pen was issued on October 30th, 1888, to a gentleman by the name of John J. Loud, an American leather tanner who was working feverishly to create a pen that was capable of writing on leather hides. His idea was to use a tiny steel ball, held by a socket, to transfer ink onto any surface.

Although the pen was capable of leaving marks on rough surfaces, as Loud intended, it was difficult to control, and the resulting writing was almost illegible unless the letters were very large. Therefore, the pen was useless for letter writing and had very limited applications. As he was unable to foresee anything but a niche commercial use for his invention, Loud let the patent lapse.

The Ballpoint Pen Is Reintroduced in the 20th Century.

In the early 1900s, increasing interest in a pen that was cleaner and more reliable than the fountain pens and dip pens popular at the time revived interest in Loud’s idea: across the world, patents for ballpoint pens were being issued in large numbers. However, like Loud himself, many of these ballpoint pioneers were stumped as to how to make such a design practical.

The Struggle to Make a Functional Ballpoint Pen

The initial problem that inventors had was that early designs seemed incapable of being able to deliver the ink evenly: both clogging and overflow were the two most common problems associated with the first ballpoint pens. If the sockets were too tight, not tight enough, or the ink wasn’t the perfect consistency, these early pens would either fail to transfer the ink at all or else soak the paper with a glut of ink.

Contemporaneous improvements in fountain pen designs, however, through the perfecting of pistons, capillary action, and springs, benefited the functioning of ballpoint pens as well, especially when it came to the effect of gravity on the release of the ink and the shift that occurred as the pen moved from vertical to horizontal positions.

A ballpoint pen by any other name WOULD

Write As Well

Ballpoint pens are known by various names across the globe, influenced primarily by the history of the pen in those regions. In the Commonwealth, the name “Biro” is often employed, while its precedent, Birome, is used in Argentina and several other nations. “Ball pen” is the name employed in South Asia, and “dot pen” is a regional name popular in Nepal.

László Bíró Revolutionizes Ballpoint Pens

Practical improvements to the mechanics of pens, however, did not resolve a common complaint: that the ink from all varieties of pens was messy, prone to staining, and took too long to dry. A Hungarian newspaper editor named László Bíró tried to solve this problem by using the quick-drying newspaper ink from his printing press in his fountain pen: the ink, however, proved too viscous for the nib of the fountain pen.

Working with his brother György, who was a chemist, Bíró paired a specially-formulated ink with a ballpoint mechanism that not only prevented the ink from drying inside the ink reservoir but also allowed an evenly controlled ink flow onto the paper. The pair patented their design in 1938, and history was made.

The Ballpoint Pen is Favored by World War II Pilots

Unfortunately, the Bíró brothers soon found themselves in the middle of history with the outbreak of World War II. Forced to flee their native land, the brothers escaped to Argentina, where, with their mutual friend Juan Meyne, they started a ballpoint pen company.

Creating a new patent in 1943, the group offered for sale a pen called the “Birome” – a name still used today in lieu of the “ballpoint” name in many countries, including Argentina. The design was so flawless and simple that it attracted the attention of the British Foreign Office, which secured a license and began to issue the ballpoint pens to pilots in the Royal Air Force because it was discovered that the pens wrote more consistently and were less prone to atmospheric interference than conventional fountain pens.

As more and more pilots and ground crews began using these pens, which they called “Biros,” word spread throughout all the forces battling in World War II, causing this new style of pen to become globally popular.

The Wartime Success of the Ballpoint Pen Leads to Postwar Proliferation

By the end of the war, companies lined up around the world in an effort to produce their own designs of this innovative pen. In 1945, Eversharp, a mechanical pencil company, teamed with Eberhart Faber, a writing instrument and stationery company, to license the Birome pen rights for sale in the United States.

At the same time, Milton Reynolds, an American entrepreneur, was shown a Biro pen by a friend. Recognizing its potential, Reynolds deconstructed the pen and began working on a new design that would be sufficiently different to allow for a unique patent.

Collaborating with engineer William Huernergardt and machinist Titus Haffa, Reynolds developed a design that did not rely on Bíró’s patented capillary action but worked through simple gravity. This feeding system necessitated the use of a thinner, more viscous ink and an oversized barrel to prevent running dry, and the thin ink made the pen prone to leakage. Reynolds, however, knew that time was of the essence if he wanted to beat Eversharp to release his pen first.

The Race to Release the First Ballpoint Pen in the United States

Through his business, the Reynolds International Pen Company, Reynolds managed to beat out Eversharp, releasing his ballpoint pen first to the United States market. Known as the “Reynolds Rocket” because of the ease and speed with which it could be used, the pen was debuted at Gimbels department store in New York City in 1945.

Despite their steep price of $9.75, which is equivalent to over $150 today, the ballpoint pens sold extremely well, thanks in part to Reynolds’ slick advertising campaigns: by some accounts, first-day sales topped $100,000, or over $1.7 million in today’s money.

The power of Ballpoint Pen

Advertising

A consummate showman, Milton Reynolds understood the importance of selling both the sizzle and the steak. He utilized a number of vague but impressive-sounding slogans, including that his pens could “write under water” or only needed refilling every fifteen years. He also employed pin-up artists and encouraged them to draw his pens alongside beautiful women.

A New Competitor Enters the Ballpoint Pen Market: BiC

For several years, Reynolds pens dominated the North American market, easily beating out their late-arriving competitor, Eversharp. The company would soon have competition, however, from across the sea.

Marcel Bich was an Italo-French entrepreneur who came to specialize in the manufacture of cheap but effective products. In the late 1940s, he recognized the utility of ballpoint pens and decided to enter that market. Wanting to take advantage of the capillary action processes pioneered by Bíró, he bought the Hungarian’s patent for the equivalent of $2 million, or almost $35 million today.

Bich improved production with the use of tools calibrated for precision Swiss watchmaking and utilized stainless steel balls for the ballpoints. With his partner, Edouard Buffard, Bich founded the Bic, often stylized as BiC, company to sell their new ballpoint pen with an emphasis on finding the lowest cost possible.

BiC Topples Reynolds

With an emphasis on rock-bottom prices and a functional and utilitarian product, BiC quickly made inroads into the near-monopoly that Reynolds enjoyed over ballpoint pens. Slowly conquering the European market throughout the 1950s, when BiC entered North America at the close of the decade, one of its major selling points was the low price of its pens: about $0.19, or less than $2 in today’s money.

BiC pens quickly became one of the fastest-selling pens in the world, and to this day, the company retains its position as a top manufacturer of ballpoint pens: their BiC Crystal pen is essentially unchanged from its inception.

The Ballpoint Pen Market Grows

Despite the immense popularity of BiC products, consumers were so desperate for ballpoint pens that other manufacturers were eager to enter the market.

A company called Paper Mate capitalized on the collapse of the Reynolds company and bought the rights to make ballpoint pens which they began to sell in Canada. Wanting to lower their overall cost, they created new inks that were cheaper to manufacture and, taking a page from Reynold’s playbook, they leaned heavily into advertising. One scheme involved giving Paper Mate pens to banks for free so that the pens could be marketed as “banker approved” to the general public.

In 1954, another company by the name of Parker Pens released what they called a ‘technologically advanced’ pen that featured a tungsten-carbide ball bearing in the pen. Priced between $3-$9, they sold millions of pens over the next decade. Around this time, Parker Pens put the long-suffering Eversharp company out of its misery following a hostile takeover.

What is a

Rollerball Pen?

While employing the same basic mechanics as a ballpoint pen, rollerball pens utilize a water-based liquid or gelled ink rather than the more-viscous oil-based inks traditionally used in ballpoint pens.

Learn more about rollerball pens!

Ballpoint Pens Today

Although they continued to increase in popularity throughout the late 20th and into the 21st century, ballpoint pens function essentially the same today as they did in the middle of the last century. With both disposable and refillable varieties, ballpoint pens are the most commonly used writing instrument today, and millions are made and sold every day.

While you can still procure a Paper Mate, Parker, or BiC ballpoint pen for just a few dollars, other fine writing companies such as Montblanc and Pelikan have begun to introduce luxury ballpoint pens, handcrafted from semiprecious materials and featuring the same quality standards and features traditionally associated with fountain pens.

Types of Ballpoint Pens

Ballpoint Pens are Categorized by Their Production Standards and Ability to be Refilled

There are two categories of ballpoint pens and two types within those categories.

The first category consists of basic, inexpensive ballpoint pens that you can find at any grocery store or gas station. They are useful as convenient, menial items for jotting down notes or passing out to coworkers or clients should they be in need of a writing instrument.

The second category is intended as a more refined and elegant writing instrument, often made of precious metals and other rare materials. Within these two categories, the two types of ballpoints you’ll find are disposable and refillable.

Disposable versus Refillable Ballpoint Pens

Refillable pens allow the entire ink reservoir to be replaced when empty. Unlike the ink cartridges or converters for fountain pens, these reservoirs also contain the ballpoint itself and the socket. Generally, you won’t find the refillable option in the cheapest, bargain pen ballpoints, but more so in the mid-range and high-end range of pens.

Special Features

Many ballpoint pens feature details that are intended to make them easier and more pleasant to use. These can include a rubber grip to benefit pen feel and a comfortable grip, solvent-rich inks for quick drying, lubricants for smooth lines, a wider range of available ink colors for a unique look, and other factors that are useful if you intend to do everyday writing or your ballpoint pen is for everyday use.

Ballpoint Pen Qualities by Price Range

Tip Sizes for Ballpoint Pens

Ballpoint pens at every level of quality have different tip sizes, meaning that they produce either fine lines, thin lines, or thicker lines. These sizes vary based on the maker, both in their naming conventions and in their actual size, but the following chart provides a rough explanation of what you can expect.

The Benefits of a Ballpoint Pen

Ballpoint Pens Have Many Helpful Uses

There are a number of intrinsic benefits to using a ballpoint pen in lieu of a fountain, fine-liner, or rollerball pen. While we here at The Gentleman’s Gazette prefer fountain pens generally due to their artistry, history, and personalization, many of our employees carry a ballpoint or two as part of their everyday carry in a breast pocket or attache case, in addition to their fountain pens.

Less Likely to Leak

One of the biggest benefits of using a ballpoint pen is that you don’t have to worry about unreliable ink. They rarely leak in comparison to their counterparts, they don’t smear like other styles and they dry very quickly. For someone on the go, they are ideal since you can write easily and painlessly in virtually any environment. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they rarely ghost or bleed through the paper.

Easier to Share

With a ballpoint, you don’t have to hesitate when handing it to another person. Fountain pen nibs are very specific to the user and must be worked-in. Lending your fountain pen to another person can cause the nib to deviate making it more difficult for you to use afterwards. Ballpoints on the other hand can be handed back and forth between you, your associates, or just your spouse or children. It makes them ideal when you’re on the go with other people or even at home and in the office. You should have no qualms with lending out a ballpoint.

Artistic Endeavors

Ballpoints are also very useful to artists and people wanting to achieve interesting effects one wouldn’t normally associate with a ballpoint pen. The ability to stipple and cross-hatch can be used with a ballpoint to create half-tones. Artists especially love ballpoint pens for the ability to create the illusion of form and volume. The pen can be used to create very sharp lines that can’t easily be achieved with a brush, and when finely applied to the paper or canvas, an artist can even create airbrush-styled artwork or even art that has been mistaken for photography. Many famous artists have used ballpoint pens in their work, most notably Andy Warhol and Lennie Mace.

Easier for Lefties To Use

If you are left-handed, you have likely experienced how difficult it can be to use writing instruments that smear or stain as you move your arm. Unlike fountain, rollerball and fineliner pens, ballpoints dry very quickly making them far less likely to end up on your hand or smeared on the paper.

Limitations of Ballpoint Pens

No Writing Instrument is Without Some Drawbacks

Subpar Smoothness

Any fountain or rollerball pen user will argue that the flow of the ink isn’t as smooth with a ballpoint pen, due to the viscosity of the ink and the fact that the ink is flowing imperfectly over a shifting metal ball. This reduced smoothness can reduce the pleasing apperance of your writing and create discomfort if writing for an extended period.

Lack of Variable Thickness

The nibs found on fountain pens and artistic pens have edges that make it possible to roll and slant the pen to create lines of different thickness and depth. This technique is not possible with the tips of a ballpoint pen.

Reliance on Gravity (In Most Cases)

Because ballpoint pens are gravity fed, you cannot write with them while upside down, an issue that can become a concern if you work in certain fields. That being said, the Fisher Company in the United States did develop technology which resulted in what’s commonly referred to as the “space pen.” Space pens use a more viscous ink with a pressurized reservoir which allows the user to write in zero gravity and in some cases, underwater. These pens have been adopted by NASA and other space agencies for use by astronauts while in outer space. Unlike the standard ballpoint pens, the reservoir of a space pen is sealed which eliminates leakage and evaporation.

Lack of Consistency

This isn’t typically an issue with the more expensive ballpoint pens, but moreso with the cheap, bargain bin brands. Often it’s difficult to get the ink to start flowing or to maintain the flow. This incredible inconsistency can cause significant issues for people who rely on their pens for professional, time-sensitive use and require reliability. Of course, with the less expensive pens another issue is the quality of plastic used in the casing and its reduced durability. Often the clips will snap, caps will change shape or the shaft itself will fall apart. These limitations can be avoided by investing in a high quality pen however.

Enviromental Impact

Many ballpoint pens are essentially dispoable items, intended to be thrown away entirely when they run out of ink. This is extremely wasteful and contributes to wasted resources in the production of new pens and in the proliferation of trash in landfills or recycling plants. This issue can be mitigated by purchasing ballpoint pens that can be refilled, allowing you to continue using most of the pen’s parts.

Reducing your impact on the

Environment

To combat the amount of waste that is associated with pens, especially cheap disposable pens, more and more manufacturers are using recycled materials in their pens. Recycled electronic parts are a common material, as they can be used in both the barrels and the mechanisms of the pens. In addition to buying refillable pens, recycled pens are an easy way to help protect your environment.

How to Purchase a Ballpoint Pen

For those interested in acquiring a ballpoint pen they can be proud to carry, there are a few things that one should take into consideration.

Do This When Shopping for a Ballpoint Pen …

1

Determine How You Intend to Use It

The kinds of things you intend to write, duration of writing, portability, and similar factors should determine what kind of ballpoint pen you buy.

2

Set a Budget

There are ballpoint pens in a wide variety of price points. If you can’t afford or justify spending $500 on a pen there’s really no point in even considering one at that price point. While quality does have a price, with research, you can find the right pen for you at nearly any price.

3

Research Reputable Brands

Take advantage of resources like online reviews and our articles here at The Gentleman’s Gazette to determine what brands make pens that are worth their money. While price doesn’t matter per se, high end makers tend to have better quality standards. Montblanc, for instance, has a team of craftsmen that have been designing pens for decades. Hundreds of craftsmen at Montblanc conduct a 15-point test before any pen goes to public.

4

Consider Your Writing Style

While there is not as much variety in writing experience with ballpoint pens as with fountain pens, how you write – pressure, duration, grip, etc. – should factor into your decision. Speaking with a reputable pen dealer will help you find a pen that suits your writing style.

5

Test Out Pens

If at all possible, test out a ballpoint pen before you buy it. This will help ensure that the pen is a good match for you. This testing process is especially important if you intend to spend a lot of money on your pen.

6

Decide On Your Desired Look

Ballpoint pens come in a variety of styles and materials that will have different aesthetic effects. Some factors worthy of consideration are whether you want a bold statement of success, a creative non-conventional impact, or something that’s understated elegance. By determining what look you’re trying to achieve you can then narrow down the pens you want to consider purchasing.

7

Get a Pen You Will Actually Use

A ballpoint pen that is so expensive that you are afraid to take it out of the house or so hefty that it doesn’t sit comfortably in your hand isn’t a very useful pen, no matter how great it may look. For your first fine writing instrument make sure it’s something you will use, and use often. That way you can assess what factors you like and what you don’t and in what direction you want to go for future purchases.

Recommended Ballpoint Pens

Some Of Our Favorite Ballpoint Pens

Montblanc Starwalker

Our reviewer was sent a Montblanc Starwalker by Darakjian Jewelers. The Starwalker range of ballpoints, like most fine writing instruments by Montblanc, vary in price based on the pen and the materials used. The pen itself is immaculate. It offers a smooth writing experience and clarity like no other with its replaceable Montblanc ink reservoir. It’s a sturdy and well built pen made of black precious resin and ruthenium. There’s no plastic on the pen and its floating Montblanc emblem makes for a superlative finish to an otherwise already perfect pen.

Get It Here!

Classic Anello Ballpoint Pen by Graf Von Faber-Castell

Our reviewer was sent the black version of this pen by well regarded retailer Paradise Pens. Anello, which means ‘rings’ in Italian is an ebony wood and platinum ballpoint pen that retails for under $400. An exceptionally well made pen, it’s smooth to write with and flawless in its consistency. We especially like the spring-loaded clip which makes it easy to secure to a pocket or a pen slot. Unlike many other pens, it doesn’t have the limitation of having to be forced over the holding fabric since it opens wide and then clips on. Another feature that we really like with this pen is that, unlike the Montblanc and many other ballpoints, it clicks when the pen is fully opened and retracted. While this doesn’t sound like much to the average pen user, it’s a nice feature to know that your pen won’t retract as you write or that an extra turn won’t unscrew a section of the shaft. It’s a really wonderful ballpoint and we’ve received many compliments on its unique appearance.

Get It Here!

Souveran K300 Ballpoint Pen by Pelikan

Pelikan is an excellent brand to consider as it offers exceptional quality at a vary reasonable pricepoint. This fact is especially evident with the Souveran K300. For a pen at a lower price, such as $50-$100, we recommend most pens by Waterman, Shaeffer, Pilot, Cross, Lamy, or Parker. Under $30, our best recommendation is Fabel-Castell.

Get It Here!

Conclusion

We hope that this article has taught you all that you need to know to determine if a ballpoint pen is the proper writing instrument for you. A good pen is an accessory that will write the story of your life. It will sign your name on some of the most important documents of your life. From wills and testaments to mortgages and bills of sale, there is no tool or weapon stronger than the pen. There are many great qualities that recommend a ballpoint pen, so do not overlook this versatile writing tool!

What are your favorite pens, ballpoint or otherwise? Let us know in the comments!

When I grew up in Germany, we had to drive with fountain pens in school. In the US these days, young kids don’t have to write with a fountain pen, ever. So, why would you want to invest in a fountain pen in the first place? Well, it’s a very traditional elegant way to write, and the nib, which is the tip of the fountain pen that you write with, can give your handwriting a very special look.

So, no matter whether it’s a signature, a note in your journal, or a thank you note, it really enhances the personality of your handwriting and makes it harder to fake, especially if you have a special nib. After all, the pen might be mightier than the sword, but in the first place, you have to buy one so you can actually make it happen.

1. Determine How You Intend To Use Your Pen

So, the first thing you have to do before you go out and buy a fountain pen is to determine how you’re going to use this pen, and what you’re going to write with it.

Let’s say you plan to carry the pen with you on a daily basis with your EDC. Well, in that case, you need a more robust pen that can withstand daily use and abuse. At the same time, you probably want it to look elegant and refined, because people will see it, and it’s somewhat an extension of your outfit. On the other hand, if you only plan to use your pen at home, maybe you need a pen stand, and you can have something that’s more fragile because it won’t be subjected to the same use every day.

You definitely want to pen this comfortable to hold and which doesn’t make your hand cramp. Yes, you’re not going to get a cramp if you just put your signature down on a receipt, or in a card, or in a contract, but if you have to write for five hours, that can hurt. After all, you don’t want carpal tunnel, do you?

Let’s say you want to get into calligraphy. Well, now there’s a whole set of nibs, weight distributions, grips, and so forth that help you achieve the look that you want. But those fountain pens are very different from your everyday fountain pen, for example.

Lastly, maybe you never really want to write with your fountain pen; it’s just there to impress for a few signatures. Well, in that case, go all elaborate and get something that reflects your personality and style.

2. Set A Budget

Basically, there are fountain pens in every price category under the sun. You can spend hundreds of thousands, or just a few dollars. I would say, when it comes to fountain pens, there’s a big difference between a cheap fountain pen and an inexpensive one.

We did a guide for best fountain pens under a hundred dollars, so you can check it out and get some specific recommendations there. We also did a post on a segment between a hundred and three hundred dollars, as well as one on the Mont Blanc Meisterstück, which, these days, costs north of a thousand dollars.

In case you’ve never heard of it, the Mont Blanc Meisterstück 149 is the pen that most people have used to sign important documents, contracts, and so forth.

So, the next time you see a politician or some important person sign something, take a closer look. Chances are, they’re using one of those pens. I’d say, when you determine your budget first, and don’t go overboard. If this is your first pen, don’t spend too much; get kind of familiar with it, see if you like it, and you can always spend more later on. You can also sell your old fountain pens. There’s always a market for that.

Also, it is a subjective thing. I may love an EF nib and a smaller pen because I have a smaller hand, and it suits my writing, and you may hate it. So, just because someone else likes something doesn’t mean you will. If you’re anything like me, the first pen is probably not your last one.

3. Research Reputable Brands

Fortunately, the internet is full of fountain pen enthusiasts. You can find big YouTube channels and websites like The Ghoulee Pen Company or small blocks like The Gentleman Stationer, who are really enthusiastic about the topic, and talk about different brands and styles. So, depending on how much you want to research, this can be a good first step.

Yes, there are smaller brands that I’m sure make excellent fountain pens, but of course, you also have larger brand names that have been in the fountain pen business for years, and you will know what you get there.

For famous brands, for example, you could look at Mont Blanc, which are definitely pricier but carry a certain prestige. But there are also other brands, like Cartier, Caran d’Ache, Faber-Castell, Lamy, Pelikan and so forth,   which all make excellent pens.

My very first Mountain pen was a Lamy one that cost five dollars that I used in elementary school. My first upscale fountain pen was an Omas 360 that I bought on eBay. Since the experience wasn’t so much nicer than my five-dollar fountain pen, I sold it again on eBay for a profit.

So, I quit my paperboy job and bought and sold fountain pens, and one day, I came across a lot of Mont Blanc fountain pens that contained some cufflinks, and that sparked my interest in classic menswear, which then led me to start the Gentleman’s Gazette. So, here you have it — the fountain pen started this business.

If you’re more on a budget, looking at smaller brands such as Kaweco or Ancora can be a really great way to get a lot of value for your money. Also, once you get a grasp on different brands, you see if you like a certain aesthetic, or the materials they use, or the detailing on them. Again, it’s a very personal thing. Some people like the old black Mont Blanc fountain pens, and others want something more exotic.

4. Research Reputable Dealers

Why is that? At a time when you can buy pretty much anything online, why would you want to go to an actual store? Well, yes you can research all sorts of things; specs, sizes, material, content, and so forth online, but when you hold a pen, how the weight is distributed especially in your hand, and the way you write is not something you can understand by just doing online research.

You probably won’t believe how much difference the weight and the weight balance makes when writing with a pen. I have relatively big hands, so writing with a small fountain pen, especially for anything longer than a signature, can be quite painful very quickly.

When you’re at the fountain pen shop, they can guide you in different directions, but you can also write with them, so you can see what your handwriting looks like with different nib widths, with different fountain pens, and even with different ink colors.

Typically, fountain pen shops also carry a range of different pens. Sometimes, they’ll even have vintage pens, which can be quite different than modern fountain pens, and the proof is really in the pudding. Take them, write them, get an understanding of what you like and what you don’t like. Of course, they may still try to push the sale, but having watched this video, you will be more confident that you have a basic understanding of what to look for.

5. Determine Your Writing Style and Desired Writing Experience

A fountain pen should complement the way you write, so you enjoy it and use it more often. Are you right-handed or left-handed? Does your hand typically cramp up when you write, or can you write a lot by hand without any issues? Do you mostly print? Do you mostly write in cursive, or do you do both? Do you intend to write for longer periods of time? What kind of paper do you want to write on, just simple printer paper or nice, cotton stock that is thick and luxurious?

Also, being aware of the terminology and what you want will help you explain to the salesperson the fountain pen store what it is that you’re looking for.

6. Select features based on needs and intended use

So, once you’ve determined them, in step six, it’s time to pair your characteristics with fountain pen features. For more in-depth assessments of these, we already did a fountain pen guide, which you can check out here.

Nib

A very important part of a fountain pen is the nib, which sits on the ink feed. It is a finely crafted piece of metal, typically on top of something else. It can be a plastic, it can be different material, but it basically gets the ink from the main compartment. It could be a piston, it could be a cartridge to the nib, and then onto the paper.

The nib is a very delicate thing, so you should never push on it or hold it from the side, because not only will your fingers get dirty, but you can also change the characteristic of how the pen writes.

By far, the most popular nib size is M for middle or medium. If a fountain pen doesn’t say what nib with it is, chances are, it is M. There are also finer nibs, which are EF and F, extra fine and fine, and there is broad, BB – broader and 3B, which is even broader.

Especially with the broader nibs, you can see a difference between the horizontal and the vertical lines, and as you write, especially cursive, it can look quite attractive. It’s also really nice for signatures.

But then there’s not just the widths, but there’s also something called oblique nibs, which is basically a slanted nib, so it can be for a right-handed person or left-handed person. There are italic nibs or stub nibs, which are very wide and more meant for calligraphy. Again, there is no universal right or wrong. You have to try it out and see what you like with your handwriting, and things can change over time.

When I started out, I think I liked broad nibs because they were more unique, and then later on, I switched to extra fine. Sometimes, manufacturers can also exchange a nib, but I found it can be quite costly. You’re probably better off just buying a different pen and selling the one that you have. Personally, I like my handwriting to be not run-of-the-mill, so I try to avoid medium nibs or M nibs, because that’s what most other people have.

Other than personal preferences, there are also certain reasons to go with one nib over the other. For example, if you like extremely thin or small letters, EF is a great nib size for you.

If you write lots of Asian characters, EF is a great nib because it allows you to be very detailed and draw fine lines. A BB nib may be the wrong nib for you, in that case. The strokes, of course, also appear very thin and uniform, so maybe you like that, maybe you don’t.

As the nibs get broader, they get visually more varied, and therefore to many people, more interesting. But a broader nib also delivers a lot more ink to the paper, and if the paper is not suited to that, it will bleed and look fuzzy and very ugly. So, if you often have to write on standard printing paper or you can’t control the paper, you’re better off with a fine nib that distributes less ink, so it works in most situations. Also, when there is more ink on your paper, you’re more likely to smudge the ink or have it end up on your hands, and not the way you want it on the paper.

The nibs of less expensive fountain pens are typically made out of steel or other metals. Higher-end fountain pens typically have a nib made out of gold because it’s a more flexible material, and with different pressure, it provides a nicer comfort when you write, and also a nicer result. The nib can also have very different grinds. There are round nibs, stub nibs, daily italic, cursive italic, architect italic, sharp italic, or crisp italic nibs. Again, it’s best to experience these different nib grinds in person so you know what works for you and what doesn’t.

If you see numbers on the nib, it typically refers to the metal alloy. 750 is the equivalent of 18 karat in gold. 585 is the equivalent of 14 karat, and so forth. Because of the high price of gold and the workmanship needed to create a great nib, a fountain pen with a gold nib will set you back several hundred dollars, at least, simply because of the amount of gold that is in it.

So what’s a stub nib? It basically looks like it’s cut in the front, but it has rounded edges. It provides some line variation, narrow horizontal strokes, and broad vertical strokes and is relatively easy to use.

An italic nib, at first glance, looks like a stub nib, but it has straight edges that lead to narrow horizontal strokes and broad vertical strokes, with a greater relative variation in stroke thickness. It also leads to a somewhat less smooth writing experience. Because it’s very responsive to pressure, it’s usually better for calligraphy purposes.

An architect nib is somewhat of the reverse to the stub or italic nib. It creates broad horizontal and thin vertical strokes. It’s great for print or boxy handwriting. Originally, it was used by architects and engineers for drafting, hence, the name. It must be held at a certain angle for the best effect, and it requires some training on your part. So, probably not the best pen to start out with, unless you know exactly what you want.

There’s also the inverted architect nib, which is an EF nib with an architect grind. It’s a good option if you need radically different stroke breadths in one nib, but it’s not an ideal grind for beginners.

Then there’s the Hebrew nib, which is very similar to an architect nib, but it’s designed to write Hebrew and Arabic letters better.

And then as I mentioned before, there are the oblique nibs, which are slanted either for left-handed people or right-handed people. OB nibs or OBB nips or OBBB nibs are often favored by calligraphers.

Grind

There are probably dozens of more grinds available there are even bespoke grinds, but when you’re just starting out, you probably don’t want to think about all that stuff. Just go to a store, see what’s available, and start from there. If you want to learn more about the softness of a nib, and how that impacts everything, check out our how to write with a fountain pen guide.

Or, if you want to go down the rabbit hole, The Gentleman Stationer explains in detail what he does, and it’s nice to learn from someone who’s truly passionate about the subject matter.

Personally, at one point, I had north of 100 fountain pens, but as my interest in classic menswear increased, my interest in fountain pens decreased. I still have a few to this day, and I enjoy them, but I mostly use them for signatures.

Ink Filling System

Unlike ballpoint pens, the variety of ink you can get from fountain pens is huge, and I consider it to be an advantage because you can truly customize the way your writing looks. No, it doesn’t just have to be black or royal blue. You can have a malachite green, orange or just ocher, or chartreuse.

This ink has to be stored somewhere. Traditional methods include a piston filler, where you basically hold the top of the nib into an inkwell, and then turn or push on something, and the ink is basically soaked inside the fountain pen. We showed you how to do that in our other video. These days, the most popular option is probably the ink cartridge, so you can just buy the cartridge in different colors and then just put them into your fountain pen.

When I was little, my mom would take a syringe from the hospital, take an inkwell, suck the ink into the syringe, and push it into my cartridge so I could reuse them, and that was a lot less expensive than buying new cartridges over and over again. There are also eye-dropper fountain pens, but I suggest you stick either with the ink cartridge or the piston to start out with, because they’re simpler. There’s just a lot to explore.

If you want unique inks and unique colors, you definitely want the piston, unless you want to refill the ink cartridges one by one, as my mom did back in the day. If you want to learn more about ink, we got a writing ink guide and also a stationary guide.

Pen Body

In terms of the material of the main body, also called the barrel, there are lots of different options. You can have plastic, which is very common. You can have rubber or ebonite. There’s somewhat lightweight and have a solid grippy feel. Sometimes you also find pens made of metals, sometimes even precious metals. Often, it’s just a casing. Otherwise, they’d be way too heavy.

Another popular material these days is resin, which for example, the Mont Blanc Meisterstück is made from, and it’s a good material for beginners. Personally, my favorite material is celluloid because it allows for this kind of marbled unusual color effects that I find very pretty.

When it comes to the cap, your biggest concentration is probably if it is a screw-on cap or a push-on cap, and if you want to put the cap on the back of the barrel when you write or not. 

Having collected fountain pens, putting the cap on the back of the barrel when you write will eventually lead to cracks in the cap. So, I personally never did that. Also, if you add the cap to the back of the fountain pen, it distributes the weight dramatically. So, try it out and see what works for you.

If you plan to actually use the clip that is on the cap to clip it into your jacket, for example, or into your shirt, make sure it works with the garments you want to use them with, because there’s differences in the clips; some are sturdier, some are stiffer, some are softer – just figure out what works for you.

Maintenance

In terms of maintenance, fountain pens typically require a bit more maintenance than, let’s say, a ballpoint pen. For example, if you leave your ink in your fountain pen and you don’t write with it, it may dry in, and so on.

Design

In terms of design, it’s really up to you if you want more of a classic-looking fountain pen or something more modern.

Where To Buy Your First Fountain Pen

If at all possible, I strongly argue in favor of a local dealer, but if online is your only option, here’s what to consider. I’d say, reach out to them by email or phone, maybe they have any options to send you a number of tester fountain pens in exchange for a deposit, so you can try a few things out at home. Figure out what works for them.

Of course, if they’re closer to your home and not abroad, you don’t have any customs and duties issues. So, that’s preferable. Of course, if you’re just putting a few dollars on a fountain pen, you may just want to risk it; buy one and see if you like it, if not, you just move on.

Fountain Pen Dos & Don’ts

1. Do Listen to the Advice from a Reputable Salesperson

They know their stock of starter into fountain pens, and they can guide you as you tell them what you need.

2. Do Make Informed Decisions

Spend time to research, and since you’re watching this here, you’re already doing that. Congratulations!

3. Do Try a Variety of Pens Before Making the Selection

Do try a variety of different nibs, grinds, and widths before you settle on something. It’s simply hard to say, “This is best for me,” if you haven’t tried them all. Also, keep in mind that the nib designations of medium, fine, or broad may not be the same across different brands. Generally, Japanese nibs tend to be a little finer than more Western manufacturers’ nibs.

4. Don’t Assume the Most Expensive Equals the Best

Don’t just buy the most expensive fountain pen, and think it’s the best for you, because even though it may look nice, it has a gold nib, it may be horrible to write with your hand.

5. Do Buy a Pen You’re Willing to Use (and Perhaps Lose!)

I’d say, it’s your first fountain pen, do buy a pen that you’re willing to use and also lose. If you buy something that is too expensive, and you never want to take it with you because you feel you might lose it, then it’s kind of pointless.

Ultimately, a fountain pen is a writing instrument, and yes, they’re beautiful examples. For example, the limited edition one from Montegrappa for James Bond might not be for you.

6. Avoid Vintage for Your First Buy

Vintage fountain pens are nice. I personally prefer them over modern fountain pens, but there are a lot more things to learn about them, so you just buy an old pen off of eBay or at a flea market; chances are it’ll need some work.

So, I’d only recommend buying a vintage fountain pen in person from someone who has many vintage fountain pens and know something about them, and can guide you along the way, based on your needs. Otherwise, it’s probably not wise to go vintage if you buy your very first fountain pen. Why? There are simply too many pitfalls, and chances are, you won’t enjoy writing with them.

7. Don’t Make Beginner Fountain Pen Mistakes

Lastly, don’t make beginner fountain pen mistakes, as outlined in our other guide.

So, what do you think is your first fountain pen going to be? Let us know in the comments below.

Outfit Rundown

Today, I’m wearing a double-breasted brown sport coat with a double windowpane overcheck. It’s made by Isaia, and you can learn more about the brand in another post. My shirt is from Eton, which we also covered.

Fort Belvedere

Knit Tie in Solid Pale Yellow Silk

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Fort Belvedere

Yellow Exotic Caribbean Boutonniere Buttonhole Flower

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Fort Belvedere

Khaki and Navy Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Fil d'Ecosse Cotton

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The tie is from Fort Belvedere, just like the yellow boutonniere. It’s a silk knit tie, and you can find them both in our shop, just like my socks. These are shadow stripe socks in khaki and navy, which work well with my chino pants, which are a prototype cut that we will hopefully launch soon. 

My shoes are Gaziano & Girling Barclays in dark chocolate suede with contrast stitching. My pinky ring is nicely decorated with a brown tiger’s eye that picks up the color of my jacket, my shoes, and my white-beige brown striped shirt.

My fountain pen is a Mont Blanc Meisterstück 149, which is probably 30 years old. It has an OB nib, which is slanted, and I’m right-handed, so it works for me.

Here, we’ll broadly categorize cheap fountain pens as those under $20 and expensive fountain pens as those over $200, but these are loose categorizations. And don’t overlook the mid-range pens that sit in the middle of these two prices. 

The Nib

Let’s start by distinguishing expensive fountain pen nibs from cheap ones. The nib is a vitally important part of any fountain pen. The nib conveys ink onto the paper through capillary action, by which a liquid is propelled through the interaction between surface tension and adhesion.

Overall, nib size has an obvious aesthetic impact, but flexibility also impacts your ability to have lines of varying widths. And nibs will also impact how favorably and cleanly the ink is spread onto the paper.

How does price affect this important functionality, then? Well, we’ll start by discussing cheap nibs, which are almost always made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is preferred by manufacturers because it’s relatively cheap and fairly durable. One aspect of a thorough nib comparison, though, is time between nib replacements, and, in the case of stainless steel nibs, their durability can actually be a problem.

The hardness of steel nibs means that they don’t flex easily or, in some cases, at all. And as we’ve already mentioned, flexibility is what allows for variable line width when you’re writing.

Tthe likelihood of skipping or spills and also requires the writer to push down on the paper with more force, making writing more uncomfortable over time. And really, pens that make writing less enjoyable seem pretty counterintuitive to us.

Cheap nibs are also more likely to gum up if not cleaned, although occasional cleaning is required of all fountain pens regardless of price, and not doing so is one of the most common beginner fountain pen mistakes.

Another consideration is the issue of corrosion. Historically, stainless steel was very prone to corrosion as chemical scarring from corrosive inks would compromise the functionality of stainless steel nibs. In turn, this would adversely affect ink flow, consistency, and clarity of strokes. Modern stainless steel is more corrosion-resistant, but it still corrodes more quickly overall than the materials from which expensive nibs are made.

Speaking of which, expensive nibs are usually made from gold or titanium, with gold being a popular choice because it is both corrosion-resistant and has the flexibility to allow for variable line width, as well as springing back easily to the neutral position of the nib in between strokes. This softness will make the writing experience considerably more pleasant as you won’t have to push down very hard on the paper, and ink will flow out naturally and pleasingly.

Another hallmark of gold nibs or those made from similar materials is so-called “personalization.” This refers to the way that a gold nib will subtly bend and conform to your hand and writing style over time through settling and microscopic wear. This wearing-in will make the pen feel even more comfortable and natural, but will require a break-in period if you buy second-hand pens and might also make you think twice about sharing your pen with others.

Match your gold-nibbed fountain pen with our Fort Belvedere gold-toned accessories!

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Neville Gold Solid Brass Belt Buckle Soft Corner Rectangle with Gold Plating Hypoallergenic Nickel Free

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Collar Pin Safety Pin Gold

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Ultimately, the nib has the most direct impact on the process of writing, and expensive nibs are able to improve the comfort, ease, and consistency of writing through their higher-quality materials and construction. Therefore, even if circumstances compel you to use a cheaper pen, finding a cheap pen with some more expensive nib qualities, like gold-plating, a quality tip, and decent flex, will ensure a writing experience that doesn’t leave your hand aching and your fingers feeling pinched and worn – if you’re using proper technique, that is.

The Feed

The feed connects the nib to the ink reservoir. This is what allows ink to flow freely through the nib when it’s in contact with paper but prevents ink from spilling out when you’re not using the pen. It does this thanks to a complex series of narrow channels. Basically, the ink flows into these channels through the capillary action that we mentioned previously.

When ink is flowing onto the paper, air from outside the pen is allowed to flow upward along the feed, bringing ink down from Ink storage. Cheap fountain pens will almost always have feeds made from plastic, which is preferred by manufacturers because it’s cheap to produce. 

Practically speaking, plastic can actually function very well as a feed, provided that it is properly fitted into the pen. However, poorly-fitted plastic feeds can have disastrous consequences. Ink can dribble or overflow when writing or even spill out when the pen isn’t in use.

Airflow defects can also have exactly the opposite problem and prevent ink from coming out even when you want it to. As previously mentioned, though, these issues are usually caused by defects in manufacturing and not because of the qualities of plastic inherently as a feed material. Accordingly, plastic feeds are now increasingly common in middle and even some higher-tier fountain pens.

When it comes to expensive fountain pens, feeds should be guaranteed to ensure proper ink flow, no matter what material they’re made from. But, for an improved writing experience, the best pens will use Ebonite feeds, which is a hardened vulcanized rubber that is semi-porous. These microscopic air pockets help to equalize the flow of ink and air as they move respectively through the feed. This allows for more consistent ink propulsion and a smoother writing experience.

Ebonite is also easy to shape and mold so that it can be fitted more tightly into the body of the pen. Establishing a firm seal will help to improve ink transference and also lower the possibility of overflow or spills.

When it comes to feeds then, construction is ultimately more important than material. A well-made plastic feed will function well enough for most writers’ needs, but an Ebonite feed represents a noticeable step up in quality that will definitely improve your writing experience. So, not only will a cheap fountain pen not have an Ebonite feed, but it might also have a poorly-fitted plastic feed, which will turn even your best writing from tressy to messy.

The Body

The body of the pen is essentially just a container that holds all the components that actually make the pen function. Obviously, the body considerably impacts the appeal and aesthetics of the pen itself, but it also impacts the functionality of writing when it comes to the balance and weight of the pen.

The majority of cheap fountain pens are made from plastic because they’re easy to make and cheap to produce. Some cheap fountain pens can also be made from wood or metal, but to keep costs low, these will usually be low-quality varieties of each. 

Stylistically, you can expect cheap fountain pens to either appear plain and boring because you can’t spend much on designers at this price point or garish and too busy because the design is meant to distract from the low quality of the materials used.

MORE THAN THE AESTHETIC APPEAL

When it comes to the balance and weight, the pen’s body also affects how well it writes.

At a cheap price point then, a heavily decorated or modish pen body is usually going to be concealing inferior interior parts. To further save costs on materials, regardless of what they actually are, a cheap fountain pen is almost always going to be very lightweight. This will make the pen feel awkward in the hand and lead to an unbalanced writing experience overall. This is because inadequate heft or poor balancing will confuse the way you grip the pen, leading your hand to become more uncomfortable over time as you apply pressure in incorrect ways.

This lack of balance is likely going to be the case whether or not you post the cap of the pen on its reverse, as the low-quality caps are also going to be made from these low-quality materials. 

Speaking of the caps, these inexpensive pens are likely going to have clips that are either too rigid or too flexible – neither of which is helpful for storing your pen in your pocket. Meanwhile, expensive pens have usually been meticulously balanced to ensure comfortable writing over extended periods of time, and they’ll often come in variable hefts to suit your own particular writing style.

Expensive fountain pens are made from high-quality materials like resin, precious metals like gold or silver, or high-quality woods. Luxurious wood and precious metals probably don’t need much explaining, but I can hear you getting ready to ask, “Wait, isn’t resin just another type of plastic?” Well, yes, that’s correct. But, because of how resin is manufactured, it’s both much more durable and much more visually interesting.

So, if you think “quality plastic” is an oxymoron, just compare the body of these fountain pens, for example.

Indeed, many users actually prefer resin to metal or wood because it is slightly tacky, aiding grip; again, more durable and doesn’t feel cold to the touch. Obviously, this is a matter of preference, but, again, with expensive fountain pens, regardless of whatever they’re actually made of, you can rest assured that the quality of these materials is going to be higher overall.

At a higher price point, manufacturers are more likely to put a higher degree of thought into their designs, producing bodies and caps that are works of art in their own right. These can often be highly collectible and even make perfect gifts, especially if the body is adorned with precious metals or even gemstones.

One note here is that expensive fountain pens can quickly become especially expensive. So, if a pen is so expensive that you don’t feel comfortable carrying it or using it, you will again be left with a paperweight – albeit a more expensive one. So, be sure to balance any bling against the practicality of using your fountain pen on a day-to-day basis.

The Filling Mechanism

The filling mechanism is our next component. There are multiple ways to get ink into a pen, many of which come down to preference and personal taste. We cover them all in our general fountain pen guide, but there are definitely some clear dividing lines when it comes to cheap versus expensive fountain pens.

To reduce the number of moving parts, cheap fountain pens will almost always use cartridges. Poorly made ink cartridges often have poor ink flow and can leak, and even expensive cartridges can be difficult to change unless they’re empty, meaning it isn’t always easy to change the color of ink in your pen.

Of course, cartridges are also very convenient, but this convenience comes with both a monetary and an environmental cost. Cartridges produce a considerable amount of waste, and even recyclable cartridges still contribute to the use of energy through the recycling process. 

Cartridges can also be expensive to buy, especially if your pen only takes proprietary cartridges as opposed to standardized models. And some cheap fountain pens aren’t even refillable at all, meaning that when the ink runs out, you just have to throw the entire pen away.

To think about it another way then, eventually, all of the money that you’ll throw away on “throwaway pens” could be put to better use by buying a more expensive pen with a refilling mechanism that works well.

As we mentioned already, expensive fountain pens, for the sake of convenience, can also take cartridges. These are less likely to leak or adversely affect ink flow, but they are still expensive. 

As such, you’re also likely to see systems that draw ink through the nib into the reservoir. A twisting or pulling piston mechanism is most common today. But, in the early 20th century, you were more likely to see levers. And some pens also have convertible systems, meaning that they can draw ink or take cartridges. Systems like these are favored by many enthusiasts as they can flush the ink from the pen to change colors, and flushing can also make cleaning the pen easier.

Ultimately, then, the filling mechanism is most important as it pertains to your convenience. Investing in a more expensive system will usually make the process easier for you and will also spare you the unpleasant cleanup associated with cheap and leaky pens.

The Ink

Very briefly here, we’d like to conclude by highlighting the differences between cheap and expensive inks. In a nutshell, cheap inks are kept cheap by cutting corners. Pigmentation is low, leading to runny, bland, and semi-transparent colors; cheap ink is poorly manufactured, so it can be sticky or prone to smudge on the page; and cheap ink will dry hard inside the pen, potentially gumming up the works.

Expensive inks, on the other hand, will flow easily and lay neatly on the page; have good color fastness and endurance so they won’t fade with time, and come in various unique and memorable colors. Some of our favorite colors include rusty brown, sky blue, and dark green.

Not only will expensive inks be easier for you to write with, but they’ll also be easier for your correspondent to read and more visually-stimulating

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned the differences between cheap and expensive fountain pens, you’ll have the knowledge to determine which price point is best for you. So, whether you’re interested in perusing our selection of budget fountain pens, looking into an expensive Montblanc, or, again, thinking that mid-range options might be best, we hope that this post proved to be a fountain of knowledge.

Are you a fan of fountain pens, too? What price point do you think is worth it? Let us know in the comments!

Outfit Rundown

Today, I’m wearing a casual outfit, good for sitting around the house and writing with some fountain pens. The central element is my blood orange V-neck sweater from Hawes & Curtis, which is worn over a blue and white striped shirt from Charles Tyrwhitt.

The shirt has French cuffs, but I’ve got them configured in a barrel-style today to fit better under the sleeves of my sweater, and, as such, I’m wearing simple black cufflinks that aren’t meant to be seen.

Fort Belvedere

Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks Light Brown and Blue Fil d'Ecosse Cotton

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My trousers are in a plain brown shade that has a reddish undertone to go along with the orange in the sweater, and my shoes are moccasin-style loafers in brown suede from Velasca. 

And rounding out today’s outfit are my two-toned, shadow-striped socks from Fort Belvedere in brown and light blue.

To go along with the casual nature of the outfit, I’ve also left product out of my hair and let my beard grow a bit. And, of course, for the socks I’m wearing today and a wide array of other classic men’s accessories, you can take a look at the Fort Belvedere shop.