Slim vs Pocket Fountain Pens
Slim pens fit me quite well. They fit comfortably in my below-average hands, and even though many people deem them uncomfortable for long writing periods, they allow me to write without strain. On top of that, they are always comfortable, no matter the environment. In my use cases, they also beat your traditional pocket pen. While they may not fit as comfortably in a pocket, they thrive in more situations. Most pen loops and storage nowadays emphasize thin loops, due to the perceived triviality and antiquity of fountain pens. Thus, they make better EDC (Everyday Carry) pens, perhaps excluding the literal "pocket carry."
A lot of people like pocket pens. They are good for smaller hands, portable, and most of the time easy to deploy. I love my Kawecos, but in today's world, they make what I believe is a major miscalculation. They assume that in today's world, you require a pen on you at all times. It's good to have a pen that's portable, but I will admit the grave sin of using a borrowed ballpoint when signing my name or filling out forms. And most of the time, that ballpoint will, unfortunately, do a better job of it. Having a quick-deploy fountain pen in your pocket at all times is, in my opinion, completely redundant. If it works for you, I'm glad, but I will always consider my pocket pens as only fountain pens—a collector's piece that I cherish writing with when the time is right.
These pens exemplify the versatility and affordability that slim fountain pens can offer. The range below highlights options that fit various needs, from budget-friendly choices to rare collector's items. Whether you're looking for a dependable everyday writer, a stylish addition to your collection, or a piece of history, there's a slim pen here that suits every preference and price point.
Modern and Accessible Slim Fountain Pens
Chinese Pens
Jinhao 88 (4$)
Jinhao 95 (4$)
Jinhao 65 (4$)
Jinhao 35 (4$)
Jinhao 126 (4$)
Hong Dian 516 (10$)
Hong Dian Black Forest (12$)
Majohn N1 / N2 (15$)
PenBBS 494 (20$)
Cheapish (Below 100$)
Parker Vector (15$)
Ohto Tasche (20$)
Muji Aluminium (20$)
Pelikan Ineo (30$)
Meister By Point (40$)
Faber-Castell Neo Slim (40$)
Pilot Cavalier (40$)
Waterman Hemisphere (50$)
Diplomat Traveller (60$)
Cross Century 2 (80$)
Kaweco Special (80$)
Caran D'Ache 849 (80$)
Traveler's Company Brass Pen (80$)
Pricey (Above 100$)
Desiderata Daedalus (100$)
Ensso Bolt (120$)
Diplomat CLR (120$)
Pilot Grance (400$)
MontBlanc Boheme (800$)
Vintage or Rare Slim Fountain Pens
Pilot Lady
Pilot Birdie
Pilot Quartro
Pelikan Signum
Lamy Linea
Lamy Logo
Lamy Unic
Cross Spire
Sheaffer Targa Slim
Sheaffer TRZ
Waterman 12
Waterman 52
Waterman Laureat
MontBlanc Slimline
MontBlanc 144 Classique
MontBlanc Noblesse
Sailor Chalana
Aurora Marco Polo
Aurora Hastil
Aurora Thesi
Parker 88
Parker 180
Gravitas Quark