Luxury Vs. Practical: When to Splurge and When to Save on Pens

So, you’re on the Blesket website. Browsing. Just looking.

Until you’re not.

There it is—a pen so beautiful, you zoom in three times just to admire the nib. Maybe it’s a Platinum #3776 or one of those sleek Diplomat Aeros. The kind of pen that whispers: “You deserve me.”

But then, right next to it, there’s the Kaweco Perkeo. Quirky. Functional. Don't try too hard. Also, a fraction of the price.

And you’re stuck.

Do you splurge or play it safe? Here’s the truth: there’s no wrong answer, but there is a right fit depending on what your hand, wallet, and writing mood are saying.

Let’s Talk Luxury First

Luxury pens? They're like a little black dress or a tailored blazer, classic, confident, timeless.

Take Graf von Faber-Castell. That thing doesn't just write; it glides. Or the Platinum #3776 Century, seriously, it's like writing with silk.

But you’re not just paying for smooth ink. You’re paying for the feeling. The kind you get when you sign a contract, write a love letter, or just jot down thoughts in a cafe, looking mysterious and poetic.

These pens turn heads. And they usually last forever, assuming you don’t leave them behind at a coffee shop (don’t do that, please).

Now... The Practical Side

Enter: the workhorses.

Your TWSBI ECO. Your LAMY Safari. That pen you toss in your bag without a second thought, because it just... works.

These pens aren’t begging for compliments, but they’ve probably earned them.

You refill them. You drop them. You let your kid try writing their name with them (maybe).

They keep going.

And the best part? You don’t need a secret savings account to buy one.

When to Go All-In on a Fancy Pen

Here’s when it’s 100% okay (encouraged, even) to go big:

• You’re celebrating something. A graduation. A new job. A Tuesday, if it’s been a long week.

• You’ve fallen in love with writing again and want the experience to match your passion.

• You want something beautiful that actually does something. A luxury pen is functional art.

When a Budget Pen is the Real MVP

Save your splurge and grab a reliable pen when:

• You’re new to fountain pens and still figuring out what nibs you like.

• You write a lot. Like, pages every day. A pricier pen might start to feel too precious for that.

• You’re buying multiple pens (because let's face it, it’s addictive).

Final Thoughts? You Don’t Have to Choose

It isn’t an either-or thing.

You can own a LAMY Safari for your planner, a TWSBI for notes, and a Platinum #3776 for those sit-down-with-a-glass-of-wine-and-write nights.

Your pen collection can be diverse. Like your playlist. Like your moods.

So go ahead and splurge while saving. Choose what feels right. Write what feels real.

And hey, if you’re still not sure, just start with the one that makes you smile when you uncap it.

That’s usually the one.