Image	Product	Features	Price
	Pilot Falcon Fountain Pen		Check Price
	LAMY Safari 2021 Savannah Green / Terra Cotta Fountain Pen		Check Price
	TWSBI Eco White & Rose Gold Fountain Pen		Check Price
	Caran D'Ache 849 Black Code Ballpoint Pen		Check Price
	Monteverde Innova Formula M Black Rollerball Pen		Check Price
	YStudio Sketching Mechanical Pencil		Check Price
	Pilot Metropolitan Black Crocodile Fountain Pen		Check Price
	Kaweco Sport Classic Green Fountain Pen		Check Price

Many bullet journal aficionados enjoy crafting a Pinterest-worthy bujo that contains all their notes, to-dos, thoughts, and ideas. One essential tool that can help with this is a pen that’s up to that task.

Having tested out and compared an abundance of pens, we’ve created a list of the best pens for bullet journal beginners so you don’t have to go through this process yourself.

Obviously, not everyone has the same preferences when it comes to the perfect bujo pens, so we’ve divided our recommendations into various categories based on the types of pen and their use, so you’re bound to find one that you like.

Finding The Best Pens For Bullet Journaling

Finding the perfect pen that will fulfill all your bullet journaling needs is no easy task, and having a few criteria that this pen needs to satisfy will make the process much easier. A great pen for bullet journaling is also a great EDC pen, so let’s go over some of the features we feel a great bullet journaling pen ought to have.

The best pen for bullet journaling should:

• Fit your budget
• Enable you to write for longer periods of time without your hand cramping
• Write efficiently without you needing to apply too much pressure
• Fit comfortably in your hand 
• Have a replaceable cartridge
• Be versatile in its use (to write, draw, create diagrams, and maps)
• Have good reviews 
• Last for a long period of time without fading
• Be easy to use

To determine whether the pen you’re thinking of purchasing is of good quality, you also need to look at two additional categories, bleeding and ghosting.

Bleeding and Ghosting

Bleeding refers to a marker or ink seeping through the paper and coming out on the other side. If the bleeding is significant, it means that you won’t be able to write on the other side. Bleeding can sometimes happen if you go over the same area a few times with your pen and isn’t always a sign of the pen or paper being of lower quality.

Ghosting is less severe than bleeding and it means that what you’ve written on one side of the paper is clearly visible on the other side of the paper. This can be a huge problem in terms of readability if you use both sides of the paper. 

An easy method to prevent both bleeding and ghosting is to purchase higher-quality paper. Less absorbent paper isn’t as prone to ghosting or bleeding as more absorbent paper. The ink should also be of great quality, and above all, the pen.

If you’re interested in purchasing a high-quality notebook that makes a great bullet journal, check out the Clairefontaine My Essential notebook.

Best Pens for Bullet Journal Beginners

Every artist needs their tool to create a masterpiece, and the same goes for those interested in creating a visually appealing and well-structured bullet journal. Since the pen and notebook are your main tools, let’s cover the best bullet journal pens you should consider trying out.

Best Value Bullet Journal Fountain Pen - Pilot Falcon

 

Specifications

Manufacturer	Pilot
Color	Gold, rhodium, red
Weight	16 g
Length	139 mm
Material	Resin with metal elements
Series	Falcon

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 14k gold soft nib
• Can also be used with cartridges
• Very similar to a flex pen
• Extremely light fountain pen
• Comfortable for writing for long hours
• Various nib sizes (soft extra fine, soft fine, soft medium, soft broad)

Cons

•  Limited color selection

The Pilot Falcon is one of the most well-known pens in the fountain pen community. 

It has a 14k gold nib that’s extremely soft and on the verge of being considered a flex nib. Simply apply more or less pressure when writing to achieve various line widths, which gives you amazing versatility. The nib comes in various sizes, such as soft extra fine, soft fine, soft medium, and soft broad, which can all be used as bullet journal tools for different purposes. 

It’s an extremely light pen as far as fountain pens go due to the resin from which it’s made and it’s extremely well-balanced both with and without the cap. Another great feature is the pen’s ability to use an ink cartridge, which gives you the opportunity of using either a cartridge or bottled ink. 

As a company, Pilot has a great reputation when it comes to the quality of their nibs, so you won’t go wrong with the Namiki Falcon.

Best Bullet Journal Fountain Pen Overall - LAMY Safari

Specifications

Manufacturer	LAMY
Color	Aquamarine, Mango, Violet, Savannah Green, Terra Cotta, and more
Weight	10 g
Length	140 mm
Material	ABS plastic
Series	Safari

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent choice for novice writers
• Modern design
• Triangular grip section
• Ink window convenient for checking the ink level
• Compatible with different nibs

Cons

• The triangular grip may not be suitable for everyone
• Only works with cartridges from the Lamy 

The LAMY Safari is a standout among fountain pens in its price range, thanks to a host of impressive features. 

To start off, the pen’s modern design is what initially draws the eye. It boasts a sleek and elegant design, incorporating several distinctive features that set it apart. Notable among these are the removable clip, which sports an eye-catching design, and the ink window. 

The triangular grip is another standout aspect of the pen's design, which facilitates a comfortable grip, ideal for both novice and seasoned fountain pen users.

Finally, the LAMY Safari offers interchangeable nibs of various sizes, allowing for a truly adaptable writing experience.  

Best Bullet Journal Fountain Pen Design - TWSBI Eco 

Specifications

Manufacturer	TWSBI
Color	White & Rose Gold, Transparent Yellow, T Saffron, Royal Jade Rose Gold Pen Set
Weight	21 g
Length	139 mm
Material	Clear acrylic
Series	Eco

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Amazing value
• Piston filler
• Great steel nib in various sizes
• Sophisticated design

Cons

• Needs some maintenance to keep the pen clean at all times

The TWSBI Eco pen is a dream come true for those seeking a high-quality writing instrument at an accessible price point. With its exceptional performance and attractive design, the TWSBI Eco pen delivers an outstanding value that's hard to beat.

Equipped with a stainless steel nib, the pen is available in a range of stub sizes, from extra fine to 1.1 mm, providing versatility to suit any writing style.

Among its standout features are the clear acrylic barrel, which allows for effortless monitoring of the ink level, and the reliable piston filling system. The pen's cap ensures a secure seal when not in use, and a variety of colors are available to suit individual preferences. 

This pen also comes in a Royal Jade Rose Gold Pen Set, which differs from the TWSBI Eco mainly because of its triangular grip section, triangular-shaped cap, and piston knob, unlike the hexagon that’s featured on the regular Eco. 

Best Ballpoint Bullet Journal Pen - Caran d’Ache 849

Specifications

Manufacturer	Caran d’Ache
Color	Black, other colors
Weight	15 g
Length	128 mm
Material	Aluminum
Series	849

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Matte black texture
• Aluminum barrel
• Hexagonal shape that enables you to maintain a good grip on the pen
• Flexible clip and push-button made out of metal
• Large cartridge

Cons

• May feel a bit slim to those with bigger hands

This iconic Caran D’Ache ballpoint pen is in a league of its own due to being ultra-light, despite having a large cartridge. 

It writes smoothly and glides onto the paper without skipping, making it a superior bullet journal pen and the perfect EDC pen. Moreover, it has a quiet click mechanism, so you won’t annoy anyone nearby, while its hexagonal body enables a comfortable grip position.

The barrel of the pen is made from aluminum, making it very durable but also very light. The matte black finish only adds to the sleekness and elegance of the pen, that’s also available in other colors, and you can check those out in the Truphae store. Each color reflects a different emotion or personality and you’ll definitely find the right one for you. 

Best Rollerball Bullet Journal Pen - Monteverde Innova

Specifications

Manufacturer	Monteverde
Color	Black, Bronze, Blue
Weight	48.19 g
Length	140. 2 mm
Material	Solid Brass
Series	Innova

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sturdy pen
• Amazing design
• Visually appealing texture

Cons

• You shouldn’t post the pen since the cap may damage the barrel

While the previous pen on our list was suitable for people who like slim and light pens, this one is for those who prefer an oversized pen. 

It has a cutting-edge design inspired by the racing industry, which makes this pen truly unique. Wire braiding is often done for high-performance cars since it protects against mechanical damage, and the same pattern is used for the pen’s mesh creation.

The pen is covered with a matte PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating that not only ensures the pen’s durability but is also adds more vibrance to the final color. And if that wasn’t enough, it also prevents the pen from corrosion and tarnishing, so you’ll own a pen that will last you for ages, making it the perfect partner to your bullet journal.

Best Bullet Journal Sketch Pencil - YStudio Sketching Mechanical Pencil

Specifications

Manufacturer	YStudio
Color	Black, gold
Weight	40 g
Length	157 mm
Material	Solid Brass
Series	Sketch Pencils

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable mechanical pencil made of solid brass
• Elegant design
• The color of the gold brass pencil can change as a result of use giving it individual marks

Cons

• A bit heavy

Those who prefer to outline their tasks, goals, and other writings in their journals will find the mechanical pencil extremely practical, and the YStudio Brassing Sketching pencil fits this description. It has an elegant design and a minimalist hexagonal shape, which enables you to effortlessly write and sketch for hours. 

The pencil has a matte black finish and a solid brass body that changes color the longer you use it as a result of oxidation. This makes it a one-of-a-kind pencil, but to ensure it looks shiny, polished, and new for a long time, you can restore the pencil’s original luster by wiping it with copper oil.

This pencil is designed to be used with a 2 mm lead, which creates a thick line, perfect for sketching. Those who prefer to reveal the solid brass body that’s under the matte black finish can use the piece of sandpaper that’s included in the kit.

Best Bullet Journal Pen With a 1.0 mm Stub - Pilot Metropolitan

 

Specifications

Manufacturer	Pilot
Color	Plain Black
Weight	29 g
Length	138 mm
Material	Brass
Series	Metropolitan

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great price
• Available as a ballpoint and fountain pen
• Doesn’t just use proprietary refills

Cons

• It has a small converter, so you’ll need to refill more often

The Pilot Metropolitan is a very affordable pen as far as fountain pens go. 

It’s a high-quality writing tool that you can use to write in your bullet journal on a daily basis without straining your hand. The 1.0 mm stub provides the perfect line width for writing and drawing in your bujo.

Even though it’s a fountain pen, it’s fairly light and also works with other refills, so you’re not stuck with just the proprietary refills. This pen also comes in a few interesting designs when it comes to the midsection, such as the Black Crocodile, Bronze Lizard, White Tiger, however, they don’t come with the 1.0 mm stub nib, only with the fine and medium nibs.

Best Honorable Mention Bullet Journal Pen - Kaweco Sport

Specifications

Manufacturer	Kaweco
Color	Green, Bordeaux, White, Red, Black, Navy
Weight	9.9 g
Length	105 mm
Material	Resin
Series	Sport

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Small and light design
• Disassembly for maintenance is pretty straightforward
• You can customize it by adding new nibs, a converter, clips, etc.
• Some parts are interchangeable with other Kaweco Sport pens

Cons

• The converter holds a smaller amount of ink
• Might not be suitable for people with larger hands

The Kaweco Classic Sport is a light and compact pen that’s perfect for everyday use, making it a suitable option for a bullet journal pen. 

It has a minimalist design and comes in a wide variety of colors, which makes the task of finding a pen you like super easy. The hexagonal cap only adds to the visual interest of the design and it securely screws on top of the barrel, protecting the delicate nib. 

The nib comes in a few sizes, including extra fine, fine, medium, broad, and double broad, so you’re bound to find the size you commonly use. It’s made of high-quality resin, it’s very durable, and comes at an affordable price. 

Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best Pens for Bullet Journalling

To make an informed purchasing decision when it comes to your new bullet journal pen, you need to consider: 

• The type of pen you’d prefer to use for your bullet journal
• The type of bullet journal you’re designing and its purpose
• The quality of the paper in your notebook
• Your comfort

Let’s take a look at all of these features in more depth.

The Type of Pen

Even though there are a lot of different types of pens on the market, some of the most commonly used ones for crafting and writing in a bullet journal include the following:

• Fountain pen - The ink usually comes in a variety of colors and the pens that use cartridges are really easy to maintain.
• Rollerball pen – They can be used for different writing and drawing tasks without worrying about the ink bleeding through the page.
• Calligraphy pen – Good for people who like to put more individuality into their bujo due to its ability to write thicker and thinner lines.
• Highlighter pen – Great for marking specific words or sentences that you want to stand out in your bujo.
• Fineliner pen – Excellent for detailed work and creating fine lines and letters because of the fine tip of the pen.
• Brush pen – Similar to using a paintbrush, which is perfect for people who draw in their bullet journals.
• Felt pens – Essential if you want to have a more artistic bullet journal, since they produce vivid colors and cover large areas quickly.

The Purpose of the Pen

Not all pens are created equally, and some are better for one purpose, while others for another. Generally, people use their bullet journal pens for one or more of the following purposes:

• Writing – The main reason why people own a bullet journal is to write down important notes, tasks, goals, and so on. Almost every pen can be used for this purpose, so it just depends on your personal preferences. 
• Calligraphy – Some people enjoy having a more classical-looking bujo, and calligraphy-style letters play a huge part in the final result. So, for this purpose, we recommend purchasing a calligraphy pen, although you can use other pens as well, such as fountain pens, felt pens, markers, etc. Check out the recommendations on the best calligraphy pens on our blog.
• Highlighting – Almost everyone highlights in their bullet journal, so having a highlighter or a felt-tip pen gets the job done. 
• Drawing And Colouring – While not everyone wants to make artistic layouts in their bullet journal, those who want would benefit from using markers, felt-tip pens, or brush pens.

The Quality of the Paper

No two types of paper are the same just, just like no two pens are the same. You’ll need both a great pen and a great notebook to design a great bullet journal, and a common problem when creating one is the pen bleeding through the pages. To avoid this, you’ll need to purchase a notebook with thick pages. 

Remember that felt tip pens, fountain pens, calligraphy pens, and highlighters are more likely to bleed through the page compared to ballpoint and gel pens. Similarly, darker colors are more likely to bleed than lighter colors. Your best bet would be to test the pens you plan on using in your bullet journal with the paper so you know what to expect from both the pen and the paper.

Your Comfort

Last but not least, you’ll need to purchase a pen that fits comfortably in your hand during those long hours you’ll spend writing in your bujo. Therefore, we recommend going with an ergonomic pen if you aren’t used to holding a pen for so long. 

Conclusion

Having a good-quality pen is essential for everyone who has a bullet journal since you’ll likely use it on a daily basis. It needs to fit comfortably in your hand, you need to be able to use it for longer periods of time without straining your hand, it needs to write beautifully, and have a great design.

We believe that the Pilot Falcon provides all that and more, which is why we recommend it as one of the best bullet journal pens in the Truphae store. It’s extremely light, has a 14k gold soft nib that you can use to create various line widths, and has an elegant design that will go well with any notebook.

What are your recommendations on the best bullet journaling pens? Have you tried some of the pens on our list? Did you like them? Let us know more in the comment section below.