For most buyers, Brusarth Calligraphy Pens are the best overall choice here: their range of 10 sizes offers flexibility across lettering styles. Tombow Fudenosuke pens suit controlled brush lettering, while the hhhouu beginner set gives traditional dip-pen learners interchangeable nibs and ink. The main tradeoff is between convenient felt or brush tips and dip pens that offer more nib variety but require setup and cleanup. Tip control, line variation, and how much maintenance you want matter more than a large pen count alone. Read on for how each option fits a different kind of calligraphy practice.
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Key Takeaways
- Brusarth’s 10 sizes make it the most flexible all-around pick in this lineup, while more sizes can mean more choices to manage.
- Tombow’s soft and hard tips provide a focused way to compare brush pressure and control without buying a large assortment.
- The hhhouu dip-pen set offers traditional nib variety, but it calls for ink handling and cleanup that felt-tip pens avoid.
- Speedball Elegant Writer markers favor broad, consistent marker lettering over the pressure-shaped strokes of brush pens.
- Craft ‘n’ Beyond’s three brush pens provide a compact starting point, while the six- and ten-size sets offer more tip options for experimentation.
| Craft ‘n’ Beyond Calligraphy Brush Pens, Pack of 3 |  | Best for Brush Size Variety | Quantity: 3 brush pens | Tip sizes: Small, medium, and large | Line sizes: 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, and 0.9 mm | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brusarth Calligraphy Pens, 10 Sizes |  | Best for Tip Range | Pen type: Brush pen | Tip sizes: 10 sizes | Line size: 3 mm | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| PANDAFLY Calligraphy Pens for Writing, 10 Sizes |  | Best for Mixed Nib Work | Number of pens: 10 | Nib sizes: 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, extra-small, small, medium, large, and soft brush | Ink type: Water-based, pigmented black ink | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Calligraphy Pens for Writing, Hand Lettering – 6 Sizes |  | Best for Beginners | Quantity: 6 pens | Line sizes: 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, small, medium, and large | Tip options: Soft brush and hard tip | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens, Soft and Hard Tip, 2-Pack |  | Best for Controlled Brush Practice | Quantity: 2 pens | Tip types: Soft and hard | Ink color: Black | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Speedball Elegant Writer Calligraphy Markers, Black, Set of 4 |  | Best for Quick, Consistent Lettering | Brand: Speedball | Type: Calligraphy marker | Ink color: Black | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| hhhouu Calligraphy Set for Beginners with Quill Pen, Black Ink, and 11 Nibs |  | Best for Exploring Dip-Pen Nibs | Writing instrument: Dip pen | Ink color and base: Black, water-based | Nib count: 11 replaceable nibs | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| calligraphy pen | Ink color | Water resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Craft ‘n’ Beyond Calligraphy B | Black | Not water resistant |
| Brusarth Calligraphy Pens | Black | Described as waterproof |
| PANDAFLY Calligraphy Pens for | — | Described as waterproof |
| Calligraphy Pens for Writing | Black | Described as waterproof |
| Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens | Black | — |
| Speedball Elegant Writer Calli | Black | — |
| hhhouu Calligraphy Set for Beg | — | Not water resistant |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Craft ‘n’ Beyond Calligraphy Brush Pens, Pack of 3
Three graduated brush sizes make this set a straightforward choice for lettering that shifts between fine details and broader strokes. The pressure-sensitive felt tips let a writer vary line weight without changing tools, while quick-drying black ink suits journaling and paper crafts where smears can spoil a page. Compared with the Tombow Fudenosuke two-pack, this set gives you more size options, but Tombow offers a hard and soft tip pairing for a more controlled contrast in feel. The water-based ink here is not waterproof, so finished work can run if it gets wet; thin paper may also show some bleed. I’d choose these for flexible brush lettering on suitable paper, but skip them if waterproof marks or chisel-style strokes are essential.
Pros:- Small, medium, and large tips cover a useful range of lettering scales
- Pressure-sensitive tips vary stroke width within a single line
- Quick-drying ink is designed to resist smearing and fading
- Ready-to-use pens require no refilling
Cons:- Water-based ink is not waterproof
- May bleed slightly on thin paper
- No chisel or angled brush option
Best for: Lettering beginners and journalers who want three brush sizes for switching between fine accents and larger strokes
Not ideal for: Artists making work that may get wet, or calligraphers who need angled or chisel tips
- Quantity:3 brush pens
- Tip sizes:Small, medium, and large
- Line sizes:0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, and 0.9 mm
- Ink color:Black
- Ink base:Hybrid, water-based
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
- Tip type:Felt tip
- Hand orientation:Ambidextrous
Our verdict“Choose this set for three pressure-sensitive brush sizes and easy paper crafting, provided waterproof ink is not a requirement.”
Brusarth Calligraphy Pens, 10 Sizes
Ten tip sizes give this black-ink set the broadest stated range in the group, from extra fine to soft brush. That range suits someone who wants to move between lettering, sketching, and journal details without switching pen systems. Its water-based ink is described as waterproof and non-bleeding, which gives it an advantage over the Craft ‘n’ Beyond set, whose ink is not water resistant. The tradeoff is that Brusarth supplies only black ink, and the product details specify a 3 mm line size without clarifying how the full range maps to individual tips. Compared with the six-pen Calligraphy Pens for Writing set, Brusarth offers more stated sizes, though fewer concrete details about the tip lineup. I’d pick it for breadth, while buyers who prefer clearly listed nib dimensions may favor PANDAFLY.
Pros:- Ten sizes span extra fine through soft brush
- Ink is described as quick-drying, waterproof, and non-bleeding
- Can be used for calligraphy, sketching, and journaling
- Ergonomic grip and ambidextrous design support varied users
Cons:- Only black ink is specified
- Individual tip sizes are not listed in the supplied specs
- The stated 3 mm line size does not explain the full range
Best for: Lettering hobbyists who want one black-ink set with many tip choices for writing, sketching, and journaling
Not ideal for: Artists who need multiple ink colors or precise, individually specified nib dimensions
- Pen type:Brush pen
- Tip sizes:10 sizes
- Line size:3 mm
- Ink color:Black
- Ink:Water-based
- Water resistance:Described as waterproof
- Safety:Non-toxic
- Grip:Ergonomic
Our verdict“Pick Brusarth for a wide stated tip range and water-resistant black ink, if exact nib-by-nib sizing is not a priority.”
PANDAFLY Calligraphy Pens for Writing, 10 Sizes
Ten listed nib options make PANDAFLY a useful pick for writers who want specific line sizes alongside brush tips. The lineup names 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm options, plus extra-small through large and a soft brush, so buyers get more concrete sizing detail than the Brusarth set provides. Its pigmented black ink is described as waterproof and fade-proof, a practical fit for illustration and lettering intended to last. The tradeoff is that the product notes mention possible inconsistent flow with some nibs and smudging with careful handling needed. Compared with the six-pen Calligraphy Pens for Writing set, PANDAFLY offers more pens and more explicit nib measurements; the smaller set may be easier to manage for a newer calligrapher. This is the stronger choice for varied nib work, not carefree speed.
Pros:- Ten nib options include five stated millimeter sizes and brush sizes
- Pigmented ink is described as waterproof and fade-proof
- Non-bleeding ink is suited to lettering and illustration
- Combines calligraphy, drawing, and illustration uses
Cons:- Ink flow may be inconsistent with some nibs
- Only black ink is specified
- Marks may smudge if handled before they are set
Best for: Illustrators and lettering hobbyists who want measured nib sizes plus brush options in one black-ink set
Not ideal for: Writers who prioritize predictable ink flow or want color choices beyond black
- Number of pens:10
- Nib sizes:0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, extra-small, small, medium, large, and soft brush
- Ink type:Water-based, pigmented black ink
- Water resistance:Described as waterproof
- Fade resistance:Described as fade-proof
- Bleed resistance:Described as non-bleeding
- Brush tip:Flexible
Our verdict“Choose PANDAFLY for a clearly varied nib lineup and durable black ink if you can accommodate possible flow inconsistency.”
Calligraphy Pens for Writing, Hand Lettering – 6 Sizes
Six tip choices offer a manageable entry point for beginners who want both hard-tip and soft-brush lettering without sorting through ten options. The listed 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm sizes provide clearer starting points for line width than the Tombow Fudenosuke pair, while the small, medium, and large tips add flexibility. Its black water-based ink is described as waterproof and fade-proof, so it is better suited to finished work than the non-water-resistant Craft ‘n’ Beyond pens. The smaller selection is also the main limitation: PANDAFLY and Brusarth each list ten sizes for users who want more ways to vary marks. The contoured grip and ambidextrous design suit a range of hands, though buyers seeking premium soft-versus-hard brush control may prefer Tombow’s focused two-tip pairing.
Pros:- Six pens balance measured widths with small, medium, and large tips
- Includes both soft-brush and hard-tip options
- Ink is described as waterproof, fade-proof, and bleed-free
- Contoured grip and ambidextrous design accommodate varied users
Cons:- Six options offer less range than the ten-size PANDAFLY and Brusarth sets
- Black is the only specified ink color
- Plastic construction may feel basic to buyers seeking a premium pen body
Best for: New hand-letterers who want a modest mix of measured line sizes and brush options in waterproof black ink
Not ideal for: Experienced artists seeking a large nib selection or a specialized soft-and-hard brush pair
- Quantity:6 pens
- Line sizes:1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, small, medium, and large
- Tip options:Soft brush and hard tip
- Ink color:Black
- Ink base:Hybrid, water-based
- Water resistance:Described as waterproof
- Grip:Contoured
- Recommended age:13 years and up
Our verdict“A practical starting set for beginners who want several tip styles and waterproof black ink without a ten-pen assortment.”
Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens, Soft and Hard Tip, 2-Pack
Soft and hard brush tips give this two-pen set a focused purpose: practicing pressure changes and choosing how much flex a stroke needs. Both support extra-fine, fine, or medium marks, so the difference is about control and feel rather than a sprawling nib assortment. Compared with the Craft ‘n’ Beyond three-pack, Tombow offers fewer pens but a clearer soft-versus-hard pairing; PANDAFLY, by contrast, supplies many more nib types for broader experimentation. The odorless, water-based pigmented black ink suits drawing and lettering, while recycled polypropylene barrels add a material detail absent from several alternatives. These pens are not refillable, and the supplied specs do not state water resistance, so buyers needing a waterproof claim or a large range of sizes should look elsewhere. This pick rewards focused brush work over versatility.
Pros:- Includes both soft-tip and hard-tip brush pens
- Pressure variation supports extra-fine, fine, and medium strokes
- Odorless, water-based pigmented black ink
- Barrels are made from recycled polypropylene
Cons:- Pens are not refillable
- Only two pens are included
- Water resistance is not specified in the supplied product data
Best for: Learners refining brush pressure and lettering control who prefer a soft-and-hard pair over many nib sizes
Not ideal for: Artists needing refillable pens, waterproof ink, or a broad selection of measured nib widths
- Quantity:2 pens
- Tip types:Soft and hard
- Ink color:Black
- Ink type:Water-based, pigmented
- Line width:0.5 mm
- Barrel material:Recycled polypropylene
- Refillable:No
- Weight:9.07 g
Our verdict“Choose Tombow for focused practice with two distinct brush feels, if a small, non-refillable set meets your needs.”
Speedball Elegant Writer Calligraphy Markers, Black, Set of 4
Four chisel-point markers make this Speedball set a practical choice for switching line widths without changing writing technique. Its fine, medium, broad, and scroll points offer more built-in variety than the Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens, whose flexible tips suit brush lettering but call for pressure control. Compared with the dip-pen-style hhhouu Calligraphy Set, these markers are ready to write without dipping or changing nibs, so they fit short practice sessions and planned lettering alike. The instruction booklet can help beginners get started, while the porous plastic nibs are designed to produce defined strokes. The tradeoff is ink that is not water resistant; lettering may run if it gets wet. Choose this set for convenience and several chisel-tip effects, but skip it if you want refillable nibs or water-resistant work.
Pros:- Four point styles provide different lettering effects in one set.
- Ready-to-use markers avoid the dipping required by the hhhouu Calligraphy Set.
- Instruction booklet offers a starting point for new calligraphers.
- Non-toxic, acid-free ink and porous plastic nibs are designed for defined lines.
Cons:- Ink is not water resistant.
- Marker format does not offer the nib replacement or dipping control of the hhhouu set.
Best for: Beginners and lettering hobbyists who want several chisel-point options in a ready-to-use black marker set.
Not ideal for: Artists making pieces that may get wet or writers who want a dip pen with replaceable nibs and more hands-on ink control.
- Brand:Speedball
- Type:Calligraphy marker
- Ink color:Black
- Ink base:Water-based
- Tip:Chisel; fine, medium, broad, and scroll points
- Line sizes:2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3.0 mm
- Set contents:4 markers and an instruction booklet
- Features:Non-toxic and acid-free; not water resistant
Our verdict“Choose Speedball for convenient black lettering with several chisel-point styles, provided water resistance is not a requirement.”
hhhouu Calligraphy Set for Beginners with Quill Pen, Black Ink, and 11 Nibs
Eleven replaceable stainless steel nibs give this vintage-style set more room to experiment than the Speedball Elegant Writer markers, which offer several fixed chisel points without nib changes. Its water-based black ink and alloy-steel pen are aimed at calligraphy, drawing, journaling, and lettering; the knurled grip is designed to help keep the round body controlled while writing. That variety makes the set a better fit for someone who wants to explore different nibs than the Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens, which use flexible brush tips instead. The main tradeoff is the dipping routine: ink must be reapplied as you write, so this is less convenient for quick notes than a marker. The ink is also not water resistant. Pick it for hands-on nib exploration, and skip it if you want a simple, uninterrupted writing tool.
Pros:- Eleven replaceable nibs allow experimentation with different lettering and drawing styles.
- Includes black ink and a pen, creating a dip-pen setup in one set.
- Knurled grip and balanced alloy-steel body are designed for controlled, comfortable handling.
- Ambidextrous design suits left- and right-handed writers.
Cons:- The nib needs dipping to apply ink, interrupting longer writing sessions.
- Ink is not water resistant.
Best for: Beginners and hobbyists who want to try multiple steel nibs for calligraphy, drawing, and journaling.
Not ideal for: Writers who need a ready-to-use pen for quick notes or artists who need water-resistant ink.
- Writing instrument:Dip pen
- Ink color and base:Black, water-based
- Nib count:11 replaceable nibs
- Nib sizes:1–3 mm
- Nib material:Stainless steel
- Pen material:Alloy steel
- Grip and shape:Knurled grip; round body
- Hand orientation:Ambidextrous
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“Choose the hhhouu set if you want to explore interchangeable dip-pen nibs and accept the extra steps of dipping and managing wet ink.”
How We Picked
I compared these seven options by how well their tip styles support calligraphy, how much control and line variation they offer, and how readily a buyer can start writing with them. I also weighed build and maintenance demands: a marker or brush pen is ready to use, while a dip-pen set adds ink handling and nib care. Variety counted when it gave writers meaningfully different ways to practice, rather than simply a larger count.
The ranking favors versatility and a useful balance of control and choice, which puts Brusarth first. Tombow ranks highly for focused brush practice, while the hhhouu set serves a distinct traditional-writing need despite its steeper setup. Speedball, PANDAFLY, the six-size lettering set, and Craft ‘n’ Beyond each make more sense for narrower preferences, such as broad marker strokes or a smaller brush-pen assortment. No single tip style suits every lettering method, so the roles reflect what each product is best equipped to do.
| calligraphy pen | Water resistance |
|---|---|
| Craft ‘n’ Beyond Calligraphy B | Not water resistant |
| Brusarth Calligraphy Pens | Described as waterproof |
| PANDAFLY Calligraphy Pens for | Described as waterproof |
| Calligraphy Pens for Writing | Described as waterproof |
| Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens | — |
| Speedball Elegant Writer Calli | — |
| hhhouu Calligraphy Set for Beg | Not water resistant |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Calligraphy Pens
Before choosing a set, decide how you want to make a stroke and how much practice setup you welcome. These broader factors can help you avoid buying extra tips or tools that do not suit your lettering routine.
Match the Tip to Your Lettering Style
Brush tips bend under pressure, so they suit lettering where stroke width changes with hand movement. Broad-edge markers create width through the angle and orientation of the tip, which rewards deliberate pen positioning. Dip nibs can produce traditional pointed or broad strokes depending on the nib, but the result also depends on ink flow and technique. A common mistake is choosing by the word “calligraphy” on the package without checking what kind of tip it contains. Look at examples made with that tip style and ask whether you want pressure-driven strokes, angled strokes, or dip-pen practice. If you are unsure, a small assortment of distinct tip types can teach you more than several near-identical sizes.
Think About Control Before Tip Count
A broad range of sizes gives you options, but it can slow practice if you are still learning consistent letter shapes. New writers often benefit from repeating the same movements with one forgiving tip before adding more variables. A firm brush tip or broad marker may feel easier to guide than a very flexible tip, though it may offer less expressive width variation. Experienced writers may prefer a range that lets them adapt lettering to different page sizes and styles. Check whether the listed sizes represent genuinely different writing experiences or minor variations. Choose breadth when you have a reason to switch tips; otherwise, prioritize a tip you can control comfortably.
Account for Setup and Cleanup
Felt-tip and brush pens are convenient for short practice sessions because they do not require a separate ink bottle or nib preparation. Dip pens ask for more care: you need a suitable writing surface, a steady ink supply, and time to clean and dry the nibs. That extra routine can be rewarding if handling traditional tools is part of the activity. It can also interrupt practice or create mess for someone working at a shared desk. Before choosing a dip set, consider where you will store the ink and whether you will clean the nib after every session. Convenience is a real performance factor when it determines how often you reach for the pen.
Choose Materials for Your Paper
Ink behavior changes with paper, and a pen that feels controlled on smooth practice sheets may feather or bleed on absorbent pages. Brush tips can also catch on rough surfaces, which makes fine strokes harder to manage and may wear the tip faster. If you plan to use a notebook you already own, test a page before committing to a full lettering project. For dip pens, paper texture and ink consistency can affect both line edges and flow. Beginners often blame their pen for every inconsistent stroke when the paper is part of the problem. Start with smooth, reasonably sturdy paper so you can judge the tool without adding a rough surface as another variable.
Pay for the Kind of Practice You Want
A higher piece count is useful only when the extra tools support skills you plan to learn. A multi-nib dip set may suit someone who wants to explore traditional techniques, while a compact brush duo can be more useful for focused pressure control. Marker sets make sense when you value quick setup and repeated broad strokes. Think about whether you want one dependable daily tool or a sampler for exploration before choosing a bundle. If you are new to lettering, paying for accessories you do not yet know how to use can distract from learning basic strokes. Spend more when the additional tip types or components directly support a style you want to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I start with brush pens or a traditional dip pen?
Start with a brush pen if you want to practice pressure changes and begin writing without ink setup. Choose a dip pen if the process of selecting nibs and working with bottled ink is part of what you want to learn. Brush pens simplify preparation, while dip pens expose you to a wider range of traditional nib behavior. Neither tool teaches every calligraphy style, so your preferred lettering method should guide the choice. If you remain undecided, begin with the format you are more likely to use regularly.
Do more pen sizes make a set better for a beginner?
Not by themselves. Extra sizes can help you compare stroke widths, but switching constantly can make it harder to learn consistent letterforms. A beginner may get more from a small set with clearly different tip feels than from many similar sizes. Think about whether the set offers a progression from firmer control to more flexible strokes. Start with a manageable selection, then add variety once you know which tip behavior suits your hand.
Can I use calligraphy pens in an ordinary notebook?
Often, but paper can change how the pen behaves. Thin or absorbent sheets may show ink on the reverse, feather at the edges, or make strokes look less crisp. Rough paper can snag brush tips and interfere with fine lines. Try the pen on a spare page before lettering something you want to keep. If the result is messy, a smoother and sturdier sheet may solve the issue without requiring a different pen.
Are markers a good choice for broad lettering?
Markers can be a practical choice when you want broad, consistent strokes and quick setup. Their edges and line width depend on how you angle the tip, so they support a different movement than a pressure-sensitive brush pen. A marker may be less suited to lettering that relies on expressive pressure changes. Consider whether you want a graphic, broad-edge look or more fluid thin-to-thick transitions. The answer depends on the lettering style you intend to practice, not on which tool is labeled for calligraphy.
What extra care does a dip-pen set require?
A dip pen needs an ink source and a clean, dry nib between sessions. Ink flow can vary with how much ink you load and how you hold the nib, so expect some practice before strokes become consistent. Keep paper and a safe place for the ink nearby, and clean the nib after writing to prevent residue from affecting later use. This routine is more involved than uncapping a brush pen or marker. It makes sense when you want the traditional nib experience and are willing to add tool care to your practice.
Conclusion
For the broadest mix of lettering options in this group, I recommend Brusarth Calligraphy Pens as the best overall pick. Craft ‘n’ Beyond’s three-pen set is a sensible value choice if you want a compact brush assortment, while Tombow Fudenosuke is my beginner pick for practicing brush control with two distinct tips. For traditional dip-pen practice, choose the hhhouu set and accept the added ink care; for broad marker lettering, choose Speedball Elegant Writer. PANDAFLY and the six-size lettering set suit buyers who want more brush-pen variety. Pick by the strokes you want to learn and the amount of setup you will actually enjoy.
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