Graf von Faber-Castell Classic Fountain Pen

Graf von Faber-Castell has been in business since 1761, making it one of the world’s oldest manufacturers of writing instruments. Known not only for the quality of its products but also for its ability to balance tradition with innovation, this German company began as a pencil manufacturer before expanding to pens. And because pencils have long been a staple of the Graf von Faber-Castell line, the company’s Classic Series is offered in three unique wood options, as well as two metal options.

Available in ebony, grenadilla, or pernambuco wood, the pen is also offered with a platinum-plated or sterling silver barrel, all of which are finely ribbed to provide a bit of texture. The section, cap, and spring-loaded pocket clip are all platinum-plated, lending the pen a bit of heft and a lot of luster. Featuring an engraving of the company’s logo and a thin band of knurling near the top, the cap is threaded and can be securely posted while the pen is in use.

The Classic is fitted with a bicolored 18-karat gold nib, which is available in a variety of sizes. Like an italic nib, an oblique nib is designed to offer line variation and produce cursive letters. Unlike an italic nib, it’s cut at a slant, requiring the user to rotate it a quarter-turn in the counterclockwise direction to make use of its 15-degree angle.