Amazon Basics Fountain Pen (M Nib): A Simple Brass Pen That Gets the Fundamentals Right

Introduction

Amazon Basics is Amazon’s own brand, built around offering decent quality at low prices across a huge range of categories. Its fountain pen is one of the more surprising entries: a brass-bodied pen with a stainless steel nib, priced at 1,162 yen including tax, and often cheaper during sales. This review covers the M (medium) nib version, which is available alongside an F (fine) option.

What You Get in the Box

The pen arrives in a resin box that feels quite sturdy for the price point. Inside, you get two ink cartridges plus a third already installed in the pen, so you can start writing immediately. The cartridges follow the standard European size and carry Amazon Basics branding. A converter is not included, so if you prefer bottled ink later, you would need to buy one separately.

Three cartridges included out of the box is a genuinely practical touch at this price, and the supply should last a while before you need to restock.

Design and Build

The design is very simple, with a glossy finish and a pleasant texture that avoids any cheap, plasticky feel. Black is the only color option. The barrel is made of brass, which gives the pen a good amount of weight and a low center of gravity that adds stability while writing. There are no prints or engravings on the barrel or rings; the only marking is the Amazon Basics engraving on the relatively soft clip.

The cap is a snap-on type. It is a bit firm, but it closes with a satisfying click. The stainless steel nib keeps things plain, with nothing beyond the “M” marking. One aesthetic quibble: the silver-plated grip section contrasts with the black body, and a black grip would arguably have looked more cohesive. Posted, the cap shifts the center of gravity higher.

Specs: 140mm long, 32g in weight, with a grip section diameter of 10mm.

Writing Performance

The writing experience is not bad at all. The generous weight and low balance point make the pen stable and easy to control, though the heft is not ideal for very long writing sessions. The ink flow is quite generous, which allows for smooth writing.

There are trade-offs worth knowing about. The nib is fairly hard and skips occasionally, and it does not flex much, giving it the character of a classic, global-standard fountain pen rather than a ultra-smooth writer. Because it was not designed with Japanese users in mind, it is not as easy for Japanese writing as domestic pens, so that comes down to preference. The M nib also tends to bleed when writing slowly, though paper compatibility may play a role there.

Who This Pen Is For

Beginners are the clearest audience. Rather than pens that are so smooth they lose the character of a fountain pen, this one gives you a genuine feel for what a “real fountain pen” is like, at a price where experimenting feels risk-free. It also works well as an everyday or business pen thanks to the inoffensive, simple design.

Buying Advice

At 1,162 yen including tax, the value is hard to argue with. Compared to other fountain pens in the same price range there is plenty to discuss, but on its own, the quality is more than satisfying for the money. Because it is inexpensive, you can also just use it freely without worrying about damage or loss.

If you want an ultra-smooth, flexible nib experience, look elsewhere. If you want an honest, well-built brass pen that introduces the fundamentals of fountain pen writing, this is an easy recommendation.

Conclusion

The Amazon Basics Fountain Pen (M nib) delivers a sturdy brass body, simple styling, three included cartridges, and a satisfying snap cap at a very low price. The hard nib, occasional skipping, and bleeding on slow writing keep it from perfection, but as a first fountain pen or an everyday beater, it is impressive value.