Ferris Wheel Press Brush Pen Review: A Fountain Pen That Begs a Question

Introduction

Some pens are tools, and some are small pieces of theatre. The Ferris Wheel Press Brush Pen falls firmly into the second category. With its tapering paintbrush-inspired silhouette, copper body, brass details, and a cap secured by an actual bolt, it looks less like an ordinary fountain pen and more like something from a prop department for a fantasy film. It is also one of the most interesting writing instruments we have come across recently, with one design quirk that deserves serious thought before you buy.

First Impressions and Design

Closed, this pen is genuinely beautiful. The tapering body echoes the desk pens of the 1940s and 1950s, and the elongated cap is fastened by a true brass bolt, a detail that is both charming and functional since it stops the cap from rolling away. The materials are chosen with care: a copper base under a satin enamel coating, brass hardware, and a steel nib. Under magnification, the fit and finishing hold up very well, with crisp etching and a decorated nib that adds to the overall sense of occasion.

Ferris Wheel Press is known for its imaginative presentation, and the pen continues the brand’s magic potion aesthetic, down to the brass nut on the cap resembling the tops of its ink bottles. A soft pen sleeve is included in the box, a small but welcome touch for protection on the go.

The Writing Experience

The grip section is the star of the show. Its engraved pattern, inspired by the brand’s printing presses, gives a subtle Victorian, almost steampunk character, and it is not just decorative. The etched metal adds real grip and control, and the pen writes with notable precision. It is slightly slight in the hand, which suits a compact journaling style particularly well, letting you fit plenty of words into a smaller page.

Nib choices are limited to fine and medium. A broad or stub would suit this pen’s character wonderfully, and it is a shame neither is offered as standard, though a nib specialist could always customise one.

The Posting Question

Here is the philosophical part. The cap can technically be posted, but it should not be. Sliding that brass bolt onto the rear of the pen risks scratching the satin enamel finish, and once that damage is done, it is done. Some writers will accept this as character, the way a favourite pen picks up dents and scratches through a life well travelled. Others will prefer to keep the finish pristine.

Our advice is simple: use it the way it was designed. Hold just the body, write as if painting your letters, and rest the cap on the desk or slip it in a pocket. Unposted, the pen is balanced, elegant, and a genuine joy to use. If posting is non-negotiable for you, this pen may not be the right match.

Pairing It With the Right Ink

The Brush Pen arrives with a high-quality converter already installed, so you can fill directly from a bottle; no cartridge is included. Trying it with a Ferris Wheel Press ink feels natural, and the brand’s range of sheening and shimmering inks is genuinely impressive. The red used in testing offered a rich sheen, subtle shimmer, and the rare quality of looking expressive on the page without reading like a teacher’s corrections. That said, any ink you love will work just as well.

Living With It: The Patina Question

The brass grip, designed like the ferrule of a paintbrush, will tarnish and develop a patina over time. For many owners that is part of the appeal: the pen evolves as you use it, and the aging metal only becomes more interesting. If you prefer your pens to stay factory-fresh, keep that in mind. Used daily as intended, this is the kind of pen that grows more personal with every page.

Strengths and Weaknesses

There is nothing else quite like it on the market. The design is unique and beautiful, the engraved grip is exceptional, the materials feel genuinely premium, and the included converter and pen sleeve round out a thoughtful package. On the minus side, posting the pen risks scratching the finish, and the nib selection is limited to just two sizes.

Conclusion

The Ferris Wheel Press Brush Pen is an exceptional pen for anyone who values character, craftsmanship, and a writing experience that feels a little different from the norm. If you journal in smaller formats, love expressive inks, and can live with a pen you should not post, it is easy to recommend wholeheartedly.