Pininfarina PF Go Review: A Pocket Fountain Pen With Big Design Ideas

Introduction

Pininfarina is best known for automotive design, and the PF Go applies that mindset to something far smaller: a pocket fountain pen. It is a compact, playful little writer that manages to feel special despite its size, and it has enough character to win over people who normally would not look twice at a small pen.

This review walks through what the PF Go does well, where it falls short, and whether it justifies its price tag.

Design and Build

The PF Go ships in a small presentation box with a sleeve and paperwork. The box itself splits neatly into two halves, a nice touch that mirrors the pen’s design-first attitude. On the pen, the Pininfarina name sits on the clip, and the overall finish is clean and well executed.

The small barrel is extremely light, to the point where it is barely noticeable in the hand. The oversized cap is much heavier than the body, so the pen is a little top-heavy when posted. Posting is a push fit rather than threaded, but it is tight and secure enough that the cap will not fly off during normal writing.

Nib and Writing Performance

The PF Go uses a size 5 steel nib with the Pininfarina logo, available in extra fine, fine, medium, and broad. The medium nib used here writes pleasantly, with just enough feedback to remind you that you are using a fountain pen, without any scratchiness.

Flow and wetness are solid even on a standard cartridge, and the included black ink is intense and keeps up well with fast writing. There is no breather hole on the nib, a small curiosity worth noting. A little line variation is possible with a light touch, though this is not a flex nib, so do not push it. Reverse writing works for a few words but tends to run dry.

The pen takes a single cartridge, and there is no room for a spare in the barrel. A small mini converter should fit if you prefer bottled ink.

Who the PF Go Is For

This is a pocket pen first and foremost, and it is best treated that way. If you want a fun, well-made compact pen for quick notes, signatures, and everyday carry, the PF Go fits the brief well. Its threaded cap is a genuine advantage over many pocket pens that rely on slip caps, reducing the risk of accidental opening.

Spring-loaded clip fans will appreciate that the clip tip activates with a light push, and spring clips tend to hold their shape better over time. The flat cap end also lets the pen lie flat on a desk without rolling away.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The price is the first hurdle. At 73.55 euros for a pocket pen with a steel nib, it is not cheap, and whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the design and the name behind it.

Unposted, the pen is so light and small that some writers may struggle to use it comfortably, which makes posting essential for most people. With the heavy cap on, the balance shifts noticeably. There is also a slanted cut near the bottom of the cap that carries a slight edge. It did not bother this reviewer’s grip, but writers with smaller fingers may feel it, so trying the pen before buying is a sensible idea if you get the chance.

Buying Advice

If you like distinctive pocket pens and are happy to pay a premium for design, the PF Go is easy to recommend. The screw-on cap, spring clip, secure posting, and lively steel nib all add up to a pen that is more than a novelty. If you prefer larger, heavier pens or want a spare cartridge on board, look elsewhere.

Conclusion

The Pininfarina PF Go is a well thought-through pocket fountain pen that looks different from the usual fare and writes better than its size suggests. The price and the slightly sharp cap edge are the main caveats, but for anyone after a compact pen with genuine design flair, it is a lot of fun.