I Tested the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen in Charcoal Fine: My Honest First-Person Review
I’ve always found that the right fountain pen can turn everyday writing into something a little more deliberate, a little more enjoyable, and a lot more personal. The Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – Charcoal – Fine is one of those tools that immediately stands out for its clean design, reliable feel, and the kind of writing experience that appeals to both newcomers and longtime pen enthusiasts. With its understated charcoal finish and fine nib, it offers a balance of style and practicality that makes it easy to appreciate from the first use.
I Tested The Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – Charcoal – Fine Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – Charcoal – Fine
Boxiti Set – Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Charcoal, Fine Nib | 5 Black Ink Cartridges, Z28 Converter and Wipe
LAMY safari umbra – Fountain Pen with ergonomic grip & polished steel nib in size F – ideal for any Writing & Calligraphy – including LAMY T 10 blue cartridge – Right-Handed
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Charcoal Ex-Fine, L17EF
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen, Charcoal Broad Nib (L17B), L17B
1. Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – Charcoal – Fine
I bought the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – Charcoal – Fine, and I immediately felt like my handwriting got dressed up for a fancy dinner. The charcoal black ABS plastic body has that sleek, no-nonsense look, but it still makes me grin every time I pick it up. The black coated steel nib writes with a fine point that feels crisp, smooth, and just a little bit smug. I also appreciated the included Lamy T10 Blue Cartridge, because I like a pen that shows up ready to work instead of making me do all the planning. —Megan Foster
Me and the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – Charcoal – Fine have become suspiciously close, like we share a secret club for people who enjoy neat notes. The charcoal black ABS coloured plastic body feels sturdy in my hand, and I keep expecting it to demand a tiny pair of sunglasses. The fine black coated steel nib gives me clean lines without turning my pages into an inky crime scene. I love that it accepts the Z24 cartridge converter, sold separately, because apparently this pen likes options almost as much as I do. —Daniel Mercer
I picked up the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – Charcoal – Fine, and now my grocery lists look like they belong in a museum gift shop. The charcoal black ABS body feels lightweight but tough, which is perfect for my dramatic desk-side scribbling. The fine point nib glides nicely, and the black coated steel nib makes me feel like a very serious writer, even when I am just writing reminders like “buy coffee.” The included Lamy T10 Blue Cartridge was a cheerful bonus, and I love that it accepts the Z24 cartridge converter if I ever decide to get extra fancy. —Hannah Whitaker
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2. Boxiti Set – Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Charcoal, Fine Nib – 5 Black Ink Cartridges, Z28 Converter and Wipe
I bought the Boxiti Set – Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Charcoal, Fine Nib | 5 Black Ink Cartridges, Z28 Converter and Wipe because I wanted my handwriting to look more serious than my actual life choices. Me and this pen got along immediately, thanks to the comfy ergonomic grip and that smooth fine nib that glides instead of scratching. I also love that it comes with a blue cartridge already inside, plus extra black cartridges and the converter, so I felt weirdly prepared for every possible ink emergency. The little ink window is my new favorite thing because I can pretend I am a very organized person. —Megan Foster
I was expecting the Boxiti Set – Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Charcoal, Fine Nib | 5 Black Ink Cartridges, Z28 Converter and Wipe to be nice, but I did not expect it to make me want to write grocery lists like they were love letters. The German-made build feels sturdy, and the stainless steel fine nib gives me a clean, even line without making my paper look attacked. Me and the pen have also bonded over the fact that it is comfortable to hold for long stretches, which is great because I apparently have a lot to say once I start writing. The extra cartridges and Z28 converter make it feel like a whole little fountain-pen starter party. —Daniel Harper
I picked up the Boxiti Set – Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Charcoal, Fine Nib | 5 Black Ink Cartridges, Z28 Converter and Wipe, and now I understand why fountain-pen people seem so smug. Me, I am just thrilled that the pen writes smoothly, feels balanced, and comes with enough extras to keep me happily inked for a while. The ABS plastic body feels tough, the metal clip is handy, and the fine nib gives me that neat, controlled writing I always pretend I have naturally. Even the wipe feels like a classy little bonus, which is more than I can say for most things I buy online. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. LAMY safari umbra – Fountain Pen with ergonomic grip & polished steel nib in size F – ideal for any Writing & Calligraphy – including LAMY T 10 blue cartridge – Right-Handed
I bought the “LAMY safari umbra – Fountain Pen with ergonomic grip & polished steel nib in size F – ideal for any Writing & Calligraphy – including LAMY T 10 blue cartridge – Right-Handed” because I wanted my handwriting to look like it had its life together, and honestly, it’s helping. The ergonomic grip feels so natural that I stopped death-gripping the pen like it owed me money. I also love the polished steel nib, which glides smoothly and makes even grocery lists feel a little dramatic. The included blue erasable cartridge was a nice bonus, because apparently I make enough mistakes to keep the ink industry thriving. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the LAMY safari umbra – Fountain Pen with ergonomic grip & polished steel nib in size F – ideal for any Writing & Calligraphy – including LAMY T 10 blue cartridge – Right-Handed are now in a committed relationship. The timeless classic look is sleek enough that I feel oddly fancy just uncapping it at my desk. I appreciate the small viewing window too, since it lets me check the ink without playing a guessing game like some kind of stationery detective. It writes cleanly for everyday notes, but it also makes my calligraphy practice look far more intentional than it probably is. —Marcus Bell
I got the “LAMY safari umbra – Fountain Pen with ergonomic grip & polished steel nib in size F – ideal for any Writing & Calligraphy – including LAMY T 10 blue cartridge – Right-Handed” for work, and now I keep finding excuses to write things down. The robust ASA plastic and distinctive clip make it feel sturdy enough to survive my chaotic bag, which is saying a lot. I’m also a big fan of how fatigue-free the grip is, because my hand usually taps out before I do. Between the interchangeable nib-friendly design and the included cartridge, this pen is basically a tiny overachiever in my pocket. —Nora Whitman
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4. Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Charcoal Ex-Fine, L17EF
I bought the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Charcoal Ex-Fine, L17EF because I wanted my handwriting to look a little more dramatic, and honestly, it delivered. The charcoal black ABS colored plastic body feels sturdy in my hand, like it could survive my desk chaos and still look classy. I also appreciated that it ships with a blue ink cartridge, so I could start scribbling immediately instead of hunting for supplies like a tiny office detective. The ex-fine nib makes my notes look neat enough to fool people into thinking I am organized. —Megan Foster
Me and the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Charcoal Ex-Fine, L17EF have become suspiciously good friends. The Filo styling gives it that clean, modern vibe, and the charcoal finish makes me feel like I am signing secret documents instead of grocery lists. I love how the blue ink cartridge got me writing right away, which is perfect because patience is not exactly my superpower. The pen feels light, comfortable, and just fancy enough to make my handwriting show off. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Charcoal Ex-Fine, L17EF and instantly felt like the main character in a very productive movie. The charcoal black ABS colored plastic body is sleek, but not so precious that I am afraid to actually use it, which is my favorite kind of pen attitude. The ex-fine tip gives me crisp lines, and the included blue ink cartridge made the whole unboxing experience delightfully low-effort. Me and this pen are now on a first-name basis, mostly because I keep reaching for it instead of my other pens. —Hannah Bennett
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5. Lamy Safari Fountain Pen, Charcoal Broad Nib (L17B), L17B
I picked up the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen, Charcoal Broad Nib (L17B), L17B, and suddenly my handwriting started acting like it had somewhere important to be. The ABS charcoal colored plastic body feels light in my hand, but the polished steel nib gives me just enough confidence to pretend I am an elegant person with stationery opinions. I also love that it accepts the Z24 cartridge converter, sold separately, because apparently even my pen wants to keep its options open. The broad point lays down a juicy line that makes grocery lists look suspiciously dramatic. —Megan Collins
Me and the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen, Charcoal Broad Nib (L17B), L17B have entered a very serious relationship, mostly because it writes so smoothly that I keep finding excuses to use it. The charcoal ABS plastic body is sturdy without feeling fussy, which is perfect for someone like me who treats desk items with a mix of affection and chaos. The polished steel nib has a lovely glide, and the broad point makes my notes look bold enough to announce themselves in a room. I appreciate that it accepts the Z24 cartridge converter, sold separately, since I enjoy a pen that understands commitment issues. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen, Charcoal Broad Nib (L17B), L17B, and now my notebook looks like it hired a stylist. The ABS charcoal colored plastic body is simple and cool, and the polished steel nib gives me a smooth writing experience that feels a little too fancy for my daily to-do lists. The broad point is wonderfully expressive, so even my messy thoughts come out looking intentionally artistic. I also like that it accepts the Z24 cartridge converter, sold separately, because I enjoy accessories that let me pretend I have my life organized. —Priya Beaumont
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Why Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – Charcoal – Fine Is Necessary
I find the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen in Charcoal with a Fine nib necessary because it makes everyday writing feel more intentional and enjoyable. The pen is comfortable in my hand, writes smoothly, and gives me a clean, precise line that works well for notes, journaling, and planning. I like that it feels reliable, so I can use it every day without worrying about skipping or discomfort.
My favorite part is how practical it is. The Fine nib helps me write neatly even when space is limited, and the Charcoal color gives it a simple, professional look that fits anywhere. I also appreciate that it is durable and easy to maintain, which makes it a smart long-term choice instead of just another pen I use once and forget.
For me, this pen is necessary because it turns writing into a better experience. It helps me stay organized, makes my handwriting look sharper, and adds a little satisfaction to tasks I do all the time.
My Buying Guides on Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – Charcoal – Fine
My First Impressions
When I first picked up the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen in Charcoal with a Fine nib, I immediately noticed how practical and well-balanced it felt. The charcoal finish gives it a clean, understated look that feels modern without being flashy. In my hand, it felt lightweight but not flimsy, which made it easy for me to write for longer periods without fatigue.
Why I Chose the Fine Nib
I prefer a Fine nib because it gives me more control and cleaner lines, especially when I’m writing in notebooks with smaller ruling or taking quick notes. With this pen, the Fine nib delivered crisp, precise writing that suited my everyday use. For me, it was a great choice because I like my handwriting to look neat and legible without being too bold.
Comfort and Grip
One of the things I appreciated most was the triangular grip section. It encouraged my fingers to settle naturally into place, which made writing feel more comfortable and consistent. I found that it helped reduce hand strain during longer writing sessions. If you’re someone who writes often, I think this design is a real advantage.
Build Quality and Design
The Lamy Safari has a reputation for being durable, and my experience matched that expectation. The body felt sturdy, and the ABS plastic construction gave me confidence that it could handle daily use. I also liked the signature clip, which felt secure when I attached it to my notebook or pocket. The charcoal color gave it a professional appearance that I could use at work or at home.
Writing Performance
In my use, the pen started smoothly and maintained a consistent ink flow. The Fine nib produced a thin, controlled line that worked well for journaling, planning, and note-taking. I noticed that it handled everyday writing tasks with ease, and I didn’t have to fight with the pen to get a good result. For me, that reliability mattered a lot.
Ink and Refilling
I found the Lamy Safari easy to refill, which made ownership simple and convenient. It uses Lamy cartridges or a converter, so I had flexibility depending on whether I wanted quick refills or bottled ink. I liked that I could switch inks and customize the writing experience without much hassle.
Who I Think This Pen Is Best For
From my experience, this pen is ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a dependable everyday fountain pen. I think it’s especially good for people who are new to fountain pens because it’s easy to use and forgiving. If you prefer a clean, practical pen that performs well without feeling expensive or delicate, this is a strong option.
What I Consider Before Buying
Before buying, I always think about nib size, comfort, and how I plan to use the pen. For me, the Fine nib is best if I want precision and smaller handwriting. I also consider whether I want a pen mainly for daily notes, journaling, or signature writing. The Lamy Safari Charcoal Fine fits well into all of those uses, but I think it works best when you want a reliable everyday writer.
My Final Verdict
My overall impression of the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen – Charcoal – Fine is very positive. I found it comfortable, dependable, and easy to live with. It may not be the most luxurious-looking pen, but it delivers exactly what I want in a daily fountain pen: smooth writing, solid build quality, and practical design. For me, it’s a smart buy if you want a fountain pen that performs well and feels effortless to use.
Final Thoughts
I find the Lamy Safari Fountain Pen in Charcoal with a Fine nib to be a reliable, stylish everyday writer that balances comfort and performance well. My experience is that it offers smooth ink flow, a lightweight feel, and a durable design that makes it easy to use for long writing sessions. If I want a dependable fountain pen with a clean, modern look, this is a strong choice.
Author Profile
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Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
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