A dip pen is one of the quickest ways to make your lettering feel more intentional, whether you are addressing envelopes, practising broad-edge scripts, or trying pointed pen for the first time. The challenge is that “dip pen” can mean anything from a nib-and-holder set to a decorative glass or quill kit.
In this roundup, we compared 10 popular options available to Canadians and sorted them by what they are actually good at: interchangeable nib variety, broad-edge sizing, pointed-pen starting points, and gift-friendly kits. We focused on nib compatibility, ease of cleaning, and what kind of writing each set supports so you can avoid frustrating skips and blobs.
Scroll for our top picks, then use the quick lens and buying guide to match a set to your script style and how you like to practise.
- Best all-around Choose a holder plus multiple nibs if you want to explore scripts without re-buying a whole new pen each time.
- Broad-edge focus For italic and foundational hands, a C-style broad nib set is easier to control than pointed nibs.
- Pointed pen start If Copperplate-style hairlines and swells are your goal, start with an oblique holder set made for that angle.
- Gift vs practice Quill and glass kits can be beautiful, but they are usually better for short notes and signatures than daily technique drills.
How We Chose These Dip Pens
For this dip pen roundup, we compared each option by nib type and range, holder usability, and how practical it is to keep clean during regular calligraphy practice. We also looked at how clearly each set matches a specific style, like broad-edge lettering, pointed pen, or decorative signature use.
We prioritized sets that make it easy for beginners to start, while still giving intermediate letterers room to refine technique through nib changes and consistent ink flow. We also included a few gift-ready kits, but noted where they can be less ideal for skill-building.
What to Look for in a Dip Pen
Before your first session, gently wash new metal nibs with dish soap and water, then dry well. It removes factory oils that cause skipping.
01
Two holders, six detailed nibs
Speedball Sketching Penholders is a flexible dip-pen set with two plastic holders and six pen points for sketching, cross-hatching, and detailed lettering. It is a practical way to explore multiple nib shapes without buying pieces separately.
- Two holders included
- Six assorted pen points
- Good for fine detail
- Plastic holders feel light
- Some nibs feel flimsy
Speedball Sketching Penholders bundles two dip-pen handles, a standard holder and a crowquill holder, plus six pen points (99, 56, 102, 107, 108, 512). Based on specs and user feedback, it is a versatile entry point for drawing, cross-hatching, lithography-style line work, and small lettering where you want controlled, flexible points. The lighter plastic build keeps it simple and portable, but it can feel less substantial than wood or metal holders.
02
Six nibs for classic scripts
The Speedball 6-Nib Lettering Set is a friendly entry into dip pen calligraphy, with a comfortable plastic holder and six broad-edge nib options for roman text, italic letters, fine lines, and ornamental details.
- Six nib sizes included
- Good starter set value
- Comfortable pen holder
- Plastic holder feels basic
- No ink or paper included
We like the Speedball 6-Nib Lettering Set as a simple way to explore broad-edge dip pen calligraphy without overthinking your first buy. It includes one black plastic pen holder plus six nibs, C1, C2, C3, C4, 100, and 152, giving you a practical range for roman text, italic letters, fine lettering, and ornamental accents. Based on user feedback, the nibs generally write well, and the set makes it easy to learn what widths you prefer.
03
Classic broad-edge lettering sizes
Speedball C-Style Lettering Set is a simple broad-edge dip setup with six C-series metal nib sizes and a plastic holder. It suits flat roman, italics, and text-letter practice without fuss.
- Six broad-edge nib sizes
- Good for roman and italics
- Includes pen holder
- Plastic holder feels basic
- Occasional damaged nibs reported
Speedball C-Style Lettering Set is a straightforward broad-edge dip pen kit built around Speedball’s C-series nibs. Based on specs and user reviews, it’s a dependable option for learning flat roman, italics, and text-letter styles, with six nib sizes (C0 to C5) so you can explore different stroke widths. The included black plastic holder keeps the setup simple, though it can feel more utilitarian than premium holders, and a few buyers mention receiving damaged nibs.
A simple starter for pointed pen
Speedball Oblique Pen Set is a beginner-friendly pointed-pen kit for Copperplate and Spencerian practice. You get an oblique holder plus a small assortment of Speedball 101 and 103 nibs to start learning pressure control.
- Beginner-friendly pointed pen setup
- Includes mixed 101 and 103 nibs
- Designed for Copperplate scripts
- Holder feels inexpensive to some
- Limited nib variety included
Speedball Oblique Pen Set is a straightforward dip pen kit aimed at classic pointed-pen styles like Copperplate and Spencerian. Based on its specs and consistent user feedback, it is a solid entry point if you want to try an oblique holder without overcomplicating your first setup. The set includes one oblique nib holder plus two 103 pen points and four 101 nibs, giving you a small but useful range to explore line variation and feel. Made in the USA.
Gift-ready quill dip pen kit
GCCL Natural Quill Pen Set is a decorative dip-pen kit with a feather pen, five replacement nibs, a nib base, and a presentation box. It suits beginners who want a classic look for practice or gifting.
- Gift box presentation included
- Five replacement nibs included
- Comfortable, balanced pen body
- Ink bottle arrives empty
- Occasional missing or damaged items
The GCCL Natural Quill Pen Set is a classic-style dip pen kit built around a feather pen and interchangeable stainless steel nibs. Based on the listing details and reviewer feedback, it is mostly chosen for its gift-ready presentation and the variety of nibs included, rather than for everyday note-taking. You dip the nib in your own ink for short writing runs, and the longer pen body is designed to feel stable in hand while you practise lettering or calligraphy basics.
Pretty glass pen for signatures
Luxiv Glass Dip Pen Set is a simple, gift-ready way to try glass dip pens. The spiral glass nib helps ink flow smoothly, and the set includes a matching holder and one bottle of ink.
- Spiral nib saves ink
- Easy to rinse clean
- Gift box presentation
- Glass can shatter if dropped
- Line width not adjustable
Luxiv Glass Dip Pen Set is a handmade glass dip pen kit aimed at casual lettering, signatures, and desk-friendly journaling. The spiral glass nib is designed to hold ink and release it gradually, so you can write a short passage per dip without constant reloading. We like that glass doesn’t absorb ink, so colour changes are quick with a rinse and wipe. You get the pen, a small ink bottle, and a glass holder in a gift box.
Vintage kit for letters
Joyeee Wooden Dip Pen Set bundles a classic wooden dip pen with black ink plus desk accessories and wax sealing pieces. It is a friendly starter option if you want a vintage-style writing and letter-sealing setup.
- Includes ink and wax tools
- Wood handle feels balanced
- Giftable vintage desk look
- Dip pens need practice
- Ink can be messier
Joyeee Wooden Dip Pen Set is a vintage-style bundle built around a wooden dip pen and a bottle of black ink, with extras for desk display and letter finishing. We like that it includes a pen holder base and accessory pieces like a glass cup, envelope opener, wax seal spoon, and gold wax seal beads, so you can explore both writing and simple wax sealing. The stainless steel nib is designed to resist corrosion and bending with normal use.
A classic gift-ready dip set
OPENDGO Wooden Dip Pen Set is a traditional dip pen bundle with a rosewood handle, 11 interchangeable nibs, and a small bottle of black ink. A nice option if you want variety without buying extras separately.
- Includes 11 interchangeable nibs
- Rosewood handle feels substantial
- Ink bottle included in box
- Only black ink included
- Dip pens need frequent re-inking
OPENDGO Wooden Dip Pen Set is built around a handcrafted rosewood handle and a selection of 11 stainless steel nibs, giving you multiple line widths and writing styles from one kit. The set includes a 15 ml bottle of black ink and comes packaged like a gift, which makes it easy to store and present. Based on the listed specs and user feedback, it suits beginners practising broad strokes, flourishes, and basic calligraphy scripts with a classic dip-pen feel.
Retro dip pen gift bundle
RoseFlower Quill Pen Set is a retro-themed dip pen bundle that pairs a feather-style quill with multiple nibs, bottled inks, and wax seal accessories. It suits hobby calligraphy, journaling accents, and letter-writing projects.
- Includes multiple pens and tools
- 18 replaceable dip pen nibs
- Wax seal stamp and wax
- Set is more desk-based
- Retro style not minimalist
RoseFlower Quill Pen Set is built for anyone who wants a classic dip pen experience with plenty to explore in one box. Based on the included parts and user feedback, it leans heavily into a vintage look and a giftable presentation: you get a feather-style quill plus other dip pen bodies, a wide range of replaceable nibs, several inks, and wax seal accessories. For beginners, the variety is helpful for trying different scripts and line feels without buying extras separately.
Gift-ready quill dip pen kit
Hethrone Feather Pen Set is an all-in-one dip pen kit built around a decorative quill, with multiple replaceable nibs plus ink and accessories. It suits beginners who want to explore nib styles and letter-writing.
- Complete kit of accessories
- Multiple replaceable nib options
- Comfortable, styled pen body
- Ink can stain and wash poorly
- Occasional broken or missing parts
Hethrone Feather Pen Set is a decorative dip pen kit that leans into an antique, giftable presentation while still giving you practical variety. It includes a quill pen plus an extra wooden pen, colourful ink, and a bundle of replaceable nibs so you can try different letterforms and line widths. Reviews often call it a solid starter set, but a few note transit issues like missing or broken pieces and that the ink is not easy to wash off.
| Rating | Pen type | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Speedball Sketching Dip Pen Set
Best Dip Pen Starter Set
|
9.2/10 | – | C $19.89 | BUY NOW |
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Speedball 6 Nib Dip Pen Set
Top Pick for Practice
|
9.0/10 | Dip pen | C $24.49 | BUY NOW |
|
Speedball C-Style Nib Set
Also Great
|
8.9/10 | Dip pen | C $21.99 | BUY NOW |
|
Speedball Oblique Dip Pen Set
Top Pick for Beginners
|
8.8/10 | Oblique dip | C $25.99 | BUY NOW |
|
GCCL Quill Dip Pen Set
Best Gift Set
|
8.7/10 | Dip | C $23.99 | BUY NOW |
|
Luxiv Glass Dip Pen Set
Top Pick for Gifting
|
8.6/10 | – | C $16.99 | BUY NOW |
|
Joyeee Wooden Dip Pen Set
Strong Runner-Up
|
8.5/10 | Dip | C $26.99 | BUY NOW |
|
OPENDGO Rosewood Dip Pen Set
Worth Considering
|
8.4/10 | Dip pen | C $25.99 | BUY NOW |
|
RoseFlower Quill Pen Set
Editor's Pick
|
8.3/10 | Dip | C $46.99 | BUY NOW |
|
Hethrone Feather Dip Pen Set
Reader Favourite
|
8.2/10 | Dip pen | C $35.99 | BUY NOW |
How to Choose the Right Dip Pen
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Nib style
Start by choosing the nib family that fits your lettering goal. Broad-edge nibs: Best for italic, foundational, and blackletter. Look for multiple widths so you can scale letters up or down. · Pointed nibs: Best for Copperplate-style contrast. Expect a learning curve with pressure control and ink loading. · Glass tips: Good for quick signatures and casual writing. Less precise for consistent calligraphy strokes. · Decorative quills: Fun for gifting and short notes, but often less consistent for technique practice.
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Holder type
The holder affects comfort and also your writing angle. Straight holders: Simple and versatile for broad-edge work and general sketching with nibs. · Oblique holders: Designed to help pointed nibs sit at a friendlier angle for right-handed writers doing slanted scripts. · Grip and balance: A slightly textured, not-too-thick grip helps control. Very thick “gift” handles can feel clumsy. · Nib fit: A good holder seats nibs firmly so they do not wobble or twist mid-stroke.
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Ink compatibility
Most dip pen frustrations come from using an ink that is too thick, too watery, or too prone to feathering. Flow consistency: Choose calligraphy-friendly ink that does not bead up on the nib after you clean off factory oils. · Dry time: Faster drying helps with smudging, especially for left-handed overwriters and envelope addressing. · Water resistance: If you need water-resistant results, make sure the ink is labelled waterproof after drying. · Colour load: Highly pigmented inks can clog faster, so plan to rinse nibs more often.
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Paper choice
Smooth paper makes dip pens feel dramatically better. Smooth surface: Look for paper that feels slick, not fibrous, to reduce snagging and ink feathering. · Bleed control: If ink soaks through, go heavier weight or switch to a paper made for ink work. · Practice pads: For drills, consistent paper saves time because your strokes behave predictably. · Envelope reality: Many envelopes are absorbent, so test ink and nib on scrap first to avoid fuzzy hairlines.
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Care routine
A small cleaning habit keeps your lines crisp and prevents corrosion on metal nibs. Rinse often: Swish the nib in clean water every few minutes, especially with thicker inks. · Dry fully: Wipe and air-dry nibs after use to prevent rust spots and rough edges. · Remove nibs: Store nibs off the holder if you will not use them for a while, so moisture does not hide in the grip. · Light pressure: Let the nib do the work. Pressing harder usually causes splatter, railroading, or bent tines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dip pen used for in calligraphy?
A dip pen holds a removable nib that you dip into ink, letting you write with crisp lines and strong contrast. In calligraphy, dip pens are commonly used for broad-edge scripts (italic, foundational) and pointed-pen scripts (Copperplate-style). Because you can swap nibs, a single holder can support multiple letter styles.
Do you need an oblique holder for pointed pen calligraphy?
You do not strictly need one, but an oblique holder often makes pointed-pen work easier for right-handed writers because it helps keep the nib aligned with the direction of the stroke. That can reduce scratchiness and help you form consistent slanted downstrokes. Left-handed writers may prefer a straight holder depending on their hand position.
What is the difference between broad-edge and pointed nibs?
Broad-edge nibs have a flat tip that creates thick-and-thin strokes based on angle, which is ideal for italic and blackletter styles. Pointed nibs have tines that spread with pressure, creating contrast through pressure control, which suits Copperplate-style scripts. They feel and behave very differently, so choose based on the script you want to practise.
Are glass dip pens good for everyday practice?
Glass dip pens are usually best for short writing sessions, signatures, and decorative notes. They can write smoothly, but they are less flexible than interchangeable nibs and are not designed for classic broad-edge or pointed-pen technique drills. If your goal is consistent calligraphy practice, a holder with removable metal nibs is typically easier to control and replace.
Why does my dip pen nib skip or refuse to hold ink?
Skipping is most often caused by factory oils on a new nib, or by ink that is too slippery for the nib surface. Wash the nib with a small amount of dish soap and water, rinse, and dry completely. Also check that you are not over-dipping past the vent hole, which can flood the nib and cause blobbing.
What ink should you use with a dip pen?
Use inks made for dip pens or calligraphy that flow smoothly and dry predictably. Avoid very thick, heavily pigmented inks if you do not want frequent rinsing, and avoid thin, watery inks that feather on paper. If you are addressing envelopes, prioritize ink that dries quickly and behaves well on absorbent paper.
Where can you buy dip pens in Canada besides online marketplaces?
You can often find dip pens and calligraphy nibs at Canadian art and stationery retailers like Wonder Pens, Opus Art Supplies, Michaels Canada, Curry’s Art Supplies, DeSerres, Above Ground Art Supplies, Indigo, Staples Canada, and Walmart Canada. Stock varies by location, so it helps to call ahead and ask whether they carry nibs, holders, and suitable ink, not just gift sets.
How do you clean and store dip pen nibs to prevent rust?
Rinse nibs in clean water during use, then wipe them dry and let them air-dry before storing. For longer breaks, remove the nib from the holder so moisture does not stay trapped in the grip. Store nibs in a dry container, and do not leave them soaking in water for long periods, which can speed up corrosion.
- Want to explore different nib feels without overthinking it? Start with Speedball Sketching Penholders.
- Learning italic, foundational, or blackletter first? Go with the Speedball C-Style Lettering Set for broad-edge sizes.
- Trying Copperplate-style pointed pen and slant? Choose the Speedball Oblique Pen Set to make the angle easier.
- Buying mainly as a desk gift or for occasional signatures? A glass or quill set can be the nicer presentation.
- Hate maintenance? Avoid ornate kits with lots of crevices and stick to simple holders and removable nibs.
If you want the most practical start with room to explore, we recommend the Speedball Sketching Penholders as the best all-around choice, since you get two holders and a useful spread of nibs for different line character. If your focus is broad-edge calligraphy, the Speedball C-Style Lettering Set is the more direct path to clean italic-style forms. Pick a gift-style set if presentation matters most, but choose a nib-and-holder kit if your goal is steady skill-building.
Recommended Reading
If you want to go beyond product picks, these books are worth shelf space. Each link goes to the current Amazon.ca listing.
- The Calligrapher’s Bible by David Harris. A visual reference of 100 complete alphabets with stroke guidance that pairs naturally with a nib and holder.
- Mastering Copperplate Calligraphy by Eleanor Winters. A step-by-step manual on pointed-pen copperplate, from basic strokes to full flourished compositions.
Been using the Speedball C-Style Lettering Set for envelopes, and the thing that helped the most was taping a guideline sheet under the paper (just a printed grid) and using smoother ink like walnut. Also: wipe the nib every couple minutes – dried ink builds up fast on those wide edges.
Quick question on fit: do the Speedball Sketching Penholders work okay for smaller hands? I’m grabbing one for my kid (11) and I’m not sure if the grip section is chunky or if it feels like a normal pencil.
Yep – they’re generally fine for smaller hands. The Speedball sketching holders are closer to a standard pen/pencil thickness than the big “fat” calligraphy grips, and the flange (the little metal part) keeps the nib stable without needing a death-grip. If your kid’s used to a regular pencil, they should adapt quickly; just remind them to hold it lightly and not too upright so the nib doesn’t dig in.