Is the Esterbrook Estie or Niblet Worth it?
I recently picked up the Esterbrook Estie after already owning the Niblet… I get the hype.
Maybe I was influenced after testing the Estie at Atlas Stationers or maybe it came after spending more time with the Pilot Kakuno and understanding what I actually need from a fountain pen for drawing, especially when it comes to nib size and cap seal performance.
Either way, I know own 2 Esterbrook pens and they are are indeed BEAUTIFUL.
Why I Outgrew the Pilot Kakuno
The Pilot Kakuno was a great fountain pen starting point. You can purchase many of them for under $15 USD, but over time I started noticing a few limitations when it came to drawing. Pilot Kakuno full review here→
For drawing, I needed:
A better cap seal, especially since I use Platinum Chou Kuro ink and do not want the ink to evaporate
A broader nib option for more expressive line work
The Kakuno nib option ranges from Extra Fine → Medium. But when reflecting on my drawing style, as i work on larger pieces, i need a thicker outline, so a broad nib was calling to me.
When considering a new pen, especially one above $100, I do not want to upgrade just to upgrade. I want a pen that can stay in my collection for years to come with purpose.
Why Esterbrook
Esterbrook is a heritage pen brand that has been around since 1858. While it has deep roots in American writing history, the modern brand focuses on well-made, beautiful pens, especially the Estie line, along with inks and accessories that make everyday writing feel a little more fun and less routine.
There are a lot of pen brands out there to choose from, like Pilot, Montblanc, Sailor, Lamy, and Platinum, but many of them tend to stick to more classic body styles and conservative colorways.
That’s something I kept running into on my pen journey. I didn’t want a basic colorway. I wanted something that felt joyful. That’s where Esterbrook really stands out. Their pens lean vintage in shape, but they have personality. The resins and finishes feel expressive and fun and, honestly… my vanity won out 🤣
Why I Bought the Niblet First
Before committing to the Estie, I picked up the Niblet first. I found it on eBay for a great price ($118.12 in 2025), and it happened to line up with my birthday, so it felt like the right moment.
More importantly, it let me:
Test the Jowo nib feel
Experience the resin in hand
Decide if I wanted to upgrade to and Estie
It did exactly what I needed it to do and I use it everyday for journaling and quick notes.
Niblet vs Estie
| Niblet | Estie |
|---|---|
| Compact pocket pen; no clip | Full-size pen with a clip |
| 6 colorways | 6-10 core collection with limited edition releases |
| 13 nib variations | Up to 18 nib variations |
| Feels like an entry point into the brand | Feels like a complete, intentional tool |
| Interchangeable nib options | Does not include convertor |
| Weight: 0.50–0.53 oz (14–15 g) posted with ink and converter installed | Weight: 0.85–0.89 oz (24–25 g) posted with ink and converter installed |
| The Niblet helped me understand Esterbrook and is a wonderful on-the-go pen | The Estie is what actually fits my drawing flow with its full-size body and tighter cap seal |
Writing and Drawing Experience
The biggest shift for me was the broad nib on the Estie and the overall weight.
The Niblet feels much closer to my Pilot Kakuno in weight, while the Estie feels substantial in hand. I personally use it unposted while drawing, so the weight difference feels much less dramatic.
For drawing, the broad nib:
It is LUSH. The broad nib really lays down ink.
It is SMOOTH. broad nibs tend to feel smoother than medium or fine so it’s a dream to draw with especially for outline work.
I tested the floor sample at Atlas Stationers when I visited Chicago, and immediately loved how it felt on paper.
I also tested the medium nib, but the difference between Japanese and Western sizing did not feel substantial enough for what I wanted. The broad nib gave me the variation I was looking for.
The cap seal is also noticeably more air tight than the kakuno, which matters more than people think, especially if you are not using your pen every single day.
I do not draw daily, so I want the ink to stay juicy without hard starts. Esterbrook’s cap seal is designed to help prevent the nib from drying out between uses. The cap has a “cushion mechanism” that creates a spring-loaded seal when screwed down, helping the pen stay ready to write even after sitting for a while.
It is one of those small details that removes friction and frustration over time.
Price Point: Is Esterbrook Worth It?
Esterbrook pens are expensive, but that does not mean you cannot shop around for deals. There are many places to look for secondhand or unused Esties, and that is exactly what I did.
Since I had such good luck with eBay the first time, I returned there to search for an Estie. I ended up finding a pen shop that had recently closed and was selling unused old stock.
I purchased my Sea Glass Estie with gold trim for $126.50! By no means is that an absolute steal, but considering the MSRP on Esterbrook’s website is currently $195.00 at the time of writing, I was very happy with the purchase.
If you are just starting out with fountain pens, this is probably not where I would begin unless you already know you want something heirloom-feeling from the start.
But it starts making sense if you:
Already use fountain pens regularly
Care about how your tools feel and perform
Want something with flare and personality
Enjoy collecting tools
Purchasing an Esterbrook is not about necessity.
It is about refinement.
Esterbrook Estie Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful Sea Glass resin | Higher price point |
| Wide range of nib options including specialty grinds | Steel nib at this price |
| Great cap seal | Resin can pick up micro scratches/scuffs |
| Extremely comfortable for writing and drawing | Overkill if aesthetics/materials do not matter to you |
Who is the Esterbrook Estie For
This might be worth it if you:
Are looking for a consistent daily pen
Want a specific nib or specialty grind. Here’s looking at you, needlepoint nib lovers.
Are starting to refine your setup instead of just building it
Care about both performance and aesthetics
Would I Recommend Esterbrook?
For me, this was not about upgrading for the sake of it. My fountain pen journey has really been about finding tools that support how I draw while still staying within a price range that feels intentional, ideally under $150 when possible.
The Niblet helped me test the “Esterbrook waters”. The Estie is what I keep reaching for when it comes to drawing.
It feels substantial, reliable, and honestly just enjoyable to use. A wonderful daily driver that also happens to be very stylish.
If you are in that same transition from simply trying fountain pens to refining your journal or art ecosystem, Esterbrook is absolutely worth considering. I genuinely adore the Esterbrook Estie!
If you already own an Esterbrook, I would love to know your experience with it. Would you recommend it?
And if you are currently eyeing an Estie, which one has your attention? Personally, I keep feeling pulled toward the Esterbrook x BUNGUBOX Kingfisher Edition Estie with a needlepoint nib… which is probably a dangerous realization for my wallet.
