STAEDTLER calligraphy pen set, ideal for all skill levels, 899 SM5, Assorted, 33 Piece Set

Being older, I come from a time when most people did use a pen or pencil of some sort to write with (before computers!). I have played around with script fonts on my computer and thought it would be fun to learn and practice calligraphy. This set truly has everything you need - several different width nibs, several ink cartridges as well as four pens. The set also include a small booklet on starting out practicing calligraphy as well as a booklet of practice paper. I am having fun seeing how fancy I can make lettering in different colored inks. Craftspeople would love this, a parent or grandparent spending time with their child or grandchild might find this a nice activity, and last, but not least, those planning a wedding and wanting to learn a skill they could use making handmade invitations, table name cards, and the like - this would be a great kit to learn with!

I held off on reviewing until I had a good grasp of this set & what it has to offer. Someone said "you got what you paid for" and that is largely true. Don't expect this set to be the answer to your dreams of mastering calligraphy and hand lettering. It won't be. But it is a good jumping off point that plunges you into that handwriting world? Yes! It gave me the time to play with different nibs, different ink colors and styles. It also makes you VERY appreciable of that first quality pen when you buy it! Playing with this set I didn't become a calligraphy superstar but I did learn which nib sizes work better for my handwriting and that's a great thing. Now I know which direction I want to go and what things I didn't like. I'm not bitter like some are over this set. It costs 1/2 or less than 1/2 of what a cheaper good quality name brand pen costs. This set taught me to control different nib sizes and set me on the paths to getting what I really want. Does ink get jammed? Yes. Is it frustrating? Yes. Does my journal look like Sybil made the entries? Sometimes. But it's a learning process. So yes, it's cheap but How Much Did You Pay? I think for the price, this is a solid way to determine if you really want to proceed or if it's not the "hobby" for you. That alone saves you a lot of $$. I appreciate this set for lighting a fire in me for more. All in all...Worth More Than I Paid!!

I've done calligraphy a lot over the years but I didn't want to buy a new pen with nibs and inks and things so I picked up this kit. I think most people would appreciate the pen assortment, nibs, and inks that are included in this kit, especially young beginners. There are lots of inks in several different colors and 5 nibs to work with giving the user a nice, rounded calligraphy set to start with. There is also a little booklet explaining a few alphabets and a small practice pad. The pens are good looking, but plastic and not of the highest standard making this kit good for basic calligraphers or beginners.The reason for the four stars on my review is because one of my pens is leaking ink. There are still three other pens that work great but one is a little faulty. Otherwise, I highly recommend this set for the basic calligrapher who practices or is learning letters or doodling with the set. It's not a professional pen or inks set, but it is a great basic kit and it's a lot of fun. I am going to get several more kits for Christmas presents because I think my kids would really enjoy this. The tin to keep the pens and inks in is nice and very organized. For the price, this is a great pen and ink set.**I've noticed over time that these pens have to be treated a little delicately. If you do give these pens to teens or kids, make sure you explain how to use them. If they push too hard or misuse these pens, they won't hold up. I didn't want to take a star off for this, but I did want to note that these pens will not hold up if they aren't treated well. They will stop working or leak. A delicate hand is definitely needed making this product a little tricky for a person just starting out. Make sure you teach whoever, to not push down and how to use the pen the proper way or they will be disappointed. This is probably due to the low cost of this product, making it a good choice for a starter, but the pens can't tolerate much abuse.

ProsQuality- I like the quality of the pens in addition to the nibs, it doesn't feel cheap.Cost- Very affordable for a set this sizeDelivery speed!!ConsI wish the ink lasted longer, didn't seam so watery.