LAMY Safari Fountain Pen
LAMY Safari Fountain Pen

LAMY Safari Fountain Pen

by Lamy
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About the Product

The Lamy Safari Fountain Pen is a durable, repairable starter pen that’s built for long service. Its body uses impact-resistant ASA plastic with a distinctive spring metal clip, and the pen weighs about 16 g (0.56 oz)—light enough for long writing sessions. Day-to-day upkeep is simple: it takes LAMY T10 cartridges (~1.25 mL) or a Z28 converter for bottled ink, and the nib is modular, so you can swap sizes or replace a worn tip instead of replacing the pen. Lamy backs its writing instruments against material and manufacturing defects for 3 years; covered repairs are handled by the U.S. service center, though you’ll need to ship the pen and include proof of purchase.

For longevity, the Safari’s ecosystem is a standout: nibs, converters, and spare parts are widely available from Lamy and retailers, supporting years of use. Performance is reliably smooth for the price, especially in medium nibs, though fine/extra-fine can feel a bit scratchy on some papers. The triangular grip promotes a consistent hold but can be polarizing if you prefer round sections. If you want a light, long-lasting, and easily serviceable fountain pen with plentiful parts, the Safari remains a smart, evidence-backed pick—just note the 3-year warranty and that you’ll cover shipping on service.

About Lamy

Founded in 1930 in Heidelberg, Germany, Lamy has built its reputation on functional design, engineering precision, and long-lasting quality. The company’s philosophy centers on creating products that are meant to endure—its responsibility statement explicitly defines sustainability as building “long-lasting products” with timeless design rather than disposable goods. Lamy supports repairability through a dedicated U.S. service center, a nib exchange program, and readily available spare parts, helping owners maintain pens for decades of use.

Lamy’s track record reflects this commitment to reliability. The LAMY 2000, introduced in 1966, remains an icon of modern design and one of the longest-running production pens still in use today. Meanwhile, the Safari series has become a favorite for beginners and professionals alike, earning consistent praise for its sturdy build and everyday dependability. Some reviewers note nib variability and an ergonomically polarizing grip, but overall, Lamy pens are recognized for their balance of quality, value, and serviceability.

Now part of Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (acquired in 2024), Lamy continues to produce all its pens in Germany under the Made in Heidelberg banner. The backing of a global parent adds financial stability and broader reach without compromising Lamy’s focus on craftsmanship and design longevity.

Product Score:   55.9

Mission & Values
Whether the brand explicitly commits to durability, repairability, and sustainability.
Ideal: Brand mission and actions clearly prioritize long-lasting, repairable products.
Confidence — HIGH
8 sources
75.0% (W 40%)
PRO
Brand’s responsibility page explicitly frames sustainability as “long-lasting products,” emphasizing timeless design and long-term use rather than disposability.Publishes care/maintenance instructions across writing systems, encouraging upkeep and extending product life.Operates a U.S. repair channel and a formal Nib Exchange Program; provides a service process and address for U.S. customers.Sells spare parts and replacement nibs directly, supporting repairability and upgrades.
CON
Uses proprietary cartridges/converters, limiting cross-brand refill compatibility.Nib exchange carries a fee and the U.S. repair center is limited to servicing U.S. orders.
Track Record / Reputation
Independent history of reliability and consumer trust.
Ideal: Decades of consistent positive reputation from reviews, watchdogs, and experts.
Confidence — MEDIUM
5 sources
78.0% (W 40%)
PRO
Flagship LAMY 2000 has been in continuous production since the 1960s and is still regarded as an iconic, high-quality design.Safari line is widely recommended for beginners and everyday use by multiple independent reviewers and guides.
CON
Reports of nib quality variability exist on well-known review sites (example: flawed nib and issues noted on a LAMY 2000 review).Triangular grip on Safari family is not comfortable for everyone, per independent guide notes.
Corporate Stability
Financial and organizational stability of the brand or company.
Ideal: Established, stable company with low risk of discontinuing support.
Confidence — HIGH
4 sources
82.0% (W 20%)
PRO
Founded in 1930 in Heidelberg; long operating history and recognized brand.Became a consolidated subsidiary of Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. in 2024, providing backing from a large, established global company and expanded distribution.Recent communications emphasize continued operations and ‘Made in Germany’ production under the new ownership.
CON
Ownership change can introduce integration or strategy risks during transition.
Coverage
Scope of what failures the warranty covers.
Ideal: Full coverage of defects and workmanship, including all major components.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
60.0% (W 20%)
PRO
Covers material and manufacturing defects for covered products for 3 years.
CON
Excludes damage from improper handling and natural wear and tear.
Duration
Length of warranty term.
Ideal: ≥10 years (lifetime where feasible).
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
30.0% (W 30%)
DATA
3 years
Ease
How simple it is to file and process a warranty claim.
Ideal: Clear online or phone process requiring minimal effort or paperwork.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
65.0% (W 10%)
PRO
Clear online warranty page with U.S. repair contact email, phone, and mailing address.No charge for evaluation; covered repairs handled by the LAMY Service Center.
CON
Customer must ship the pen to the service center and include proof of purchase.
Cost
Direct costs to the customer for warranty service.
Ideal: No cost to the customer, including free shipping and parts.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
40.0% (W 10%)
DATA
Customer pays shipping; evaluation free; covered repairs free
Exclusions
Limitations or carve-outs in warranty terms.
Ideal: Few or no exclusions; coverage applies to all core components.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
50.0% (W 10%)
PRO
Covers defects in materials or manufacturing.
CON
Excludes improper handling and natural wear and tear; proof of purchase required for service.
Transparency
Clarity and accessibility of warranty wording.
Ideal: Plain-language warranty document published openly online.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
75.0% (W 10%)
PRO
Public warranty page outlines term, coverage scope, repair address, and contact methods.Includes specific shipping and documentation instructions.
CON
Transferability
Whether warranty transfers to subsequent owners.
Ideal: Warranty fully transferable between owners with no loss of coverage.
Confidence — LOW
1 sources
0.0% (W 10%)
DATA
Barrel Material
Primary body material determining strength, scratch resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Ideal: Metal or high-grade resin resistant to cracking, UV, and corrosion over decades of use.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
65.0% (W 25%)
DATA
ASA plastic (impact-resistant, high-gloss)
Mechanism Lifespan
Expected number of cycles the pen’s retract or cap mechanism can endure without failure.
Ideal: Rated for >50,000 actuations or proven through long-term reliability testing.
Confidence — LOW
0 sources
0.0% (W 25%)
DATA
Finish Wear Resistance
Ability of the surface coating or anodization to resist abrasion and fading.
Ideal: Hard-anodized or deep-plated finish that resists scratches and discoloration after years of use.
Confidence — MEDIUM
1 sources
55.0% (W 25%)
PRO
Housing described as impact-resistant plastic, positioned as a robust everyday companion.
CON
Clip Durability
Strength and flexibility of the pocket clip under repeated bending.
Ideal: Spring-steel or titanium clip that maintains tension after thousands of uses without deforming.
Confidence — HIGH
2 sources
75.0% (W 25%)
PRO
Self-sprung clip designed to keep the pen securely fastened.Safari line described with a distinctive metal clip.
CON
Refill Availability
Ease of sourcing compatible ink refills or cartridges over time.
Ideal: Standardized refill format available from multiple suppliers for 10+ years.
Confidence — HIGH
3 sources
85.0% (W 35%)
PRO
Uses LAMY T10 cartridges widely sold by LAMY and retailers.Compatible with LAMY Z28/Z27 converters for bottled ink.
CON
Disassembly Ease
Ease of separating pen components for cleaning or replacement.
Ideal: Tool-free or simple threaded design allowing full cleaning and part replacement.
Confidence — HIGH
2 sources
75.0% (W 25%)
PRO
Interchangeable LAMY nibs; swapping is straightforward.Cartridge/converter system allows simple removal for cleaning.
CON
Spare Parts Support
Availability of replacement parts such as clips, nibs, or mechanisms from manufacturer or third parties.
Ideal: Manufacturer or aftermarket parts available for 10+ years after purchase.
Confidence — HIGH
3 sources
70.0% (W 25%)
PRO
LAMY Shop lists a Spare Parts category for components.Multiple third-party retailers carry Safari parts (caps, sections, nibs).
CON
Ink System Maintainability
Ability to service or replace internal ink delivery components (nib, converter, feed).
Ideal: Modular ink system with replaceable nibs or converters, easy to flush and maintain.
Confidence — HIGH
2 sources
80.0% (W 15%)
PRO
Modular cartridge/converter ink system with recommended Z28 converter.Replaceable nibs across most LAMY fountain pens (except 2000) support long-term service.
CON
Ink Capacity
Volume of ink or refill size determining how long the pen writes between refills.
Ideal: ≥1.0 mL (0.034 fl oz) ink capacity or long-lasting cartridge for fewer replacements.
Confidence — HIGH
1 sources
90.0% (W 25%)
DATA
1.25 mL per LAMY T10 cartridge
Writing Smoothness
Consistency and friction level of the writing tip on standard paper.
Ideal: Uniform ink flow and tip glide with minimal skipping or feedback.
Confidence — HIGH
2 sources
70.0% (W 30%)
PRO
General consensus of smooth writing for the price from independent reviews.
CON
Fine and extra-fine nibs can feel scratchy or inconsistent compared to medium nibs.
Ergonomics & Balance
Comfort and weight distribution during extended writing sessions.
Ideal: Balanced center of gravity with non-slip grip and weight under 1.0 oz (28 g).
Confidence — HIGH
2 sources
70.0% (W 25%)
PRO
Ergonomic grip; body weight listed at 16 g (0.56 oz), under the 1.0 oz ideal.
CON
Triangular grip is polarizing and may be uncomfortable for some users.
Ink Drying Performance
Time for ink to dry on paper, affecting smudge resistance and usability.
Ideal: Dries within 5 seconds on standard paper with minimal feathering or bleed-through.
Confidence — LOW
0 sources
0.0% (W 20%)
DATA

See details on our Scoring Method.

From the BIFL Braintrust

We treat the Buy-It-For-Life (r/BuyItForLife) community as honorary curators. We read, learn, and link back. Your experiences inspire where we look; we run every product through the same process—evidence search, extraction, and scoring—before we feature it. Don’t want your post shown? Tell us and we’ll remove it.

Sources

These references are living documents: our research team and community continually review and update them to keep product evaluations accurate and fair. When stronger or more up-to-date sources emerge, we re-score accordingly. If you know of a credible study, review, or technical resource we’ve missed, please share it below — every contribution helps strengthen the evidence base.

  1. Frequently asked questions
    lamy.com · Updated 2025-10-16 [Key]
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  2. Fountain Pen Care Tips
    lamy.com · Updated 2025-10-16 [Key]
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  3. Lamy Warranty
    lamy.com · Updated 2025-10-10 [Key]
    The free repair of any possible material or manufacturing defect is valid for 3 years from the purchase date in the case of purchases from the LAMY Shop, excluding damage caused by improper handling and natural wear and tear.
  4. LAMY Care Tips
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  5. Repairs - Buy high quality writing instruments online
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  7. Converters and spare parts for Lamy pens. - The Writing Desk
    thewritingdesk.co.uk · Updated 2025-10-16
    Wide range of genuine spare parts for Lamy pens. Converters, replacement caps, grip sections, pencil mechanisms and more.
  8. LAMY takes responsibility - Buy high quality writing instruments online
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  9. Press releases - Buy high quality writing instruments online
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  10. Choosing The Best Beginner Fountain Pen — The Pen Addict
    penaddict.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    ( This is a guest Post from Sam Alpert. Sam is a geologist, gamer, and general lover of all things with good, clean design that will last a lifetime. ) ABSTRACT I have compared a number of properties, both quantifiable and subjective, across three of the most widely-recommended beginner fountain
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  14. Lamy - Wikipedia
    en.wikipedia.org · Updated 2025-10-16
    C. Josef Lamy GmbH (/ˈlɑːmi, ˈlæmi/) is a German pen manufacturing company founded in 1930 by Josef Lamy, a former sales representative for Parker Pen. The company acquired the Orthos pen manufacturer to begin production. Lamy offers a variety of writing products, including fountain pens.
  15. Colourful ink “Made in Germany” - Buy high quality writing instruments online
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  16. Lamy Safari Review — Everyday Commentary
    everydaycommentary.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    You always remember your first time.... writing with a fountain pen. I, like a lot of folks, started with the Lamy Safari and after six months of extensive testing I can tell you that it is a sublime experience. The pen has some drawbacks but the writing experience is quite am
  17. LAMY Shop: Spare Part Collection
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  18. 349
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  19. LAMY Z27 & Z28 Converters: What's the Difference? - The Goulet Pen Company
    gouletpens.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    There are two LAMY cartridge/converters for fountain pens -- the black Z27 and the red Z28. They're very similar, with a few key differences. Learn more here!
  20. What cartridge/converter works with LAMY pens?
    help.gouletpens.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    LAMY pens are proprietary and only work with LAMY converters and LAMY cartridges. The LAMY z27 will work with the LAMY accent, cp1, dialog 3, dialog cc, logo, pur, scala, studio, and vista. It will also work in other LAMY pens that take a converter.
  21. LAMY Shop: high quality nibs for your fountain pen
    lamy.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    Gold nibs, however, are an exception - here the material ensures writing comfort of the highest quality. Our tip: Try the specially shaped nib LAMY Z53....
  22. LAMY Z 28 Converter
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  23. LAMY Replacement Fountain Pen Nibs - The Goulet Pen Company
    gouletpens.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    Replacement interchangeable steel and gold nibs for most LAMY fountain pens.
  24. 20240426tekiji En
    mpuni.co.jp · Updated 2025-10-16
  25. The Mitsubishi Pencil Company acquires LAMY, aiming to lead the company and brand into the future
    prnewswire.com · Updated 2025-10-16
    /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Pencil Co Ltd, founded in Japan in 1887 and the company behind the well-known uni brand, is taking over C. Josef Lamy GmbH and the...
  26. Be careful: LAMY refuses to repair pen bought on Ebay or Amazon ...
    reddit.com · Updated 2025-10-07
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  27. LAMY safari and AL-star Care Guide – LAMY Australia
    lamyshop.com.au · Updated 2025-10-07
    Sep 4, 2023 ... The flagship pen of the LAMY range, the safari went from humble beginnings as a fountain pen designed for students to a global stationery ...
  28. The Lamy Safari: A Basic User's Guide
    faculty.etsu.edu · Updated 2025-10-07
    The Lamy Safari: A Basic User's Guide. Vince Simmons – simmonsv@etsu.edu. Everything you need to know about this sleek modern take on a tried and true design ...
  29. Repairs & Warranty Policy – LAMY South Africa
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  31. just bought a Lamy Safari, how do I take care of it? : r/fountainpens
    reddit.com · Updated 2025-10-07
    Nov 16, 2024 ... Lamy Safari is ez pz to take care of. The nib is very simple and the feed is precision engineered for long term use. You don't need to do ...
  32. The Honest Review of the Lamy Safari Charcoal Edition fountain ...
    reddit.com · Updated 2025-10-07
    Feb 16, 2021 ... Hence, I can only give the Lamy Safari a 3/5 and the 3 that it gets is only due to it having a very well thought out design. Because it wrote ...
  33. Lamy Safari Fountain Pen Review: Best Fountain Pens for ...
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    Feb 17, 2023 ... The Lamy Safari is a Great Starter Fountain Pen: The Lamy Safari fountain pen makes it a great starter fountain pen. The Lamy Safari fountain ...
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  36. Basic Black: One Week with the Lamy Safari — The Gentleman ...
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    Feb 17, 2016 ... Everyone who reviews it comments on the weight, and how it's probably twice as heavy as the standard Lamy 2000 (maybe more). The weight might be ...
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    Sep 4, 2013 ... Doing so is just plain, old fun. And thanks to a very good price, a newbie friendly design, and lots of nib and ink options, the Lamy Safari is ...
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    Jun 17, 2022 ... The Lamy Safari is super comfortable, it's the ultimate practice pen i still use almost daily. ... r/fountainpens - This pen started it all for me ...
  44. Lamy 2000 Fountain Pen Review – The Poor Penman
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    Dec 8, 2022 ... Though I may be biased by time and the effects of inflation, I really love the Lamy 2000. It's a great pen in terms of both form and function.
  45. Review: Lamy Safari (Dark Lilac, Medium Nib) – Hand Over That Pen
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    Dec 23, 2016 ... Franz: The Lamy Safari is actually a great pen to use on a daily basis for its plastic ruggedness makes it easy to just bring along even without ...
  46. Buy your favorite Lamy online Lamy USA
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  47. LAMY safari note+ Fountain Pen User Manual
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Status

Created 2025-10-07 COMPLETE
Updated 2025-11-19 COMPLETE
Published PUBLISHED
Scored 2025-10-22 COMPLETE

Change Log

2025-11-19 UPDATED product metadata edits
2025-10-22 UPDATED product metadata edits
2025-10-16 UPDATED product metadata edits
2025-10-07 UPDATED product metadata edits
2025-10-07 UPDATED product metadata edits

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