Best Calligraphy Sets
Top calligraphy sets ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Speedball Complete Calligraphy Kit
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Industry-standard trusted brand
- Industry-standard trusted brand
- 6 nibs covering all major scripts
Cons
- Inks can be inconsistent quality
- Inks can be inconsistent quality
- Pen holders feel basic
Don't buy this if…
- Dip pen nibs must be cleaned and dried after each session to prevent rust and ink buildup.
- Dip pen nibs must be cleaned and dried after each session to prevent rust and ink buildup.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Consistent lines without dip pen skill needed
- Consistent lines without dip pen skill needed
- 4 widths for versatile lettering
Cons
- Parallel nibs feel different from pointed nibs
- Parallel nibs feel different from pointed nibs
- Limited to broad-edge calligraphy styles
Don't buy this if…
- The parallel plate nibs must be flushed with water regularly as dried ink between the plates causes skipping.
- The parallel plate nibs must be flushed with water regularly as dried ink between the plates causes skipping.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Dual tips for versatile lettering
- Dual tips for versatile lettering
- Blendable water-based ink
Cons
- Brush tip frays with heavy pressure
- Brush tip frays with heavy pressure
- Not refillable when ink runs out
Don't buy this if…
- Use only on smooth paper as textured paper will fray the delicate brush tip much faster.
- Use only on smooth paper as textured paper will fray the delicate brush tip much faster.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Gift-ready tin presentation
- Gift-ready tin presentation
- UK-made stainless steel nibs
Cons
- Ink cartridges only work with Manuscript pens
- Ink cartridges only work with Manuscript pens
- Practice pad is small
Don't buy this if…
- The proprietary ink cartridges are not compatible with other pen brands so stock up on Manuscript refills.
- The proprietary ink cartridges are not compatible with other pen brands so stock up on Manuscript refills.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Legendary Brause nib quality
- Legendary Brause nib quality
- Includes iron gall ink
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Iron gall ink requires careful handling
Don't buy this if…
- Iron gall ink is mildly corrosive and nibs must be wiped clean after each session to prevent permanent damage.
- Iron gall ink is mildly corrosive and nibs must be wiped clean after each session to prevent permanent damage.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- No mess felt-tip convenience
- No mess felt-tip convenience
- Natural thick-thin variation
Cons
- Less flex than true brush pens
- Less flex than true brush pens
- Tips wear down with heavy use
Don't buy this if…
- These are felt-tip pens and produce faux calligraphy rather than true pointed pen calligraphy strokes.
- These are felt-tip pens and produce faux calligraphy rather than true pointed pen calligraphy strokes.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 33 pieces with wax seal kit
- 33 pieces with wax seal kit
- 5 ink colors included
Cons
- Nibs are lower quality than specialty brands
- Nibs are lower quality than specialty brands
- Wax seal is novelty grade
Don't buy this if…
- The included nibs are adequate for learning but serious practitioners should upgrade to Brause or Nikko nibs.
- The included nibs are adequate for learning but serious practitioners should upgrade to Brause or Nikko nibs.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Waterproof Sumi ink formulation
- Waterproof Sumi ink formulation
- 3 tip sizes for versatility
Cons
- Only 3 pens in the set
- Only 3 pens in the set
- Refill cartridges can be hard to find locally
Don't buy this if…
- Sumi ink is permanent once dry and will stain clothing, skin, and unfinished wood surfaces.
- Sumi ink is permanent once dry and will stain clothing, skin, and unfinished wood surfaces.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
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