Fountain pens · owner-verdict comparison

Lamy AL-Star vs Lamy Safari: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Lamy Safari: 69% of 386 owners recommend it, vs 61% of 94 for the Lamy AL-Star.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Lamy AL-Star

61%of 94 owners recommend
61% recommend · 15% neutral · 24% don't
Owners praise
  • Smooth, enjoyable to write with
  • Durable, holds up for years
  • Premium aluminum feel, good value
Owners complain about
  • Nibs can be scratchy or dry, need tuning
  • Body or looks feel cheap and divisive
  • Heavier than some prefer
Full owner report →

Lamy Safari

69%of 386 owners recommend
69% recommend · 10% neutral · 21% don't
Owners praise
  • Excellent value, quality writer for the price
  • Smooth, reliable nib that rarely skips
  • Durable, near-indestructible workhorse that lasts decades
Owners complain about
  • Nib quality is inconsistent, dry or scratchy
  • Triangular grip section uncomfortable for many
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Lamy AL-Star if
  • ✓Fountain pen beginners wanting a reliable starter
  • ✓Writers who like swapping nibs to customize
  • ✓Students and sketchers needing a durable everyday carry
  • ✓People who prefer the aluminum feel over the plastic Safari
Skip it if
  • Writers who dislike the triangular grip
  • People wanting a guaranteed-smooth nib straight from the box
Get the Lamy Safari if
  • ✓Beginners buying their first fountain pen
  • ✓Daily writers and journalers wanting a reliable workhorse
  • ✓Pocket-carry and rough-use owners needing near-indestructible durability
  • ✓Tinkerers who like quick, easy nib swapping
Skip it if
  • Writers who dislike the molded triangular grip
  • People wanting large ink capacity between refills

What Lamy AL-Star owners say

“The Aquatic grip with the Ocean Blue body is a great match!”
— @AlanDayley on YouTube
“I do find I like the Al-Star as I think it ground you.”
— @athenaenergyshine7616 on YouTube
“No matter how fancy the colors of AL Star is I am team Lamy Safari.”
— @wordywordpecker on YouTube

What Lamy Safari owners say

“Nothing has changed which speaks for its quality.”
— @SaraX2024 on YouTube
“I think the thing is built like a tank.”
— @AndreasPinkert on YouTube
“they would always bust ink everywhere in my pockets or worse your school bag”
— @philipwillingham5950 on YouTube

Lamy AL-Star vs Lamy Safari: frequently asked questions

Is the Lamy AL-Star or the Lamy Safari better?

Real owners lean toward the Lamy Safari: 69% of 386 owners recommend it, vs 61% of 94 for the Lamy AL-Star.

Who should get the Lamy AL-Star?

Owners point the Lamy AL-Star at fountain pen beginners wanting a reliable starter, and writers who like swapping nibs to customize.

Who should get the Lamy Safari?

Owners point the Lamy Safari at beginners buying their first fountain pen, and daily writers and journalers wanting a reliable workhorse.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Lamy AL-Star is nibs can be scratchy or dry, need tuning. For the Lamy Safari, it's nib quality is inconsistent, dry or scratchy.