Inktend / Pen library / Renaissance
Rotring
Renaissance
A model in Rotring's fountain pen lineup. Specs below reflect the typical configuration across Rotring's core range.
Priced squarely in first-pen territory — low enough that trying fountain pens for the first time doesn't feel like a gamble.
Specs
About Rotring
rOtring was founded in Hamburg in 1928 as Tintenkuli Handels GmbH and is best known for technical drawing instruments, particularly the Rapidograph and Isograph pens and the 600/800 mechanical pencils. Its fountain pens follow the same functional, matte-black-and-red-ring industrial aesthetic; the ArtPen calligraphy and sketch line and the hexagonal metal 600 are the best-known examples. The company was acquired by Sanford (Newell Brands) in 1998 and its fountain pen offering is now limited and modestly priced.
How to fill the Rotring Renaissance
Fill it two ways: snap in a pre-filled international cartridge for convenience, or use a converter — a small plunger or twist mechanism that installs the same way a cartridge does — to draw ink from any bottle. The converter route opens up the entire world of bottled ink, which is where most of the hobby's color variety lives.
Choosing a nib size
Nib size determines line width, not writing pressure — fountain pens are meant to glide, never press. Extra-fine (EF) suits small, dense handwriting and thin paper; fine (F) is the most broadly recommended default; medium (M) shows more ink character and shading; broad (B) and stub grinds favor bold, expressive strokes and calligraphy-adjacent writing.
Keeping it clean
A quick flush with cool water every time you switch ink colors — and a full clean every 4–6 weeks of regular use — is enough to keep the nib and feed performing well. Inktend's cleaning reminder is tuned to a 21-day baseline and adjusts naturally to how often you actually refill.
Pairing inks with the Renaissance
Because refills are quick with a cartridge or converter, this is a good pen for rotating through several colors rather than committing to one; sample vials work especially well here.
Frequently asked questions
More from Rotring
Specs reflect the typical configuration across Rotring's core lineup rather than this exact model — check current listings before buying.