Libra

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A model in Santini Italia's fountain pen lineup. Specs below reflect the typical configuration across Santini Italia's core range.

A solid mid-range option once someone has decided fountain pens are a habit worth investing a bit more into.

Specs

Filling systemCartridge / converter (typical for most fountain pens)

Ink capacityVaries by model

Nib optionsF, M (steel, typical)

MaterialResin or metal

Typical priceVaries, check current listings

How long has your Libra been inked?

Inktend counts the days and reminds you when it's time to clean.

Track it →

About Santini Italia

Santini Italia is a small Italian pen manufacturer based in Confienza in northern Italy, led by founder Giovanni Santini, who has worked in pen making for more than twenty years, initially producing under a different brand. It is one of very few Italian companies that makes every component in-house, including its own 18k gold nibs, which are hand-finished. The company is known for handcrafted, limited-production fountain pens marketed as 100% made in Italy.

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How to fill the Santini Italia Libra

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, plus a full clean every 4 to 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 Libra

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.

noir magnetique

Louis Vuitton

15th Anniversary - Blue Gray

Midori

2024 DC Supershow Purple Diamond

Monteverde

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Frequently asked questions

How do I fill the Santini Italia Libra?

Snap in a pre-filled cartridge, or use a converter to draw ink from any bottle. The converter route is the cheaper long-term option.

What nib size should I get for the Libra?

Fine (F) is the safest default for a first pen. Go finer for small, dense handwriting; go broader if you want more ink character and shading.

How often does the Libra need cleaning?

Flush it each time you switch inks, and give it a full clean every 4 to 6 weeks of regular use.

Is the Santini Italia Libra good for beginners?

It can work as a first pen if you're comfortable spending a bit more to start.

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Specs reflect the typical configuration across Santini Italia's core lineup rather than this exact model. Check current listings before buying.