9 Best Pens for Lefties 2024 | No Smudge Pens for Left Handers
/Looking for the best pen for a left-handed person that doesn’t smudge or smear? Or perhaps you’re looking to surprise a leftie in your life with a quality pen for work or school.
A left-handed pen is an essential accessory for any leftie - as a left-handed person myself, I know it only too well! Here’s why left-handed pens are important and what you should be looking for:
Specially engineered for left-handed writers to hold comfortably for long periods.
Equal quality to the right-handed alternative, with fast-drying inks and nibs that write super smoothly.
A type of pen that suits your needs: do you need a writing pen for daily use, a highlighter for study, a calligraphy pen for artwork, etc.
Here are my 9 recommendations for the best pens for lefties. I chose these based on design, build, price, and customer recommendations.
Best Overall Pen For Left Handers: Uni-Ball Jetstream Ballpoint Pen
The Uni-Ball Jetstream Ballpoint Pen is specifically designed to alleviate smudging and smearing, making it the perfect pen for left-handed writers. It is highly regarded as the creme-de-la-creme of left-handers pens.
This pen combines the smooth, vivid writing of gel ink with the quick-drying, smudge-resistant properties of a ballpoint ink pen. Its quick-drying technology resists smudging and smearing, making it perfect for left-handed writers.
The Uni Super Ink is water and fade-resistant, which means your writing will last a long time, and will look great even after many years. And the ink easily penetrates paper, giving you crisp and vivid lines every time you write.
This makes it perfect for both personal and professional use, whether you're journaling, taking notes, writing a letter, or working on an archival-quality project.
The Uni-Ball Jetstream pen also features a convenient clip, which ensures that it’s always at hand. And, the comfortable, embossed grip and sleek stainless steel accents make it easy and comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
And, when you run out of ink, you don't have to throw the pen away. The Uni-Ball Jetstream is refillable, so you can easily replace the ink and continue using the same pen.
This pen is available in three colors - blue, black and red - ideal
perfect for everyday use and suitable for students, professionals, and artists.
Reasons to Buy
A unique ink formulation that provides a smooth and consistent writing experience. No smudging or smearing!
Available in a variety of colors and point sizes, making it suitable for different writing needs.
Refillable, making it an environmentally friendly option and also saves cost in long term.
Sleek and modern design that makes it comfortable to hold and write with.
Reasons to Avoid
Must be used regularly to prevent ink from drying up.
What Customers Say
“Left-handed joy! Comfort for all day use without any smearing or smudging. A little more than I usually spend for pens but worth every penny. Definitely sold on this pen and will be buying again.”
The Pilot Precise V5 RT is a premium retractable rolling ball pen that is specifically designed for left-handers. Its patented extra fine precision tip delivers smooth, skip-free writing every time, making it the perfect choice if you struggle with smudging or skipping when writing. The precision point of this pen ensures that you get clean lines and smooth ink delivery, allowing you to create beautiful and legible writing every time.
One of the standout features of the Pilot Precise V5 RT is its availability in 12 stunning ink colors - all of which are included in this set, ranging from black and red to yellow and purple. This allows you to choose a color that suits your style and makes your writing stand out. The brand offers a full line of Precise V5, V5 Deco Collection, and V7 rolling ball pens. These pens are available in both capped and retractable options, giving you even more choices when it comes to finding the perfect pen.
Pilot has been making pens for over 100 years, and their reputation for quality and reliability is well-deserved. Whether you're taking notes, stocking up on school or office supplies, or writing in a bullet journal, the Precise V5 RT makes for a great choice.
And with Pilot's reputation for quality and reliability, you can rest assured that this pen will last for a long time.
Reasons to Buy
Fine point tip, which allows for precise and accurate writing.
Comfortable rubber grip that makes it easy to hold and write with for extended periods.
Ink is water-resistant and quick-drying, which helps to prevent smudging and smearing.
Reasons to Avoid
A bit more expensive compared to other similar pens in the market.
What Customers Say
"Love these pens! As a left-handed person, I'm picky about my pens. These have are easy to hold, have great color and the extra fine point is perfect. The ink dries quick so my hand doesn't drag the ink across the page... nothing more I could ask for in a pen."
Gel pens are known to have a slower drying time than other types of pens, which can make them more prone to smudging and smearing when used by lefties.
Left-handers may also find that gel pens don’t provide the same level of control and precision as other types of pens, making it difficult to write neatly.
But Zebra’s Sarasa Dry X20 gel ink pen is different - all the fun of gel pens without any of the drawbacks.
The Rapid Dry Ink (RDI) Technology used in these pens dries in less than a second on most surfaces, making it the ultimate quick dry pen for left-handed people.
The soft latex-free grip on these pens helps to guide the ink flow, making it easy for lefties to create beautiful, expressive writing, and the transparent barrel of these pens is a great feature, as it allows you to see when it's time for a refill or new pen.
It comes in plenty of colors and numerous point sizes, too: Black, Blue, Cobalt, Forest, Fuchsia, Green, Light Blue, Light Green, Mahogany, Navy, Orange, Pink, Red, and Violet.
The available Point Sizes are 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 1.0mm - and the pens are refillable with with LV-Refill.
Zebra’s pen is great for signing documents, cards and other correspondence. The smooth flow of rich ink on the page makes it easy for lefties to write legibly and with precision.
Reasons to Buy
Water-resistant and quick-drying ink, which helps to prevent smudging and smearing.
Comfortable rubber grip that makes it easy to hold and write with for extended periods.
Available in a wide range of colors and point sizes, making it suitable for different writing needs.
Reasons to Avoid
Some users find the pen's clip to be flimsy.
What Customers Say
"These pens are the best pen for left-handed writers! They absolutely do not smudge when you're writing, and dry very quickly. They also write very smoothly without any skipping in the ink."
If you're a lefty, you know how tough it can be to find highlighter pens that work for you. But the Propus double-sided pen is a game changer.
It's got a view window inside the highlighter so you can see what you're highlighting as you go. No more guessing and ending up with too much or too little highlighted.
Plus, it's got a plastic pocket clip on one side so you can easily carry it around with you. This set comes with highlighters in 10 different colors including Aqua Blue, Cherry Blossom Pink, Golden Yellow, Lavender Purple and Lime Green.
Lefties rave about how much they love using these highlighters and how much easier it makes their writing and note-taking.
Reasons to Buy
Dual-sided design, with a chisel tip on one end and a fine tip on the other, making it versatile for different highlighting needs.
Water-resistant and quick-drying ink, which helps to prevent smudging and smearing.
Available in a wide range of bright and vibrant colors.
Reasons to Avoid
Some users find the highlighter's ink dries out quickly if not used frequently.
What Customers Say
"These Japanese highlighter pens are so much better than any other highlighter pen that it is embarrassing for all those other pen manufacturers. The ink doesn’t run. So it does not smear across your hand, which is especially great if you are left handed."
The Pelikan Pelikano Up Fountain Pen is a great option for left-handed writers who are looking for a comfortable and reliable fountain pen, without the smudging normally associated with them.
The pen's triangular nib is specially designed for left-handed writers, with a slightly curved shape that allows for easy writing without smudging. And its stainless steel design glides smoothly across the paper, providing a consistent flow of ink for clear and legible writing.
The pen features a convenient ink cartridge system that makes it easy to refill. It comes with a starter cartridge, and you can purchase additional cartridges in a variety of colors.
The pen also has a transparent barrel that allows you to easily monitor the ink level, so you know when it's time to refill.
And if you're someone who likes to experiment with different ink colors, you'll be happy to know that the pen is also compatible with bottled ink, giving you a wide range of color options to choose from.
This anodized aluminum and stainless steel fountain pen has a soft grip zone that minimizes fatigue during extended writing sessions, whether in school, at the office, or at home.
Reasons to Buy
Ergonomic triangular shape designed to fit comfortably in small hands and promote proper grip for young writers
Nib is made of stainless steel, which ensures a smooth and consistent ink flow
The pen is refillable with standard fountain pen ink cartridges, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option for young writers.
Reasons to Avoid
The pen's plastic body may not be as durable as those of other fountain pens.
What Customers Say
"It writes like a dream. I got the left handed version and as long as you hold the pen properly with fingers in the right place it writes flawlessly."
Speedball has built a reputation for producing high-quality pen nibs for over 200 years, and this left-handed calligraphy set is no exception.
The Speedball Left-Handed Calligraphy Set is specially designed for left-handed artists and calligraphers; it’s perfect for creating Italic or Roman Gothic alphabets, accenting line drawings, scrolls and scripts.
The triple reservoir nibs in this set are designed to allow for increased ink capacity and extended, smooth, uninterrupted ink flow, providing you with the best possible writing experience.
Each set contains six high-quality, hand-crafted nibs (LC0, LC1, LC2, LC3, LC4, 513EF) that are perfect for all your calligraphy needs. Additionally, the set includes a standard pen holder for easy storage and use.
Speedball also offer a wide range of complementary products such as pen holders, dip inks, cleaners, calligraphy markers, and fountain pens to provide you with everything you need for your drawing and lettering works.
Reasons to Buy
Includes a variety of nibs, allowing for a range of lettering styles and thicknesses.
Made with durable materials, making them long-lasting and able to withstand frequent use.
Suitable for both beginners and advanced users, with easy-to-use pens and detailed instructions included.
Reasons to Avoid
More expensive than other lettering pen sets on the market.
What Customers Say
"I dont understand really why this pen works better for left handed people because it looks very similar, but I found that it worked very well for me and I would recommend it to any other left handed people trying to learn calligraphy."
This ingenious pen was first developed in the 1960s by Paul Fisher, who was determined to create a pen that would work in the extreme conditions of space. So not strictly invented for left-handed people, but…
The result was a pen that could write upside down, in zero gravity, and in temperatures from -30 degrees to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
The secret is in the ink - it's pressurized with nitrogen gas, making it thicker and more gel-like than traditional ink. But don't let that fool you, it still writes smooth as butter. And the best part? No more smudging or smearing for lefties.
Not only is it practical, but it also looks pretty cool. The Fisher Space pen's barrel is made of durable aluminum, and it features a knurled grip for a comfortable and secure hold. Plus, the tungsten carbide ballpoint tip is the same hard metal used in armor-piercing ammo, so you know it's durable. It also comes with a convenient pocket clip, so you can always keep it close by.
In short, the Fisher Space Pen makes for a great choice for left-handed people who want a pen that can withstand the demands of daily writing.
Reasons to Buy
Can write in extreme temperatures, from -30 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit
Can write upside down and at any angle, thanks to its pressurized ink cartridge
Durable and long-lasting design
Reasons to Avoid
The ink may dry out quickly if the pen is not used frequently.
What Customers Say
"AMAZING for left hand writers. I am never going back to other pens. Really happy about this purchase."
Best Luxury Pen for Left-Handed People: LAMY Safari Left-Hander Nib Fountain Pen
Looking for a special pen for yourself or a gift for the leftie in your life? The LAMY safari fountain pen is a standout luxury pen for left-handed people.
Lamy is a German pen manufacturer founded in 1930 by C. Josef Lamy in Heidelberg, Germany. The company has established itself as a leader in the pen industry, known for its innovative designs and commitment to quality.
One of the standout features of this pen is its stainless steel nib, which is sturdy, long-lasting, and available in a left-handed variant. This ensures a smooth and even ink flow for left-handed writers, making it easier to create clean lines and legible handwriting.
Another great feature of this pen is its ergonomic grip, which is designed to enable comfortable writing for extended periods of time. This is especially beneficial for left-handed writers, who may experience discomfort or hand cramps when using pens that are not tailored to their needs.
The LAMY safari also features a unique ink cartridge system that includes a window that shows how much ink is left in the cartridge, making it easy to know when it's time to change. This pen also comes with a blue LAMY T 10 ink cartridge, which can be modified for use with a converter Z 24, allowing you to switch between different ink colors.
The pen also has an attractive design, with a sturdy casing made from ABS plastic and a chrome-plated, spring-action metal clip. Its designer Wolfgang Fabian is well known for his modern and avant-garde designs.
Reasons to Buy
Luxury pen with a left-handed variant
Ergonomically shaped grip area for comfortable writing
Sturdy, long-lasting stainless steel nib for pleasant and even ink flow
Reasons to Avoid
Only available in one color (white)
What Customers Say
"Easy to write with :) use it all the time. Recommend it to anyone who is left handed and loves Lamy pens!"
The Schneider Breeze rollerball pen is an eco-friendly and ergonomic option for left-handed and environmentally-conscious writers - and also great for children learning to write.
Made from recycled plastic, it is the first pen to be awarded the "Blue Angel" environmental label (a German certification for products that have been evaluated and determined to have a reduced environmental impact in their production and use), making it a sustainable choice for your writing needs.
The ergonomic rubberized handle with decorative ornaments is designed to fit comfortably in both large and small hands and is suitable for both left and right-handed people. The triangular shape of the soft grip zone ensures a secure and comfortable hold.
The Breeze rollerball pen offers versatile use, with a mid-thickness line width and a royal blue ink that is smudge-proof and erasable - making it ideal for everyday use. The pen is available in multiple color options, so you can choose the hue that suits you best.
The pen is also refillable, with the Schneider Universal 852 rollerball cartridge (two cartridges are included) and an additional reserve cartridge stored in the shaft.
Reasons to Buy
Ergonomic design suitable for left and right-handed users
Made from recycled plastic, and awarded the "Blue Angel" environmental label
Refillable with the Schneider Universal 852 rollerball cartridge, and a reserve cartridge can be stored in the shaft
Reasons to Avoid
Specific ink color, royal blue, may not be suitable for everyone.
What Customers Say
"Beautiful ergonomic roller for left-handed or right-handed people. Perfect for children (or not) left-handed or right-handed, no need to choose between the two and therefore can be used by everyone."
Best Pens for Lefties FAQs
Here are a few answers to the most commonly asked questions about left-handed pens.
How to hold a pen left handed?
Holding a pen lefty is a bit different than holding it as a righty. Lefties tend to grip the pen with their thumb on top and index finger resting on top, while righties usually hold the pen with thumb underneath and index finger resting on top.
The following advice goes for whether you’re using an ink pen, a fountain pen, or a calligraphy pen.
To hold a pen left-handed, grip the pen between your thumb and your index finger, with your thumb on top. Your middle finger should rest on the pen to provide additional support. Your index finger should be slightly curved and resting on the top of the pen. Your ring finger and pinky should be curled under your hand. It's important to find a grip that feels comfortable for you and allows you to control the pen.
How not to smudge when writing left-handed?
Here are a few things you can try to prevent smudging when writing as a left-hander.
There are a few things that left-handed individuals can do to reduce the risk of smudging while writing:
Use a pen or pencil with a fast-drying ink - all the pens recommended above will be suitable.
Angle the paper correctly so your hand is not resting on the ink as you write.
Use a pen with a grip to prevent slipping, reducing the chances of smudging.
Use a pen with a fine tip for more precise and controlled writing, reducing the chances of smudging.
What is a left-handed pen?
A left-handed pen is one that is designed to be used by left-handed people. These pens typically have a special design that allows for a more comfortable and natural grip for left-handed writers. Some left-handed pens have a special angle on the nib or have a special grip to reduce smudging and improve the writing experience for left-handed people.
What is the best pen for a left-handed person?
The answer to this question depends on your specific needs, but my overall pick is the Uni-ball Jetstream. Read all about it at the top of this page.
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