One of the most elegant, well-crafted pens I've ever used. Pear Wood has a warm finish and is gender-neutral. The artisan quality design rivals any of those hoity toity fancy-pants fountain pens that cost hundreds of dollars. The fine nib glides across paper, no drag, has a clean, precise line which will work for actual writing (not just signatures) or numbers, characters, etc. Weight of the pen rests on the hand and adds the pressure to the paper so your hand can stay relaxed --- the pen is doing the work.This is not an "entry level" fountain pen: Comes with the refillable cartridge (and the instructions booklet on how to properly fill it from BOTTLED ink) -- if you want to use cartridges, it can take those too (universal/international type) but try the Faber-Castell bottled writing ink (very good quality). The perfect gift for the Writer in your life or for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship in an elegant fountain pen. Excellent quality and value. This is the kind of pen one keeps for a lifetime.