Requin Renard Glass Pen B1 - from £42

Last updated: 21 May 2026

What is the Requin Renard glass pen B1?

The Requin Renard glass pen B1 is a handmade glass dip pen, but with a clever twist. Traditional glass pens hold ink in the grooves of the nib, so you re-dip every few lines. The B1 instead has an integrated reservoir running up the body. First you fill it with the included pipette, and then the ink travels down to the nib by capillary action. As a result, you keep drawing for far longer without breaking your stroke.

It is made by Requin Renard, a small glass studio based in Marseille. Every pen is flame-worked by hand, one piece at a time, and then inspected before it ships. Because each one is made to order, you should expect a production lead time of roughly one to two weeks.

Why the reservoir matters

This is really the headline feature, so it is worth dwelling on. The reservoir holds enough ink for around 30 metres of line per fill. In practice, that means you can sketch a whole page, or write a long letter, without constantly returning to the inkpot. Furthermore, filling is simple: you draw ink into the back of the pen with the pipette until it reaches the fifth visible bead, and capillary action does the rest. If the flow stalls, a gentle blow from the back end over scrap paper usually gets it going.

The variable line

The B1 has a bevelled, chisel-style nib. Consequently, the line width shifts naturally as you change the angle of your hand, from a fine hairline up to a broad stroke of around 0.4mm to 2mm. That flexibility is exactly what makes it such a versatile first glass pen. You can therefore switch from delicate text to expressive marks without picking up a different tool.

B1 versus F3: which should you choose?

Requin Renard make two reservoir pens, so it is worth knowing the difference. The B1 is the all-rounder, thanks to that bevelled nib and its variable line. The F3, by contrast, is built for precision, with a fine nib that holds a tight line of around 0.25mm to 0.35mm. Therefore, if you mainly do detailed, fine-line work, the F3 (around £56) suits better. For everything else, and certainly for a first Requin Renard glass pen, the B1 is the natural pick. There is also a higher-end VAR model at the top of the range if you want something more sculptural.

What is in the box?

Each B1 arrives with everything you need to get started. You get the pen itself, a filling pipette, a silicone cap, a user guide and a rigid travel case to protect it between uses. The case matters more than it sounds, because this is glass. It is borosilicate glass, mind you, the same tougher material used in lab equipment, so it handles everyday use well. Even so, you will want to keep it clear of drops and avoid leaning hard on the nib.

Which inks work?

Ink choice genuinely affects how well the pen performs, so do read this bit. Fluid, water-based inks are the sweet spot: watercolour inks, fine calligraphy inks and certain runny India inks all flow nicely. However, you should avoid metallic, acrylic, glitter and gel inks, plus anything with a thick binder, because these clog the reservoir. In short, the thinner and cleaner the ink, the happier the pen. Helpfully, Requin Renard also publish a full list of tested compatible inks on their site.

Cleaning and care

Maintenance is quick once you have done it a couple of times. After use, first rinse the nib under clean water, and then fill the pen with water from the back end. Next, turn the nib upward and shake to flush out the diluted ink. Repeat until the water runs clear, and reach for warm water if an ink is being stubborn. Finally, pop it back in its case.

The optional pen stand

Requin Renard also sell a glass pen stand (around £52). It is designed for short breaks, since it keeps the nib moist and protects your desk from drips. For longer pauses of 20 to 30 minutes, though, the ink can drain into the rest, so you will need to clean or refill afterwards. It is a nice-to-have rather than essential, yet it does tidy up your workflow if you are at the desk for hours.

Who is the Requin Renard glass pen for?

Honestly, this is a treat of a tool rather than a budget buy. It suits illustrators, calligraphers, journallers and anyone who enjoys the ritual of writing by hand. Equally, it makes a brilliant gift for a creative friend, especially since it feels considered and is genuinely made by a person rather than a machine. If you are shopping for makers, our gift guide for artists and creatives has more in this vein.

A note for UK buyers on import costs

Here is the honest practical bit. Requin Renard ship from France, so since Brexit, UK orders can attract import VAT and a courier handling fee on delivery. That can add a fair chunk to the headline price, so do factor it in before you check out. The prices above are converted from euros and will shift with the exchange rate, so always check the live total at the basket.

Buy the Requin Renard glass pen B1

Ready to pick one up? You can order the B1 directly from the maker, and you can add the stand at the same time if you want it.

Buy the Requin Renard B1 from £42

FAQs

Is the Requin Renard glass pen worth it?

If you write or draw by hand often, then yes. The reservoir genuinely cuts out the constant re-dipping of a normal glass pen, and the hand-made quality really shows. It is a considered purchase rather than an impulse one, but it earns its keep.

How much does the Requin Renard glass pen B1 cost?

The B1 is €48, which is roughly £42 at current rates. A pen-and-stand option costs more, and the stand on its own is around £52. UK buyers should also budget for possible import charges on delivery.

What is the difference between the B1 and F3?

The B1 has a bevelled nib with a variable line of around 0.4mm to 2mm, so it is the versatile all-rounder. The F3 has a fine nib for precise, detailed work at around 0.25mm to 0.35mm. For a first pen, choose the B1.

What ink should I use?

Stick to fluid, water-based inks such as watercolour or fine calligraphy inks. By contrast, avoid metallic, acrylic, glitter, gel or thick-bodied inks, because they clog the reservoir.

How long does delivery take?

Each pen is made to order, so allow roughly one to two weeks for production before it ships from Marseille.

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