LAMY Safari: A Comprehensive Guide

The LAMY Safari is a minimalist favorite in the world of writing instruments. Since its launch in the eighties, the LAMY Safari has expanded from fountain pens to include other writing instruments, like rollerballs, ballpoints, and mechanical pencils. LAMY didn’t stop there: a pen made of aluminum known as the AL-Star soon joined the family, followed by the Vista and Lx. In this guide, we’ll discuss the unique features of the Safari and its extended family.

Table of Contents

What’s the Difference Between the LAMY Safari & AL-Star?

LAMY Safari, Vista, AL-Star, and Lx Fountain Pens

From left to right: LAMY Safari, LAMY Vista, LAMY AL-Star, and LAMY Lx.

Following the massive popularity of the Safari, LAMY made the Vista, AL-Star, and Lx. They share the same design as their older brother, and we’ll refer to these pens collectively as the Safari throughout this guide. But if the pens look the same, what’s the difference between them?

Here’s a handy guide to the unique features of the Safari, Vista, AL-Star, and Lx:

LAMY Safari

The original pen, made from ABS plastic
Comes in limited edition colors
Available as a fountain pen, rollerball pen, ballpoint pen, and mechanical pencil

LAMY Vista

Made from clear ABS plastic
Available as a fountain pen, rollerball pen, ballpoint pen, and mechanical pencil

LAMY AL-Star

Made from anodized aluminum
Comes in limited edition colors
Available as a fountain pen, rollerball pen, and mechanical pencil

LAMY Lx

Made from anodized aluminum
Precious metal plating on clip and finial
Laser-engraved and PVD-coated nib
Includes luxurious tube-shaped package that matches the pen’s color
Comes in limited edition colors
Available as a fountain pen and rollerball pen

LAMY Safari Features

LAMY’s product design is guided by the Bauhaus principle in which form follows function. The LAMY Safari’s designers applied this philosophy to develop a fountain pen that was both utilitarian and appealing to all ages. Since many European schools use fountain pens to teach beginner writers, it was important to create a pen that could stand up to everyday use. To that end, the LAMY Safari is made using sturdy materials and has thoughtful features for a durable and ergonomic pen.

Durable Body

ABS Plastic Body

LAMY Safari and Vista pens are made from plastic, but they definitely don’t feel fragile. They’re made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS¹), a plastic that has superb impact resistance. It’s found in products such as protective housings and packaging materials. You may have also encountered ABS plastic in everyday products such as LEGO™ products and computer keyboards.

Anodized Aluminum Body

LAMY AL-Star and Lx pens are made from aluminum, a sturdy yet relatively lightweight material. The metal is strengthened through a process called anodization, which improves the natural protective layer of hard aluminum oxide. Anodizing also applies a rich color finish that won’t chip or flake like paint.

Chiseled Grip

The LAMY Safari has a triangular grip to encourage an ergonomic hold. The recessed grooves guide your thumb, index finger, and middle finger into a tripod position. There are slight grip variations between different LAMY Safari pens. The fountain pen has the most obvious indentations compared to the rollerball, ballpoint, and mechanical pencil. This is because the fountain pen nib needs to be at a specific angle as you write. Tip orientation matters less for pencils and other pens, allowing you to rotate the tip as you please.

Cap with Wire Clip

Cap with Shiny Clip

The cap’s sleek, wire clip is inarguably the most recognizable feature of the LAMY Safari. The large, wide clip is sturdy and attaches securely to pockets and notebooks. The rollerball and fountain pens have caps to prevent them from drying out. The ballpoint and mechanical pencil use a retraction mechanism, but they still include the iconic clip.

LAMY Safari Fountain Pens

Pen Features

LAMY Safari Fountain Pen Features

The LAMY Safari fountain pen is an excellent choice for a beginner writer thanks to its sturdy construction. When the cap is posted, the pen feels balanced and easy to control. Like other fountain pens, you don’t need to press too hard on the nib to enjoy the Safari’s smooth ink flow. The broad and medium nibs are on the juicier side, while the finer nibs have a slight amount of feedback. The pen comes in four different nib sizes: extra fine, fine, medium, and broad. The Safari and AL-Star are also available with a left-handed nib, which is ground with a slightly oblique tip that is suitable for the hand position left-handed writers use.

The nibs can be easily switched out to fit any occasion. From tiny notes to bold calligraphy, a Safari can do it all. Read our guide to learn how you can swap nibs on LAMY Safari fountain pens easily.

Another useful feature on the fountain pen is the ink window on the barrel. It lets you know how much ink you have left in your cartridge or converter.

Note that some LAMY Safari fountain pens may come with ink residue on the nib from being dip-tested at the LAMY factory. As with all fountain pens, we recommend cleaning your LAMY Safari before using it.

Lineup

From left to right: LAMY Lx, LAMY AL-Star, LAMY Vista, and LAMY Safari.

The LAMY Safari, Vista, AL-Star, and Lx are all available as fountain pens. See the table below for all fountain pen body colors.

Ink and Refills

LAMY Safari Fountain Pen Writing Sample

LAMY Safari fountain pens come with one blue T10 cartridge. The cartridge comes in the barrel of the pen, and a cardboard ring placed over the grip’s threads prevents it from being accidentally punctured.

You can get additional cartridges when the included cartridge runs out. You can also purchase a LAMY Z28 piston converter to refill the pen with the bottled ink of your choice. Learn how to use a fountain pen converter by reading our guide.

LAMY releases special inks to accompany some limited edition pens. Below, we’ll show you how to install an ink cartridge.

How to Install a LAMY Ink Cartridge

Insert the converter into the grip section.

1. Remove the cardboard ring from the pen's barrel. Insert the cartridge into the pen’s grip section. There’s no need to push the cartridge down completely.

2. Twist the barrel back onto the grip section. Attaching the barrel automatically punctures the ink cartridge.

Leave the pen standing up to saturate the nib.

3. Set the pen aside with the nib pointing down. It may take up to an hour for the ink to reach the feed.

Body Colors

LAMY Safari
Nib Size	Color
Extra Fine	Charcoal, Shiny Black, Pink, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, White
Fine	Charcoal, Shiny Black, Pink, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, White
Medium	Charcoal, Shiny Black, Pink, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, White
Left-Handed	Charcoal, Shiny Black, Pink, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, White
Broad	Charcoal, Shiny Black, Pink, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, White
LAMY Vista
Nib Size	Color
Extra Fine	Clear
Fine	Clear
Medium	Clear
Left-Handed	Clear
Broad	Clear
LAMY AL-Star
Nib Size	Color
Extra Fine	Black, Blue Green, Ocean Blue, Turmaline, Purple, Graphite
Fine	Black, Blue Green, Ocean Blue, Turmaline, Purple, Graphite
Medium	Black, Blue Green, Ocean Blue, Turmaline, Purple, Graphite
Left-Handed	Black, Blue Green, Ocean Blue, Turmaline, Purple, Graphite
Broad	Black, Blue Green, Ocean Blue, Turmaline, Purple, Graphite
LAMY Lx
Nib Size	Color
Extra Fine	Ruthenium, Rose Gold, Palladium, Marron
Fine	Ruthenium, Rose Gold, Palladium, Marron
Medium	Ruthenium, Rose Gold, Palladium, Marron
Broad	Ruthenium, Rose Gold, Palladium, Marron

LAMY Safari Rollerball Pens

Pen Features

LAMY Safari Rollerball Pen Features

If fountain pens aren't for you, consider the LAMY Safari rollerball pen. Rollerballs might not seem as exciting, but they require less maintenance and are easier to use. The LAMY Safari rollerball uses a ballpoint writing mechanism with smooth gel ink. It dries quickly, writes smoothly, and is easy to refill. The rollerball comes in many of the same colors as the fountain pen.

Externally, the LAMY Safari rollerball looks quite similar to its fountain pen sibling, though there are a few small differences.

For example, the finial on top of the cap has a simple line rather than a cross. The rollerball also does not have an ink viewing window.

The included refill has a medium tip that writes fairly smoothly. It may skip slightly at first; you can prime the refill by scribbling on a piece of scratch paper until the ink flow is consistent. The ink dries quickly, so it's suitable for fast writing in the classroom or workplace.

Lineup

From left to right: LAMY AL-Star, LAMY Lx, LAMY Vista, and LAMY Safari.

The LAMY Safari, Vista, AL-Star, and Lx are all available as rollerball pens. See the table below for all rollerball pen body colors.

Ink and Refills

LAMY Safari Rollerball Pen Writing Sample

LAMY Safari rollerballs come with a black M63 refill. The M63 refills include colors like black, blue, green, and red.

How to Replace Rollerball Refills

1. Begin by removing the grip from the pen barrel.

2. Place the refill inside the grip of the pen.

3. Twist the grip back on the pen barrel.

Body Colors

LAMY Safari
Tip Size	Color
Medium	Charcoal, Shiny Black, Pink, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, White
LAMY Vista
Tip Size	Color
Medium	Clear
LAMY AL-Star
Nib Size	Color
Medium	Black, Blue Green, Ocean Blue, Purple, Graphite
LAMY Lx
Nib Size	Color
Medium	Ruthenium, Rose Gold, Palladium, Marron

LAMY Safari Ballpoint Pens

Pen Features

LAMY Safari Ballpoint Pen Features

Another excellent addition to the Safari lineup is the LAMY Safari ballpoint. This convenient pen lets you deploy the tip at the click of a button. The ballpoint ink dries quickly and writes well on surfaces that a liquid ink may struggle with.

The LAMY Safari ballpoint was thoughtfully designed to share a design aesthetic with its Safari siblings, while also having its own unique features. The pen swaps out the cap for a retractable mechanism that makes it easy to write at a moment's notice. Like the rollerball pen, the ballpoint has a molded grip section that is less pronounced while still providing guidance for an ergonomic grip.

The pen comes with a smooth-writing ballpoint refill. The ink isn't particularly vivid or dark, but we find it suitable for everyday use. Plus, a ballpoint will write on surfaces like receipt paper, so it's especially handy to keep with you in a purse or bag.

Lineup

From left to right: LAMY AL-Star, LAMY Vista, and LAMY Safari.

The LAMY Safari, AL-Star, and Vista are available as ballpoint pens. See the table below for all ballpoint pen body colors.

Ink and Refills

LAMY Safari Ballpoint Pen Writing Sample

LAMY Safari Ballpoints come with a black M16 ballpoint refill, but you can get a blue refill separately.

How to Replace Ballpoint Refills

1. Remove the nose cone from the barrel.

2. Place the refill inside the barrel of the pen.

Twist the nose cone back on the pen barrel.

3. Make sure the refill is firmly seated in the pen before screwing on the nose cone.

Body Colors

LAMY Safari
Tip Size	Color
Medium	Charcoal, Shiny Black, Pink, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, White
LAMY AL-Star
Tip Size	Color
Medium	Black, Ocean Blue, Turmaline, Purple, Graphite
LAMY Vista
Tip Size	Color
Medium	Clear

LAMY Safari Mechanical Pencils

Pencil Features

LAMY Safari Mechanical Pencils Features

The LAMY Safari mechanical pencil is an efficient and comfortable pencil that is great for art studios, offices, and classrooms. The included pencil lead is smooth and lays down dark lines. An eraser is included on the other side of the pencil, beneath a protective cap. A cleaning rod is located under the eraser holder. To clear a lead jam, remove the cleaning rod from the pencil. Push down on the advancement button, and insert the rod into the tip to clear the jam.

Lineup

From left to right: LAMY AL-Star, LAMY Vista, LAMY Safari.

The LAMY AL-Star, Vista, and Safari are available as mechanical pencils. See the table below for all mechanical pencil body colors.

Refills

LAMY Safari Mechanical Pencil Writing Sample

The LAMY Safari mechanical pencil is pre-filled with LM41 0.5 mm HB lead, which comes in a pack of twelve pieces. Some people find that this lead produces more feedback than other leads. If you prefer a different writing experience, the LAMY Safari mechanical pencil can use any 0.5 mm lead.

The included eraser can be replaced with the LZ18 eraser refill. While it erases cleanly, it's also fairly small. We recommend having a separate eraser if you erase frequently or need to erase large sections.

How to Refill the LAMY Mechanical Pencil with Lead

1. Remove the eraser refill under the eraser cap completely.

2. Insert one stick of lead into the pencil barrel.

Put the eraser refill back on. Click to advance the lead.

3. Put the eraser refill and cap back on. Click to advance the lead.

Body Colors

LAMY Safari
Tip Size	Color
Medium	Charcoal, Shiny Black, Pink, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, White
LAMY Vista
Tip Size	Color
Medium	Clear
LAMY AL-Star
Tip Size	Color
Medium	Black, Graphite

Special Editions

LAMY regularly releases limited edition colors for the Safari, AL-Star, and Lx. The unique colors are popular among color enthusiasts and LAMY collectors alike. You can view past colors in the tables below.

LAMY Safari Special Editions

Color	Ballpoint Pen	Calligraphy Pen	Fountain Pen	Rollerball Pen	Mechanical Pencil	Fountain Pen Ink
2008 - Lime Green
2009 - Orange
2010 - Pink*
2011 - Aquamarine
2012 - Apple Green
2013 - Neon Yellow
2014 - Neon Coral
2015 - Neon Lime
2016 - Dark Lilac
2017 - Petrol
2018 - All Black
2019 - Blue Macaron
2019 - Mint Glaze
2019 - Powder Rose
2019 - USA Independence
2020 - Candy Aquamarine
2020 - Candy Mango
2020 Candy Violet
2021 - Savannah Green
2021 - Terra Red
2021 - White with Red Clip
2022 - Cream
2022 - Strawberry
2022 - Blue with Red Clip
2022 - White with Black Clip
2023 - Aqua Sky
2023 - Light Rose
2023 - Spring Green
2024 - Pink Cliff
2024 - Violet Blackberry

*LAMY Safari colors marked with asterisks have become part of the regular Safari lineup.

LAMY AL-Star Special Editions

Color	Ballpoint Pen	Calligraphy Pen	Fountain Pen	Rollerball Pen	Mechanical Pencil	Fountain Pen Ink
2007 - Ocean Blue*
2008 - Raspberry Red
2009 - Purple*
2010 - Coffee Brown
2011 - Ruby Red
2013 - Pearl
2013 - Black*
2014 - Blue Green*
2015 - Copper Orange
2016 - Charged Green
2017 - Pacific
2018 - Vibrant Pink*
2020 - Turmaline*
2021 - Azure
2021 - Cosmic
2022 - Whitesilver
2023 - Lilac
2023 - Petrol
2024 - Aquatic
2024 - Fiery

*LAMY AL-Star colors marked with asterisks have become part of the regular Safari lineup.

LAMY Lx Special Editions

Color	Ballpoint Pen	Calligraphy Pen	Fountain Pen	Rollerball Pen	Mechanical Pencil	Fountain Pen Ink
2019 - Marron*

*LAMY Lx colors marked with asterisks have become part of the regular Safari lineup.

More Resources

Conclusion

LAMY Safari writing instruments are beloved for their effective and unembellished design. If you’re seeking a comfortable pen that will last, the LAMY Safari is a strong contender. Do you have a favorite LAMY Safari? Let us know in the comments below!

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LAMY Safari
Product		Nib/Tip Size	Colors	Add to Cart
	Fountain Pen	Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Left-Handed, Broad	Charcoal, Shiny Black, Pink, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, White	Add Items to Cart
	Rollerball Pen	Medium	Charcoal, Shiny Black, Pink, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, White	Add Items to Cart
	Ballpoint Pen	Medium	Charcoal, Shiny Black, Pink, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, White	Add Items to Cart
	Mechanical Pencil	0.5 mm	Charcoal, Shiny Black, Red, Yellow, Blue, White	Add Items to Cart
LAMY Vista
Product		Nib/Tip Size	Colors	Add to Cart
	Fountain Pen	Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad	Clear	Add Items to Cart
	Rollerball Pen	Medium	Clear	Add to Cart
	Ballpoint Pen	Medium	Clear	Add to Cart
	Mechanical Pencil	Medium	Clear	Add to Cart
LAMY AL-Star
Product		Nib/Tip Size	Colors	Add to Cart
	Fountain Pen	Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Left-Handed, Broad	Black, Blue Green, Ocean Blue, Turmaline, Purple, Graphite	Add Items to Cart
	Rollerball Pen	Medium	Black, Blue Green, Ocean Blue, Purple, Graphite	Add Items to Cart
	Ballpoint Pen	Medium	Black, Ocean Blue, Turmaline, Purple, Graphite	Add Items to Cart
	Mechanical Pencil	0.5 mm	Black, Graphite	Add Items to Cart
LAMY Lx
Product		Nib/Tip Size	Colors	Add to Cart
	Fountain Pen	Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad	Ruthenium, Rose Gold, Palladium, Marron	Add Items to Cart
	Rollerball Pen	Medium	Ruthenium, Rose Gold, Palladium, Marron	Add Items to Cart