Just a super cool pen shop that's been around for the past century. I feel like that should cover it, but I guess I'll elaborate a tad by stating it truly has amongst the best selections of pens in a brick and mortar shop I've ever experienced. Whether one is a dabbler, enthusiast, newbie, collector, or heavy duty daily driver, they have all your bases covered. Inside the layout was organized displaying their expansive selection incredibly well. The pricing of the pens was reasonable for what they were with both affordable and ultra-exclusive luxury options, and everything in between. The staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend for anybody who still uses a pen or even those who simply wish to gift one to someone they know who does and will absolutely be returning, though I'll have to exercise some restraint due to how tempting I know it'll be to get something new. read more

I walked quite a bit to get to this business, only to find the windows papered over, the sign gone, and absolutely no indication that this business ever existed. When I got back to my hotel later that night I had to do some research to find out that: -the business is not closed, but under a rebuild in the Willard Hotel -the "online sales" website will take you to shop for Retro51 pens only I hope to someday come back to town once the store is rebuilt to experience. read more

This is a nice little shop that has a wonderful selection of high-end pens of all varieties and prices. Nice atmosphere and helpful staff. We'll be returning. read more

Really nice service in here today--they spent a ton of time with me helping me pick out a gift for my wife. Nice folks and a nice range of price points in this shop. read more

Great pens, advice, and responsive staff. Competitive pricing. Timely delivery. Overall great service and great value for the money. They have a great variety of writing instrument. Highly recommend them. read more

I've never been in town to visit Fahrney's Brick and Mortar business,, but I have been an online customer who has also received their emails over the years. I was actually receiving mailed paper catalogs until a few years ago, which I enjoyed leafing through the latest ballpoint (mostly) models. And they may still be available? The pens I've purchased were as a direct result of something that caught my eye in their catalog. Fahrney's offers a nice selection of pens, pencils, and accessories, that I've found to be competitively priced, including shipping. read more

For decades I have done business with Fahrneys! On-line! In the building! NEVER disappointed.

I had read in the Washington Post about this store just the day before I needed to buy a refill for a pen I had picked up in Switzerland. Not the easiest thing to find locally. Figured I'd give it a shot. First, the Harry Potter-esque sign ia amazing. Not many places will spring for a creative sign like this anymore. Go ahead, take a picture. Just make sure you share it so that people will learn aboutbthia store. Second, they had the refills for my Swiss pen, plus in multiple colors and point sizes. Half the cheapest price I'd seen on Amazon too. The added bonus of supporting a brick and mortar 100 year old business was perfect. I ended up buying a refill for my Fisher Space pen also since they carry those also. The store is filled with high end brands such as Mont Blanc, along with more everyday brands like Cross. If you need a fountain pen, this is the place to get one. The owners were super helpful and happily answered all my questions whilst I was browsing. They also have a small selection of stationery items. They do repairs on pens. I assume that's more for the high end and antique pens. See the memorial for their long-time "Pen Doctor" who died during the Covid pandemic. So glad I just happened to read the article about this place, now I have a new local business I can support. Check them out if you have a chance. read more

Fahrney's Pens - Everyone takes a picture of the Harry Potter-esque storefront. You should too because it's fantastic. - Leather Goods Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Any family-owned local store that's been around since 1929 is worth a visit. With a grand entrance of a giant fountain pen over the door, Fahrney's Pens sells all types of fountain pens from Winnie the Pooh ones to novelty fountain pens worth thousands of dollars. They also sell stationary and other items. On its walls are historic documents and signatures and old fountain pen advertisements throughout the decades. They even have a fountain pen repair station in the back. On a mission to preserve the art of handwriting, the store's staff are friendly. read more

Purchased a Montblanc 162 Meisterstuck Orgin Duane Blue Rollerball pen last year from Fahrneys and I called a week ago to confirm the kind of refill needed as it is wider and longer than the traditional rollerball refills. I received the refills yesterday and they were not the correct on. No problem. So I call this AM and was treated by a nasty and rude employee who kept saying "Listen, Listen to me" like I am some fool. I have been purchasing MontBlanc pens for over 20 years and don't need to be spoken to in such a rude and unprofessional manner. read more

Upon entering. Your greeted and everything. They had sanitizer available at the front door which is a plus. The AC was on so ventilation was very good in terms of cool & fresh air circulation. They had a very good selection of pens. Everything was nicely organized by brands. The display cases were very clean and spotless. The employees are very very friendly and helpful. After walking in I was immediately helped and she was very friendly. Despite me asking a ton of questions and prices on various pens throughout the store. She was always calm and professional. She definitely knew about pens so if felt like a awesome experience. Pricing was very reasonable and comparable to online prices so that was definitely a plus. The overall store was very clean and highly organized. The general crowd is mainly adults middle & high class. The noise level was normal for a high end store. Quiet really. Parking isn't bad. It is however metered so it's usually around 2.75/hr on that block. There's also a district taco right next door. Overall A++++, Not really any downfalls. Customer for Life. read more

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A must visit for any pen, ink or paper enthusiast. Nice to see a brick and mortar store for pens still in existence in addition to their robust online presence. read more

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I received a cross pen without an ink converter. I tried to order that particular converter at my regular vendors but no one had it. Amazon wanted a ridiculous amount for it. I googled and Fahrney's came up. The converter came in a week. Service was great. Price was fair. read more

Great pen shop with a wide array of products. My only complaint is that they aren't open on the weekends. I highly recommend this shop, and make sure to check the sale table. I found some great deals. read more

Back in June, I purchased a Pineider Avatar UR Matte Fountain Pen. In the course of light use around my house, the plug at the end of the barrel fell out and was lost. Had it turned up, I would have fixed it. It didn't, so I asked Fahrney's to supply either a replacement plug or a replacement barrel. They told me that they didn't stock parts, and that I should contact the distributor, Yafa. Yafa said they would contact Fahrney's to see what the next step was, but they never called back. So I called Pineider, who said they would speak to Yafa and they never called back. Again I turned to Fahrney's, who had sold me the pen, and asked for their help in sorting things out. It seemed a small bit of customer service to ask for. They didn't bother to write back. Dreadful customer service. I would not buy a pen from them again. read more

Service was excellent! Informed of delay of new arrival Mont Blanc merchandise because of shipping delays overseas. Extensive selection of pens including their flagship brand of Mont Blanc & Filofax. In addition to pens, extensive selection of stationery as well. Worthy place to check out if you're into writing instruments (pens). read more

Amazing! A must stop for anyone who enjoys the art of writing. Whether you're just getting into it or a seasoned veteran, definitely check this place out. The employees were very nice and helpful, ready to guide you and/or answer any questions. I felt like a kid in a candy store. So happy with my purchase and will be back every time I'm in D.C. read more

I really wanted to like this place! I've purchased dozens of Waterman pens over the years, spending well, well over a thousand dollars, but all of that business went to Joon Pens in New York. I did not even know that Fahrney's was here! Anyway, Joon Pens is now out of business, and I really did want to like Fahrney's, my local dealer. But, I can't. I just can't. I wanted to order refills for one of my pens. I realized that, of course, their price was going to be a little higher than that of their competitors. But, I do firmly believe in supporting local businesses. So, off I went. And there I found them. $10.00 for a package of eight. (Compared to online sources as low as $7.15 for the same package.) Also, interestingly enough, they offered two tiers of discount. When purchasing 1-11 packages, the price dropped to $8.60. Nice! And when purchasing 12 or more, it dropped even further to $6.88. Well, that's a nice price, but I certainly didn't need 96 cartridges, so I just ordered 3 packages. But, my invoice was for $10.00 each. No discount. Oops. Wrote to them, hoping to get this minor kerfuffle straightened out. Nope. They're not budging. So, my path is clear. You don't get any of my business, Fahrney's, if you advertise one price, but charge another. None of my business. None. read more

Purchased some pen refills from the company a year ago. Kept in a temp controlled office. Pen runs out, I go to replace them and both of the cartridges don't work. I write to see if there's something we can do, maybe fee shipping or something we can figure out that's fair. They then asked if I knew how to replace a pan cartridge? lol Then: "It looks like you ordered the refills last year. It is time to replace them. Thank you." Look for an email like that when they send you a product that doesn't work. Bic Pens have ink that last years and they sell premium cartridges that don't work even once. read more

My favorite stop to shop in DC. Even if I'm not buying pens, always get good tips caring for pens, ball points & fountains. Usually service is nice, helpful once engaged. I think they get lots of "whistling go-fers" & tourists afraid to ask questions or for help. Especially on wkends. Really, ask questions. Ask to try pens. Especially the fountains. (But be reasonable) These pros can load/ unload fountains so fast, it's amazing. (I need more practice!) They occasionally have sales & close outs on a table near the back. Never tried to park, always walked to store. read more

Fahrney's Pens - Leather Goods Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

They disavow any claim to actually have the items listed on their website. When you buy from them, they will accept your order, then try to go find the item cheaper elsewhere and resell it to you. In the event they are unable, they will tell you "too bad" and cancel your order. Moreover, they will not contact you to let you know your order was cancelled. Super shady. I purchased a watch for my father's birthday. A week later, it had not arrived so I called to inquire. They claimed to have run out as "someone bought the last one a minute before me." Dubious. The item remained active on their website 3 full days after I completed my order. In addition to not calling me to inform me they cancelled my order, it turns out Fahnrey's is not even an authorized retailer for the watch they were selling (the folks at Hamilton said they have not been an authorized retailer since 2020). And if you do call -- prepare to be insulted. After expressing my frustration that 7 days have passed and I still do not have my money back, I was told that I "do not understand what a business day is". Well I do understand this: I will never be doing business with Fahrney's again, any day of the week. My recommendation: even if Fahrney's has a lower price than a competitor, go with the competitor. At least they actually have the items they claim to have." read more

Not especially easy to find sandwiched between many office buildings. Walked buy and missed it at apx 554pm when I called and some pompous clown rather than say he was looking forward to helping me, announced "be advised we are closed." Be advised I will travel to NY before doing business with these people. If you enjoy haughty sales clerks, do visit them. read more

I just ordered a very high-end pen/pencil pair through Fahrney's and the service was really exceptional! They are a wonderful business to deal with. I have been buying from them for nearly a decade and I find them to be very knowledgeable and super-interactive with their clients. I will be back! read more

Truly abysmal customer service. I walked in on a rainy day looking to start a pen collection and wanted some information and a pleasant experience to get me excited. First, zero eye contact and no welcome at all. After I walked to the end of the store and nearly back to the front some said "what are you looking for"? Not, hello, not welcome, not may I help you find a pen...awful. Second, after showing me a few pens the sales rep walked away and didn't say where he was going or why he was. So I was left holding 3-4 pens with no real answers and uncertain of what to do next. I ended up buying two pens and there was no thank you...no confidence in my purchase and absolutely no desire to come back. When you are spending a fair amount of coin on a pen you want some validation or clarity with the purchase. The only reason this place is open is because I can't think of another place that sells designer pens in the city. Completely indifferent customer service and an aloof staff. read more

I've tried and tried to like this place because it's the only place in DC for pens and ink, but the staff and service aren't getting better, and the last few visits left me feeling just eh. Oftentimes I'm there to pick up a mid-priced roller ball to give as a gift. Whenever I'm in the shop, I like to browse and look for inks for the fountain pens that I use daily, and check out what's new. Maybe the staff can tell that I'm not going to drop hundreds of dollars on a new MB and that's why they generally ignore me. I've tried engaging them with a friendly question or greeting, and the best I've ever gotten was an abrupt answer. I have always believed in supporting local businesses, but the relationship has to work both ways. I've given Fahrney's a few chances to prove me wrong, and each successive trip has gradually convinced me that I'll get better service (and prices) from Amazon Prime and the online pen shops. read more

I came here after work today (left work early specifically to get to the store due to their hours). I grew up with Fountain pens in Germany and wrote with them every single day and received another one for my undergraduate graduation which is significantly fancier and today I was hoping to find a new daily fountain pen. Surprisingly, you can't actually try any of the fountain pens... so I don't know why you would bother going into a store instead of just reading reviews online and buying one blindly since the customer service here basically leaves you with the same amount of information. I was ready to spend $250 on a nice pen if it felt right to write and was happy to support a local shop so fairly disappointed that the service didn't even support me spending money. I will try one more store in the area, otherwise I will buy a pen next time I visit Germany. read more

Contrary to what my instinct told me, the staff were not a bunch of elitists looking down their noses at pen plebians who just wanted to have some questions answered. I have been here three times now and each time, the staff was knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful. There's a good mix of the high and low, from gorgeous Montblancs with gold-plated nibs to disposable Pilot fountain pens ($3.60). They also have a rainbow of inks, including highlighter yellow. The Parker selection was a little sparse, though, with their cheapest model priced at ~$50. Which is how I walked out with their most expensive Parker model. Ummm... perhaps that speaks mostly to my own folly, but if you want personal service that will convince you that you're the most important person in the world who deserves an unspeakably bad-ass pen, don't hesitate to stop in. read more

Great selection and super-friendly service. Enjoyed the entire experience. Would recommend this great shop to anyone visiting or working in DC. read more

Roughly 3 weeks ago, my wife and I attended a special event at Fahrney's. My wife bought 4 pens plus some other stuff. The pen for me wasn't in the store. So they said they would ship it to me. They sent me the wrong pen, not once, but twice. About a week ago, I was finally able to speak with a customer service rep who, after insisting that I was wrong & they'd sent me the right pen, finally acknowledged the mix up. She promised to send me the correct pen and a return slip for the wrong ones. Since then, crickets. I'm confident that my wife will continue to shop there, but I wouldn't touch the place with a 10 foot pole. read more

Came to DC from Colorado for a conference and needed the nib on my Montblanc fixed up. They took good care of me. They worked on it right away, and when I couldn't get back to the shop to pick it up, they mailed it to me. The pen writes great now!!! Thanks for everything!! David read more

I want to support local stores when possible as I value having the option to walk in and see things in person. Sure, it's often easier to shop online, but I never find the ah-ha things online that I do purchase when browsing in person! This downtown shop has been around for a long time (80+ years) and has a wide selection of writing instruments. Most of the old guard that used to work here has retired, and the new folks don't have the same depth of knowledge about the full range of offerings. It's a fantastic place to buy a going away gift for a colleague, a graduation gift for family, a milestone gift for friends. It's also a great place to get pen refills, fine stationary, and paper-goods. The pen repair shop in the back has brought some of my oldest pens back to good working condition, which has been a nice benefit. read more

I actually tried to use this company again, this time their mail order, and received the following email, over three weeks after the "pre-order" was placed: "We apologize for any inconvenience you are caused. The Platinum Ltd Ed Kawaguchi Fountain Pen Dawn Blue Fine, item #XXXXXX is no longer available. Please let us know if there is another pen you are interested in. Thank you." Updated review: received a revised order with another version of the pen, thank you. read more

I can't believe as many times as I've come to DC that I did not know this fountain pen store was here! It's a nice shop with a good range of modern (mostly nailer) fountain pens. They had the limited edition Kaweco Art Sport pearl orange pen which looked gorgeous and was made of Italian celluloid instead of the usual plastic. They have a nice range of inks and paper goods that are, of course, fountain pen friendly. I was greeted upon entering & asked if I needed help. I took great pics of their mouth watering displays and enjoyed myself. They also have a fun giant fountain pen & asked if I'd like to take a photo with it! I did. It was fun. I bought a fountain pen, some Fahrneys Clockwork Orange ink, and a Stonit verdigris notebook, it's the notebook made from stone with silky smooth fp friendly pages. If you're new to fountain pens & a bit intimidated by price they have lamy's ($40ish) and pilots (under $16) and maybe others I didn't spot. read more

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Fahrney's has been a favorite place for years for their quality products, great prices, and deep commitment to customers. I recently bought a fountain pen at Fahrney's and had it shipped to my home from the manufacturer. It arrived with a flaw and Mr P at Fahrney's immediately engaged, no questions asked, to replace the pen. This time he received it and verified it as flawless. They are competitive on prices and their frequent specials are some of the best in the business. I always appreciated their service ethic, aiming to satisfy and educate customers in a most kind and thorough way. They are the best. Jim B read more

Visited the store on a recent business trip. I wasn't sure what to expect based on the prior reviews. To my pleasant surprise, my experience was completely different. I was greeted right away then left to look around. When I was ready, I was assisted by Elizabeth. She was great. I told her I was fairly new to fountain pens and was looking for something under $100. She recommended several pens and patiently let me try several in different nib sizes. Once I selected a pen, she also helped pick an ink color. I'll definitely be back for another purchase the next time I'm in DC and probably order via their website in between. read more

i bought 2 of the cuff link cases and was able to fit 33 pairs of cuff links in each of them. I need to buy another one.I first went to Fahrney's in 1950 when it was at the F Street entrance of the Willard Hotel. Opposite the entrance of Fahrney's was a store that repaired umbrellas. Have only seen that kind of a store in Japan. I have also bought a pair of buffalo/Indian head cuff links whose price was less than the NY Times gift store. Henry B. read more

I recently ordered a pen form Fahrney's as a gift to be sent directly to the recipient. I was told I could expect it to arrive in 5-7 business days. At the two week mark the pen still had not arrived so I contacted Fahrney's. The pen had not been sent. I was told that it would go out the next day but would not arrive for another 3-5 business days. No explanation, no apology, no offer of expedited shipping. The Fahrney's agent insisted that there was nothing that could be done but to ship it as soon as possible. I disagree with this statement. I pointed out that Fahrney's could review its procedures and practices in order to determine how this oversight occurred and take steps to keep it from happening again in the future. The agent told me that couldn't happen. When I asked to speak to a manager I was told that none were available but that I would be contacted. This hasn't happened. Fahrney's clearly has little regard for its responsibly to its customers and so should be avoided. read more

The gentlemen who work here were very sweet and helpful. I brought in 9 pens that I had inherited, from a range of brands. I brought them in to get cartridges to use them. The gentlemen helped me figure out which cartridges I needed, pick out the ink, and even cleaned my pens so the ink would flow easily. There's a large selection of pens. And a good selection of stationary. read more

After reading some of these reviews, I don't know if I would patronize this store. However, I have had personal experience with this company for over 35 years. I have purchased high end pens (over $1,000.) and low end pens and have had all stellar experiences. I was left a MontBlanc Diplomat pen, which I had coveted over the years, and sent it off to Fahrney's for refurbishing. It came back an almost new pen, with all the patina of a much loved instrument! I cannot praise them enough for the wonderful service I have had over the years! Thank you, Fahrney's for a lifetime of great writing experiences! read more

I was in Fahrney's Pens yesterday to ask them about three of my fountain pens. Not only were Mr. Tony and Mr. Chuck supremely helpful, but they went out of their way to help me learn more about the proper care for my pens, got two of them working again on the spot, and gave me a recommendation, resource, and address for a really old pen that needed special care. Thank you so much for taking time to help me! I'll definitely be back! read more