The Best Pens & Stationery for Left-Handers

Left-handers who are choosing pens and inks should look for inks that dry quickly and have smooth flow. Slow-drying inks will smudge as your hand moves across the page. Pens that write smoothly with little pressure help prevent fatigue. Fast dry times and smooth ink flow may seem contradictory, but some pens balance these competing demands remarkably well. Additionally, left-handers should look for pens that have ergonomic grips to prevent hand cramps. We tested all of our pens and inks for dry time on Apica CD Notebook paper—you may have different results depending on what paper you use.

The Best Ballpoint Pens for Left-Handers: Uni Jetstream Ballpoint Pens

The Uni Jetstream Ballpoint Pen uses a specially formulated low-viscosity ink.

The Uni Jetstream is every left-hander’s dream pen. Unlike stereotypical ballpoints, its specially formulated, low-viscosity ink writes very smoothly with little pressure. It also avoids the ink blots that some ballpoints leave behind, allowing it to dry quickly on most papers. It’s available in five tip sizes from 0.28 mm to 1.0 mm (though we should note that the larger tip sizes will take slightly longer to dry) across a variety of pen bodies. The ultra-comfortable Alpha Gel Grip is a standout option if you prefer a cushy grip. Learn more about the Jetstream in our comprehensive guide.

Also Consider: Uni Power Tank Ballpoint Pens

The Uni Power Tank Ballpoint Pen performs well in extreme conditions.

Left-handers who work outdoors, in hospitals, or in kitchens will appreciate the Uni Power Tank. Its pressurized ink refill is not quite as smooth or dark as the Jetstream, but it performs well on wet or greasy paper, in hot or cold conditions, and on vertical or sideways surfaces. It dries about as fast as the Jetstream and doesn’t smudge after three seconds.

The Best Gel Pens for Left-Handers: Zebra Sarasa Dry Gel Pens

The Zebra Sarasa Dry Gel Pen has ink that dries almost instantaneously.

Zebra Sarasa Dry Gel Pens have a truly astonishing dry time: the ink dries almost instantaneously! Even the broadest tip size—0.7 mm—dried completely within five seconds. The Sarasa Dry produces satisfyingly dark lines and writes very smoothly. Their grips are not specifically designed to be ergonomic, but they are composed of a pleasant-feeling rubber. Like other Sarasa pens, the Dry pens have binder clips that hold them in place more securely than typical clips.

Also Consider: Pentel EnerGel Gel Pens

Pentel EnerGel Gel Pens are available in a variety of colors, tip sizes, and body styles. The Clena has a charming pinstriped body.

The Pentel EnerGel has impressively smooth ink flow and a fast drying time. Although it is available in tip sizes as small as 0.3 mm, we recommend the 0.5 mm for the best balance of smoothness and dry time. The 0.5 mm tip created lines that dried completely within five seconds, wrote consistently, and didn’t feel scratchy. The thinner tip sizes dry within a single second, but we experienced more feedback in our tests. The EnerGel is available in a variety of colors. Learn more about the entire lineup in our comprehensive guide to the Pentel EnerGel.

The Best Rollerball Pens for Left-Handers: Pilot Multi Ball Rollerball Pens

The Pilot Multi Ball Rollerball Pen is an excellent multi-surface pen, but it works well on paper too.

Although it’s best known as a multi-surface pen, the Pilot Multi Ball also writes well on paper. Any writing we did was completely dry within three seconds. The grip section is coated with a thin layer of rubber for added comfort. Of course, we have to mention the Multi Ball’s exceptional ability to write on non-porous surfaces like glass, plastic, and metal. Because of its utility, this pen is a versatile addition at home, work, or even the lab.

Also Consider: Tombow Zoom 505 Rollerball Pens

The Tombow Zoom 505 Rollerball Pen uses an ink that takes time to dry, but we love the pen body’s ergonomics.

For an elegant writing instrument with smoother flow, try the Tombow Zoom 505. Its ink takes longer to dry than our other recommendations, but smudging will be limited if you use a hand position that keeps your palm from swiping across what you’ve just written. Its wider-than-average grip is comfortable to hold. The body is made from pleasantly weighty aluminum, but the pen remains well-balanced. Those who like the 505’s hefty and ergonomic body but want an ink that dries faster can consider the ballpoint pen, though we should note that the refills are not swappable.

The Best Ink Highlighters for Left-Handers: Uni Propus Window Q-Dry Highlighters

The Uni Propus Window Q-Dry Highlighter dries almost instantly.

The Uni Propus Window Q-Dry Highlighter lives up to its name. It’s specially formulated to dry quickly, and it is dry to the touch after five seconds. The double-sided highlighter has a bullet tip on one end for precise marks. On the other end, the chisel tip has a clear plastic window in the middle that lets you see exactly what you’re highlighting, a necessity for left-handed users whose clear view of their writing is blocked by the highlighter’s body.

Also Consider: Stabilo Boss Original Pastel Highlighters

Stabilo Boss Original Pastel Highlighters dry relatively quickly and have large ink capacities.

Stabilo Boss Original Pastel Highlighters are an excellent choice for students (or anyone who does a lot of highlighting) thanks to their comfortable bodies and large ink capacities. We will note that the highlighter puts down quite a bit of ink with every swipe. While the ink dries quickly, it also has more feathering and hints of bleedthrough. Additionally, we’ve found that the Standard highlighters take anywhere from 5 to 10 seconds longer to dry than their Pastel counterparts. If the Boss’ body is a little too bulky for your taste, consider the Stabilo Swing Cool. It uses the same ink but comes in a svelte body that also includes a clip.

The Best Fountain Pens for Left-Handers: LAMY Safari Left-Handed Fountain Pens

The LAMY Safari’s Left-Handed Nib has a slightly oblique tip designed for the angle used by many left-handed writers.

The LAMY Safari Fountain Pen is one of our favorite fountain pens to recommend to beginners. Drawing from the aesthetics of the Bauhaus movement, the Safari has a modern look that is as striking today as when it was first released in the 1980s. The pen is made from durable ABS plastic, and its grip section has an ergonomic, triangular shape. LAMY’s left-handed nib has a slightly oblique tip that is designed for the angle used by many left-handed writers. It produces a line width similar to that of LAMY’s medium nib. Learn more about the Safari (and other pens using the same body design) in our comprehensive guide.

Also Consider: Pelikan Pelikano Junior Left-Handed Fountain Pens

The Pelikan Pelikano Junior Left-Handed Fountain Pen was designed for children, but it’s comfortable for adults too.

Designed for children who are learning to write, the Pelikan Pelikano Junior provides a specially-designed ergonomic grip that guides fingers into their proper places. Its left-handed nib has a rounded tip that makes it easier to push the pen across the page without catching on the paper. Its colorful plastic body is comfortable for adults and kids alike. It can accommodate standard international cartridges or converters.

The Best Fountain Pen Inks for Left-Handed Writers: LAMY Blue Ink

LAMY Blue is fast-drying and well-behaved with limited feathering, showthrough, and bleedthrough.

LAMY Blue is a solid, fast-drying ink. It shows limited feathering and bleedthrough on most papers, and takes about fifteen seconds to dry when paired with the Safari’s left-handed nib. It’s drier than other inks too, so it can help tame a wet-flowing pen. As an added bonus, each bottle of ink comes with a roll of blotter paper that can be used to clean off the nib after filling the pen. LAMY’s black and blue black inks take slightly longer to dry, but they’re excellent additions to the collection if you find yourself in a situation where blue inks are too conspicuous. For more ink suggestions, check out our guide on The Best Fast-Drying Fountain Pen Inks.

Also Consider: J. Herbin Perle Noire Ink

J. Herbin Perle Noire balances dry time and performance.

As you might expect from the oldest ink manufacturer in the world, J. Herbin knows how to make an ink that balances dry time and performance. Perle Noire is well-behaved and dries quickly regardless of paper quality: it takes about twenty seconds for the ink to become smudge-free on high quality Rhodia paper and standard copy paper alike. Here at JetPens, we love Perle Noire so much that it’s the ink we use for the fountain pen writing samples on our website!

The Best Calligraphy Pens for Left-Handers: Speedball Left-Handed Pen Set

The Speedball Left-Handed Pen Set comes with italic and flexible dip pen nibs for left-handed calligraphers.

The Speedball Pen Set includes a straight nib holder and six nibs, five of which are specifically designed for left-handers. The italic nibs have a flat edge that is angled in the opposite direction from those on right-handed nibs. This helps left-handed calligraphers achieve the appropriate slant for Italic, Blackletter, and other edged calligraphy. The last nib in the set is the No. 513EF Globe. It’s not as flexible as other nibs made for pointed pen calligraphy, but it glides smoothly over the paper without snagging.

Find out what other nibs are compatible with the Speedball nib holder in our Beginner's Guide to Nibs and Nib Holders.

Also Consider: Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens

The Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen comes in hard and soft tips for calligraphers of every skill level.

The Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen is an excellent starter pen for anyone interested in brush calligraphy. When left-handed writers use typical bristle brush pens, they often struggle with splayed bristles that result from “pushing” the pen across the page. The Fudenosuke has a tip made from a single piece of elastomer that maintains its shape regardless of how you hold your pen. It comes in two tip types: Hard and Soft. The Hard tips are easy to control for beginners, and they can graduate to the Soft tips once they gain more experience using brush pens. The pigment-based ink dries quickly, which greatly reduces the chances of smudging your latest masterpiece.

If you’re interested in learning more about calligraphy, browse our guides on The Best Pointed Pen Calligraphy Supplies for Beginners and The Best Beginner Brush Pens for Lettering. A good rule of thumb for all beginners is to start with firm nibs and brush pens. We cover common calligraphy problems, including those left-handed calligraphers experience, in our Calligraphy Tips guide.

Though pencils can still smudge, they’re an excellent option for left-handed writers because of one key characteristic: you never have to wait for graphite to dry. If you have trouble with hand fatigue or cramping, look for pencils with ergonomic features. Pencils with a triangular shape can help left-handed writers hold them more comfortably and facilitate a tripod grip.

Lead grade is also an important consideration. Higher B grades are darker but tend to smudge more, while higher F grades resistant smearing yet leave fainter marks. Most writers are familiar with HB—also known in the United States as #2—and we recommend that lead grade for the best balance of smoothness and smudge resistance. However, for left-handers who want to expand their lead grade horizons, lead grades within the H to 2B range are practical for everyday use without being too pale or too smudgy.

The Best Mechanical Pencils for Left-Handers: Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencils

The Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil combines the squishy grip of the Alpha Gel with the lead rotation mechanism of the Kuru Toga.

The Uni Alpha Gel Kuru Toga is one of our favorite mechanical pencils, and it’s not hard to see why. It combines the irresistibly squishy grip of the Alpha Gel with the innovative lead rotation mechanism of the Kuru Toga. As you write, the pencil’s mechanism turns the lead, which allows the lead to wear down uniformly into a neat, conical tip. The soft, wide Alpha Gel grip relieves pressure on the fingers, making it an excellent match for left-handed writers.

Also Consider: Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencils

The Pilot Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencil has a soft inner layer and firm outer layer for moderate softness.

If the Alpha Gel’s cushy grip is a little too soft, your fingers might prefer the Pilot Dr. Grip. This mechanical pencil is designed for hands that can’t get comfortable with other pencils. The grip has a soft inner layer and firm outer layer for moderate softness, while the body is carefully weighted for optimal balance. Dr. Grip Mechanical Pencils come in a variety of body styles, including the handy Ace Shaker. Its fun mechanism extends the lead simply by shaking it up and down! Learn more about the entire Dr. Grip Series by reading our comprehensive guide.

The Best Wooden Pencils for Left-Handers: Uni Mitsubishi 9000 Pencils

The Uni Mitsubishi 9000 Pencil writes smoothly yet resists smudging.

Left-handed writers should look for two things in a wooden pencil: high smudge resistance and low feedback. The Uni Mitsubishi 9000 delivers all that and more. The lead barely smears and it writes with buttery smoothness. It comes in five soft lead grades from HB to 4B. Additionally, the Mitsubishi 9000 is a pleasure to sharpen: the wood casing practically falls away when sharpened with desktop or handheld sharpeners alike.

Also Consider: Staedtler Triplus Jumbo Pencil

The Staedtler Triplus Jumbo Pencil is larger than typical pencils, which is more comfortable and reduces cramps.

The oversized Staedtler Triplus Jumbo Pencil is designed with young learners in mind, but it’s suitable for adults who find typical pencils to be a little too slim. Its triangular shape gently guides your fingers into the proper tripod grip. Additionally, the pencil’s girth encourages your hand to hold it in a gentler grip, which is more comfortable and reduces cramps.

Because the Triplus Jumbo is larger than ordinary pencils, it won’t fit in standard sharpeners. You’ll need to use a specialty sharpener like the KUM Special Diameter Pencil Sharpener or Maped Metal Wedge Pencil Sharpener.

The Best Pencil Highlighters for Left-Handers: Kutsuwa Neonpitsu Knock Highlighter Pencils

The Kutsuwa Neonpitsu Knock Highlighter Pencil isn't as bright as a traditional liquid highlighter, but it will never smear.

The Kutsuwa Neonpitsu Knock Highlighter Pencil isn’t as bright as a traditional liquid highlighter, but it will never smear. It works especially well on low quality paper that is prone to bleedthrough. The pencil has a transparent barrel that lets you see exactly how much lead is left before it needs to be refilled. As an added bonus, the marks made with the Neonpitsu can be almost entirely erased. An eraser made for colored pencils, like the Seed Graph Eraser for Color, works best.

Also Consider: Kutsuwa HiLiNE Highlighter Pencils

The Kutsuwa HiLiNE Highlighter Pencil is a more precise alternative to the Neonpitsu Knock.

If the Neonpitsu broad lead isn’t precise enough for your use, consider the Kutsuwa HiLiNE Highlighter Pencil. Its tip can be sharpened with the included sharpener cap. We recommend sharpening the core to a dull point rather than a sharp point, as the highlighter pencil’s core is somewhat fragile and can break.

Left-handed writers looking for a more comfortable writing experience should avoid typical wirebound notebooks that can dig into their wrists. For example, top-bound notebooks keep the spirals out of the way. Lay-flat notebooks that are staplebound or thread-bound simply don’t have rings to contend with.

The Best Notebooks for Left-Handed Writers: Apica CD Notebooks

The Apica CD Notebook is known for its smooth paper and budget-friendly price.

Apica CD Notebooks are known for their smooth paper and budget-friendly prices. All of the notebooks are threadbound so there are no pesky rings to get in the way. Most writing instruments dried in under fifteen seconds on this paper with little showthrough and no bleedthrough. The notebooks are available in sizes from B5 to A7, which makes them suitable for everything from class notes to pocket carry.

Also Consider: Kokuyo Soft Ring Notebooks

Kokuyo Soft Ring Notebooks are ingeniously designed with bindings consisting of soft plastic rings.

The Kokuyo Soft Ring Notebook was ingeniously designed with a binding that consists of soft plastic rings. They flatten when you rest your hand on them so they don’t get in your way. Kokuyo Campus Soft Ring Notebooks have a budget-friendly price and friendly aesthetic similar to that of other Campus notebooks. The upgraded Sooofa Soft Ring Notebook has plastic covers, an elastic band, clear pocket, and even a notch in the pocket to hook a pen into. Both notebook types have micro-perforated pages that are easy to tear out.

The Best Pocket Notebooks for Left-Handed Writers: Field Notes Left-Handed Memo Books

Field Notes Left-Handed Memo Books are mirrored versions of typical Field Notes Memo Books.

These Left-Handed Memo Books might be a tongue-in-cheek creation from Field Notes, but they’re a useful addition to this pocket-friendly notebook line. Each notebook is mirrored, so the front cover is where the back would be on a standard notebook. Inks dry quickly on this paper, so you can close the notebook and tuck it away without worrying about ink transfer.

Also Consider: Maruman M.Memo Mini Notepads

Maruman M.Memo Mini Notepads are bound with rings at the top, which won't get in the way while you write.

Maruman M.Memo Mini Notepads are technically pocket memo pads rather than pocket notebooks. However, they’re the perfect size to slip into a pocket or backpack. Plus, because the notepads are bound with rings at the top, they won’t get in the way as you write. The M.Memo is straightforward and fuss-free with microperforated pages that tear out cleanly.

The Best Binders for Left-Handed Writers: King Jim Tefrenu Binders

The King Jim Tefrenu Binder uses just eight rings to secure hole-punched papers.

A typical B5 binder has 26 rings, but the King Jim Tefrenu cuts this down to just eight rings. This binder splits the rings into four at the top and four at the bottom, which leaves plenty of space in the middle. It’s useful for left-handed writers, who can jot down notes on the right side of the binder without running into the rings. Additionally, the rings are easy to open: just pinch the top and bottom ring of each four-ring group towards each other. The Tefrenu includes five plastic dividers, a pocket sheet with a flap closure, and ten sheets of lined paper.

Also Consider: Kokuyo Novita Alpha Binders

Kokuyo Novita Alpha Binders use clear pockets, card files, and more to hold papers and other supplies.

Kokuyo Novita Alpha Binders do away with binder rings entirely. Instead, this organizing system uses a Clear Book to house Files, which come in formats like clear pockets, card files, and more. The Files slide into the grooves on the Clear Book’s spine. They stay securely in place, yet are easy to remove and reorganize. You have to remove papers stored inside the Novita Alpha to write on them, but few binders have a similar sheet capacity to this system.

Some left-handers don’t want to give up their favorite writing tools. Others see improvement from switching, but aren’t quite satisfied. Supplement your materials with these accessories to address your specific challenges.

The Best Blotting Paper for Left-Handers: J. Herbin Blotting Paper

J. Herbin Blotting Paper absorbs excess ink and greatly reduces the chances of smudging.

J. Herbin Blotting Paper is a must for the left-handed arsenal, particularly for fountain pen enthusiasts who don’t want to be limited to quick-drying options. This ultra-absorbent paper soaks up excess ink to greatly reduce the chances of smudging. You can close a notebook on a sheet of blotter paper, or keep it under your hand to protect your writing.

The Best Pencil Grip for Left-Handed Writers: Tombow Yo-i Left-Handed Pencil Grip Aid

The Tombow Yo-i Left-Handed Pencil Grip Aid helps keep your hand in the proper tripod grip.

If you don’t like triangular pencils or need more precise grip guidance, try the Tombow Yo-i Left-Handed Pencil Grip Aid. It is molded to keep your hand in the proper tripod grip. Although it was designed to help children hold their pencils properly, adults may find it a comfortable ergonomic grip.

The Best Scissors for Left-Handed Writers: Canary ESR-175L Left-Handed Scissors

The Canary ESR-175L Scissors have blades that are positioned differently so left-handed users can see exactly where they’re cutting.

Left-handed scissors like the Canary ESR-175L are important for accurate, ergonomic use. While right-handed scissors position the top cutting blade on the right, left-handed scissors orient the upper blade on the left. This makes it easy for left-handed users to see exactly where they’re cutting. Additionally, the ESR-175L Scissors have rubber-lined handles that are comfortable to hold.

The Best Smudge Protectors for Left-Handed Writers: SmudgeGuard Gloves

SmudgeGuard Gloves cover the side of the palm that touches the paper, keeping it clean from smudged graphite or ink.

Protect your hands and words with SmudgeGuard Gloves. They cover the side of the palm that touches the paper to keep your hand clean as it moves across the paper. They also minimize smearing on the page by absorbing excess ink and graphite. Their low-profile, lightweight design preserves the user’s dexterity and keeps sweat-prone hands from becoming too warm.