A dip pen usually consists of a metal, fountain pen-like, nib mounted on a handle often made of wood. It has no ink reservoir, however and so must be repeatedly dipped into an inkwell whilst writing or drawing.

It has certain advantages over a fountain pen. It can use particle-and-binder based inks, such as Indian ink, which would destroy a fountain pen. Also, the nib is more easily removed and substituted, for different kinds of styles of line, making it a cost-effective tool for calligraphy.

See also: quill