The Fountain Pen Thread

Thanks for the note! I am personally fond of the medium stub on this pen, I like the difference is the line width on different strokes. I wouldn't mind a fine tip, but wouldn't likely use it much. The missus on the other hand may prefer a finer tip. Thanks for the advice guys.

 

This was neat to watch.

 

Beautiful stuff, but man that Elabo (Falcon) scritch sound kills me.

 

that would be John's Spencerian mod to the nib making that sound, he thins down the tipping material to a needlepoint... as well as adds flex by cutting out a side portion of the nib... he is the nibmiester behind Nibs.com

that paper is also a big factor in that scratchiness... for about 10 bucks in dip pen gear you can do that same writing lol

 

I haven't tried John's fine points but have been advised against them. Masuyama does a pretty good job, but not much or any better than good factory samples unless going for a specific shape. Was underwhelmed with work by Binder and Brown.

And for single-word calligraphy, I don't know why one would spend so much money to get an Elabo to write only marginally worse than any common dip nib that will be just as scratchy. And I'm a regular needlepoint user.

 

i don't find them scratchy, but you need an extremely light almost not there touch to use them

 

You cannot use a feather touch for lettering like they were doing in the video. I use superfines most of the time, and they will almost always be scratchy when flexed. It would be better to just use flexible dip nibs, which will flex at a relatively light touch for a tiny fraction of the cost of modifying a general writing pen. I could put serrations on an expensive Chukabocho, but why would I do that when I can get a better saw for much less money?

 

the down flex out still shouldnt scratch as your drawing down from the tines... ypu dont flex up youll destroy the nib... up strokes are where you feel scratxh if your not very light

 

They will still scratch on downstrokes and will especially scratch while recovering on curves. With a sharp nib, pressure on the upstroke means tearing the paper, not just scratching.

The sound in the clip posted demonstrates it well. If you are not sensitive to it, congratulations.

 

I'm want Greg Minuskin to grid a few nibs for me. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about his work.

Personally, I really like my Edison Morgan with its standard fine nib.

 

Happy with my Pelikan BB cursive italic done by Letta and Pendemonium.

Having seen James' calligraphy first hand, I'll take his word on most stuff regarding dip pens. Lots of nib manufactures. Not all created equal and paper plays the part too. I can get much better lines with my old Waterman Ideal on nicer paper. The dip pens do well on it too. 32# HP inkjet paper.

 

If someone wanted to get some dip pens, what would be a good starting point?

 

I get stuff from paperinkarts.com, any cheap holder will work for most nibs, but due to the crazy angles on a lot of scripts oblique nibs (Although they feel really odd at first) can really help, Tachikawa G nibs are a pretty easy starting point, as well as the hikko G, as they are chrome plated and will be a little more forgiving to start out with

McCafferys ink I like, the Pro Black is supposed to be good stuff as well, as I know the pro white is very much loved

Having good paper is not a bad idea either, most of my stuff is japanese but there is lots of good stuff out there

 

A good book helps.

 

James is the local dip pen authority, and good advice above. If you place an order, I'd recommend one of these, especially if you enjoy drawing. Bamboo pens are inexpensive and really cool too.

 

Some fountain pen nibs. This just shows a bit of the variety that exists. Tip of the iceberg, really.

Danitrio CumLaude standard JoWo fine nib
Pelikan M800 double broad (BB) nib
Pelikan 140 oblique double broad (OBB) nib
Sailor Pro Gear medium fine Naginata-togi nib
Taccia Momenta standard JoWo(?) broad nib ground to a cursive italic by Letta at Pendemonium

 

I also use Tachikawa nibs because they're locally available for me. I also like some of the Brause nibs (66EF is pretty fun and produces nice lines) assuming the right ink is used.

 

Anybody in the CONUS and want a Platinum Plaisir?
I don't like it and I don't like hanging on to things I don't like.
Reason we are not friends is I think the nib is scratchy. It could be my heavy hand or the paper I write on but it doesn't feel very smooth to me. Like the way my rollerball does.
If someone that doesn't already have a butt load of fountain pens would like to give it a go simply claim it here and shoot me a PM - start a conversation.

 

Pen claimed

 

Good show Jason. I figured that wouldn't last very long. Spread the fountain pen goodness.