The mech's corner...

[Juantxo]

I like a rich flow of ink from my nibs. Sometimes, though, in the case of older pens, or pens that have been put away without a proper cleaning, the ink doesn't flow properly. Then there is the case of some ST Dupont nibs which lack a breather hole.

So what to do to get those babies writing nicely...? Well, from a basic and elementary stance, as I know nothing about proper pen mechanics, I have taken a couple of pesky nibs and done the following:

1) I've put a little pressure on the nib against a soft-cover book, just enough pressure to see the tines coming apart just a little. I put the tip of my index finger on top of the back of the nib in order to avoid the nib separating from the feeder. Just a little pressure will do it.
2) Once I've done that a couple of times, I take a sheath of brass (0.002mm) and pass it between the tines. It's better to insert the tip of the brass sheath from the breather hole and pass it on to the tip. In the case of the Dupont, just spread the tines on the book and insert the brass sheath.

The results are almost miraculous. Pesky nibs become Olympic champs in a minute. By the way, you can buy the brass sheaths at $4 for a couple of tiny rectangles, or you can buy for $15 a roll long enough to cover the Statue of Liberty. Of course, if you are in business, buy a roll and cut it in tiny squares and make a fortune.