Fountain Pens

[JBat]

Originally Posted by Shangas

I should point out that nib-sizes are NOT universal. What is "fine" in one fountain pen is "Medium" in another. What's "Broad" in one fountain pen is a BB ("double broad") in another.

So don't go: "I want a medium" or "I want a fine" and stick to that, sight-unseen of the actual pen. I bought a Montblanc FINE-nibbed pen that, even though I'm very happy with, writes more like a wet medium.

That's exactly what my MB does.

[JimC]

Originally Posted by Shangas

I should point out that nib-sizes are NOT universal. What is "fine" in one fountain pen is "Medium" in another. What's "Broad" in one fountain pen is a BB ("double broad") in another.

So don't go: "I want a medium" or "I want a fine" and stick to that, sight-unseen of the actual pen. I bought a Montblanc FINE-nibbed pen that, even though I'm very happy with, writes more like a wet medium.

Shangas, that is a good point, no pun intended.

But seriously, I have found that Japanese pens tend toward a size "smaller" than a German nib, for example. I prefer a "fine point" in the sense of the Japanese nibs. This often translates to searching for an 'extra fine' in a Pelikan.

But, as you stated, you really have to see and try any given nib if you are really particular. You can't just take it for granted. Since I don't have any pen stores locally, I often shop more conservatively and often search out an XF (if other than a Japanese pen) to be on the safe side.

Excellent references are posted above. Thanks for the links, guys!

[JBat]

Does anyone know how an Omas nib would compare to a Montblanc? Pretty similar?

[Shangas]

I have never tried an OMAS pen, so I can't comment.

And yes, Asian pens have finer nibs, overall, than their western counterparts. I'm not sure why this is the case.

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by 77 Datejust

Let me know if ya find anything ya like cuz i can hook you up with a jewler who sells both

Thanks! I appreciate that!

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by JBat

Does anyone know how an Omas nib would compare to a Montblanc? Pretty similar?

John,

The Omas nibs write much broader than indicated. A medium will write more like a broad. Also from my experience, they are a stiff nib, but do write very well. And they are beautiful.

The MB's write predictably.

[JBat]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

John,

The Omas nibs write much broader than indicated. A medium will write more like a broad. Also from my experience, they are a stiff nib, but do write very well. And they are beautiful.

The MB's write predictably.

Thanks, Richard.

[JBat]

When you guys talk about flex in a nib, I gather it is desirable to have that quality. Can someone explain why?

Thanks!

[Shangas]

Hi JBat,

Flexible nibs (also called flex/flexy nibs) were commonly found on very very early fountain pens, from the 1880s-1920s.

Fountain pen nibs were descendant from the steel dip-pen. These steel nibs were very flexible (they bend a lot), because these, in turn, were descendant from the feather quills of the 17th century, which were the flexiest of all.

A fountain pen with a flexible nib will produce varying line-widths, dependant on how firmly or lightly you press down on the nib as you write. People like nibs like this because they can write nicer and more interestingly. It takes a bit of getting used to using a flex pen, and I would not recommend it for a novice FP user - Too much pressing and you'll break the nib.

Flexible nib FPs are mostly vintage pens from the 1920s, 30s or earlier than that. Very few modern FPs have flexible nibs because these days, not enough people know how to use such nibs, to make them a commercial practicality anymore.

[JBat]

Great explanation! Thanks Shangas.