Pressing too hard on the nib

[gelshocker]

I am wondering if pressing too hard on the nib can cause damage to the pen. Sometimes when I end a stroke, I press a bit hard on the nib causing it to momentarily 'split'. The resulting stroke looks very nice but should I stop pretending the pen is a paintbrush? Cheers!

[shandy]

I would not worry too much! It sounds like you have a flexible nib on your pen and they are meant to flex so you get the effect that you are getting!
That is one of the things that make fountain pen writing an artform!

What sort of pen do you have?

To give you an idea of how resilient nibs are I have a parker with a lovely flexible nib that has been flexing for 84 years now and looks like it will do another 84 without breaking into a sweat!

[gelshocker]

Phew! That's a relief. The (main) pen in question is a Pelikan M800. The nib does retains its shape after the momentary split. My saving grace was that I could always replace only the nib if it was ever damaged.

Maybe I pressed too hard on my new Pilot Prera? I bent the nib and had to exercise impromptu DIY (still not perfectly fixed but working). Or maybe its mainly due to difference in build and quality (and obviously price).

Cheers!

[Shangas]

I should advocate CAUTION here.

Yes, some pens do have what are called 'flexible' nibs, however, these nibs are generally found in OLDER (as in, 80 years and over) fountain pens. Most modern pens don't have flexible nibs. Pressing down on a nib is not recommended unless you have a flexible nib, as this can cause damage to the nib.

[shandy]

Originally Posted by Shangas

I should advocate CAUTION here.

Yes, some pens do have what are called 'flexible' nibs, however, these nibs are generally found in OLDER (as in, 80 years and over) fountain pens. Most modern pens don't have flexible nibs. Pressing down on a nib is not recommended unless you have a flexible nib, as this can cause damage to the nib.

That is True Shahan, and now knowing it is a Pelikan 800 I too would exercise a little more caution, there will still be a small amout of flex but I would not want the tines on the pelikan nib to spread more than 1mm, any more and you could face problems.
Perhaps if you like the effect you get with spreading the nib you might want to search out a vintage pen with flexi nib! They are a joy to use!

[Shangas]

If you like flex, start with a dip pen. THEN buy a vintage pen. A dip-pen nib costs 5 cents. If you break it, you can get another.

A gold, flex-nibbed fountain pen from the jazz age of the 1920s can cost $200+; If you break that, you won't be getting another one.

ONCE you're familiar with flex through using a flexible dip-pen, then you can start using the more valuable vintage pens.

[JBat]

Gelshocker, there's no question that transitioning to a FP after years of using ink sticks takes some adjustment. From my own admittedly brief experience, and from what I've read, the capillary action of the fountain pen does really require much downward pressure at all if the pen is flowing properly.

It's a markedly different technique than that required for an ink stick or rollerball, and it can take a while to get the hang of it.

[gelshocker]

Ok! Thanks this is really useful information

[sunburst]

Gelshocker, I have a hunch that you write Chinese characters.
If so you may want to try Sailor fountain pen with a zoom nib.
It takes the place of a brush for that distinct look.

[gelshocker]

Originally Posted by sunburst

Gelshocker, I have a hunch that you write Chinese characters.
If so you may want to try Sailor fountain pen with a zoom nib.
It takes the place of a brush for that distinct look.

Hehe Good hunch Joji-san It's a habit I've brought over to written English too. Will check out the Sailors! Thanks everyone for your kind replies. Cheers!

[sunburst]

Originally Posted by gelshocker

Hehe Good hunch Joji-san It's a habit I've brought over to written English too. Will check out the Sailors! Thanks everyone for your kind replies. Cheers!

謝謝!
I'm also looking at Sailor FP (1911) with zoom nib for writing Kanji Character.

[Lion]

Hey, everyone I'm enjoying the conversation and learning at the same time......I had the opportunity to purchase a flex pen over the weekend and I didn't.....now I wish I had, oh well. I'll give the dealer a call and see if she still has some and have her ship me one!!!