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The Nib

The Nib

The Nib is a sub-forum of Badger and Blade focusing on fine writing, including fountain pens, inks, paper, and writing techniques, both vintage and modern. In the forum you will find members new to the superb world of fine writing, as well as experts willing to help you select new products or help with restorations of vintage pens. With so many parallels to the wet shaving experience, The Nib is a popular stop for those looking to expand on the great experiences they have found in the wet shaving side of Badger and Blade.

Writing Instruments

Fountain Pens

Fountain pens are simply pens where ink flows from a reservoir down through a pointed metal nib and is applied to the writing surface by capillary action. There are several different types, the most common of which is a pen with a refillable internal ink well, a sealed removable lid that either screws or presses on, and can be carried in your pocket or bag. Fountain pens use water-based inks; the ink manufacturers offer a wide selection of properties and colours, providng many choices for a user. A fountain pen is not limited to a single colour of ink in its lifetime; it can be cleaned and then refilled with a different ink as desired by the user. Writing with a fountain pen takes a little more skill than a roller ball or ballpoint, but most users will adapt quickly. Nibs can be adjusted if not enough ink comes out or if they are not smooth enough. Nibs have different classifications, including extra-fine (EF), fine (F), medium (M), and bold (B). These indicate increasing levels of line thickness. Not all manufacturers classify their nibs the same way; e.g., an F for some may be an EF for others, and Asian nibs are usually finer than western nibs of the same classification. Choosing a fountain pen is a personal thing and, as with most things on B&B, YMMV. Different pens may perform better in different hands or with different inks. Some of the commonly recommended value pens are listed below in the "Budget Pens" section.

Ballpoint Pens

A ballpoint pen is a writing instrument with an internal ink reservoir and a sphere for a point. The internal chamber is filled with a viscous ink that is dispensed at its tip during use by the rolling action of a small sphere. The sphere, usually from 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm in diameter, may be made of brass, steel, tungsten carbide, or any durable, hard material. Although useful for certain applications (such as signing multi-part forms or writing on slick-surfaced papers), a ballpoint requires a certain amount of hand pressure to perform correctly and can be fatiguing when writing for long periods. Ballpoints are also not environmentally friendly, as their plastic bodies and/or ink refills are normally discarded when the ink supply is used up. Handwriting produced with a ballpoint pen does not normally have any line variance (style) and only a limited number of ink colors are available. On the positive side, ballpoints are normally quite inexpensive (although high-end, luxury versions are available) and can be found in almost any retail store.A close relative to the ballpoint pen is the roller ball. It is identical in most details except that instead of a ballpoint's oil-based ink, it uses a water-based liquid or gelled ink. These less viscous inks, which tend to saturate more deeply and more widely into paper than other types of ink, give roller ball pens their distinctive writing qualities.

Dip Pens

A dip pen usually consists of a metal nib with capillary channels like those of fountain pen nibs, mounted on a handle or holder, often made of wood, bone, metal, or plastic. Some dip pens are made entirely of glass, including the nib. Generally speaking, dip pens have no ink reservoir; therefore the user has to recharge (dip) the ink from an ink well or bottle in order to continue drawing or writing.Dip pens were generally used prior to the development of fountain pens, and are now mainly used in illustration, calligraphy, and comics. They function similarly to the even older writing tool, the quill pen (a pen made from the trimmed shaft of a bird's feather).The dip pen has certain advantages over a fountain pen. It can use waterproof pigmented (particle-and-binder-based) inks, such as so-called "India ink", drawing ink, or acrylic inks, which would destroy a fountain pen by clogging it up, as well as traditional iron gall ink, which can cause corrosion in fountain pens. They are also more sensitive to variations of pressure and speed, producing a line that naturally varies in thickness. They can also produce a finer line than any fountain pen.There is also a wide range of readily exchangeable nibs available so different types of lines and effects can be created. The nibs and handles are far cheaper than most fountain pens, and allow color changes much more easily.This post has a beginner guide to help you get going with dip pen use.

Mechanical Pencils / Pencils

Pencils are widely used as one of the cheapest and most widely available writing utensils the globe over. From sketches, journal entries, to planning out a page, a pencil is a must have in any collection. It is the easiest way to write in a non permanent form, as its line can be erased. A mechanical pencil has a feed for the lead meaning the need of a separate sharpener is not needed. Although still referred to as Lead, most pencil cores these days are made of graphite for a smooth and strong edge. The Pencil Thread has many photos and fans talking about pencils and is always looking for more knowledge on the subject.

Inks

Vintage Parker Quink Ink​
Ink is one of the most diverse areas of finer writing. With a wide selection of colours from a large number of manufacturers, a person will never find themselves without just the right ink for the job. Both vintage and modern inks are available and all offer differences in not only colour, but also a number of other characteristics to consider when selecting an ink, some of which can include:
  • Flow: How an ink will feed through a pens delivery system, which can write wet or dry.
  • Drying Time: Some inks have particular make ups to dry very fast.
  • Stability: Inks can be made to be water soluble, or can be made to be permanent.
  • Colour: Every colour you could imagine and more is available.
  • Types: Different pen types will take different ink types. Be sure to select the right type for your pen to ensure you don't damage your investment.
  • Packaging: It is not an important factor for everyone, but ink bottles not only look great, in some instances are designed to help filling or dipping a pen, particularly when they begin to empty.
  • Shading/Saturation: Some inks are semi-transparent and when ink reflows over itself it can become heavier looking in those areas and create an effect called shading. Some people covet the look of a page filled with shading as they believe it adds a great look to the eye, while others don't find the look to be appealing. Heavier saturated inks with low transparency do not shade well and will leave an even colour on the paper.
Samples are available for purchase at several vendors to help selecting which inks are right for you, without the need to purchase an entire bottle. Vintage inks are often found at online auctions as well as pen shows and antique stores. There are a great number of reviews found in the Nib and its members are always enthusiastic in giving opinions and sharing experiences with their inks. Feel free to ask any ink questions you may have in the Nibs forum.You can find many members Ink reviews listed in the Ink and Pen Reviews sticky at the top of the NIB forum

Nibs

Nibs are arguably the most important part to both a fountain pen, as well as being the most important part of a dip pen. The nib is the section of the pen (in conjunction with the ink feed) that lays ink down upon the paper. Nibs come in many different materials, sizes, shapes, colours, as well as behavioural characteristics that can make a great deal of difference in how one's hand writing looks. Most fountain pens are supplied with gold alloy (14K or 18K) or stainless steel nibs that are tipped with an unusually hard metal alloy of the platinum group of elements.Tipping is done to increase the life of the nib where it contacts the paper; a tiny blob of iridium, ruthenium, or osmium alloy is welded on to the base metal and then carefully ground to a suitable writing shape.
  • (F) Fine - A nib marked fine will lay a thin line to the page, but is often the most likely to give a scratchy feedback to the writer. The thin line also is the quickest to dry, making these nibs useful in the business workplace, as well as for left-handed individuals worried about smearing ink.
  • (M) Medium - This nib gives a wider line than a fine and, although its drying time can be longer than a fine, many users prefer it, as it usually provides smoother feedback, as well as better showing off the colours of a particular ink
  • (B) Broad - A very wide line for everyday use, the broad nib is often used for signatures, or larger written letters. It lays a large enough line that dry time can become a factor. In cases where inked pages will be handled or folded quickly after writing, a blotter to absorb the excess ink can help with these situations. Broad nibs are also generally smoother in comparison to smaller point nibs.
When comparing nib smoothness across different sizes, it should be noted that different manufacturers are better at creating smooth nibs than others. References to nib smoothness are only effective when comparing the same manufacturer's nibs, within a specific pen type. The same applies to nib widths, there is no actual industry standard so different manufacturer's sizes don't always compare.Many other nib sizes and types are available for purchase or can be custom ground by a professional. These can include, but are not limited to, Extra Fine (EF) and Double Broad (BB), a nib wider than a standard B. Specialty nibs are also available. These include Stub, Italic, Music, Flexible, as well as Oblique.

Filling Systems

The filling systems of a fountain pen are unique and diverse, all of which have their own advantages and disadvantages.The most commonly seen systems are:
  • Cartridge/Converter (C/C) system - most modern day pens utilize this system for both its ease of use, and easily manufactured positives. The disposable cartridges are available at most office supply store, and are a small, sealed plastic tube, pre-filled with ink in different colours. The cartridge is inserted into the pen barrel and it is pierced, alllowing the ink to flow to the feed and nib. Once the cartridge is empty, the user simply discards the old cart and loads a new one. Many cartridge pens will also include a "cartridge converter" but that may sometimes be an extra purchase. A converter seats itself the same way as a cartridge, but has a turning knob or slider which moves a piston up and down inside the converter to draw in ink, as well as expel it for cleaning. Most modern pens, particularly low- to mid-range, are C/C fillers.
  • Piston Filler - Much like the cartridge/converter filler, the piston filler has a turning knob, that will moves a piston up and down. Rather than moving inside a converter, the piston moves inside the body of the pen, which acts as the ink reservoir. The major advantage to this system is the filling capacity; piston fillers tend to hold a lot of ink since the barrel of the pen is used for holding the ink. The disadvantage of a piston filler is that parts are not easily replaced; if there is damage to the pen, it will require a full service, or the pen itself may be unrepairable. Piston Filler pens tend to be priced in the mid- to high-end range.
  • Lever Filler - This system has a tubular, flexible bladder (the sac) glued directly onto the feed section of the pen. These sacs are usually made from latex or silicone rubber. The barrel of the pen has a pivoting metal lever that, when raised, presses an internal metal bar against the sac, expelling out air. The nib section of the pen is submerged in the ink and when the lever is released the sac expands, creating a vacuum and drawing ink through the nib into the sac. This very traditional style filler system was used for many years, but currently is only rarely found on high-end pens. Advantages of lever fillers are that damaged or leaking sacs can be simply repaired with minimal tools or experience, and parts are readily available. A disadvantage is flushing, as the only way to flush a lever filler pen is by continuously pulling in water and forcing it back out. This can be tedious and over time may result in damage to the lever system or sac.
  • Pneumatic Fillers - Like the lever filler, the pneumatic filler also uses a sac on the feed system, but rather than a lever and bar, the pen body holds a sliding metal tube that surrounds the sac. The user pulls the tube up from the butt end of the pen, creating a vacuum which squeezes the pen sac flat, expelling all its air. When the tube is pushed back in, the sac will re-inflate itself, sucking ink in and filling. Pneumatic Filler pens are more difficult to repair, and parts are not easily obtained. The systems usually hold more ink than its lever counterparts, but not as much as a piston filler. Flushing can also be more difficult and time consuming with these systems.
  • Eye Dropper Filler - This is the most simple filling system of all. The entire body of the pen is used as the ink reservoir. To fill, the user unscrews the barrel and fills the barrel with ink using an eyedropper or pipette. The barrel is then screwed back in tightly and the pen is ready to write. Advantages of this system are the huge ink capacity (limited only by the size of the pen), and the reliability, since there are no moving parts. Disadvantages are that the pen body must have no metal parts in contact with the ink, since corrosion and leakage could result. The pen threads must also seal tightly to prevent leakage, usually using a combination of rubber O-rings and pure silicone grease. Another disadvantage of eye dropper fillers is "burping." As the ink level gets low, the heat from a user's hand and air pressure differentials may cause the pen to unexpectedly squirt out a blob of ink. The usual way to prevent this from happening is to not allow the ink level to get low.
  • There are many other filling systems that have been developed over the years, but ones described above are the most common.
Pelikan M205 Piston Filler​

Paper

Paper may not be the star of the show for most people, but it can make a very big difference in the performance of any pen. Besides the appearance difference between higher and lower quality papers, premium paper can increase the smooth feeling of a nib as well as prevent feathering and bleed-through of pen ink.Quality paper does not necessarily mean expensive. For every budget there is great paper for all intended uses including sketches, journals, letter writing, or calligraphy. Besides blank paper, paper can come in different printed line variations such as Grid, Dot Pattern, French Ruled, Standard Ruled, Watermarked, and with or without margins. Paper with elegant imprinted textured patterns (watermarks) can help make a good letter look great, It's best to match your projects and needs to the appropriate paper for the task. When using unlined paper, you can place a sheet of lined paper underneath that will show through most the top sheet to help guide your writing and keep your words straight.

There is also a Paper Wiki page with collections of reviews done by the members found here nib Paper Review Wiki

Notebooks

Everyday fountain pen friendly paper for taking notes and making lists.
  • Rhodia staplebound
  • Rhodia wirebound notebooks
  • Clairefontaine staplebound
  • Clairefontaine Clothbound notebooks

Journals

Fountain pen friendly paper bound and ready for you to record your thoughts.
  • Rhodia Webnotebooks
  • Quo Vadis Journals
  • Exacompta Journals
  • Leuchtturm1917

Letter / Envelope

Fountain pen friendly paper for writing letters, most letter writing paper will also have matching envelopes available.
  • G. Lalo
  • Original Crown Mill
  • Clairefontaine Triomphe

Budget

The Cheap Fountain Pen Friendly thread, has information on widely available inexpensive paper. It is an ongoing discussion of success and failures members have experienced with paper found in local stores

Writing Techniques

Ornate Calligraphy​
The most frequently used writing technique today is printing. Those that still use cursive writing usually have their own version of the Palmer Method that was taught in school up until recent years. Cursive handwriting has been or is planned to be phased out in many school systems. There are many other styles of handwriting techniques for both casual writing and for formal styles such as calligraphy,Commonly seen writing techniques include:
  • The Palmer Method
  • Spencerian
  • Copperplate
  • Gothic Hand
  • Roman Serif
  • Black letter
  • Uncial
Besides the shape of the letters themselves, many types of ornamentation exist such as Illuminated Lettering and Flourished Lettering. Online resources such as IAMPETH, and The Palmer Method exist to help continue the tradition of great Handwriting and Calligraphy.

Accessories

There are many accessories in the Nib universe that can add a touch of class or a great bit of function to your fine writing experience. Some add both, and a pen case is recommended to help protect your investment when you carry it out into the world.
  • Leather pen cases for travel: Franklin-Christoph Pen Sleeve, Pen Case, and Penvelope - Libelle Leather Pen Case - Levenger Carezza Leather Pen Sleeve - Leather Cigar Cases Work
  • Endless storage options abound online
  • Make your own pen case from a cigar box!
  • Travel Ink Storage
  • Fountain Pen Cleaning Supplies
  • Blotting paper is thick absorbent paper that can absorb un-dried ink on a page to cut down on smearing
  • Ink Blotter is a holder for paper that usually rocks on a page to help stop slippage to prevent smearing when using blotting paper
  • Ink wells are refillable wells usually used with dip pen inks and can very from simple glass holders to very ornate silver matched with entire desk sets

Starting Out

You've decided to buy a pen, but don't know what you want. If you've decided on a fountain pen, you have a few things to consider.
  • Nib size - The size of the nib determines the width and, to some extent, the wetness of the line while writing (please reference the section on Nibs for more information).
  • Fill System - Beginners, or first-time fountain pen users, may want to buy a pen with a Cartridge/Converter System. It allows you to use ink cartridges (widely available) or use the converter with your favorite bottled ink. (Refer to the Ink section for more information.) Other fill systems exist and are equally good but require bottled ink only. (Refer to Fill Systems.)
  • Price - You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a good pen. Determine a budget and buy a quality pen within that budget.
Starting out any new hobby can be overwhelming to anyone. The Nib is a great place to ask questions and receive advice and opinions from others. Below is a list of pens that are often recommended in the forum to members interested in starting out with fountain pens.

There is also a Wiki of Nib Terms and Abbreviations to help you understand some of the language within The Nib

Disposable

Disposable fountain pens are a great way to try a fountain pen without purchasing a pen and ink separately.
  • Pilot Varsity
  • Platinum Preppy (Don't dispose of it, however, because you can convert it to an eyedropper pen!)
  • Pentel Pulaman
  • Pilot Vpen
  • Bic Disposable Fountain Pen

Budget Pens:


  • Pilot Metropolitan
  • Kaweco Sport
  • Pilot 78G
  • Zebra V-301
  • Ohto F-Spirit
  • Platinum Plaisir
  • Sailor HighAce Neo
  • Lamy Nexx or Nexx M
  • Sheaffer VFM
  • Pelikano Junior and Pelikano
  • Staedtler Learner's Pen
  • Platinum Preppy
  • Parker Frontier
  • Waterman Kultur (about $15 on ebay)
  • Jinhao x750
  • Hero 616
  • TWSBI Eco
  • Nemosine Singularity

Medium Budget Pens:

  • Some good info here
  • Franklin-Christoph B&B Essential Pen (aka Model 27 Collegia) and Model 29 Bellus
  • Pelikan M200 series
  • Danitrio Cum Laude (Some NOS Danitrio pens even start out around $30)
  • Vintage Parker
  • Retro 51 pens
  • Sheaffer 100
  • Kaweco Liliput, Student Pen, AL Sport, Allrounder, Special AL, Dia2
  • Pilot Prera, Cavalier, Vanishing Point, Custom Original, and Lucina
  • Sailor Young Profit and Reglus
  • Laban Mento (Lovely color choices)
  • Lamy Safari, Accent, CP1, and Studio
  • Vintage restored Sheaffers
  • Esterbrooks
  • TWSBI
  • Levenger True Writer
  • Monteverde Invincia and Arista Crystal
  • Platignum Time

Premium Pens:

A very commonly recommended high-quality vintage pen is a Parker 51. Parker Vacumatics (laminated celluloid), and Duofolds are also excellent but can be pricey. Among new pens, the Pelikan Souveran series pens are highly desirable. There are many other worthy pens; these are just examples for those who need somewhere to start. You can easily spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on a pen, however those are generally more expensive because of their collectible value, exotic materials, brand name, or custom design; they may not write better than much less expensive pens. If you are unsure about what you are looking at or looking for, just ask in The Nib. Our acquisition consultants always have plenty of opinions! :001_cool:

Boutique/Custom US Manufacturers Include:

  • Franklin-Christoph
  • Edison Pen Company
  • Bexley
British Manufacturers:
  • Conway Stewart
  • Onoto
Japanese Manufacturers:
  • Pilot-Namiki
  • Sailor
  • Nakaya
  • Platinum
Italian Manufacturers:
  • Aurora
  • Delta
  • Visconti
  • Stipula
  • Omas
  • Guiliano Mazzuoli
French Manufacturer:
  • Waterman
German Manufacturers:
  • Montblanc
  • Pelikan

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