The "nib" of a fountain pen is the actual writing implement. There is a wide range of sizes and materials available for fountain pen nibs. The nibs can range from wide to stubby or ST.
Wide Pointers
It's crucial to pick the right nib for your fountain pen. The nib is the pointy end of a pen that contacts the paper. The nib can be found in several sizes and configurations. It's important to know that different nibs serve different functions well. It may be difficult to track down a certain nib.
If you're a writer who values speed and copious ink flow, a fountain pen with a broad nib is your best bet. Shimmering ink can also be utilized with broad nibs. The grain of the paper is obscured by the wide, even line produced by this nib. It's also possible to get a lot of ink out of a broad nib and have it dry quickly.
Calligraphy frequently makes use of italic nibs. The width of the line varies with the stroke angle, and is often given in millimeters (mm). In addition to being used for writing, italic nibs are often used for drawing.
Single-Tip Nibs
To make your writing look more calligraphic, try using a stub or ST fountain pen nib. Because of the large, flat tip of these nibs, you may alternate between a thin cross stroke and a wide downstroke. These nibs are perfect for regular use because you don't need any particular skills to write with them. They're easier to maintain than italic nibs, too.
Whether you're seeking to give your signature a little calligraphic flare or you just need a nib that can generate different line widths, you'll find plenty of options. Many fountain pens come with interchangeable nibs so you can try out different writing techniques and see which one works best for you. Writing with the incorrect angle and the proper pen and ink may give you a scratchy line or a ribbon look.
Nibs for the Left Hand
Left-handed folks often have trouble using fountain pens. The most common problems are smeared writing and awkward hand positioning. Luckily, there are pens out there made just for lefties. Some advice is included for left-handers to make the most of their fountain pens.
There are two kinds of left-handed writers: under-writers and over-writers. Over-writers tend to write perpendicular to the writing line, whereas under-writers use very light pressure. The key to enjoying your fountain pen is to have a firm grasp on how you prefer to write.
The tips of left-handed fountain pen nibs tend to be somewhat rounded. They were developed to make writing easier. Left-handed writers may now write with more ease and less risk of smudges and scratches.
Nibs for left-handed fountain pens generally fall into one of three categories. The solid nib, steel nib, and Waverly nib are all examples. There are benefits and drawbacks to each variety.
The Components of a Fountain Pen Nib
The nib material should be considered with the pen's aesthetic while making a purchase. Gold, silver, and stainless steel are just some of the materials that may be used. There are advantages and disadvantages to using any material.
Gold's durability and low corrosion rate earn it the title of "noble metal." In addition, the material's flexibility makes it ideal for use with a pen.
Steel nibs are more durable and resistant to corrosion than their gold counterparts. As an added bonus, they scratch much less often. They can't be shaped like gold, though.
In general, gold nibs cost more than their stainless steel counterparts. It is more cost-effective for some people to buy ink in bottles and refill their pens from there.
Nibs for fountain pens are often made of stainless steel. In addition to being scratch-proof, this material is also quite hard.
Fountain Pen Nib Dimensions
Selecting the appropriate fountain pen nib size is crucial. Even if it seems little, it may have a big impact on how enjoyable your time spent writing is.
Writing smoothly and crisply can depend on numerous elements, including the writer's handwriting and the paper used, but one of the most important is the nib. Keep in mind that there are many different kinds of nibs available. The nib is hardened and scratch-resistant because to the widespread use of ruthenium in their construction.
Picking between a medium and fine point nib is still another option. Small, legible handwriting is a breeze with the fine point, while the medium point is more versatile.
The 0.2mm between a fine point and a medium point nib is negligible. Extra fine point pens are the thinnest writing lines and are hence best suited for sketching or writing little, intricate details like characters, characters, and names.
