The Anatomy of a Fountain Pen Nib
Choosing a Fountain Pen Nib can be overwhelming with your first fountain pen. Fountain Pen Nibs come in various shapes and size and are made from various materials.This article will discuss the anatomy of a fountain pen nib and how to choose a fountain pen nib. Learn what makes a good fountain pen nib and how to choose a fountain pen.
Fountain pen nibs are made from different metals ranging from the less expensive stainless steel to more precious metals such as gold. The more valuable the material the softer and smoother the writing will feel when using the pen. Some pens will use a cheaper material and then tip the nib with a more expensive material such as iridium or gold to create a smoother nib. This doesn’t mean steel nibs are bad or don’t write well. The Pelikan 205 fountain pen has a stainless steel nib but sill writes very well. There are also more factors to consider than just the material when learning how to choose a fountain pen nib.
Fountain pen nibs also vary in size or width. The size of the nib should be an important factor when choosing a fountain pen nib. The wider the tip of the nib the wider the line the pen will create. Nibs vary from extra fine to broad and stub nibs. Wider nibs allow for more line variation when writing. Finer nibs can also create some line variation by simply adjusting pressure as you write. If you write small you may consider a finer nib. One thing to consider is finer nibs may write scratchy. Consider a Namiki or a Pilot pen because they are tuned for Japanese kanji letters and are some of the finest around.
Another feature of the nib that will determine the amount of line variation is the stiffness of the nib. A softer nib will allow more line variation than a stiffer nib. A pen like the Namiki Falcon offers a softer nib but if you write with a heavy hand this may not be what you are looking for.
Last there is the shape of the nib. Nibs come in straight or slanted chisel point nibs. The end of the nib can also be rounded or flat. The chisel point are great for calligraphy. A flat point nib will create a wider line than a rounded nib.
There is nothing like writing with a fountain pen. If can be difficult at first learning how to choose a fountain pen nib. If you are unsure of which nib to choose you may want to try a Pelikan Pen. Pelikan offers a nib swap option with in the first 30 day of purchase. There are many things to consider but hopefully this helps explain the differences and what nib style is right for you and your writing style.
