Fat Nibs Make Skinny Nibs Jealous
2009/07/18From the first time I used a fountain pen, the finer the nib the happier my writing. A little shape to the nib? So much the better. This consistency made buying pens easy and allowed me to focus on ink as a way to introduce variety to my writing.
Ah, life was easy.
Then along came a spoilsport, a very experienced fountain pen collector with a contrary notion. He had the audacity to suggest that someday my tastes would mature to include the hefty and significant broad nib. “No way!” I retorted feeling peeved at the good-natured taunt.
Being mildly competitive I took that as a challenge and sought out a few wider nibs to see what, if anything, I had been missing. What I have discovered so far is that a wide nib loosens my letter forms as well as my grip. My writing isn’t as pretty but the process is more enjoyable.
Now when I shop for pens, almost everything is of interest. I do draw a line at medium nibs. Except that isn’t an absolute since a medium with a lot of iridium can be reground into a terrific stub. This could be dangerous!
Like all things related to fountain pens, there is a need to match paper, pen and ink to a project so I will continue to use fine nibs where penmanship counts. But when writing for my eyes only whether taking notes or opining in my journal, I’m enjoying the loose, comfortable fun of a big, fat nib. Keep it a secret though. Wouldn’t want my skinny nibs to get jealous.
Have you gained a new perspective on something related to pens? If so, add your tale to the comments. Talk me into trying something new. I’m all ears…figuratively of course.
Ah, but wait until you try a broader stub. Then your penmanship will catch up with the ease of the broader nibs and you will achieve nirvana.
The smoothest of the broads, in my experience, are Krone, Visconti, and Delta, in that order, followed by Waterman, which are narrower and require some use time for smoothest performance.
Thanks for the suggestions. Pen nirvana seems unlikely to last since I am always finding new things to try.
Krone, Visconti, and Delta are out of my range with the exception of the lower priced Deltas, the Anni 70 and the Vintage. Both are available with a broad steel nib but I imagine you were referring to the gold nibs. I do have a line on a used Waterman Carene stub so that’s a step in the right direction at least.
Technically, the broad nib is required for larger lettering. It is essential for ribbon-like flourishes and serifs.
A test of a broad nib’s letter size is to make a checker pattern of alternating pen strokes, each stroke the length of the pen nib . . . making little squares. You can then see how the height of the letter compares to the nib size.
The edge stroke, up 45 degrees with an oblique nib, or somewhat horizontal with a plain broad nib transitions to a broad stroke as you follow the curve of a letter’s body.
Most people don’t do calligraphy, so your everyday letter size is more determinative of what nib size you want.
Thank you for adding technical information to the discussion.