Thirsty Nib Needs a Good, Stiff Drink

There are a lot of Levenger True Writer fountain pens on my desk but this is the first time I’ve had a nib in the Kyoto that makes writing even more interesting than looking at the many-hued barrel. Note that this gorgeous model is on sale today so, if you like the look, don’t hesitate with the price this low. I took my time about ordering the Starry Night when the price dropped and wound up never getting my hands on one.

Anyway, I’m still trying to figure out how a free-flowing broad nib can skip. None of my six True Writer fine and medium nibs do. This is only Day 2 for the big guy so we are just getting acquainted. There are no glaring nib flaws under 30x magnification so I am suspicious it is the piston converter rather than the nib. It just doesn’t want to suck up ink and needs frequent “burping” to release air that is trapped between the nib and the ink. My very free-flowing Levenger Verona is similarly impaired as are a couple of Lamy Safaris that really ought to know better.

There are other possible causes for the skipping and, strange as it may seem, some nibs just need breaking in to reach peak performance. The nib may need some tweaking, too. It will work out eventually and I have a second ‘B’ on its way for a comparison test. My bet’s on the converter as the culprit but we shall see…

Fat Nibs Make Skinny Nibs Jealous

From 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.

1940’s Eversharp Broad Nib

The Pen Fairy missed my home last night but I did score this 1940’s “never inked” gem on eBay for a paltry sum.

Eversharp Broad Nib

That’s one honking wide tip for a confirmed extra-fine nib user and will no doubt take some effort to tame. Not suited for delicate details but it will be just the thing for drawing substantial but expressive lines and creating an attention-getting signature. Yes, expanding in new directions…literally!