Fountain Pen Nibs – It’s All Relative

When it comes to nib size, fountain pen users have a multitude of choices. Recently I was doodling with the inky beauties on my desk and was struck by the differences between them. Even two from the same maker and of the same width produced varied results. Getting the perfect line size to show your writing to its best may take a little trial and error, but the satisfaction in seeing your words look their best is worth it.

I have become an equal opportunity user though I was stuck on narrow nibs for a very long time. Most fountain pen nibs are either fine or medium with a smaller number available in broad and extra-fine widths. The tip of the nib is round in shape, a bit like a ball point pen when you put it to paper. That angle of contact suits general use very well.

Moving beyond the typical nib, the sweet spot where nib meets paper becomes less forgiving and requires more care in use. If it suits your writing style, even an exotic nib should work well once you get the hang of it. Less common categories include double broad (BB), stub, italic, cursive italic, music, and Arabic. There are other exotic nibs but they are too rare for a general discussion.

If a rigid nib doesn’t thrill you, there is a unique characteristic called flex which can be an attribute of any sized nib. It is measured in degrees from a soft give that produces just a slight squish with pressure to a wet noodle that puts down ink like a paint brush.

Another quirk is that Asian nibs for the most part are more narrow than Western nibs. Add to that the interplay between nib, ink and paper as well as the rate of flow from the ink supply to the nib tip and the range of line widths can get ridiculous.

Still there is a range and that is what the image demonstrates. Size is relative.

Fountain Pen Line Comparison

Note that the ink scan has not be color adjusted. Take that aspect of this post with a grain of salt.

Starting Out The New Year With A Clean Sweep

What better way to start the year than with a thorough cleaning. Ten pens got the treatment and are drying, nibs down, in a wad of paper towel. That leaves a mere five for general use and two for testing. Does that sound like a lot? I assure you that is lean for me.

• Parker ’51′ Aero F with Noodler’s Zhivago
• Parker ’51′ Aero Special XF with Noodler’s Black (pen test)
• Sailor 1911 F with Noodler’s Red-Black
• Lamy Vista 1.1 with Iroshizuku shin-ryoku
• Levenger Mink True Writer Masuyama CI with Noodler’s Kiowa Pecan
• Montblanc 220 OB with Rohrer & Klingner Magenta
• Pilot Elite Socrates F Pocket Pen with Diamine Presidential Blue (ink test)

When a fountain pen won’t do, there are four more writing instruments at hand.

• Levenger Starry Night Roller Ball with a black felt tip refill
• Autopoint Mechanical Pencil
• Pentel Pocket Brush Pen with a black cartridge
• OXO Pink Highlighter

Elena sent a couple of Mitsu-Bishi 9800 2B pencils that will get some playtime soon. It’s likely the Levenger Kyoto True Writer Masuyama Stub will get a load of Iroshizuku syo-ro or possibly Private Reserve Ebony Blue in the near future. I love writing with this pen so it never stays clean for long.

That’s my winter rotation. What’s on your desk to start the new year?

Levenger Discount And A True Writer Fountain Pen

Saw a Levenger discount this afternoon that made me wish for another True Writer to stub. Mike Masuyama did a great job with my Kyoto and it would be useful as well as fun to have a second one for ink variety. The colorful Sea Glass version with a stubbed bold nib could be just the thing to brighten my desk.

Yes, I do have several True Writers but they are retired colors and I like to keep those with the original nibs unless the nib is imperfect. So a Sea Glass pen with its happy colors could be just the thing and would work perfectly with my True Writer black pen stand, too.

No new pen for me this year but you could get one with the 20% discount on a $50 order. The code is 20PC2011A.

Hint: It’s okay to buy a gift for yourself especially if it’s a nice one.

Levenger True Writer® Sea Glass Fountain Pen

Fun, Edgy, Fanciful Notebooks From Daycraft

With the end of the year approaching, it is time to consider new options for 2012. Have you heard of Daycraft? They make some of the best looking journals and diaries on the market. Whether edgy, fanciful, or twinged with humor, each design hits an aesthetic vibe. Something for everyone, no?

Daycraft Skinz Notebook

The company sent a few notebooks for review and I must say they are easily some of the most interesting looking journals I’ve seen anywhere. Unfortunately, they have yet to enter the U.S. market. Someone really ought to import this line even if only on a limited basis. The Cookie Bookie Notebooks are especially fun and received high marks for unique appeal and ingenuity from the group here. (See update below.)

Daycraft Cookie Bookie Notebook in the Cheese Cracker Version

The attention to detail in the presentation is amazing as you can see on the Daycraft website. But once you move past the packaging and the brilliantly designed covers, will the paper deliver an acceptable fountain pen experience?

Daycraft Illusions Notebook Written Sample

The good news is that fountain pen ink works very well in the Illusions Notebook I used for testing purposes. The paper has a smooth but not coated feel so ink dried quickly. There was a tiny bit of feathering and a few indistinct edges with the most free-flowing nibs and inks. For a private journal this level of performance would not concern me but it could bother a perfectionist.

Daycraft Illusions Written Sample (back)

The bad news is that the ink showed on the back of the paper. Writing instruments other than fountain pens worked much better. I used mostly pens of the felt tip variety since they tend to misbehave more than rollerballs and ballpoints. Even the Sharpie Permanent Marker Ultra Fine Point performed with only the faintest ghosting. However, count on one-sided use with most fountain pens sporting nibs graded larger than fine with a few possible exceptions.

To my surprise Noodler’s Zhivago in a vintage Parker ’51′ Aero fine and Noodler’s Kiowa Pecan in a Levenger True Writer custom cursive italic did not even show on the reverse. Noodler’s Red-Black in a Sailor 1911 fine showed only very lightly. No other brand of ink fared so well. Individual colors may or may not bleed-through but success with three Noodler’s should mean others will provide a good experience, too. A wet writer or a wet ink will have problems but experimentation might reveal colors in other brands that can handle the paper.

Daycraft notebooks are so cool, I would use them regardless of any bleed-through. Yes, every once in a while, form takes precedence over function even for an inkophile.

Daycraft Slab Notebook in Gold

Update: MOMA carries the Cookie Bookie Notebook! I just learned there is a USA distributor for whom I can provide contact information if you are a retailer interested in stocking the Daycraft line.

• okami-whatever: Daycraft: New Additions!!
• Rants of the Archer: Daycraft’s Juicy Notebook

Levenger True Writer Blue Delft Fountain Pen

Levenger has a new True Writer® in shades of blue and it sure is pretty.

Levenger True Writer® Blue Delft Fountain Pen

The pattern is called Blue Delft after the blue and white pottery that originated in the Netherlands in the 16th century. Chrome furnishings perfectly complement the delicate colors of the barrel. If you like matching pen to ink, this gem will suit a huge range of cool blues. Certainly black would be practical and elegant but a shocking pink might just the thing to express your wicked sense of humor.

Many of my True Writer pens are conversation starters and this new model is no exception.

Can you tell this is one fountain pen I would love to own?

Fountain Pens, Hand Fatigue and Long Sessions

Complementing the strategy of using a light touch, changing pens from time to time is my second line of defense against hand fatigue. Extreme weight differences can be jarring but even more unsettling is switching from a pen that requires no effort to one that needs a bit of push to get the job done. Creative spontaneity may be fun but sometimes planning is in order for long sessions.

Sorting pens for weight and effort is senior but matching pens to frame of mind is helpful, too. Wider nibs tend to take the punishment of more emotional passages. Narrow nibs are well matched to casual musings. Flexible nibs require the most attention to avoid damaging the nib and to achieve attractive, delicate lines that connect to bold swathes. They work best when writing slowly doesn’t cut my rate of expression.

So that makes three criteria: weight, effort, and type of writing. Still when I just want to write, the right tool counts more.

Some pens are suited to all sorts of situations. A Levenger True Writer Masuyama Stub and a 1950′s Parker ’51′ Aero Fine are getting the most use these days. Also at hand are a couple of True Writer fountain pens. Their fine, round, steel nibs are most forgiving and do not berate me for excessive use of force. Lastly come the specialty nibs that add some flair to my penmanship. They are like stilettos, stylish but not for everyday use.

The real standout just might be the 1970′s Montblanc 220 Oblique Broad that at the perfect angle is the smoothest nib I’ve ever used. At the wrong angle it is sharp and drags against the paper. But it is very light weight and has a matte finish that makes it easy to grip. So it isn’t my favorite for long sessions but it does provide a bit of joy when I can write more slowly.

Do you suit pens to tasks or favor one over another for long writing sessions? What are your criteria? Not that I need enabling but trading for another all-purpose fountain pen might be worth considering. What would you suggest?

The Bounty On My Desk

Sometimes it’s good to appreciate the amazing choices we have. So today I took stock of the bounty on my desk and found plenty to make a pen person smile.

Next to my right hand, coffee mug, and mouse are ten fountain pens, three felt tips, a brush pen, a mechanical pencil, and one highlighter. Does that seem like a lot? You should see the mountain of art supplies that hogs the left side of my workspace. Pens are small, tidy things in comparison. Paper is the biggest space invader but that’s another story.

Inkophile Pen and Ink Samples for August, 2011

The first three pens get daily use and I am content with each. The newest addition is the Namiki Falcon SB which is well-matched to Stipula Verde Mushiato both in flow and shading. The Levenger True Writer Masuyama Cursive Italic is perfect for brown ink but the Namiki Falcon SF gets to change its colors frequently. Its ink will be determined by what is missing when the other pens have been filled.

The three pens not pictured in the sample are due for cleaning and replacement by old favorites like my Sailor 1911 EF. That one works brilliantly with Noodler’s Red-Black and is an easy choice. The Sapporo F might get a fill of something turquoise or possibly one of my 1976 Pilot Elite “Socrates” pocket pens will get Diamine Teal. All three pens are good for long sessions and disinclined to clog even if unused for days at a time.

Sometimes I like to dig deeper in my pen drawer for older pens that deserve some playtime. The navy gray Parker ’51′ Aero F looks like a good mate for Noodler’s Zhivago and the Pelikan M250 Fine Stub has had a thing for Diamine Emerald for years. The dimensions of these two are slightly different from the other pens so that helps reduce hand fatigue on those days that seem to have no end.

Lastly it’s time to go back to black. Either the Limited Edition Sailor Hougado Deep Moss Black or Noodler’s Black but the pen has yet to be determined. The Lamy Safari OB and the Pilot Custom Black Stripe F are good candidates for a rich, dark ink. Again maintaining a variety of dimensions will determine the winner.

So that’s my latest pen and ink rotation.

Putting aside everything on my desk but the fountain pens and the written sample, I looked for a common thread to this rotation. Danged if I can find one save the pleasure in using a fountain pen and the colorful line it produces. That’s pretty simple but it does make me wonder about other fountain pen people. If you are a member of that club, what drives your rotation?

More On Platinum Mix-Free Ink

Not that an inkophile needs any encouragement to purchase ink, but Platinum Mix-Free deserves a recommendation. While I haven’t given the product its just due at mixing new colors, I can report that as a stand alone ink, Mix-Free performs very well.

Over the last month I used two, Aqua Blue and Aurora Blue, as my regular inks in Levenger True Writers with fine nibs. Lovely clear colors with good coverage, no flow issues, bleed through or feathering. Pretty and well-behaved describe them best.

If that piques your interest, The Pear Tree Company, who sent samples for review, has a special on the full kit of nine colors and all the extras for $134.95. That’s $15 per 60 ml bottle if you count everything else as a free bonus. Yes, that’s a lot of ink but it’s also a lot of fun. If mixing your own has appeal, this is a great way to get started. If you want a lovely range of colors, a Mix-Free kit will keep you going for a very long time. What more could an inkophile want?

Platinum Mix Free, The Perfect Custom Ink

Finding the perfect ink just got a whole lot easier with the release of Platinum’s Mix Free set. Make a simple blend of two colors or go all mad scientist and whip up a complex brew with this chemistry set for inkophiles.

Knowing my penchant for ink, samples arrived two days ago, a gift from The Pear Tree Pen Company. Nine colors, reducer fluid, empty vials, syringe, plus an empty ink bottle to house my signature ink is a lot to review so this product’s tale will get told in stages.

One major caveat before you view my images. The color reproduction is not as accurate as it should be. The ink’s real colors are clear and lively if not vivid. Gentian’s images show that well. Even the image from Platinum in which the bottles are pictured is more true for the base colors than mine. On my monitor the Platinum color chart is less accurate but you would be mixing those colors to your specifications anyway.

Bowing to Gentian for color representation, what remains is how well these inks stand up to use. While each ink is slightly different in performance, none should disappoint unless you have a pen with special needs. Flow and lubrication are average so a very dry writer may not be a great match. In this respect I found Mix Free to be similar to other Platinum inks.

There was no bleed-through or show-through on either Rhodia or Clairefontaine paper. However, there was feathering on Moleskine and to a lesser degree on cheap paper and envelopes. Coverage is good with some degree of shading but no outlining. The images tell the tale.

Except for the samples written with a True Writer, all other writing was done with a dip pen. The Brause has become a particular favorite and will most likely find its way into future reviews.

Can’t wait to create new colors? Check out the Platinum Mix Free Ink Recipes at FPN. AltecGreen jumped right in with a huge selection. There are even some images of what the reducer/dilution fluid can do. Just the right stuff for an inkophile.

Platinum Mix Free Ink Samples

Platinum Mix Free Ink Written Sample

Platinum Mix Free Ink Aurora Blue Sample

Platinum Mix Free Ink Aqua Blue Sample

Platinum Mix Free Ink Aurora Blue Water Test

Platinum Mix Free Ink Aqua Blue/Silky Purple Fusion

Platinum Mix Free Ink Color Circle

Big And Bold Namiki Falcon

A fountain pen veteran once told me that in time, fine nibs would give way to broad nibs in my collection. Either he was half right or my rotation is still evolving after a mere ten years. As evidence last week two pens arrived, the tangerine Levenger True Writer with a very nice fine nib and Pilot’s resin Namiki Falcon SB with a soft broad nib. Guess which one got the most use. Okay. Did the post title give it away?

The Falcon is one of my favorite pens. The size and weight are very comfortable for my hand and my two soft fine nibs are always close at hand. They have become a bit more flexible with use and produce excellent results with a variety of inks. Sailor Brown, J Herbin Lie de Thé, and Diamine Violet are especial favorites in them.

Namiki Falcon SF, Diamine Violet, Rhodia grid paper

However, being a fan of Pilot’s Iroshizuku line, the new Falcon SB got loaded (drunk and dazzled) on Tsuki-yo for its maiden voyage. What a fat, wet nib! This baby will never skip. On Rhodia paper a blotter helped but a different ink should tame that a bit.

The nib is very smooth but squeaks slightly which is a funny combination. The lack of drag is great when my hand is tired so it will be perfect for my end-of-the-day journal entry, often my longest daily writing session. One of the nice things about that usage is any color ink goes. No need to be all businesslike or conservative so perhaps Rohrer & Klingner Morinda or Magenta or even Solferino will fit the nib’s attributes and the paper’s willingness to accept loads of ink. A nib with this much flow will be a good match for pale colored inks like pink, apricot and pale blue.

This is a “soft” nib with a very limited amount of give though enough to produce a unique signature with a flair or two. I want to play with that a bit but my initial take is that Pilot labeling it SB is generous. Yes, it will flex very slightly but the line looks nearly identical to the non-flex line at least with Tsuki-yo and Morinda. The SF is better at flex but only after it has had some use. I’ve never used the SM (soft medium) but have read it is the nib people like the most. If it is halfway between the two, I can see why that would be the sweet spot for many users. Someday I will have to get my hands on one for comparison.

Namiki Falcon Nib Comparison Test

Not to put anyone off on adding the Namiki Falcon SB to your collection, but this is one pen that puts down a truly broad, wet line. Some folks will be thrilled at that while others may be intimidated. The SB is not ideal for small handwriting. It is best for big, bold statements. My handwriting suffers but my hand is happy with the ease with which I can write albeit sloppily. With practice my penmanship should improve. If not, it doesn’t really matter because when I grab the SB, writing longer will be more important than writing neater. For those times big and bold is just fine with me.

Note: My new Falcon came from Pear Tree Pens as did the bottle of Morinda. Tsuki-yo has been on my shelf since shortly after its release and is available from a number of sources including PTP. It’s a favorite amongst Iroshizuku fanatics and would be a good starting point if you haven’t tried this line of inks yet.