Fude in Japanese means “writing brush” which is how Asian calligraphy was originally written. For a fountain pen, the nib is bent to produce a thick and thin line like a brush does. All fude nibs are bent nibs, but the length of the bent section and thus the stroke can vary greatly. Held upright, the nibs can be scratchy but they do write a fine line. Held at an angle, the nibs glide more easily and produce a bold, wide line. With a little practice, the dual widths can make a fude a versatile and entertaining pen.
Sailor Fude DE Mannen, Delike New Moon 2 bent nib, Jinhao 82 bent nib, Duke 551
A fude is a good choice for drawing but might be a challenge to master. There is a balance between speed and laying down too much ink and that is where practice helps. If you just want to write with it, find the right angle and stick with it.
There are four of these pens in my collection. A fifth, a Duke, went on walkabout but never returned. Ungrateful twit.
Anyway, for general use, the Delike New Moon 2 bent nib has been in my rotation for almost three years, even when that rotation was reduced to two pens. For my needs, it has been a pleasure to use especially in my journal. I can write with it for pages. The other three see little action other than the occasional fling for a bit of fun.
If you want to give one a whirl, note that the Duke is metal and weighs considerably more than the others though it is a handsome pen. The current version has a bamboo body where my older model is jade lacquer. I like its nib the best of the three longer nibs on hand. It’s pretty outrageous and for me is a play thing rather than a serious writing instrument.
The Jinhao 82 is the most diminutive of the group and somewhat less inclined to produce an evenly edged line. If you don’t like it, there are replacement nibs. I found the medium underwhelming but am very happy with the fines and extra-fines that I have used.
The Sailor Fude DE Mannen is the most readily available in the U.S. where it is very inexpensive. However, the pen is long like a brush rather than proportioned like a fountain pen and thus will not ride comfortably in a pocket. It also has no clip although it does have a stop to keep it from rolling off your desk. Because it is such a long pen, it can be held in the traditional upright position common in Asian calligraphy and painting. Having used it that way, I can say that it is more comfortable for that hold than the others. If those pens are posted, the caps cause them to overbalance. The Sailor remains lightweight and evenly balanced just like a brush.
Sailor Fude DE Mannen, Delike New Moon 2 bent nib, Jinhao 82 bent nib, Duke 551
Should you decide to buy a fude, good paper will give you more control if your pen has excessive flow. True in general but one of these huge nibs can lay down a lot of ink. Angled just so and with light pressure, a dry brush effect can be produced creating a painterly mark.
Being somewhat of a traditionalist, I like black ink just as you would see in Chinese brush paintings and calligraphy though properties like shading and sheening might be accentuated with a fude.
If you want to experiment with a fountain pen, a bent nib/fude could be a good choice for a little adventure. Mine may come and go in my rotation, but I have never regretted buying any of them. Sometimes a girl’s just got to have fun, you know?
For more on fude nibs, Leigh Reyes has several posts about them. Instagram has a few as does JanineScribbles. You Tube is another source.
Three of these pens are available from Amazon at the links below, but your favorite retailer might carry them as well.
Sailor Fude De Mannen – Stroke Style Calligraphy Fountain Pen
Jinhao 82 Ivory White Acrylic Fountain Pen, Iridium Bent Nib
Duke 551 Confucius Fude Nib Fountain Pen Bent Nib Natural Bamboo
At the moment Amazon does not offer the New Moon 2 bent nib. However, this Delike/Majohn appears to have the same nib plus it comes with a glass nib as well. Majohn Fountain Pen EF Fude Bent Nib & Glass Dip Pen
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