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Just Got My Pens Back From Nib-Tuning

EKE

By EKE
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EKE Extremely Rare

EKE

Posted
Posted

So I wanted to tell you all about the beautiful job that Tim Girdler did in tuning and upgrading the nibs on two of my True Writers. I'm not affiliated in any way with Tim or his business, except that I am so grateful for the fine, fine job he did on my nibs.

 

I found Tim here on FPN, in a thread on the Levenger True Writers. I contacted him, and found out a bit about his experience. It seems that he is a long time pen nut, who befriended Richard Binder, and convinced the man to teach him about pen restoration and nib tuning, including the process that has become known as "Binderization". So when Richard stopped doing pen restoration work, he passed some of his knowledge and expertise on to Tim.

 

So I took a chance and sent my pens to Tim for a nib replacement and nib tuning. Boy am I glad I did. Tim replaced the standard Levenger nib in one of my True Writers with a new two-tone JoWo fine, and tuned it. And he tuned the Levenger M nib in my other pen. Tim listened carefully to what I asked for (a slightly wetter than average tune), and delivered back to me two pens that I almost don't recognize. They are now superb. Smooth and silky both. They are so nice that I feel like I can lighten up a lot on my pressure, so this will help me write with a lighter hand. I've never had a Binder-tuned pen, but I can say that the nibs Tim did for me are amazing.

 

Tim is a gentleman, and delivered a terrific service for a very fair price. Highly recommended.

 

Tim Girdler Pens

Learning from the past does not mean living in the past.

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Shaporama Extremely Rare

Shaporama

Posted
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Thanks for the tip! FYI, Richard Binder's former partner, Jim Baer does pen restoration as well ("Monomoy Vintage Pen"). I don't know about nib work however.

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MYU Donor Pen

MYU

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Good to hear this fine testimony on Tim's work, EKE.

 

I didn't know this about Richard Binder. What a bummer... he was so good at pen restoration, but I remember his back log was starting to get huge--he was popular and having trouble keeping up. I can see why he decided to focus only on nibs.

[MYU's Pen Review Corner] | "The Common Ground" -- Jeffrey Small

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isellpens Extremely Rare

isellpens

Posted
Posted

Tim is truly a great guy! It’s about time he gets some recognition on this board! He recently did some nibs for us too.

They came back as nice smooth wet writers. He did an outstanding job. I hope some of you can throw some business

his way. :roflmho:

 

Todd

www.isellpens.com

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Shaporama Extremely Rare

Shaporama

Posted
Posted

Good to hear this fine testimony on Tim's work, EKE.

 

I didn't know this about Richard Binder. What a bummer... he was so good at pen restoration, but I remember his back log was starting to get huge--he was popular and having trouble keeping up. I can see why he decided to focus only on nibs.

 

I may be wrong but I believe Richard Binder has stopped taking all outside work, including nibs. He now works only on those pens he sells or those brought to him at pen shows.

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mtnbiker62 Mint

mtnbiker62

Posted
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Interesting. I sent him two in May, and also haven't heard from him since. I have emailed three times, and left a voice mail once, without response.

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fountainpenlady Collectors Item

fountainpenlady

Posted
Posted (edited)

Hmmm. Others have not heard anything regarding their pens. Much appreciated. His web page reads like Perry Mason should be resurrected to represent. Thrilled he worked well for originator of this thread. :)

Edited by fountainpenlady

Ea Alis Volat Propiis, per/Repletus Fontis Calamus!
She Flies by Her Own Wings, with filled Fountain Pen

 

Delta DolceVita, F-C Intrinsic 02, Pelikan M800 red/black striation, Bexley ATB Strawberry Swirl, Red Jinhao 159, Platinum 3776 Bourgogne. :wub:

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fountainpenlady Collectors Item

fountainpenlady

Posted
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'I can work on none pens' ????

 

I would be very worried had I sent a nib or anything this guy.

:lticaptd: Perhaps simply a typo he neglected to correct. Remember, there are FPN members who have sent their pens to him and they are being patient and simply having to wait until he replies.

Ea Alis Volat Propiis, per/Repletus Fontis Calamus!
She Flies by Her Own Wings, with filled Fountain Pen

 

Delta DolceVita, F-C Intrinsic 02, Pelikan M800 red/black striation, Bexley ATB Strawberry Swirl, Red Jinhao 159, Platinum 3776 Bourgogne. :wub:

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fountainpenlady Collectors Item

fountainpenlady

Posted
Posted

after 3 emails and a phone message with none replies...I stick to my post.

My error, I did not know you also sent him a pen. I thought you were commenting on his grammar usage. My sincere apologies and condolences. :doh:

Ea Alis Volat Propiis, per/Repletus Fontis Calamus!
She Flies by Her Own Wings, with filled Fountain Pen

 

Delta DolceVita, F-C Intrinsic 02, Pelikan M800 red/black striation, Bexley ATB Strawberry Swirl, Red Jinhao 159, Platinum 3776 Bourgogne. :wub:

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fountainpenlady Collectors Item

fountainpenlady

Posted
Posted

I haven't, I took time to read the previous posts.

So did I. I failed to realize you were doing a multiple part commentary. On bated breath, awaiting your complete disclosure.

Ea Alis Volat Propiis, per/Repletus Fontis Calamus!
She Flies by Her Own Wings, with filled Fountain Pen

 

Delta DolceVita, F-C Intrinsic 02, Pelikan M800 red/black striation, Bexley ATB Strawberry Swirl, Red Jinhao 159, Platinum 3776 Bourgogne. :wub:

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Left FPN Donor Pen

Left FPN

Posted
Posted (edited)

No further commentary...

 

I have also taken time to read through the guys web site...and repeat my post.

Edited by Force
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fountainpenlady Collectors Item

fountainpenlady

Posted
Posted (edited)

No further commentary...

 

I have also taken time to read through the guys web site...and repeat my post.

Au revoir! :wallbash:

Edited by fountainpenlady

Ea Alis Volat Propiis, per/Repletus Fontis Calamus!
She Flies by Her Own Wings, with filled Fountain Pen

 

Delta DolceVita, F-C Intrinsic 02, Pelikan M800 red/black striation, Bexley ATB Strawberry Swirl, Red Jinhao 159, Platinum 3776 Bourgogne. :wub:

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stevesurf Vintage

stevesurf

Posted
Posted

Wow, so sorry to hear, Force!

 

I'm trying to understand why nib tuning is not something that perhaps a retailer can pick up as a regular service without having to purchase the pen from them. In the relatively short time I've been using tuned pens, I've found it does make a difference, but I've always had to either buy a tuned pen or beg someone at a trade show to get it done. One thing I find ironic is that one small but high quality manufacturer, Conid doesn't state that they tune the nib on the pens they sell, yet each one I've gotten is perfect.

 

It just seems like this nib tuning process is kind of word of mouth, nudge nudge wink wink and either your pens get done, in a long queue or worse ever, lost.

Best regards,
Steve Surfaro
Fountain Pen Fun
Cities of the world (please visit my Facebook page for more albums)
Paris | Venezia

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