'soft' Nibs As Everyday Writer?

[lncognito]

Hi, I've been thinking of getting a Pilot 74/91 with a SF nib and would like to ask if it is suitable as an everyday writer. I've searched for reviews of the nib but apart from informative posts on flow flexibility etc I can't find a comment on using it everyday. Brian Goulet has a written review with soft Sailor nibs but he was writing very slowly to show the flex performance. Most of the search hits are of the Namiki Falcon soft nibs. Are these similar performance wise? Thank you.

[Lyander0012]

There's nothing particularly wrong with using a soft nib as an everyday writer; it's semi-flex/full-flex nibs that would make note-taking or journalling a trying experience. At least, that's how I see things.

 

For the record, soft nibs don't really offer very much in the way of flexibility, merely the slightest bit of line variation to add character to one's handwriting. I suppose the primary reason Brian was writing slowly was to showcase the fact that the nib, in point of fact, could produce a noticeable amount of line variation, given a practiced hand and enough patience. Had he written with it at a more regular, hastier pace, then there would have been less variation perhaps, but it would have been much more usable for normal writing.

 

Look up unmodified Namiki Falcons, the Pilot Justus 95 (set to full soft), and Pelikan's gold-nibbed pens for "soft" writing.

 

 

Cheers!

 

Kevin

 

P.S.

I own neither, though I'm getting a Sailor over the holidays, but from what I recall, Sailor nibs are smooth nails that don't really flex or spring all that much, while the Namiki Falcon is a pen that is relatively unique in that it is a modern-production pen that you can use as a semi-flex. Basically, the Namiki is springier than the Sailor (speaking of, are you referring to the 14k or the 21k nib?).

[rochester21]

A soft nib is a regular nib+ a little softness that can act like a cushion on paper, if you have a heavy hand. Actually it`s nothing special, most of the older pens have soft nibs- it`s not a special feature.

 

You can use pilot 74 with a soft nib all day without actually knowing it`s the soft type.

Edited October 28, 2013 by rochester21

[lncognito]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, thats the impression I got from the reviews so far. I'm not looking for flex performance but was curious to try it as I've never experienced writing with one before and there are no fountain pen shop near me to try them out. Looks like I'll be ordering one soon

[daintydimsum]

I use a soft fine on my pilot 912 daily. I love it. it's not hard to use, does not really 'flex', but provides a kind of squishiness when writing and some line variation.

[Ed333]

Newbie question, what difficulties (in writing) are presented for regular writing or note-taking with a flex or semi-flex nib?

[proton007]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, thats the impression I got from the reviews so far. I'm not looking for flex performance but was curious to try it as I've never experienced writing with one before and there are no fountain pen shop near me to try them out. Looks like I'll be ordering one soon

 

Be cautious, 'soft' nibs aren't 'flex' or 'semi flex' nibs.

 

The japanese 'soft' nibs are designed from the point of view of kanji. The downstrokes tend to put a bit of pressure on the nib, and the soft nib dampens that pressure, while providing a nice variation in width.

 

So its more like a springy nib. Trying to force it to flex may damage it.

 

However, if used at a normal pace, it should be a comfortable writer, nothing to worry about.

 

 

Edit: In comparison to 'soft' nibs, the Namiki/Metal Falcon or the 'FA' nibs would be semi-flex.

Edited October 28, 2013 by proton007

[ukobke]

I use seven Custom 74 as daily writers. Three of them (SF,SFM,SM) are so called "soft" nib from Pilot.

 

They surely are NOT flexible. They are as they call them. "SOFT". I would say they are more springy than usual nibs. Falcon nibs are almost semi-flexible compared to soft ones.

 

I do enjoy writing with them. I have noticed (myself) when I write with them, my hand gets "lighter". In case you have a "heavy" hand you should not press very much to avoid damage.

 

Try them. I think you will enjoy them very much.

[squishymochii]

I have a Pilot CH 91 in a soft fine and I really like it as an everyday writer. It is really comfortable nib to write with for a long period of time.

Edited March 9, 2014 by squishymochii

[Apprenti]

If you're using minimal pressure, you won't notice the flex. If you push a little, it'll bounce.

 

Check out the 'Don't just tell us about the pen you're using' thread pinned in First Stop, I've shared some pictures of me utilising the flex capabilities of a Platinum SF nib. Might be helpful.

 

Joe

[Aramchek]

The only soft nib pen I have is a Platinum balance. It is very probably the pen I have that feels best to write with.

[Edwaroth]

Soft nibs offer a wonderful feel though I am a side push leftie. I am more comfortable however, (going against the grain) using a harder nib for my daily carry. And that is just because of the way I write.

 

Best,

 

Ed

[discopig]

I use two pens (Namiki Falcon, Platinum 3776 Century) with soft fine nibs as daily writers. They work perfectly well, they only give me line variation if I expressly want it.

[roygbiv54321]

I use two pens (Namiki Falcon, Platinum 3776 Century) with soft fine nibs as daily writers. They work perfectly well, they only give me line variation if I expressly want it.

Which of these two pens would you go to more often as a daily writer?

[Algester]

for daily writing I would go for the Elabo metal as it has the Con-70 but if I want something Cheaper the Custom heritage 91 and custom 74 pretty much fits the bill I also own a SM Pilot on a Custom Heritage 91 as an entry point to Pilot pens (100USD)

PS: my country doesnt have Pilot pens yet at least on a very large scale of selections

Edited February 28, 2015 by Algester

[Penman222]

I purchased a Pilot 91 with a SM nib. It was certainly not the right nib for me and I returned the pen. I guess it just depends on your writing technique and what you are looking to do with your fountain pen.

 

Actually, I have a VP with a 18k nib and I would consider it to be semi-soft probably and I like it.