Problem With Nib Or Ink?

[GnaRocksTheWorld]

I just got a Pilot Custom 74 with a fine nib. However, the nib feels a little scratchy (just a tiny bit in one particular direction) and the line it lays down on an upstroke (or leftstroke rather) is very faint. I am using a Namiki Blue-Black cartridge in my Custom 74. I got a Custom 74 knowing that it would have superb performance, but I was not expecting this at all. The main problem is that the pen does not lay down a consistent colour and I get a very faint dark blue when moving to the left as opposed to the usual colour moving to the right. Another problem is that there is bleedthrough even on 100gsm paper when I press down to achieve the desired colour, albeit sacrificing line thickness. Is this the nib's problem or is it just the nature of the ink? If it's the nib, what can I do to improve the condition (other than sending my pen back)? If it's the ink, which ink should I use to get a consistent blue colour with no bleedthrough (I'm looking Asa-Gao, Noodler's Liberty's Elysium, or maybe Diamine Majestic Blue sort of colour)?

[doggonecarl]

Sounds like your tines are misaligned. Sometimes those can be adjusted. But if you mess up the nib you might have a problem with your vendor replacing it. So you migh consider sending it back for a new nib.

Edited August 1, 2014 by doggonecarl

[GnaRocksTheWorld]

Seems like my tines look ok, maybe ever so slightly misaligned but that would be negligible. Any other factors contributing to this? Maybe needs smoothing? I'm not worried about voiding warranty, I think the warranty might not even be valid, this used to belong to my friend before it came to me...

Edited August 1, 2014 by GnaRocksTheWorld

[BookCat]

The bleedthough sounds like the paper, though thick, is absorbent. Perhaps try another ink and paper combination. I use Namiki Blue all the time because it is water resistant and pen friendly, and I've never had a problem with it; haven't tried the Blue Black though. It's a shame Pilot don't take international size converters, but maybe you could buy an Pilot converter and use a different ink.

 

If changing the ink and using a paper which works for other, juicy pens, doesn't help, you'll have to look at the nib. It's normal for fine nibs to be a bit scratchy btw. Unless you need to stick to this, maybe purchase a medium nib or do some smoothing, taking the risk that you'll damage the nib in the process. Flossing the nib with brass shim may help the ink to flow a little better, but watch the tine alignment.

Edited August 1, 2014 by BookCat

[GnaRocksTheWorld]

Here are some pictures of the nib and writing. I don't think it's the tine alignment, the tines look aligned under a magnifying glass. As shown in the first picture, the left side is when I am writing leftwards, while the right rise is when I am writing rightwards. I hold the pen worth the nib pointing at about 225 degrees to the top (or Southwest if you know what I'm saying). What can I do? Should I send the pen to a nib meister? Or should I just use a wetter ink (any recommendations for blue btw)?

 

[lgsoltek]

It still seems to be a nib alignment problem to me, although I can't see it clearly in the photos.

[Bo Bo Olson]

A magnifying glas is not strong enough.

 

You need a once in a life time buy of a 10-12-15 X loupe with good coating. Can be used to look at hallmarks on gold and silver, coins and stamps.

 

It sounds like a nib misalignment.

A very small amount is hard to see with out a good loupe.

 

Don't know how many pens you have....but a slight knock can can cause misalignment of the nib.

 

Once you know what tine is low , push the other from the breather hole, down. Do that gently, hold for three-4 seconds, repeat until aligned.

Just bending with out being able to see perfectly, is guess work.

 

You can send it back, telling them the tines are not aligned, and your problem.

Sooner or later you will need a loupe 10-12-15 X....not 20X it is too strong....you can buy a cheap one, this year, the year after next....and so on or buy one good one for the rest of your life. @$35...then you can hunt old used pens (vintage) in the wild.

 

95% of scratchy is caused by misaligned nibs, and or holding a fountain pen before the big knuckle like a ball point.

Edited August 2, 2014 by Bo Bo Olson

[AllenG]

Here are some pictures of the nib and writing. I don't think it's the tine alignment, the tines look aligned under a magnifying glass. As shown in the first picture, the left side is when I am writing leftwards, while the right rise is when I am writing rightwards. I hold the pen worth the nib pointing at about 225 degrees to the top (or Southwest if you know what I'm saying). What can I do? Should I send the pen to a nib meister? Or should I just use a wetter ink (any recommendations for blue btw)?

20140802_120224-1.jpg20140802_121555.jpg20140802_120741-1.jpg

Try a wetter ink first. That would be the cheap and quick fix. If that brings you no joy, then send it to a nib meister.

[BookCat]

If you've only recently bought the pen, send it back.

 

One thing to consider is whether you're holding the fp as upright as you would a ballpoint. If you are doing this, it might explain some of the difficulties you're having. Try holding it at a lower angle.

 

But if that doesn't work, return it and explain your problems. It should still be under guarantee.

[arran]

I just got the same problem with a Nakaya F nib.

I will send it back to Japan to replace it!