Twsbi Nib Size

[theinforat]

Hi guys,

I have decided to get a TWSBI Mini Classic, but I can't decide between an F nib or an EF nib. I know Western nibs tend to be a bit broader than Asian nibs, but sometimes there are exceptions. Anyone have any experience with one or both? I'll be using this pen for general writing purposes more than anything. Hopefully it'll be an EDC, but we shall see.

 

(Forgive me, mods, if my topic is in the wrong place!)

[chas0039]

I have a different TWISBI, the 580 with an EF nib. I have almost all my pens with F or EF nibs so if you could suggest a nib that is perfect for you I might be able to tell you if the EF is a match.

 

In general, it writes finer than my Parker Duofold EF and much closer to a Platinum or a Sailor F. On my micrometer, the nib is a match for both and 2/3 the width of Parker or Watermn EF.

 

I would check with Goulet pens to see how the the nibs on the Mini and 580 compare.

Edited August 21, 2014 by chas0039

[theinforat]

I can't really say that I have found the "perfect nib size" yet, because I only have two pens. However, I find that the medium(ish) nib on my Jinhao, while it writes very smoothly, is a bit too broad for me, and I'd even like to see a finer line than my Parker 45 F nib. However, I would still like to see enough of a line that the qualities of the inks are there. (I know that largely depends on the flow, etc.) So, does what I want exist? Probably not, but it's fun to try!

[Algester]

I have an EF on my mini and a F on my micarta... I can't say they are of any difference but my original EF on the mini WAS VERY DRY so I adjusted it it became an F then I tried to reshape the nib to an EF (which is kinda now a bit EF-ish but can still act like Sailor's zoom nib) decided to get a 580 EF for the mini... good not to dry not to wet but... looks similar :X

Edited August 22, 2014 by Algester

[Floreat]

I have a TWSBI 580 with an EF nib, and it gives me a tiny, neat and lovely line with no trouble at all. It's much finer than my Lamy EFs but that's only to be expected.

[Ted A]

Even though TWSBI is an Asian based company, the nibs are German. So they will be more European/American is size than Asian.

[Floreat]

Ooh that's interesting Ted, given my experience of TWSBI and Lamy! still my Pelikan F nib is a lot wider than my Lamy M nib so there is a huge amount of variation out there even amongst German nibs.

[A144]

Out of the box, there was not much difference in my TWSBI F and EF nibs. I have since adjusted the F to write a bit wetter (and consequently wider). There is a discernible difference between them now. I'd say my 580 EF nib writes somewhere between my Lamy EF and my Pilot Metro F (the latter being the finest of the three nibs).

 

I think either would be suitable for daily writing tasks. I have fairly small print and both work fine for me. I usually grab the EF if I'm going to be doing math or writing a lot of numbers or symbols.

[chas0039]

I have the Jinhao and the Parker 45 as well. You should probably go with the EF.

 

Look here to get an idea: http://www.gouletpens.com/Nib_Nook_s/1114.htm

 

Both EF and F will be finer than the Jinhao, a pretty fat nib. I always grind them down. The EF will be finer than the Parker 45 F, also not the finest line.

 

However, you will give up the detail and richness of color. It just works that way. If I want to see color, I whip out my 2.4 Pilot Parallel and do some calligraphy.

 

Also, a lot depends on your paper and ink. When I am grinding, I always use the same Midnight Blue ink and the same Rhodia paper or I can get into trouble. Switching to a composition book with US made paper is a guaranteed bump up by one nib size.

 

Keep in mind, TWSBI nibs are $20 at Goulet, and if you talk to them they might work something out if you wanted to return something after trying it out. They are great people and their prices on these are very good. If you really hate the nib, $20 will make it better. If you have both a F and EF you could always switch when you want richer color.

Edited August 25, 2014 by chas0039