Help With Comparison Of E F Nibs?

[Octo]

Some time back there was a thread about various pens with very fine nibs, but I can't find it.

 

Can anyone who has used Pilot, Sailor, and Platinum give me a comparison for smoothness, flow, etc. of EF nibs? I know there are the penmanship, various desk pens, etc., but don't know which is best.

 

I'm interested in inexpensive fountain pens as I just want to try them out.

 

Thanks.

[jasonditz]

I've only tried the Pilot version that comes with the Penmanship but it was a lot smoother than I would've expected. There's obviously a little bit of feedback with a nib that small but it flows really well and smoother than you'd figure. Penmanship is only $8 or so at jetpens, so its a cheap choice too.

[arran]

I have an EF sailor and some F platinums and all perform very well

No flow issues

[shawndp]

Ok - so I went on an F / EF bender a while ago and can add a few notes on the pens I have

 

1) Pilot EF on the VP 18K nib - fine line with a bit of scratchiness, my gf has since switched the ink to Asa-Gao and says it is the best pen she has ever used

 

2) Sailor Pro Gear Sapporo EF 14K nib - if you write numbers this is the one - I personally find it wetter than the pilot but the line width seems broader...

 

3) Platinum Carbon Desk pen steel nib - has feedback as in I can hear it over the paper and some scratchiness but no real skipping for me.

 

4) Pilot Elite 95 - not nearly as fine as the other three and a touch skippy on long strokes

Edited September 30, 2014 by shawndp

[Sketch and Doodle]

These pens are western EF and Japanese Fine I currently have. I had vintage Parker Duofold Sr. firm F (like EF) and it was a nail that writes well albeit on the dry side. Sold it.

 

In order of preference. (I tried to flex on the wavy line to see if flex)

The 10 points being "perfect" and I put the numbers to rank them for my preferences.

 

Nakaya soft fine - juicy for EF nib. Most smooth nib. It's a butta. Hint of "Give" not even springy. (9.9 points)

Nakaya firm fine - Smooth and butta. (9.8 points)

Montegrappa Miya EF - Smooth and wet (tuned by Masuyama) and a bit of flex/springy (9.5 points)

MB 146 custom ground (twice by Minuskin) - Writes well enough with toothy and juicy (9.3 points)

Platinum firm fine - Smooth and a bit dry side (9.1 points)

 

Platinum looks like Nakaya fine but you can feel the difference. Nakaya feels premium.

 

I was searching for a grail EF/F pen and I think I found it. Nakaya soft fine.

 

This Rhodia paper is high grade paper and does not swells like a regular photocopier paper which thickens up double if juicy nib.

Edited October 1, 2014 by Sketch and Doodle

[Graebel]

VP XF is the finest line I have. A Sailor XF Sapporo seems to hover between the VP XF and F in line width. Haven't tried a Nakaya or Platinum yet, but looking forward to them and comparing the Soft XF nib.

 

None of them are very wet (compared to say a Twsibi XF) but lay down just enough ink at all time. Perfect flow and dry time.

[Octo]

Good information from all of you. Thanks very much.

[vnnil]

I have several Pilot EF and all are pretty good, though you get what you pay for. My absolute favorite is the PO; that's as fine and smooth as EF ever gets

[Aurko]

The Platinum Ultra Extra Fine is on par with the now discontinued Saibi Togi nib by Sailor and should be finer than the Pilot XF. The Sailor XF is a tad wetter and thus broader than the Pilot XF but also a little smoother. I actually have yet to use a Platinum XF though.

[jmccarty3]

I have several Pilot EF and all are pretty good, though you get what you pay for. My absolute favorite is the PO; that's as fine and smooth as EF ever gets

It's early in the morning and I haven't had enough coffee, but could you clarify what you mean by PO?

[XiaoMG]

It's early in the morning and I haven't had enough coffee, but could you clarify what you mean by PO?

PO is the Pilot Posting nib. I've read a few explanations for it but the basic description is that it's a nib with the tip bent down like a beak, providing a round fine tip that doesn't spread/flex when pressed firmly.

 

I disagree about it being the ultimate EF nib but it's fine and has a place.

Edited October 16, 2014 by XiaoMG