Dip Pen Flex Fun

[doriath19]

So I was enjoying a day off with my wife and kids in historic Concord, Massachusetts, and we stopped to browse in an antique shop. I am always on the lookout for pen related items (although I mostly just look and never actually buy anything). I found a dip pen for $4. The nib looked like it was in pretty good shape, and it had some flex to it. So I figured why not give it a try. The only flex I have tried to this point is Noodler's flex nibs which are a lot of work for little return.

 

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. At first I couldn't get it to work at all. But I read on a post here to heat the nib in order to burn off any oils. It worked beautifully! Now I can see why everyone raves about flex nibs. It is really fun! The dipping part is kind of fun too. It seems like there are plenty of dip nibs around at antique shops. Definitly glad I gave it a try.

 

Since I am new to this dip thing, does anyone have recommendations for dip nibs? What are your favorite nibs? What should I look for if I want something really flexible?

 

I couldn't get a good picture of my nib, but it says, "Spencerian Bronze Falcon."

 

 

 

[doriath19]

Here is a picture with a sample of my handwriting. I am still figuring the whole thing out. Also please disregard the picture that shows through from the previous page. I was attempting to draw a picture for my 3 year old son

Edited October 22, 2014 by doriath19

[Randal6393]

Yep, that's why dip pens are still around. Suggestions: try Paper, Ink, and Arts or John Neal Booksellers for other dip pens. Tutorials on Copperplate and Spenserian may be found at IAMPETH. A few hours invested in looking around will save you many hours of trial and advance your hand greatly. Good work!

 

Enjoy,

[ac12]

Welcome to the world of dip pens.

Careful, it can be a steep downhill slope.

But at least it will be fun.

 

I use and enjoy several nibs:

- a bowl shaped nib, like an Eagle 830

- a stub like the Esterbrook 48 Falcon (like what you have), or 442 Jackson stub

- a pointed like the Nikko G (not quite as sharp/pointed so easier to use) I currently use this nib the most, in my oblique holder.

- a flexy nib like the Hiro 41

 

The first 2 (bowl and stub) are easy writers, similar to writing with a fountain pen, and they also have a little bit of flex, so it will look more interesting. They are comparatively large nibs, so only usable in my straight holder (like yours). But they are out of production, so you have to search for them.

 

The last 2 (Nikko G and Hiro 41) are in production nibs, so you don't have to scrounge/search for them. And they are relative inexpensive; Nikko G = $1.55, Hiro 41 = $0.60 each at Paper & Ink Arts. I use these in my oblique holder.

 

Get a bottle of "Higgins Eternal" ink. For a practice ink, it is MUCH better than the Speedball acrylic ink that I had been using. The guys here (I think Randal) told me about the Higgins.

As you figured out, you can also use FP ink with the dip pen.

 

Here is a trick that works for me, wipe the nib with rubbing alcohol before you use it and after you wash the nib. The ink seems to stick to the nib better after I wiped the nib with alcohol. So after you clean your nib when changing inks, wipe with alcohol before you dip into the new ink. I don't know the science of why it works, but it does.

[Kosmic-kowgirl]

Brause Rose nibs are *wonderfully* flexy

[doriath19]

Thanks for the suggestions! Paper and Ink Arts looks like a great site. Iampeth.com was looks like it will be very useful. This seems like it could be just as dangerous as fountain pens.

 

And I will try a bottle of Higgins eternal ink.

[Zookie]

I love dip pens! They force you to slow down and really think about what it is that you're writing. The ones I tend to use the most are Eagle Pencil E-40 "Bank" , "Palmer Method" No.9, and Eagle E-840 "Modern Writing" nibs.

I have a large assortment of nibs, but these are the ones I use most.

Anything goes as far as ink is concerned! I've used the Higgins, which is good, but have gone as far as using laundry bluing, beet juice, berry juices, etc.

I figure that if it can stain my shirts, it's ok to write with

[psyanide]

Dip pens are definitely dangerous territory! My favourite nib is the Brause EF 66 - really fine and flexy. If you can invest in some high-quality paper like Rhodia or Tomoe River, the fun just gets better and better.