Flexible Nib Question

[woodwindmaster06]

Do flex nibs only show line variation on horizontal strokes?? The pel140 I have has some flex to it but I can't get any line variation on verticle strokes, is this common. When do flex nibs flex is it both on vert/horizonontal or only horizontal???

Thanks

Tim

[Arnav]

Antoniosz has posted a number of beautifully illustrated introductions to flex. Try the search feature on keyword "flex" and filtering by his name.

 

Here's one to start: Copperplate Handwriting

 

And another: Hand Position for Copperplate

 

But it's worth remembering that flex nibs are wonderful to write with even if you don't strive for any special shading effects. James Pickering mentioned somewhere that flex-nib buyers in the '30s liked them just for their "tactile" feel and feedback. In the '00s, I can corroborate this...

 

--Arnav

Edited June 24, 2005 by Arnav

[ElaineB]

On the other hand, I personally can't bear using flex nibs for "daily" writing. I love doing copperplate work and I prize my flexy pens for that. But when it comes to writing a letter or journal entry, give me a firm nib any time. I write too quickly for a flex -- I have to coddle the nib to keep it writing smoothly, and it's tiring.

 

Different strokes for different folks... (bad pun, I know... )

[antoniosz]

I am not sure if I understand your question.

A flex nib flexes when pressed.

 

The amount of line variation depends on the relative direction of the written line and the opening of the tines. If the nib moves along the direction of the slit you will get maximum variation when flexing. If the nib moves in the perpendicular to the slit direction not only you will not get any line variation but you will most probably damage the nib.

 

Whether the line variation is horizontal or vertical (I presume with respect to the lines of the paper) that depends on how you hold the pen. In theory you can get either.

 

Perhaps it would be easier if you could post a sample and explain the way you hold the pen.

[smudgy]

Whether the line variation is horizontal or vertical (I presume with respect to the lines of the paper) that depends on how you hold the pen. In theory you can get either.

 

This was true in my case the one time I tried one - I only got horizontal line variation because I held the pen so that the slit in the nib was parallel to the lines on the paper. I couldn't hold it comfortably any other way.

Edited June 24, 2005 by smudgy