Is it worth it to pay for smoothing, repairing of Esterbrook nibs? Several that I are rather sharp on the sides...........assuming I wasn't going to just smooth them myself (which I'm sure I'll eventually do), would it just be cheaper to buy some replacements?

considering the availability of nos nib units at anywhere from $5-20, and considering that most do not have an 'iridium' point to begin with, i would either try smoothing it myself or throw it away.

If you're doing it yourself, why not? It's probably not cost effective to send out to do the work since they are easily found on the net.

If you're going to be throwing nibs away, if they are earlier nibs with flat or semi-flat feeds, they can always be thrown towards Wisconsin. I can always use broken parts.

Best-
Brian

I'll do it myself, then, and enjoy the experience I'm sure. A relative newcomer, have re-sacced a few........this ought to be the next step. Now, for some tools................

The beauty of it is there are plenty of esterbrook nibs out there that are just crying to be smoothed. A good percentage of the pens I get have spent nibs.

Have fun, and good luck.

Best-
Brian

Just remember that most of them do not have a hard alloy tipping, so the chance of going to far are much higher. Work slow and careful. I ruined a WASP Additpoint tip that way when I was learning. I managed to salvage it into a reasonable stub, but the original character of the nib is gone.

John

thanks for the tip.......Suggestions on the best tools for smoothing? Sources?

several:

giovanni, richard,
martin

no affiliation, customer of all 3

I've smoothed several Estie nibs and have been very happy with the results. Yes, with untipped nibs it changes the character of the nib, but in all cases, I liked what I got better than what I had. Go for it.

Laura