Bill's Observations On Nibs
Flexy, semi-flex, and stub nibs are not for everyone! Just because some of us on FPN like them and rave about them, does not mean your experience with them will be so positive. They take a different touch and you may need to exercise some patience as you learn how to write effortlessly with them. (Incidentally, "copperplate" and other ornate writing styles are not meant for everyday use, take time to master, and are more trouble to learn than they are worth unless you plan to become a calligrapher -- in my opinion, of course.)
These nibs may all turn out not to be your cup of tea. Liking them is not a sign of a sophisticated pen user. If you try one and don't like it, don't blame the pen -- just ask the vendor or manufacturer for a nib exchange. There is no reason why a general fountain pen user, let alone a casual user, MUST have one of these. Think of them as specialty tools.
Bill's Observations On Ink
- 1. Any ink will work in some pens all of the time.
2. Some inks will work in most pens most of the time.
3. No ink will work in all pens.
4. All inks, if left in a pen for a sufficiently long time, will dry up and clog the pen.
5. India ink and anything else not designed for use in fountain pens will ruin any fountain pen in short order.
6. Sometimes it's the pen's fault, not the ink.
7. Trust your own experience with an ink more than anything you read or hear.
Observations 4 through 7 (in that order) trump the others.
My advice: Buy the ink color you like, with the properties you need, and try it. If it works, great. If it doesn't, that doesn't mean the ink is no good. It just means you need to try it in another pen.
If you buy a pen from someone who says, "If you use Blotto Ink in this pen, it voids my warranty," you have a choice: Don't use Blotto Ink in the pen, or buy the pen from someone who does not restrict the warranty.
The Pen Koan
If you meet the perfect pen on the road, drive over it and crush it.
Source: BillTheEditor