Hi all,

So I have a vintage Sheaffer that has lost its iridium on one of the tines. It happened long before I got the pen. But I am wondering about what happens if I grind the gold point down to a new nib without iridium? I presume I can get a good point from the gold. Of course the gold is going to wear somewhat faster than the iridium but in my case that is not a big issue. I am a collector that rotates through a dozen or more pens. It will be a very long time before the nib wears out. And, in the mean time, the nib slowly wears its self into an ultra smooth nib.

Can some of the nib experts comment on this idea? I know this may sound like sacrilege to to some here, but I really just want to know the mechanics of the situation, not the emotions.

Thanks,
Bob

As far as I understand, the iridium point provides a contact point that is very durable. The gold nib itself will deform and lose a point much much faster, depending on the purity. How much faster someone else will have to tell you. I think it may also change the characteristics of the pen, how wet it writes, and definately will change any flexibility. The tines usually taper to a point, the gap between tines gets narrower, so by griding back the nib, you aren't just bypassing the iridium point... it'll be changing the design of the nib somewhat.

My 2c anyway. Maybe consider getting it retipped?

Bob,

I rotate thru a bunch of pens also.

I had the same issue with a Parker vac. After I smoothed it down to very nice fine/medium, I haven't noticed any change in performance.

I suppose if you used it like they did in the 30s & 40s, you'd have a problem. I'd give it a go and address the problem if it ever manifests itself.

Buzz