The last couple of days I've been testing my Japanese nibs to get an understanding of why there is such a difference between the fines and mediums before deciding on my next purchase. What I really want is a nib that is smooth but won't lay down ink that feathers or has outlines that are too soft looking. So I put mine to the test and discovered that the key to getting the nib I want has less to do with the nib and more to do with how I wield it.

"Huh?" I can just hear the collective FPN voice. "Say what?" Here's the deal. When I use no effort and let the pen do the work, all of my Japanese nibs are smooth writing. When I put a little pressure on the nib, most act scratchy, the wider nibs less so. In fact the Pilot Prera can take a decent amount of pressure on its stainless though tipped medium nib without a hint of trouble. But it's so much nicer to use it gently and be able to write longer with less hand strain.

Well, I heard a couple of "Duh!" type remarks from the more experienced amongst us and a few from some newbies. Certainly backing off on the pressure (a holdover from using ballpoints, roller balls, gel pens and the ubiquitous pencil) won't cure tine alignment or other nib problems. But if you've examined a scratchy nib under a loupe and see nothing amiss, try resting the pen in your grip not gripping the pen in your hand. You may just have a gem and not know it.

Margana,

One of the things I have learned from one of my English co-workers is if someone can not come along and take the pen from you with no effort, then you are holding it too tight.

I have noticed one of my pens likes to be twisted, instead of written with straight.

So you are absolutily correct, do not use them as ballpoints or rollerballs. Fountain pens are unique and works of art. If you misuse something of course it is not going to act right.

Cheers.

P.S. Some flex nibs need a little pressure to get the line variance that a flex is notable for.

There are some nibs that, new or old, vintage and contemporary, have a 'sweet spot' just like a golf club or a baseball bat. Even after a good burnishing or a rudimentary tuning, there is still a decided 'place' that is just better than any other on the nib.

This may explain why some talk about pens getting a "set" from use. Could be. But I have had it happen with new pens--consistently reliable pens like Phileas--have a sweet spot right out of the box. Not a QC issue, just a uniqueness of the pen...

Which is why I love the beasts.

Bill

I always tryn to let the pen 'glide' across the paper, i never thought about haow hard I gripped the pen itself though...I must try the loose grip thing and see if that makes a difference...

Yep and I have also found that the paper/ pen/ ink/ location of writing also has something to do with the quality of the writing experience. Maybe it is the angle of 'attack' but sometimes I find that writing at a desk as opposed to laying own can give a different line/ quality of writing.


K

Some inks work better than others in some pens and on some papers some nibs write better than on standard papers. Also the way of handling the pen has its importance.

Shelly, did you have an opportunity to try this yet? Curious to know if you noticed any difference.