Question for you experts from a newbie. I have MB146 F and Waterman Expert II M. When I use them in my lab book, ink bleeds through the back side and causes inconvenience. I flip the nib to write in very fine line. Yes, it feels somewhat scrachy, but it enables me using backside. This has been my little secret..

So the question is, can I do this? Would the nib gets damaged if I keep doing it? Thank you in advance for your insights!!

Not to my knowledge. I wouldn't advise you do it, but I don't think it damages the pen...much.

As long as you are gentle, using no pressure, this is not a problem. Nibs are not built to take any pressure in the wrong direction.

In the future, if you want to, you can change your ink or use a finer pen, and perhaps avoid this problem.

I am being as gentle as I can with it.. But I guess I will try not to do this.. I have MB Noblesse that I should try as it draws a needle point.. Thank you, David!

I have my eye sight set on one of those Duofold as well.. G'luck with yours, Shangas!!

Thanks, Peter.

If all goes well, I should have it in my hands by next week!!!

Not an expert, but in searching for interesting nibs I found that the specialist nibs by Sailor are sometimes intended to be used at different angles and even in reverse, to achieve differing effects. Off the top of my head, the King Eagle and maybe Concord nibs are examples. Do some surfing. It may not answer the question about whether your pen is up to it, but makes fun reading and generates unhealthy lust to buy!

Nic

I've done that for 20+ years and never had a problem.

Bernado,

That sounds encouraging. What I like when I invert the nib is that it gives a look of 'Arabic(?)'. Crisp yet scratchy.. I like to write in this line width variation. I think with time, cutting andscraping paper will be reduced. I might just keep an eye on it.

Hey Nic,

I know about the lust part, stcky finger stuck to paypal along with red eyes.. I just bought three pens over the weekend. All is fine until I have to explain to my boss when I get the Big One (149) finally arrives at our doorstep eventually..

But until then, keep buying..

Cheers!

The real problem here is that your lab notebook has paper that's not fountain pen friendly. I use Clairefontaine or Rhodia notebooks for my detailed lab work and they work great. They both have nice smooth paper with no bleed through and you can even write on both sides. If you get a good notebook, you won't have to write with your nib upside down.

Oh shucks,

My lab book is Boorum & Pease Columnar books 21-300-R
Rather expensive one.

But the price is not the matter, I agree..
Paper looks thick, thicker than 20 lbs, but less than 24#

It bleeds through..

Thanks I will check it out

Regards,