Even though I'm still fairly new to this, this pen is my most expensive purchase to date. What are some of the tricks to taking advantage of it's springy nib? So far, my attempts at line variation are spotty at best.

I suggest you get a calligraphy handbook that has examples of Copperplate, or English Roundhand, or Script. At least those will let you see some examples of the kind of writing you can do with a flexible nib. I have found a Namiki Falcon to only have a moderate flex.

Here is a link to Antoniosz's introduction to flex production:

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...?showtopic=2909

I agree with ANM. My experience with the Falcon is that it gives my handwriting "character" but it doesn't really flex in a Holy Grail sort of way.

From what I've read, the stock Falcon is relatively flexible by modern but not by historical standards. http://www.nibs.com/NamikiFalconPage.htm shows what can be done with a Falcon customized to add a lot more flex. It also illustrates the degree of difference the customization makes. The Kirk Edelman writing sample is impressive.

I guess I just need to practice. I'm not sure if I'm disappointed in the pen's characteristic's, or in my inability to take advantage of it's abilities.

Even though it may not be the most flexible pen out there, the Falcon is great as just an everyday writer. I'm sorry that you're disappointed in the pen's performance. I had one before and absolutely loved the nib. I ended up selling it, because it was just too small for my hands. Stick with it -- it might grow on you.

I've been thinking of buying one myself...how do you like how it writes, aside from the flex writing aspect?

Still being a novice at all this, I'm sure the disappointment lies with my lack of expertise. It does write very smoothly, but it is a very light pen. If it doesn't grow on me, I just might upgrade it to one of the pens on my lust list, ground to a CI or stub nib.

It writes very well. Just like a M nib that it is. It's smooth. Also very classy looking, even if somwwhat on the light side, and about medium length. Before you buy one, let me know. This one is less than a month old, and I think I would be interested in a trade or selling it outright. "So many pens, and a limited supply of funds."

Will definitely let you know if I decide to take the plunge, thanks!

This may be too obvious, so forgive me if it is.

My biggest problem with flex nibs is retraining myself to use a lighter touch. We read here on FPN all the time about how nowadays everyone is used to bearing down on their pens (hence the pen manufacturers' reluctance to make flexy ie fragile nibs).

I have some experience with dip pens which put the flexiest fountain pens to shame, and even so when I first started to use my Emotica I had a lot of trouble getting it under control. I don't know whether my brain shifts modes when I pick up a fountain pen, or maybe I expect to have to pay attention when I'm using a dip pen. Whatever it is, even with my experience with much flexier pens, it is difficult for me to modulate my pressure adequately.

I have a few suggestions. First, get a Kuretake or Kamei... heck, even a Pentel brush pen (not one of the flexible markers, I mean a bristle brush for a nib) and practice with it. You may never get to where you can write in a notebook with it, but when you come back to your flex metal pen it will seem much more manageable.

Second, practice on a table, not in a notebook in your lap. Get a table that is stable and put down some paper flat on it. It could be a pad of paper or whatever, just so it lays flat. Practice putting down lines with less pressure than letting the full weight of the pen rest on the paper. See how lightly you can draw the nib across the paper and still get a line out of it. I say make sure that the paper is laying flat because the slightest bowing or bulging will completely change the line you get or if you get one at all.

Check these out for practice guides, and have fun!

Thanks Splicer, that is very considerate and helpful of you.

YVW. Believe me, I'm going through the same thing right now. My Pilot Custom 742 FA arrived from Japan and I'm sitting here in my studio trying to get a feel for it. It's like driving with a clutch; you can drive a stickshift for decades and then get into an unfamiliar car and stall it out three times in the driveway. I'm liking the flex it has, but getting my hand under control is a bear.

You think that's tough--you should try learning how to play guitar--@ 49 years old!

Tony, did you see the handwriting sample posted recently by FPN member 30cal? It's pretty impressive.

I've played with mine and can get a similar amount of line variation, but it doesn't feel natural to me and it's hard work. The Falcon is really only semi-flex so you need to exert a fair bit of pressure to get the wide line. And for me it's a bit nerve-wracking.

That said, it is still a favorite pen for daily use. I use it as a regular pen 90% of the time, and inexplicably, my handwriting looks just a bit better using it - perhaps it's the springiness of the nib. I'll sometimes use the flexiness when sketching to vary the line weight, but only on occasion.

That's what I love about writing with fountain pens - each one is different. When I pick up a pen I haven't used in a while or a new one, I find out what its unique writing style and quirks are. There is a sensual quality to it that I enjoy.

My writing sample with a Namiki Falcon is nowhere near as impressive, and I have to agree that it probably took quite a bit of work to do 30cal's sample. It takes quite a bit of pressure to get the line variation. But what a fantastic everyday pen, and my signature gets a little flair out of it too.

good on ya, Churl - it's still a nice sample. I wasn't going to post mine but what the heck. This was the first try, and on a pocket moleskine on my lap so hardly the best circumstances, but at least it shows what the pen can do. I'll post the flickr link because I don't think the variation shows up unless you click on "all sizes".

http://flickr.com/photos/limesally/2089843321/

Heyy! I have that book---and I've actually done the practices shown.