I am considering the npurchase of a Namiki Falcon fountain pen. I much enjoy expressive writing with line variation. I have an old Montblanc 149 with a broad nib which, although clearly not flexible, gives me line variation by pressure and angle differences. I'm intrigued by the reviews of the Falcon on the FPN, especially by the comments related to the Falcon nib's flexibility and springiness. Does anyone have experience with the Falcon with a broad nib. If so, is the nib tip simply a larger, but equally round, version of the medium, or is it a more wide than deep shape. Can I achieve line variation with it by angling the nib as well as by pressure differences? Also, would a broad nib on this pen virtually negate the flexibility it seems to be known for? Finally, can you achieve much line variation from angle of attack differences with the medium nib on the Falcon?

Looking forward to any information/advice from the wealth of experience on this forum. Thanks, Ron C.

Hi Ron, I cannot comment on the Broad, but I do have a medium which is a fabulous writer, smooth and has a splendid feel. However, if you are really looking for some serious line variation, the stock Falcon nib is not going to deliver what a true flex nib will. There's a little variation from angles, and a little variation from flex, but not nearly enough for that creative style you seem to be searching for. Perhaps a F or EF would give more line variation out of the box, I don't know.

Now, as for feel, the stock nib is one of the best feeling nibs out there. Really.

Also there are some threads here which reference a nib customization by John Mottishaw which actually changes the Falcon into a true flex nib with great variation. I personally have neither seen nor tried one, so I can't comment on those other than to say they do exist.

So, there you have an opinion of the medium nib. I love it for feel, but not for flex/variation because there's just not quite enough.

Good luck,
Dave

Thanks, Dave. I appreciate the info. I'm glad you like your Falcon. Can you explain what you mean by great "feel." Do you mean that the nib is smooth at a great variety of angles or that it glides easily with very little pressure and with a variety of inks? Also, do you find that the converter holds a reasonable amount of ink, at least for your medium nib? Ron

Does anyone have experience using a broad nib on a Namiki Falcon? If so, I would appreciate any comments on the performance of the nib, especially any effect of that size nib on the reputed springiness and flexibility of the Falcon nibs.
Thanks, Ron C.

Ron,

Are you thinking about Namiki Falcon Fountain pen, or Namiki pen (such as Custom 743) with a Falcon (FA) nib? My guess is you are thinking about Falcon pen as you are asking about B nibs.

If you are really into flexible writing, a Pilot pen with FA nib might work better for you rather than a Falcon pen, from what I hear. I'm sorry I can't offer a first-hand opinion for either as I don't own them. The reviews by other members below might help.

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...?showtopic=5200

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=22872

Thanks Taki. I was in fact thinking of the Falcon pen. The links were very informative. Thanks, Ron

Hey Ron,
Well, feel is such a subjective thing but for me, it's a combination of balance, comfort, and the smoothness of the nib across the paper. I guess the overall "writing experience". I would say yes to all of the above questions. The Falcon is a fantastic little pen - one of the best bargains on the market today IMO. But, I think it is a little misleading for them to advertise it as a flex nib. It does have plenty of spring which makes it very comfortable to use (kinda like shocks on a car I guess), but the line just doesn't really vary like a real flex nib, only slightly.

The converter holds a reasonable amount of ink for the medium, but, I usually only use a pen for a day or two, then grab another. My guess (and only a guess) is that with the medium line, I could get about +/- 15 pages of standard prose.

I must add at this point, that this pen originally came from Richard Binder's site (someone else purchased it and made the mistake of letting me try it, and I refused to give it back... j/k.. but I did buy it on the spot), and according to Richard's site, he always tweaks the pens for smoothness and flow, so, the smoothness from every reasonable writing angle could be his touch rather than stock standard. I don't know as this is the only Falcon I've tried.

As I said, I think this is one of the best values on the market.. but it's just not something that is going to go Spencerian on you without some modification.

Dave