I am seeing quite a few people asking for help with dip pens. They seem to be asking the same questions over and over. Could we get an expert to write a tutorial and pin it to the "Writing Instruments" forum? Even publishing a link to another site that has basic information would help.

Paddler

I'm all for it, since I've been thinking about getting into dip pens lately and would appreciate a "one-stop shop" for information

Maybe jbb will be able to do one. jbb writes the most beautiful letters with a flex-nibbed dip pen.

Whoa!!! Thank you P-Zero. I was just checking the post and there I was being mentioned. I don't think I'm up to the task of a tutorial but here are some of my thoughts on the topic of dip pens.
1. Find a few dip nibs that you like. My favorites are Esterbrooks 761 & 556, Esterbrook Penesco 505 and Gillott 404.
2. You need paper that has some tooth. Really smooth paper won't show the shading. I like Southworth 25% & 100% cotton.
3. When you write press harder on the down-stroke, lighten up on the upstroke -- so thick is down, thin is up.
4. Dipping becomes part of your writing rhythm -- you get used to it and you'll get faster.
5. Practice. It takes a while to get the hang of dip pen writing. It took me several months -- and I practiced like a fiend because I loved it so much.