Hello,

for some time I have been playing with regrinding nibs. Recently, I have also started to experiment with making some of my experimental nibs more flexible by copying Mr Binder's and Motishaw's work. It has proved to be hard work to thin the tines and re-shape the shoulders of the nibs as I have not got the right tools and know-how. But then what are the right tools and the right technique? And what exactly is there to know apart form the obvious that some nibs are more suitable for such modification than others (e.g. 14k nibs are more suitable then 18k, and stiff nibs and nibs that have the shape of flexible nibs but are not flexible are bad candidates)?

Thanks beforehand for your answers,
Zed

I would not presume to offer advice on techniques, but a trawl through the Repair Q&A forum may shed some light.

Cheers,
Ruaidhrí

I recently read a thread that suggested that it is actually a complex process as practiced by Richard Binder. Involving changes in tip shape, outline, curvature, temper and material thickness.

In doing a little mechanical analysis I can see why these are done. And I concluded than trying to do it yourself is a recipe for far more trial and error than I have time or money for. At least on gold nibs, I might experiment with steel nibs since its much cheaper.

Hello,

thanks for the answers. You see I am not all that unhappy about the results my tries have yielded when I copied Richard Binders work. Only I was hoping to learn something from those who have more experience than me... You see I so far the nibs turn out to be actually very flexy (though I do not know for how long - I have already sprung some steel ones that I have made too thin and than tried whether they can withstand the same pressure as the vintage nibs...) but not particularly snappy. Is it because I thin the tines also where I should not? But where is that? Etc etc etc.

Perhaps I should ask Richard Binder and Joh Motishaw directly…

Anyway, one more thanks.
Zed