...what are they for?

I seem to remember reading somewhere that left-handers should use oblique nibs in their Pelikans?

Is this so and is this what they are designed for, or are they a sort of "calligraphy"-type nib?

(BTW, I am a right-hander)

I'm a leftie and have been using OB nibs with my Pelikans. I've found the slant to be the "correct" angle for my hand. My preference has always been for a think wet line and the OB does that for me.

There's been a recent thread on the issue, http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=59212
and there is the article on the site of Mr. Binder, see www.richardpens.com Reference Info, Nibs I "The Basics".

Those are good suggestions from Ondina. I also recommend this thread: link, especially the last post by the esteemed Mr. Binder, himself.

Bill

No, they are not calligraphy nibs. In fact the handwriting produced by a Pelikan oblique nib will be virtually indistinguishable from that produced by a standard round point. Nor are they nibs for specifically left-handed writers. (A left-hander would choose a nib according to how they hold their pen relative to the paper.)

If you have a tendency to hold your pen rotated slightly anti-clockwise (ie to the left) then an oblique nib may suit your writing style. An oblique nib is one that has its point ground so that it looks like your left foot when viewed from above. See the link in the post above.

HTH,

Martin

In the context of this article, are Pelikan Obliques "Left-footers" or "Right-footers"??

Thanx, Martin.

I've just been looking and I DO have a tendency to rotate my pen slightly anti-clockwise, so maybe I'll try an oblique (initially on one of my "lesser" Pelikans, maybe!!!!!).

Left! A "Right-Footer" is correctly termed a Reverse Oblique, but the foot analogy is generally easiest to visualise!

Martin