I currently write in cursive but would like to have a go at Chancery Italic. I'll probably end up using it for birthday cards etc... I currently have a Lamy Vista, and I'm wondering whether to get a Lamy 1.1mm or 1.5mm nib? Am I right in thinking that the x-height of my writing using the 1.1mm should be roughly 5.5mm (for 5 nib widths), or does the 1.1mm nib actually write a thinner line than that? I think 5.5mm would be plenty big enough for cards etc. I'd also like to use the nib for my normal cursive handwriting occasionally too (which has an x-height of about 2mm) if possible, so presumably getting the 1.1mm is sensible?

Thanks,
Greg.

I'm currently using a Lamy 1,1 Nib as my everyday writer... and on every paper that I'm using it writes a thinner line (0,9-1,0) than 1,1... I also have a
Pelikan Script 1,5 Nib and it leaves a 1,2-1,3 line on the paper... but it's still very broad for my everyday handwriting, so I prefer the 1,1 Lamy Nib! =]

The 5 pen-widths guideline is actually from 3 to 5 pen-widths. If you measure a good Chancery Cursive templar, you will find a certain amount of variance depending on how much text goes on how much page, how much room is used for swashes, and how much space "looks right" to the writer. So, for practice, use 5 pen-widths as your guide. But, sooner or later, you may start writing on plain paper without guidelines. Then, the 5 pw's becomes a guide but not a total rule.

The main point is to enjoy your writing and concentrate on content, not form. Of course, that only comes with a bit of practice. Best of luck to you.

Yours,
Randal

Thank you both for your advice. I've ordered a 1.1mm nib, which I should hopefully be able to use for having a go at Chancery and also for normal cursive occasionally...

Greg.