My three newest Omas pens all have nibs that are broader than I would typically like. They are the new Arco Paragon, medium nib, Bologna black celluloid with gold veins, broad nib, and the Saffron Bologna with medium nib. Yea, I know, why did you buy one with a nib that you did not like. Lets just say the price made them worth it. In the case of the Saffron Bologna just finding one period was reason enough.

Here's the question. Send them to the Omas USA distributor for new nibs, no exchanges anymore. For between 100-125 a pen you get a new nib and the old nib is also returned to you OR send them to a nibmeister to be ground to fines. The regrinds would run about half as much but you would have altered the original nib. What would you do and why???? TIA


Remember A Don's axiom. It's gonna be used when I sell it, might as well be used when I buy it.

After working through an Omas nib exchange within the last six months, I'd say that your best bet might be to send it to your favorite craftsman/woman to have it ground to what you're after. The Omas exchange went well for me, but it took a long time (I was without my 360 for nearly 3 months). Others have had similar experiences (or longer).

The wait times with some of the respected grinders can be just as lengthy, but in my opinion, you'll probably have a higher likelihood of getting exactly what you're after that way.

I'd offer a nib trade in the market place here at FPN and see if you get any takers. Pay shipping both ways and you may get your nib and make someone else happy quickly and cheaply!

I think the idea of trying a nib trade is a good one. It is worth at least a try. Next to that option, I would also choose to have the nibs customized. You will come closer to the kind of nib you really want, and the job will be done professionally. Altering the nib might even enhance the resale value of the pen. Meanwhile, you will spend less money getting useful nibs.

I second the options of a nib trade or nibmeister!

Good luck

Michael

nibmeister. they'll look after your nib and then it's still the original - sorta

I believe Greg Minushkin has (or at least had) some Omas Nibs that he can probably install for you if you want an unmodified nib. Greg also does fine nib regrinds, and with him, you probably won't have to wait six or more months for nib work.

I am not squeamish about modifying original nibs. It's just a pen, after all. Personally, I prefer XF nibs, and there are "nibmeisters" out there who do very nice work.

I have sent 8-9 pens to Greg for nib regrind in the last few months. His turn-around time is about two weeks. I recently sent a batch to Deb Kinney whose turn-around time is about three weeks. They both did wonderful work on all my pens.

There also was a person - either at FPN or at Pentrace - who has a stock of Omas nibs and was doing swaps. Unfortunately, I can't remember his name, and I know nothing about the cost.

mehitabel

I agree with the consensus. My attention is usually gotten when I see pens for sale that have been to a reputable nibmeister. Altered or not, they're likely to be above average writers.

Although, I must say, I would be more inclined to try a swap here on FPN first and save myself the bucks!

There is an ebay seller "ricjoehoo" who is offering EF nibs for the Omas 360. In the auction description, he notes that he has other Omas nibs and suggests interested buyers email him. I haven't dealt with this seller but his ratings are fine. It would be less expensive to have your nib(s) reground, however.

mehitabel

Well, I have decided to pack up a bunch of pens and send them to Greg. The three Omas pens that need to be ground to fine, my Impero that is too fine and dry and my mangled Stipula Etruria Nuda. Will let everyone know the outcome in a few weeks.

Ohh, that poor Stipula!

(I have one of those, but I got a good deal on it.)

Ouch...that IS mangled! Let us know how the mods turn out.

Owww...that looks painful! Do show us the end result, I really want to see what type of miracle Greg can work on that one!