Why Can't Anyone Make Good Nibs Anymore? Why?

[eric47]

This ia a fascinating thread, sorry I'm a bit late to it, but I believe there is another factor in the vintage versus modern nib discussion that was not mentioned. If we buy a vintage fountain pen (as I love to do), the odds are almost 100% that the pen has seen a lot of use, sometimes more than 100 years of use (usually much less, of course). I believe that the proper use of a fountain pen almost always improves the writing quality of the nib over time.

 

Not disagreeing with the observations on manufacturing descisions, changing tastes, ballpoint poisoning, and the utter lack of interest in teaching penmanship these days!

 

Will

 

It was mentioned by ethernautrix.

[vondauster]

I've just read the first page (the first 25 responses). Has anyone mentioned the worn-in nib theory? I've heard it before hereabouts that vintage nibs have all been used, and so they're worn in, and somehow that makes them more pleasurable to use, as worn-in Levi's are more comfortable to wear (although one probably wouldn't wear someone else's Levi's, generally).

 

Somehow missed this post - sorry about that, but yes, worn-in is a good term for it. Not just smoothing, in my opinion, but with regards to flex as well. Even my Noodlers flexi cheapie - which is a remarkable little pen in its own right - has improved with use and flexes more readily now with just a few weeks heavy use. Proper use only helps fountain pens.

 

Will

[Anne-Sophie]

If one wants a nib with a little feedback but still want a medium to large size fountain pen.

 

 

There are two ways I know to do that, getting a Waterman, Parker and Sheaffer fountain pen from the 80's before the brands were bought by conglomerates.

 

Or get a completely custom handmade pen and nib with the price tag to match by Nakaya or pen makers from India.

 

Another solution is to buy Esterbrooks or other vintage nibs in the preferred flex (Pendemonium has them) and have Appleman build a custom body around it.

 

 

I love the look of early to mid 20th century pens but they are usually too small for me.

Edited November 21, 2011 by Anne-Sophie