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Vintage Nib Comparison - Flexing It Old School

AAAndrew

By AAAndrew
in Pointed Pen Calligraphy

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AAAndrew Antique

AAAndrew

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So, over on another calligraphy-oriented forum I just posted a review of sorts I thought some here might also appreciate.

 

It's my first attempt at comparing some of the vintage nibs I've collected accumulated.

 

For my first group, I chose flexible nibs that all have something to do with School: either labeled as "school" or "college" or "university", or, in the case of the Palmer Method completely associated with something you do in school.

 

These are all written using the same straight holder, using Diamine Registrar's ink, and are all vintage.

 

I included a Spencerian no. 1 at the top as it's a pretty famous flexible pen and at least gives you an idea of the relative performance of these nibs compared to the Spencerian.

 

I've also included a picture of the nibs themselves so you can then figure out that ones like the Palmer Method and the Esterbrook Business and College are too big for oblique holders, but work great in straight holders.

 

Hope you enjoy!

 

Andrew

 

fpn_1449161866__flexibleschoolcomparison

 

fpn_1449161857__flexibleschoolnibs.jpg

 

 

 

“When the historians of education do equal and exact justice to all who have contributed toward educational progress, they will devote several pages to those revolutionists who invented steel pens and blackboards.” V.T. Thayer, 1928

Check out my Steel Pen Blog. 

"No one is exempt from talking nonsense; the mistake is to do it solemnly."

-Montaigne

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ThyPenMaker Mint

ThyPenMaker

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So from the notes Esterbrook 105 and 453 win the writing enjoyment trophies.

"Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr

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AAAndrew Antique

AAAndrew

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They are definitely two of the best. The Hunt 56, if you can find an early vintage one, is just crazy fun to flex like mad. The 453 is a big pen, and takes some getting used to, especially if you're used to writing with small nibs in an oblique holder. It's like a Bank Pen in that way. But once you start to get the feeling, you can do some amazing things with it. And the 105 College is a way-under-appreciated nib. It is as flexible as many "big name" flex nibs, lays down a very fine hairline with good snap, but is much more durable than any other flex nib I've encountered.

 

“When the historians of education do equal and exact justice to all who have contributed toward educational progress, they will devote several pages to those revolutionists who invented steel pens and blackboards.” V.T. Thayer, 1928

Check out my Steel Pen Blog. 

"No one is exempt from talking nonsense; the mistake is to do it solemnly."

-Montaigne

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Cryptos Antique

Cryptos

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That is a great way to tabulate your findings!

 

A question: in the notes section how have you defined the various properties? For instance, you have the Spencerian as super flex AND soft. What is the qualifier here? In the last column what is being measured?

 

Asking because this is too good not to adopt! :D

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ThyPenMaker Mint

ThyPenMaker

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I'm in the market for any of these good nibs, my only experience is comic G.

"Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr

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