Specs On A #2 Nib? (Trying To Find A Dip Nib Equivalent)

[vcaston]

Hi, I'm hoping to find a dip nib, equivalent to a #2 nib (for the Noodler's Creaper).

 

I've not encountered this sizing system before, and am trying to find out more about #2's. Is there a URL to a chart or guide for this sizing system

 

Can you help?

 

Thanks.

 

best, Victor

[sidthecat]

Congratulations! You have entered a world of pain and confusion.

[grainweevil]

Nib size numbering is like nib widths; it can vary between manufacturers. I suspect the #2 size is probably thought of with a vintage Waterman's #2 nib particularly in mind, but don't quote me.

 

The only dip nib I've come across mentioned as fitting a Creaper is a Gillott 303. It's not an easy fit though, and may scratch up the section somewhat. IIRC, I found it a little long too, so the cap could not be fully screwed shut. But it's quite good fun to use. If you want a more regular nib for a Creaper, Kaweco's work wonderfully.

 

Oh, and welcome to the FPN!

[jar]

First, welcome home. Pull up a stump and set a spell.

 

There is no standard to sizing nibs and historically each manufacturer set there own standards which varied over time. The closest thing I can think of as a standard is that in almost all cases a larger number nib was bigger than the smaller number nib from the same company and era.

 

The things that determine if a nib will fit are of course length, curvature, thickness of the inserted part, shoulder width and contact with the feed.

[vcaston]

Thanks! I stumbled on the Gillot 303 myself yesterday and it does fit beautifully — that's exactly what I was going for, actually. I come at this from the dip pen side and wanted something portable. I went in for a vintage Waterman Hundred Year Pen, but its thins aren't as thin as I'm used to and it takes a fair amount of pressure.

 

Is there a better vintage flex nib, with thinner thins and good wide thicks?

 

Anyway, a Creaper + Gillot 303 is a portable dip nib for under $20. Amazing. And with Noodler's X-Feather, it seems perfect.

 

Thanks.

 

Best,

Victor

[ac12]

WARNING, dip pens nibs are NOT made to be kept in constant contact with ink. Or they WILL RUST.

[vcaston]

Yes, thanks — I was worrying about that. Will have to empty it out and clean it more regularly I suppose.

 

Would it make a difference to use a stainless steel nib? I think the Zebra G nib is supposed to fit on the Ahab.

 

Thanks.

 

Best,

Victor

[ac12]

 

Yes, thanks — I was worrying about that. Will have to empty it out and clean it more regularly I suppose.

 

Would it make a difference to use a stainless steel nib? I think the Zebra G nib is supposed to fit on the Ahab.

 

 

 

 

You will have to remove and clean the nib EACH TIME YOU USE IT. Bare steel will rust surprisingly fast, if left alone.

 

The Zebra G is NOT stainless steel, it is chrome plated. Better than unprotected steel, but NOT stainless. There is also the Titanium-oxide coated G nibs, which are supposed to be more resistant to rusting than the chrome plated G nibs, but it still isn't stainless. In both the chrome and Ti coated nibs, the wear point is the the tip of the nib, and that is where your writing will wear through the plating/coating, and rust will start.

[vcaston]

Very good to know — excellent advice. Thanks.

 

Best,

 

Victor

[vcaston]

Another question then: is there a flex nib on a fountain pen that comes close to the thins you can get with a dip nib?

 

Victor

[ac12]

 

Another question then: is there a flex nib on a fountain pen that comes close to the thins you can get with a dip nib?

 

Victor

 

 

NO

 

There will always be an exception someplace, so generally NO. This is because if you have tipping on the nib, the tip of the FP nib will be larger than the tip of the dip pen nib. And dip pens nibs can be REAL SHARP.

Edited July 19, 2016 by ac12