Gold Vs. Rhodium

[markofp]

I wish to replace the #6 nib on my Edison Pearl. They offer an 18K gold nib, and another in rhodium. I am looking for smoothness more than anything, and the steel nib that came with the pen has never really cut the proverbial mustard in that regard.

 

Are the differences in gold v. rhodium only cosmetic? Would you see any difference in writing?

 

Thanks!

[steve50]

Yes the difference is only cosmetic... Even with the steel nib, there's no reason why it shouldn't be as smooth as the gold nib. Smoothness depends on the tipping which is the same material welded onto the nib whatever the actual material of the nib is. So if I was looking for smoothness only, I'd spend my money on getting a steel nib properly tuned to that end rather than getting a gold nib. Also, wetter nibs feel smoother than drier nibs, provided of course that the tipping is perfectly aligned and polished using micromesh, etc.

[BlueJ]

Furthermore rhodium is only a plating over gold in the nibs Edison offers, so has no influence on the functional characteristics. I don't think there are any solid rhodium pen nibs sold anywhere. Besides, as Steve said, smoothness is a property primarily of the tipping, which is generally the same material and likely the same factory polish on both the gold and stainless steel nibs from any given supplier (in Edison's case, Jowo.)

 

It is very easy to make any nib smoother, if it is aligned properly and not seriously damaged. Do a search on FPN for the term "micromesh" to get started.