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Rigidity Index of the new Meisterstück Calligraphy 149 Expression Nib In September 2019 Montblanc introduced to the market a new collection of fountain pens called “Calligraphy” that have as their central core a flexible nib called “Expression”. In this presentation, we briefly discuss the new Meisterstück 149 equipped with an Expression nib made of 18kt yellow gold. This version is called "Montblanc Calligraphy Flexible Nib Special Edition". The base is the famous 149 made of black resin and with yellow gold trims. The pen has a total weight of 33.1 grams with ink (22.3 grams, without cap and with ink) and a closed length of 15 cm and 13.5 cm without cap. All of its elements are the same as the standard 149 pen, including the ABS plastic feeder. The Montblanc Calligraphy 149 has a very fine nib, EF-type nib if written without pressure, with a line width of 0.3 mm. When applying pressure, the flexibility of the tines is felt and a stroke up to 1.4 mm wide can be generated, according to the official press release. In our tests we have untroubledly achieved strokes of 1.2 mm width. We have also achieved almost 2 mm strokes with formation of "railroads" in many cases (this depends on the fluidity of the ink used). All this performance without excessive pressure and with a complete recovery of the nib when the effort ceases. Due to our support angle we have not experienced feeder friction on paper in our tests. The bending capacity of the Flexible Nib Expression is excellent and applying the methodology of characterization of the Rigidity Index (see link below), that allows us an objective assessment, we obtained the following measured data (237-217-261-271-256-253-268-245-265-289-282), with an average value obtained of 284.4. This value characterizes this nib like an IR2/FLEXIBLE. So it is a flexible nib that offers the feeling of being writing with a dip pen but with the cleanliness, softness and touch of a high-end fountain pen with the best performance. Only we can propose an improvement to this wonder with a traditional ebonite feeder, which would certainly improved the ink flow in major openings (this is something that can be solved at the buyer's own risk). Thanks for reading and best regards. Thanks to ValenSpain for special contribution in the realization of this analysis. References. Press Release: “The Fusion of Art and Writing: Montblanc Meisterstück Calligraphy Collection, a Tribute to the Beauty of Handwritten Self-Expression”. https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/343637-mb-149-expression-nib-calligraphy/ https://www.montblanc.com/en-shop/collection/writing-instruments/meisterstueck/119700-meisterstueck-sol-gold-leaf-flex-nib-fountain-pen.html https://www.relojes-especiales.com/foros/estilograficas/indice-de-rigidez-metodo-sencillo-para-valorar-flexibilidad-de-plumin-368039/ https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/291773-rigidity-index-a-simple-method-to-evaluate-the-flexibility-of-a-nib/ http://estilograficas.mforos.com/2126518/12874704-metodo-sencillo-para-cuantificar-la-flexibilidad-de-un-plumin-indice-de-rigidez/ http://vintagepensblog.blogspot.com.es/2015/07/measuring-nib-flexibility.html https://fountainpendesign.wordpress.com/fountain-pen-nib/flex-nibs-experience/flex-nib-quantitative-classification/

Calligraphy & Lettering Techniques Before we begin, it is important to understand the difference between Calligraphy and Lettering and also their importance in today's culture. Though these two terms are used synonymously, there is a difference - Calligraphy is the practice (or art) of writing beautifully while Lettering is the art of illustrating individual letters. Lettering is the broader variant often used to draw letters rather than write letters whereas calligraphy is more likely to be used in longer pieces of writing. Now, Irrespective of the type of writing, you must make sure that you are pressing hard on the downstrokes and light on the upstrokes. This is the perhaps Calligraphy 101, you will be very cognizant with this technique initially but after a while, you will get used to it and will come naturally. Before we describe the various styles of writing, you must be aware of the tools that you will be needing to get started with this art form- Plain paper with no texture or patternsSmall RulerBrush pensPencilClassic dip pens (and ink)Fine LinerMarkerAll these various tools will be needed at different times and strokes while writing and can be very important and powerful tools in your bag. Now that you have what you need, let's begin. Bounce lettering This is a fairly simple and basic form of modern calligraphy and is slowly becoming very popular due to its mass appeal and easy comprehension. As the name suggests, there is a very bouncy feel to the letters and words and is used in a lot of social media and modern artwork. Following are the steps - Draw baselines in the form of a table on a sheet of paper, like you would in elementary school. These lines will serve as the guide for you to write and they can be of any size or shape you would likeDraw the sketch of the words by pencil so that you can make your edits whenever needed. Please ensure in the case of bounce lettering that every consecutive alphabet is above and below the baselineGo over the sketch with a brush pen of your choice Spaced lettering Once again, as the name would suggest, this style of calligraphy is far more spaced out and flowing. A bigger font size would be preferable in this style but not mandatory. Following are the steps - You can keep the base grid a bit more slanted for this style since the overall style will be of that natureStart drawing a rough skeletal sketch of your design with a pencil, and try to extend the ending strokes of each letter while leaving more space between them as wellMaking sure there is not too much space left in between the letters, go over the pencil sketch with a brush pen Faux Calligraphy A very popular and interesting form of calligraphy, especially since it can be made with any kind of writing tool. Faux means fake and this technique is kind of a way to imitate real calligraphy through various stroke patterns and techniques. Following are the steps - You can start off by drawing evenly spaced out perpendicular lines on the paperNext, with a fine liner, write a word or phrase in cursiveClearly mark out your downstrokes on the written piece with a pencil so you know where you need to emphasise your writingLastly, fill up the downstrokes with a fine liner or a brush penMake sure that all the ink has dried off before you touch the piece to ensure there are no smudges or marks Customize You can always go this route and try to bend the rules of traditional and modern calligraphy. You can try to amalgamate the various kinds of calligraphy styles or of course create something completely unique and wow your audience. For this, you can take inspiration from the various techniques and nuances from the various styles. TIPS FOR WRITING As previously mentioned, the upstroke and downstroke techniques are perhaps what differentiates calligraphy from normal everyday writing. You must consider that as the baseline for all calligraphy and artistic writing. Always remember thin upstroke and thick downstroke. Now coming over to some other very important tips and tricks you must consider while writing - Angle - You must hold your pen at a 30-60-degree angle and must remain that way throughout your writing. This is major because the kinds of pens being used for writing are different from the ones we generally use. Nib - The nib of the pen must be at all times pointed towards a single direction and you should not twist it around. Parallel Lines - As you must have noticed, the first step to start off any artistic writing is to create a base of lines that you can later leverage. You must ensure these lines are clearly prominent and parallel to one another to create consistency. Consistency - Most of the calligraphy is created for aesthetic pleasure and this means that if it doesn't look good then it does not really have much use. So, you must try to be as consistent in your approach as possible, of course, there is no need to chase perfection because that might just be impossible. Spacing - Though you may want to create your own unique style of writing, there should be a balance of spacing between the letters, not to close and not too far apart. Lastly, just like in any other form of art form or expertise, you must practice becoming better at it. Though it may be cliche, it is true and the best way to practice would be for a brief time every day. Try the various styles and figure out what suits you and what your unique style is. Oh, and one last tip Have Fun! You can get best calligraphy books from here.

Hello fellow Montblanc fans, We made a video overview of the new Montblanc Calligraphy collection. Let us know what you think of this new Flex nib and the Gold Leaf Solitaire! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6meE30Dk_Q

Hello everyone. In the past I had made a publication that was to make a decision to get my first vintage flexible fountain pen and finally I could own one of these beauties.It is a moore safety pen in black hard rubber with a very good ink capacity since this is a long but slender pen.The pen feels quite comfortable and light in my hand is a pretty beautiful pen that always impresses people when they see a retractable nib of my moore.The 14k gold nib is small but has a good flexibility as the seller told me on his website that he lists it as a nib superflex. The 14k nib is an extra fine point when used without any pressure and not a single stroke has failed me and we add that to be an extra fine nib it is quite smooth. When I write cursive with the flexibility of this nib it is quite satisfactory and does not tire me and they offer me a beautiful line variation without the need to put a lot of pressure. I also want to comment on you that the nib is something dry but without being annoying (I mean feeling scratchy or skipping strokes) and even in rhodia paper using flex it dries almost instantly without fear of accidentally stains on your sheet or In hands, it may be that the somewhat dry sensation is due to the pilot blue-black ink that I use since it has some time that the lid broke and I stuck it with adhesive tape and this may be somewhat thicker by evaporation.And what is most impressive about this great fountain pen is that it has never shown railroading when I use it in flexible mode :notworthy1:and I don't have to be dipping it in the inkwell at all times as with my dip pens. Although we cannot deny that the dip thought of what I have managed to see in the hands of a calligraphy expert they can create an extremely beautiful calligraphy. Although I personally have bad luck in finding a good combination of dip nib and ink XD and it is somewhat complicated to get ink at a good price in my country. Unfortunately I don't think I have time to improve my handwriting for an approximate six months since I find myself doing my professional practices at the university to be a lawyer. I attach my results with dip pen:FP FLEX NIB AND DIP FLEX NIBS IT IS VERY ENJOYABLEI became addicted to flex nibs!

A thread for fun with versals.

Hello FPN Group, Recently I have ordered a Platinum Preppy EF 02 Fountain Pen, Made in Japan, it is a very low cost and is affordable by anyone who wants to test it at-least once. The price in INR is about 350. The nib is made up of steel and the body is plastic. The grip section, screws off and by default it comes with one cartridge. The only thing troubles is that the cartridge is more expensive, but you once the cartridge is empty you can remove it and can convert it to eye dropper by applying silicon grease. But one thing I need to say is it writes like a charm.

Hello everybody its Michael here at Dromgooles. If you are in Houston on Friday April 26th I have got the place for you to be! We are having a social/meet and greet with Cary Yeager aka Fountain Pen Day at 6pm at Saint Arnolds brewery. This is a casual hangout to meet with other like minded people, and show off your favorite inks, pens, papers etc. We are also going to be doing door prizes and giveaways of some new exciting stuff with high odds to win! Cary, isn't in town often so please stop on by to meet and hangout with him, he is a real pleasure. The "event" will run until it all fades out, so even if you only have a little bit of time, we would love to see you. Also, for those interested, we are having a pen show at the store Saturday April 27 with Anuj Poddar of AP Limited Editions and some of his new pens including the amazing bulkfiller in some, also featuring Cary, so there should be a fun crowd hanging around (10am-4pm). Snacks and drinks will be provided! If you have any questions at all please feel free to reach out and we will be glad to help!

Hello everybody its Michael here at Dromgooles. If you are in Houston on Friday April 26th I have got the place for you to be! We are having a social/meet and greet with Cary Yeager aka Fountain Pen Day at 6pm at Saint Arnolds brewery. This is a casual hangout to meet with other like minded people, and show off your favorite inks, pens, papers etc. We are also going to be doing door prizes and giveaways of some new exciting stuff with high odds to win! Cary, isn't in town often so please stop on by to meet and hangout with him, he is a real pleasure. The "event" will run until it all fades out, so even if you only have a little bit of time, we would love to see you. Also, for those interested, we are having a pen show at the store Saturday April 27 with Anuj Poddar of AP Limited Editions and some of his new pens including the amazing bulkfiller in some, also featuring Cary, so there should be a fun crowd hanging around (10am-4pm). Snacks and drinks will be provided! If you have any questions at all please feel free to reach out and we will be glad to help!

Hi, Im Matthew from Southport. Im 46 and have just started using fountain pens again. I got a Lamy Safari as a treat to myself in January for helping my son complete a 30 day handwriting challenge. Id wanted a Safari for ages, but couldnt justify is as I hardly write anything. Now, I keep a journal, have 2 Safaris and have rediscovered my old Parker 45 I had in school. Its now in full working order and in rotation. I guess my fascination for pens comes from my dad who does calligraphy, from luxury watches and from EDC. Hope this tells you what you need to know! Matthew

When I was choosing a script to learn, I was interested in Spencerian because of the philosophy behind it. Articles talk about how the shapes were based on nature and mention that learning the philosophy was an important element to learning the script. However, there isn't much mention of this in the six-book set from Mott Media. Just the theory book and the five copy books - which are lovely and I'm learning a lot from these books. However, I want to also learn about the philosophy that inspired this style of writing. Are there any resources out there that cover this?

Hi all, I am looking for information and recommendations on flex nibs. I am new to FP and really liking the broad nib on my Safari. I alsa want to get into caligraphy and was looking into getting calligraphy pens when I found out about flex nibs. I love the idea, especailly what I saw on this video of the conklin empire, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0mB3GxPyhg although unfortunately the pen didn't appear to work. I would look to spend about £20 and interested out to £100. I am a bit lost at sea when searching for information so thought I would make a post. Hope this is OK. I have heard the noodlers ahab is OK, are there any other suggestions, especially if it can go very broad like the conklin empire.

Fountain pen lovers, Bril, India's leading fountain pen ink brand will ship internationally in 2019 and we have just started a Global Handwriting Movement to make children write properly again. Our crowdfunding campaign has awesome perks whether you are an adult who loves world-class, pocket-friendly ink and fountain pens or you want your kids to learn to write the proper way. Do visit our Indiegogo campaign and support us, so we can ensure that the dying art of handwriting is brought back to life again, and our children's lives are enhanced in more ways than one! Thank You! :-) https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/bril-ink-make-children-write-again#/

Calligraphy lovers rejoice! Today Shanghai Jingdian started offering sets of five italic nib units that will screw into Delike pens and a few models of Moonman pens. These are currently in their Taobao store, but keep your eyes peeled for them to start showing up on eBay soon. http://m.tb.cn/h.37htpcP?sm=9758e2

Hello everyone. I have been practicing cursive since I was a child but not long ago I was researching how to improve my handwriting and I found that some people use the cursive they call handwriting.I write with my fingers and I really do not know if I'm right or wrong.So I ask you to compare which ones with the advantages and disadvantages of these two writing techniques.I have no idea how it is to write using the whole arm sounds complicated

Hello, I have been considering some different flex pens for copperplate and as I can already write with a fountain pen and messed about with some of my friends flex pens, which pen would be better. I am looking mainly at either a modified fountain pen with a zebra g nib, a cheep calligraphy set or a vintage Conway Stewart 759. Any help would be appreciated.

I'm thinking about buying a Desiderata Pen for Copperplate calligraphy. Most of the time, I use a proper pointed dip pen and calligraphy ink for Copperplate, but sometimes I'm lazy and use a Noodler's Ahab for practicing so I don't have to clean my nibs. Plus it's a good way to use all this fountain pen ink I have! I'd like to find a flex nib pen that gets a closer feel to a true pointed pen. If you have experience with a Desiderata Pen, can you do Copperplate with it? How is the experience of using the pen? Will the feed be able to keep up with the flexible nib ink flow? Thanks so much to anyone who can help!

First of all greetings to all I am new at The fountain pen network and in the magnificent world of fountain pens at the moment I only have one lamy logo and within a month I will get a 2000 lamy. I am a young man of 20 years old who since childhood my mother taught me the art of writing. I use the palmer method to write and I love it and more when I use stub nibs because of the effect of line variation.And I've had some curiosity about trying out new calligraphy styles like Spencerian or Copperplate and I really do not know which one to start with first and which one is going to make it easier with Palmer's bases.and with respect to the tools that are used I have never used flexible nibs I have only used round and stub, I do not really know how hard a flex is.So what do you recommend? Is it worth trying or should I continue with palmer?I also leave some samples of my handwritingDocumentos escaneados.pdf

Scroll Modified Pilot Parallel Pens are now available in 2.4, 3.8 and 6.0 mm sizes. (Buy Now) The 3.8 mm and the 6.0 mm sizes can be ordered with either 2-line or 3-line modification while the 2.4 mm is only available with a 2-line modification. These pens are a lot of fun and add a new dimension to your Calligraphic projects. We will be happy to do a left oblique modification on any of these pens - just drop us a line. - Salman

Introducing the Canada Day Limited Edition holder. This holder will be available from July 01 to July 07 (Saturday). Only 18 will be made (please limit 2 per order). (Buy Now) A certificate of authenticity will accompany each holder. Holders will be shipped 1 week from the day of the order. There are still a couple of days left to order one if you want one. They are only $38 CAD each. This holder is hand carved from laminated Pine that is then dyed red. The grip area is wrapped with white nylon string. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. - Salman

I was hoping to show you a picture of this new, very sleek looking pen, but it seems that's not an option right now. Lightly brushed, matte back body, gloss, transparent red section and ink window, designed around the Zebra G flex nib with a purpose-designed ebonite feed, but can take any screw-in #6 nib unit. Clipless. Handmade in America by me. Limited run. Please have a look at the full story at the link above.

Getting tired of “The quick brown fox jumps over a lazy dog”? Here are some new pangrams that I wrote recently, in an effort to make my handwriting and calligraphy practice more enjoyable. They use all 26 letters, in various combinations, and I made an effort to make the sentences enjoyable to write over and over again. Some people like funny or nonsensical pangrams, or really short ones, but I found that for me it is helpful to include a few repeated letters to make a sensible, pleasant sentence. a silvery haze on the lake made a relaxing sight from Jacque's back picture window (letter count: 67)relatively few oxygen molecules are required to burn jack's zippo lighter (letter count: 62)I anxiously watched my dog jump and zip around the back yard, wondering if she would ever catch the squirrelCalligraphy experts have ways to make beautiful lettering, with unique shapes, sizes, and colors, just for you.goldfish swam in tranquil pools with jade and alabaster sculptures above, aimlessly seeking with expressionless gazefox pups jumped crazily and barked with gusto over quails (count: 48 letters)frozen margaritas do not help syntax whenever questions ask for just basic info (count: 67 letters)worried the tv wouldn't get fixed, peter and jack busily sized up the marquee (letter count: 62)playing cards, fishing, scuba diving, or taking a snooze, were just some of the relaxing options for quiet (letter count: 85)with an eye for a faux, the reckless appraiser squeezed the medieval gold object (letter count: 66)furry puppies and fuzzy kittens played, coaxing the quaking newborns to move in a jumble (letter count: 73)improvement was inevitable, judging by quizzical looks from perplexed heathen (letter count: 67)aloe vera exists to quell pain by comforting old joints in the walking zonethe chef and the bartender quarreled over which kind was more appropriate: wine from burgundy or saxony, or jug zinfandel. (letter count: 100) I recently wrote a pangram for a birthday card for my mom, after she visited me and I showed her my calligraphy practice sheets, with some practice words and pangrams I composed. She kept saying, “read me another,” so I composed this pangram for her: “Happy Birthday,” [in big letters] “To an Exceptional Mom,” [in medium letters] “whose quirky daughter overzealously writes joyful pangrams” [in small letters] You might enjoy writing some new pangrams too. It’s a bit of a challenge at first, but once you start and get on a roll, composing new pangrams can be addicting! Using a pangram letter frequency counter makes it much easier. Other FPN users have already collected more pangrams and practice words in posts from years past, for example: What Do You Write When Testing? Started by Cowriter, Dec 07 2015 17:31 https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/300980-what-do-you-write-when-testing/?hl=pangrams "the Quick Brown Fox..." - Alternative Pangrams Started by David_W, Aug 25 2014 12:21 https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/272844-the-quick-brown-fox-alternative-pangrams/?hl=pangrams Do You Have A "test Phrase"? Started by collectingfool, Aug 28 2013 21:12 https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/251594-do-you-have-a-test-phrase/ Word List For Writing Practice Started by 77kath, Jul 04 2014 09:02 https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/269550-word-list-for-writing-practice/?hl=pangrams&do=findComment&comment=3041894 Challenge! Presidents' Day International - Part 1 Started by kiavonne, Jan 17 2014 03:31 https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/259145-challenge-presidents-day-international-part-1/

I am lucky to know cool people. Azizah (Gourmet Pens) recently made this cool video of how she uses the Brass Folded Pens from Toronto Pen Company. I love the range of styles she gets with them. [media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu8TNx4qdD0[/media] These pens are available at the online store linked in the footer (or here for convenience). I also made a couple of videos showing how the pens work: PENtastic Folded Pens Set PENtastic 3 in 1 Combination Pen

Hello all, I would like to introduce Toronto Pen Company to the good folks of this community. My name is Salman Khattak and am usually found moderating the Calligraphy forums (as 'smk'). I started this venture (Toronto Pen Company) last year to provide pen tuning and custom nib grinding services to the local community. I have been lucky to receive great support from fountain pen enthusiasts from all over Canada (and abroad). I recently realized that I never updated my profile on FPN to announce all this - hence this post. Details of the nib grinds I offer: TorontoPenCompany.com/prices--process.html Some writing samples: TorontoPenCompany.com/writing-samples.html Store: TorontoPenCompany.com/store.html I also offer Calligraphy workshops from time to time as well as custom Calligraphy services. I am working on a line of greeting cards that should be out soon - I will make sure to make an announcement here when the time comes :-) - Salman

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Hey Everyone, I've just sent back my Franklin-Christoph medium S.I.G grind in order to exchange for a broad Masuyama italic. Don't get me wrong: the SIG nib was great to write with and I liked it very much; but, since you can't buy Masuyama grinds separately like you can a sig, I've opted for the CI. I'm also interested in learning an italic handwriting script some time, so this makes sense long-term. Now, however, I'm hearing that Masuyama italic grinds are dry writers. One post I've come across was particularly bothersome in that the OP said their f-c Masuyama italic required loads of pressure to write with until they eventually sent it back for a flow adjustment. Moreover, the nib wasn't said to be defective by the F-C team, they just tuned it to what they'd call "wet". I'd imagine that an italic tuned on the drier side would maximize line variation and the integrity of the cross-stroke-- are there any other practical reasons for a CI to write dry? I'm particularly interested in hearing from those who regularly write with any form of italic or own steel F-C Masuyama italics. Have yours been dry compared to others? Do they write under their own weight? Having said all that, I'm really not too fond of nibs that are very dry, especially if they're broad. On the other hand, perhaps I should leave this to the expert Mr. Masuyama -- it is, after all, my first hand-ground cursive italic. Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance.