Fine point vs. Medium point (newbie question)

August 18, 2006

Hello -

I have been lurking on this forum for a while now and just recently started using Esterbrook pens. Of the two pens I have purchased, both of them have fine point nibs (9550 and a Gregg 1556). What are your thoughts on the medium nib points? I ordered two medium nibs from vintagepens.com (9460 and a 2668). Have any of you used these nibs? And if so, what were your likes/dislikes about them? Thank you in advance.

John Reiss

August 18, 2006

John,

My husband has an Esterbrook desk pen and I have two of them. All three have #2668 nibs. My husband's pen is super smooth. One of mine is almost as smooth and the other one is downright scratchy. BTW, the scratchy one came from E-Bay and the other two were purchased from a reputable pen dealer who reconditions these pens before selling them. But I'm getting off the subject . . .

I use my desk pen for writing checks. I find the #2668 is a bit broad for my purposes. Of course, a lot depends on how big your handwriting is - mine is a little small for this medium nib. I have ordered a #9461 fine point and expect it to arrive in about a week. The 9000 series nibs have iridium points whereas the 2668 does not. I've been told the iridium points tend to be smoother. I'll report back when the new nib comes in.

My rambling comments may not have helped you much. Are you dissatisfied with the fine point nibs? Do you think the #9550 nib is smoother than the #1556? Just wondering.

Judybug

August 18, 2006

The 9460 is going to be pretty stiff. If that's what you're used to, or if you don't care about any flex, it should be fine. I like the 9xxx nibs better than the 1xxx and 2xxx. However, unless you get a "scratchy" 2668, you'll probably find it to be a good everyday writer (which is what it was intended to be). Both of your new nibs are going to be a good deal wider than the Gregg and the Extra Fine that you've been using, and should write a wetter line.

August 19, 2006

Good deal. That's what I wanted to hear. I am looking for a wetter and broader stroke than the extra fine nibs that I have been using. Thank you for your help and I hope the nibs come soon. Thanks for the quick feedback!

John Reiss

September 25, 2006

My very favorite is the #9461, the fine manifold. It has no shading and certainly no flex, but I am a fast writer and it's smooth as butter (I have 6 of them). I don't particularly like the Gregg points and the extra-fine is scratchy on all but the smoothest paper. I'd also suggest the medium manifold if you want a firm, non-shading nib.