What Type Of Pen Is This Man Using?

[gnomore]

Well I got some brause nibs, and gave it a go. This is my first time every attempting copperplate with less than 5 minutes practice. The angles are wrong, spacing is incorrect, but that said I am happy with my first attempt in writing my name.

 

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/26001557/IMAG0169.jpg

[fuchsiaprincess]

Congratulations and well done, Ryan! Now, you can join us in the Learning Copperplate thread and have fun

[raisin212k]

I actually emailed this guy and asked him. It is indeed a brause 86 which is no longer made. you can, however, use a 361 which they do still make. he told me that with the 361's, you cannot start out with larger letters immediately, but the nib gradually becomes more flexible with use.

 

Cheers.

[fpgoodness]

gnomore,

 

OK, here is my oft-written list of tools used to practice/write any formal cursive, such as Spenserian or Copperplate/Engrosser's script.

 

The best work is done with an oblique elbow nib holder. Cost anywhere from $4.00 or so to $35.00 - 40.00. I prefer the Blackwell wood oblique holder because it is comfortable and will easily hold almost any size nib, from the very small to very large. Runs right around $40.00 but will last you forever. The tip is angled to minimize the tendency of a pointed nib to catch on paper.

 

Nibs for flexible writing -- should have an assortment and find out which one you like best. Run from less than a dollar to about $2.50 each, get three of each style for a good trial. Then buy the ones you like by the dozen. The standard practice nib is the Gillott 303. Other nibs that are often used are the Brause Rose (76), Brause EF, Leonardt Principal EF, Hiro 40 (Blue Pumpkin), Gillott 170, Gillott 290, Gillott 404, Hunt 101. There are several others -- including vintage nibs, which cost only a few pennies more than modern nibs. Many calligraphers swear by the older nibs.

 

Ink -- practice is often done with Higgins Eternal. Most of the Sumi liquid inks are also usable for flex calligraphy. For finish work, IMHO, nothing beats Old World Iron Gall or McCaffrey's Penman ink. Ink should always be adjusted to work with your pen and paper by adding distilled water to replace water lost to evaporation. Also, a bottle of gum arabica AKA acacia gum AKA myrrh is essential to produce the clear, sharp hairlines and prevent feathering. (Never use ink treated with gum arabica in a fountain pen -- will gum the feed up badly unless cleaned out after each session.)

 

Paper, for practice, a good, bright white copy paper works well. Guidelines either on the paper itself or on a sheet under the paper work well. At first, on the paper makes it easier to insure correct angles and sizing. Copperplate practice pads are available from some suppliers.

 

Lessons are available from IAMPETH in various styles of cursive. Material may be obtained from John Neal, Bookseller in the U. S. As well as several other online sites.

 

Happy hunting,

 

Thank you for this post -- it's very helpful.