Esterbrook - WOW!

[southpaw]

I picked up a J off of Ebay at what I think was a pretty good price. It's one of the copper ones. My initial impression is WOW! That's one sweet fp, IMHIO (in my humble inexperienced opinion). It has a 1551 nib on it. When held at a 45-60 degree angle to write, it was the smoothest nib I have - better than my M200, Phileas, and Expert. When held at closer to my normal writing angle (75-80 degrees), it's a bit scratchy, unlike my M200 or WM's. Anyhow, that can be fixed, I'm sure. It's also my first lever filler - neat to see an old pen that works so well. I know many fo you are used to, but it's new to me.

[Stompy]

I was really impressed with my first Estie as well. Sturdy and well made. You just know that it is a pen that was made to be used everyday.

 

Many people have said that the nibs can do with a little smoothing, particularly the 1xxx series which are untipped.

[Velma]

I was really impressed with my first Estie as well. Sturdy and well made. You just know that it is a pen that was made to be used everyday.

 

Many people have said that the nibs can do with a little smoothing, particularly the 1xxx series which are untipped.

Okay... how does one smooth a nib safely?

 

I have a copper Esterbrook with a nib someone's modified to an oblique (I think). I feels as if it has a slight burr on it, although that could be because I hold it oddly.

 

Should I send it to someone in this group, or is this something I could very slowly and cautiously do myself?

[Gerry]

Looks like time to ressurect an older thread, and WIM's post of his article on nib smoothing. Excellent source, andin the thread, there's at least one other reference on the subject.

 

Wim's Nib Grinding Paper

 

Several people here could also perform the smoothing at very reasonable rates as well.

 

Gerry

[Keith with a capital K]

Didn't you guys read the warning about those Esterbrooks and how they can be habit forming?

 

My Esterbrook dispossal centre is still accepting pens for disposal...

 

On smoothing nibs; Wim's article is excellent (a must read) and has kept me from having to write one myself but what is most important is that you use the right materials, exercise patience, and don't practice on your favourite nibs first.

[Thesaurus Rex]

I have a copper Estie J with a 2668 nib and it's sweeeeeeet. You do have to hold it at a certain angle to hit the sweet spot, but once you hit it, it's the sweetest sweet spot ever and it's worth it (and really not so difficult) to write at that angle. Longhand is easier than printing, I have discovered, but the Esterbrook is such a lightweight pen that it practically writes on its own. (Normally, I find longhand to be a bit more work. Keeping it neat and controlled, anyway.)

 

So, congratulations. An Estie will serve you faithfully and well.

[wimg]

Hi Keith,

On smoothing nibs; Wim's article is excellent (a must read) and has kept me from having to write one myself but what is most important is that you use the right materials, exercise patience, and don't practice on your favourite nibs first.

Thanks for the kind words, but why not practice on your favourite nibs? I did .

 

Warm regards, Wim