New To Flex Pens - Recommendations For Beginner?

[mountimprobable24]

Hello,

 

So a few days ago I bought and wrote a while with a cheap dip pen (my first dip pen ever), expecting it to behave just like a fountain pen, if only a little scratchier. To my surprise, the writing experience was entirely different! After some research I've deduced that this is due to the dip pen's "Flex" nib - until today I'd always blown off "Flex" nibs as a gimmick or simply not worth the trouble.

 

So anyways, now I would like to make flex nibs my primary writers, but since carrying a dip pen and ink bottle around everywhere is unfeasible, I'm looking for a good flex-nibbed fountain pen to get me started. Another issue is the cost: though I imagine I'll eventually end up buying a vintage, preferably NOS flex-nibbed fountain pen from one of the online vintage sellers, carrying a $500 dollar pen everywhere while a college student doesn't seem like a good idea.

 

Thus my problem: could anyone recommend a good "flex" nib fountain pen for less than... $100? $50? $25?

 

Right now I think my options are a Noodler's Flex Ahab or Konrad off Amazon ($~20) or an Ackerman "Pump Pen" + Vintage Nib (~$50). Any experience with either of these? I understand fully that these aren't going to be anywhere near the performance of a real vintage "Wet Noodle," but at least in the meantime I think one of these would do?

 

Should it matter, I'm thinking of using Waterman Florida Blue or Pelikan 4001 ink on various types of paper.

 

Thank you in advance for any advice and suggestions!

[vrgelinas]

I was going to suggest the Noodler's Creaper, Ahab, or Konrad pens. Great value for the money, and after a hearty initial cleaning to remove manufacturing oils et al., they write beautifully if a little on the scratchy side. That way, if you lose or break it, you're out no more than 15-25 bucks.

 

Edit - instead of Amazon or Fleabay for a new pen, I would suggest the Goulet Pen company. Their customer service is fantastic, they ship their items promptly and well-packaged, and they are active here on FPN. No affiliation, just a satisfied customer.

Edited August 15, 2012 by vrgelinas

[luminosity]

Get the Ahab flex. Remove the feed and scrub the channel with an old toothbrush and dish soap before you even think about inking it up. After that it will work like a charm and is a steal for the money. It's only $20.

[schin]

I have a flex ahab and it behaves nothing like a dip pen. To be frank I don't even notice the flex unless I press really hard. But for $15 I suppose I can't complain.

 

I am quite interested to hear about the Ackerman Pump pens.

[AltecGreen]

The first question you need to answer is what aspect of the dip pen did you like. You were not very specific.

 

Was it the line variation, the soft feel, the thin hairline, .........

 

The answer to this question is very important. You have to know what you really want.

 

 

 

 

Second, vintage pens with flex nibs do not always cost $500. It easy to find one under $100, not too hard under $50, and certainly possible under $25.

 

 

 

I do not recommend any of the Noodler's pen. They are in no way a flex pen. It has line variation but that is different than flex. People always confuse the two. I think Mauricio explains this the best on his site. Just because the pen is $20 does not mean it is the right pen.

 

The Ackerman pen might be ok if you actually receive the pen. There is a long history of people ordering the pen and never receiving the pen. If you have the pen, the quality of the flex depends on which nib you install.

 

Answer the question I posed at the beginning of this post and it will be easier to help you find the right pen. If you just like a soft feel, then even many modern pens might work. If you are looking for line variation with using your normal handwriting (not concentrating on flex) then really only a vintage pen will do and a really flexible one at that (unless you have a really heavy hand).

[linearM]

If you are looking for a flex pen another place that you can look is Greg Minuskin's site: http://gregminuskin.com/. He has pens with flex nibs running in the $65-$75 range. They are often vintage user quality rather than collector quality pens with 14K nibs that have been modified to provide excellent flex. You would have to watch his site if you are going to get one of his pens! I have several of his pens and they work beautifully. A place to find some good information about flex pens is:http://www.vintagepen.net/. Maurice has good information and offers some beautiful pens but they would probably be out of your price range. I have no connection with the above sites, just a satisfied customer.

 

Using flex pens requires time, patience, and practice if you are going to get the most from them. Good luck.

[mountimprobable24]

The first question you need to answer is what aspect of the dip pen did you like. You were not very specific.

 

Was it the line variation, the soft feel, the thin hairline, .........

 

The answer to this question is very important. You have to know what you really want.

 

 

 

 

Second, vintage pens with flex nibs do not always cost $500. It easy to find one under $100, not too hard under $50, and certainly possible under $25.

 

 

 

I do not recommend any of the Noodler's pen. They are in no way a flex pen. It has line variation but that is different than flex. People always confuse the two. I think Mauricio explains this the best on his site. Just because the pen is $20 does not mean it is the right pen.

 

The Ackerman pen might be ok if you actually receive the pen. There is a long history of people ordering the pen and never receiving the pen. If you have the pen, the quality of the flex depends on which nib you install.

 

Answer the question I posed at the beginning of this post and it will be easier to help you find the right pen. If you just like a soft feel, then even many modern pens might work. If you are looking for line variation with using your normal handwriting (not concentrating on flex) then really only a vintage pen will do and a really flexible one at that (unless you have a really heavy hand).

 

 

Thank you very much for your response!

 

I'm not entirely sure what it was exactly about the dip pen that I liked. I suppose it was a combination of the "soft feel" and the line variation. It was definitely something extremely different from all fountain pens I have (ranging from a Pelikan Pelikanor Jr. to a Mont Blanc Meisterstueck). Actually, quite the opposite of the "soft feel" - I think the dip pen nib actually felt scratchier (yet nicer) on the paper. If I had to bet on one thing though, I'd go with the line variation.

 

I understand that Noodler's pens aren't actually flexible, but merely emulate flex nibs. Nonetheless it seems like they're the closest thing to a flex-nibbed pen that's readily available.

 

As far as vintage pens, you say they can be purchased for less than $25 - where? I've scoured the internet and haven't found anything. I'll be in Columbus for the pen show, though - maybe there? Or a small nearby vintage pen shop?

 

Thanks for the tip on the Ackermans - the one website you linked to (Mauricio's) has something similar I think under the section titled "Modern Pens with Vintage Nibs" (the TWSBI's look especially great) - but even those start at ~$100.

[mountimprobable24]

Quick question directed to all those who recommended the Noodler's Flex pens: which one should I get?

 

The Creaper I think is the most aesthetically pleasing (the Ahab seems rather fittingly named, as it reminds me somewhat of a beached whale), while I read a blog somewhere that says it uses a different (less flexy) nib than the Ahab and the Konrad.

 

Thanks!

[tisquinn]

You could also try a Namiki falcon. I haven't had any experience myself, but I've heard good things.

[AltecGreen]

Thank you very much for your response!

 

I'm not entirely sure what it was exactly about the dip pen that I liked. I suppose it was a combination of the "soft feel" and the line variation. It was definitely something extremely different from all fountain pens I have (ranging from a Pelikan Pelikanor Jr. to a Mont Blanc Meisterstueck). Actually, quite the opposite of the "soft feel" - I think the dip pen nib actually felt scratchier (yet nicer) on the paper. If I had to bet on one thing though, I'd go with the line variation.

 

I understand that Noodler's pens aren't actually flexible, but merely emulate flex nibs. Nonetheless it seems like they're the closest thing to a flex-nibbed pen that's readily available.

 

As far as vintage pens, you say they can be purchased for less than $25 - where? I've scoured the internet and haven't found anything. I'll be in Columbus for the pen show, though - maybe there? Or a small nearby vintage pen shop?

 

Thanks for the tip on the Ackermans - the one website you linked to (Mauricio's) has something similar I think under the section titled "Modern Pens with Vintage Nibs" (the TWSBI's look especially great) - but even those start at ~$100.

 

 

The thing about Noodler's is that they need a lot of pressure to yield line variation. So depending on how heavy of a hand you have, it will not give you any line variation using a normal handwriting. You have to actively apply the pressure and slow down to get line variation. This is ok if this is what you are looking for. However, the feeling will be very different than a dip pen. Thus I do not recommend it in your case. Also, if you ever want to learn how to do formal calligraphy, you learn very bad habits using a pen like a Noodler's because you tend to develop a heavy hand rather than a light delicate touch.

 

For a vintage pen with a flex nib under $25, you can find them on eBay (you need to be vigilant and know something about vintage pens) or go to a pen show. Many vintage pen dealers have trays of inexpensive flex pens. You won't have much say in the condition and brand but the pen should work. The $50-$75 dollar range is pretty easy at a pen show. The only trick then is how flexible, and that is a matter of preference.

 

You won't find them easily from an online dealer. Many of these guys save the really inexpensive pens for shows. Too much effort to sell the cheap pens one at a time. Often these pens end up in a bag of inexpensive pens for a fixed price. Also, many of these pens are in the hands vintage pen dealers who do not have an online presence. If you do the pen show circuit, you get to know a large number of vintage dealers who mainly sell at shows or through direct contact.

 

Since you are going to Columbus, I would just wait. Once you are at the show you can take the time to learn what kind of flex can be had in a pen and look for your best fit. If you can't wait and need to get a Noodler's then I suggest one of the original flex pens. Remove stock nib and retrofit a really flexible dip pen nib like a Gillot 303. I made one for Indigirl as an experiment.

[WayTooManyHobbies]

Quick question directed to all those who recommended the Noodler's Flex pens: which one should I get?

 

The Creaper I think is the most aesthetically pleasing (the Ahab seems rather fittingly named, as it reminds me somewhat of a beached whale), while I read a blog somewhere that says it uses a different (less flexy) nib than the Ahab and the Konrad.

 

Thanks!

 

Having had and used all three, I would suggest the Konrad. The Creaper is almost like a toy if your hand is more than petite. The Ahab is a very pleasant pen, but the Konrad is superior in every way. I've actually been using it as a "daily driver" type pen, where the other two Noodler's are mostly relegated to highlighter use.

 

Good luck!

[ninobrn99]

I recently purchased a couple of pens that are pretty flexible. I've found that the Sheaffer Feather touch nib is pretty flexible. I got a Balance on ebay for around $20 and it has a little flex. I found a Wearever Pacemaker that writes beautifully, but the section is cracked (common from what I understand) Once I can fix that, it will be my favorite pen!

The Wearever:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a175/ninobrn99/60D%20shots/antique%20store%20finds/IMG_6510.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a175/ninobrn99/60D%20shots/antique%20store%20finds/IMG_6520.jpg

I've seen that the Conklin Toledo nibs were pretty flexible as well. I purchased a 14kt Feather Touch nib and put it on my Libelle Chromatic Speed.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a175/ninobrn99/Libelle%20Chromatic%20Speed/IMG_2989.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a175/ninobrn99/Libelle%20Chromatic%20Speed/IMG_2994.jpg

 

Nino

[Bo Bo Olson]

A Falcon is only a springy nib, not a 'flex' pen.

 

Normally I recommend working one's way up the flex ladder, semi-flex, flexi, super flex and then wet noodle, but there is no instant gratification that way, as you have been trained, since you could sit in front of a TV to expect.

 

One does have the time that way to learn to develop a Hand, but repair of sprung nibs only costs @$80.

 

Do read Richard's article on how easy it is to spring a nib.

 

The guys who are good with writing with 'flex' nibs, are more interested in quick return time of a nib, more than how much can I make the nib do the splits.

 

There are the Hunt 99-100-101 dip nibs that are weak kneed wet noodles, and cheaper to learn on, than thinking one is going to be using a 'flex' pen as a daily writer.

 

Of course it depends on what you are talking about when you say flex. I have no idea which level of flex you are talking about.

 

These spread their tines 3X a light down stroke.

Level of ease of spread is covered in other threads.

 

Semi-flex some spring and flex, easy writing pen, that can be used by the ham fisted. Adds some flair to the writing but normally is a wetter writer, because of ease of tine spread.

Maxi-semi-flex/'flexi'? That makes a nice daily writer if you are only slightly ham fisted you can get away with using this.

 

The below need a light hand. They spread their tines 4-5X a light down stroke.

Easy full flex/super-flex.

Very light hand.

Wet Noodle

Weak Kneed Wet Noodle.

Edited August 15, 2012 by Bo Bo Olson

[Mauricio]

mountimprobable24,

 

AltecGreen and BoBo Olson have given you great advice. Furthermore, unlike pens with firm nibs, in pens with flexible nibs the performance of the pen/nib is very critical and it will make a tremendous difference to the flex writing experience.

 

So, in addition to the flex nib criteria AltecGreen presented to you, you also have to decide what kind of condition you would like your pen to be and what kind of flex writing performance you expect out of that pen. A great flexible nib by itself will offer from worthless to substandard writing performance unless it has been nicely setup in a fountain pen. The better the pen/nib setup ... the better the flex writing performance.

 

You will certainly find some bargains in eBay and at pen shows. The condition of those pens/nibs is a complete gamble. If price is your key determinant, scout every garage sale and flea market as you might pens for $1 or $2 per pen. There are people who are perfectly happy with those pens. On the other spectrum, if you want a pen from a tier one brand, fully restored (not simply installing a new sac), with all correct parts, fully operational, with full identification of the pen (not a one line description), full identification of the flexible nib with all of its attributes (made by someone who knows about them), good quality pictures of the pen and nib, writing samples (not a mere couple of lines or doodles, but actual flexible writing), and 100% tested and fine tuned for ideal ink flow and performance flexible writing, then expect to pay the market value for those goods and services. If that pen is a rarer and more collectible pen, then expect to pay even more. To give you some reference, it is not uncommon for a vintage Esterbrook pen with a flexible nib to fetch $70 ... and they come with steel nibs that are barely flexible, their overall flex performance is minimal compared to the older flex nibs, and most of the time those Esterbrook pens come with scratchy nibs that write dry and/or have not had their nibs tuned and set up by someone who specializes in flex nibs. The same applies to tier one vintage pens with firm nibs ... expect to pay more for a fully restored pen with all correct parts and in fully operational condition than a tier 3 pen found in the wild or sold by someone who is not very knowledgeable with that very particular type of pens.

 

... http://www.vintagepen.net/. Maurice has good information and offers some beautiful pens but they would probably be out of your price range.

 

 

linearM,

 

Glad to hear the information on flexible nibs in my website has been helpful to you and that you found some beautiful pens in there. You have also quoted my website and prices. As such, I need to respond to your comments in this post .... I respectfully disagree with your price statement. The OP's desired price is under $100. If you check my website, I do offer pens with flexible nibs for under $100 and they do sell fast. You just have to look for them in my website and act quickly. In fact, at this present moment there are two listed. They are:

• Pen OM038 - Deskpen in Onyx celluloid and 14k vintage flex nib at $90 ... Other Markers - Pg 1
• Pen W405 - Waterman 52 in BCHR at $60 .... Waterman - Pg 3

[recluse]

A bit on Noodler's Ahab.

 

I have a little experience with really flexible nibs and can barely see myself doing calligraphy in the future, therefore I cannot say anything about Ahab from this perspective. Back in the days, however, I wrote a lot with dip pens. The nibs were some standard steel nibs, I believe, similar to those one could find in post offices all over the world. They were not particularly smooth but they gave a peculiar writing sensation, which I've missed a lot after I've moved on with my life. This was before I've got Noodler's Ahab. It provides very similar writing experience (at least how I remember it) and I fell in love right after first strokes. This is what I was looking for, and Ahab's even smoother! By the way, maybe I was lucky (usually I'm not) but my Ahab worked great straight from the box.

 

So, I don't know what is the Ahab's place in transitioning to full flex nibs as I'm using it for everyday writing, but your question about the experience similar to dip pens reminded me of my own situation. You may give Noodler's pens a shot. They are not overly expensive and are, to say the least, decent pens in any case (while, again, may not be doing good with regard to calligraphy).