Wet Ef's On Noodler's?

[ohcnim]

Hello, just recently joined and I have a question that hopefully you can help with.

 

I like how Noodler's 54 Massachusetts looks when I use a Konrad with a flex nib, but usually I write with EF of F nibs and since this aren't as wet the color looks more pale. So, it might not make much sense, but are there any suggestions on wet EF nibs or pens? or something that can be done to achieve the darker, wetter look? something that doesn't involve changing ink brand or color (changing the ink itself by diluting or similar would be ok, I do like the color and the ink properties)

 

 

[WirsPlm]

Yup!

 

You can try making the ink run a little bit more freely by adding a drop of surfactant. You need to get the right additive, but I don't know enough about ink chemistry to point you to the right one.

 

Another option is making the pen itself wetter by spreading the nib tines, which increases the flow. My favorite method is flossing with a very thin sheet of brass - you can get them from Goulet Pens or Richard Binder's site I know, and probably from most other pen sites. If you don't have good luck at local stores, I think you can look for 'brass shim' or 'brass sheets' at local machinist or hobby stores.

 

The basic idea is that you put just a bit of one edge of the brass in the air hole / back end of the slit in the nib, and gently pull forward. This clears any gunk out of the nib that may be causing flow problems, and as you do it repeatedly also helps spread the tines a tiny, tiny bit. Otherwise, you can try spreading the tines with your fingers, but that may make the line wider than you want and has the potential to damage the nib. I've never gotten it to work quite right.

Edited September 20, 2013 by WirsPlm

[ohcnim]

Thank you WirsPlm, I'll see if I can get the brass sheets and see if it works. It might take some time, but I'll let you know.