Architect's Nib -- Thoughts?

[moonejon]

I was reading Mike Dudek's review of his Pilot VP with an custom Architect's Grind on The Clicky Post. I really loved the pictures of his writing after the modifications and I was thinking about trying it out on a TWSBI nib. But before I spend as much on a nib as I spent on the original pen, I figured I'd ask around on FPN and see what people who had already used an Architect's grind thought of it. What are the pros/cons and, in your opinion, is it a good modification for everyday use? (I block print, for the record. Been wanting to get back into cursive, but for now... I block print.)

 

Jonathan

[whichwatch]

I tried a sample at John Mottishaw's table at the LA show 1 1/2 years ago. I absolutely loved the way it made my writing look. I bought one, loved it, and now have three. Two are on BB Nakayas and were done by John, a more recent purchase came from another collector and is a Pelikan M800 B nib modified by Dan Smith ("nibsmith").

 

I love writing with these. You probably know they are like a stub but at 90 degrees so the heavier line is the horizontal and the thinner line the vertical. I generally write in cursive but these are probably even better yet for block printing.

 

If there is a downside, I don't see it.

[Cal_D]

I feel like the results are more intuitve then a stub. When I write with a dip pen, my vertical is what is thinner. Backwords I know, but I feel like it looks more clear.

 

As for the other issue, maybe find a better nib to have the operation done to? That way you dont feel like you are putting socks on a free cat. Plus it gives you a chance to buy a nice nib.

[masterguns]

I tend to hold my pens 90 degrees to the page (versus the traditional 45) when I write with one of my stub nibs. I don't know why, but it feels very comfortable for me. I have even begun to write this way with all my pens now. The end result (with a stub) is that my vertical lines are thin, while my horizontal lines are fat. I found that my penmanship has also improved across the board. Don't really know why, but it just looks nicer. Maybe give that a try for a bit and see how it feels.

[moonejon]

I feel like the results are more intuitve then a stub. When I write with a dip pen, my vertical is what is thinner. Backwords I know, but I feel like it looks more clear.

 

As for the other issue, maybe find a better nib to have the operation done to? That way you dont feel like you are putting socks on a free cat. Plus it gives you a chance to buy a nice nib.

 

I might do that. I've been looking for an excuse to get a Custom 74 anyway...

[moonejon]

I tried a sample at John Mottishaw's table at the LA show 1 1/2 years ago. I absolutely loved the way it made my writing look. I bought one, loved it, and now have three. Two are on BB Nakayas and were done by John, a more recent purchase came from another collector and is a Pelikan M800 B nib modified by Dan Smith ("nibsmith").

 

I love writing with these. You probably know they are like a stub but at 90 degrees so the heavier line is the horizontal and the thinner line the vertical. I generally write in cursive but these are probably even better yet for block printing.

 

If there is a downside, I don't see it.

 

Out of the two nib-meisters that you mentioned, which one would you recommend more? I was considering Mike Masuyama, but that's only because I had heard a lot about him. I've never had any custom grinds done before, so this is all new to me.

[whichwatch]

 

Out of the two nib-meisters that you mentioned, which one would you recommend more? I was considering Mike Masuyama, but that's only because I had heard a lot about him. I've never had any custom grinds done before, so this is all new to me.

 

You may be asking the wrong guy, as the two I had John do are the only custom grinds I have ever had done. The one that Dan Smith did came to me from another collector.

 

I met John personally and he is a great guy. I have never heard anyone say anything bad about him. I have been very happy with all of my dealings with him and the other people in his organization.

 

I have not dealt with Mike, but people who post here sure seem to rave about his work. I doubt you would go wrong there.

[TMLee]

Just received delivery of my first Archt's Grind.

 

This is a JoWO #6 Polished Steel <B> nib in Architect's Grind.

 

Purchased from Peyton Street Pens.

 

I just came back from a holiday tour in Israel, Jerusalem, and I couldnt find such nib grinds there

 

so I ordered online instead.

 

If you look at the grind, its pretty well done .

Good shape and form and symmetry.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/DSCF6178.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/DSCF6179.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/DSCF6180.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/DSCF6181.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/DSCF6183.jpg

 

 

I rinsed the nib in soapy water first, before fitting it onto my ROSETTA Magellan FP.

which was at the moment filled with SAILOR JENTLE Souten. A very smooth flowing ink.

 

Some quick scribbles on TOMOE RIVER paper.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2537.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2545.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2546.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2547.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2548.jpg

 

This one is done on some no-name memo pad.

Thickish heavy, brilliant white paper (bleached) , smooth , I reckon about 100g ?

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2536.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2538.jpg

 

The tip is extremely sharp .

It also feels kind of scratchy when it hits the paper, but I think its becos its very sharp and pointed, so whatever pressure , its like trying to cut the paper.

If i were to smoothen it , the tip may become rounder and as a consequence - produce fatter lines.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2549.jpg

 

I am now convinced the SAILOR specialty nib like the Cross Point or Cross Emperor would be even more fascinating, allowing varying strokewidths depending on how steep your pen grip is.

 

This unit I have , and I believe other similar grinds, are ground at 45deg ?

 

The Cross Emperor takes that a step further.

 

I haven't filled with black waterproof ink yet for sketching & ink & watercolour washes .

Importantly, the flow of ink has to keep up with the rapid penstrokes which is commonplace during sketching.

 

So far the experience is positive. Good. :thumbup:

 

I hope to own a SAILOR Cross or Cross Emperor nib one day.

Hugely expensive.

apparently ENGEIKA has stopped offering these specialty nibs?

Edited March 8, 2017 by TMLee

[Jamerelbe]

I have a couple of JoWo nibs (a steel #5 and a steel #6) I purchased from fpnibs.com in Spain, that were customised for me to produce an architect nib. The advantage of this, for me, was that I was able to incorporate these nibs into pens I already owned - and whereas the American 'nibmeisters' I've come across charge up to $40 for this service, fpnibs charge around €10 (on top of the price of the nib). They now also sell Kaweco nibs, Lamy nibs, TWSBI nib units and various others, almost all of which they'll custom grind for you. If you have a pen you already enjoy, and for which they sell an appropriate spare nib, you could do a lot worse than to get in touch with fpnibs.com. I've been very impressed with *all* the customised nibs they've sold me (architect, cursive italic, fine stub, and most recently, a waverly nib).

[TMLee]

I have a couple of JoWo nibs (a steel #5 and a steel #6) I purchased from fpnibs.com in Spain, that were customised for me to produce an architect nib. The advantage of this, for me, was that I was able to incorporate these nibs into pens I already owned - and whereas the American 'nibmeisters' I've come across charge up to $40 for this service, fpnibs charge around €10 (on top of the price of the nib). They now also sell Kaweco nibs, Lamy nibs, TWSBI nib units and various others, almost all of which they'll custom grind for you. If you have a pen you already enjoy, and for which they sell an appropriate spare nib, you could do a lot worse than to get in touch with fpnibs.com. I've been very impressed with *all* the customised nibs they've sold me (architect, cursive italic, fine stub, and most recently, a waverly nib).

Thanks so much for the heads up.

 

If only I knew of this store earlier

 

BTW , what size number are KAWECO Sport Classic nibs?

 

Are they size #5 ?

 

Where can I find quick info on which pens can take #5 size nibs?

 

Thanks in advance

[Mulrich]

Would a Sailor Naginata Togi nib behave similarly to an architect nib? I recently acquired a Pro Gear with a Naginata Togi and I really like the nib but the pen is a little small for me. If I can get a similar writing experience with an architect nib I may send a couple pens off for customizing.

[Tasmith]

Just received delivery of my first Archt's Grind.

 

This is a JoWO #6 Polished Steel <B> nib in Architect's Grind.

 

Purchased from Peyton Street Pens.

 

I just came back from a holiday tour in Israel, Jerusalem, and I couldnt find such nib grinds there

 

so I ordered online instead.

 

If you look at the grind, its pretty well done .

Good shape and form and symmetry.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/DSCF6178.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/DSCF6179.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/DSCF6180.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/DSCF6181.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/DSCF6183.jpg

 

 

I rinsed the nib in soapy water first, before fitting it onto my ROSETTA Magellan FP.

which was at the moment filled with SAILOR JENTLE Souten. A very smooth flowing ink.

 

Some quick scribbles on TOMOE RIVER paper.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2537.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2545.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2546.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2547.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2548.jpg

 

This one is done on some no-name memo pad.

Thickish heavy, brilliant white paper (bleached) , smooth , I reckon about 100g ?

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2536.jpg

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2538.jpg

 

The tip is extremely sharp .

It also feels kind of scratchy when it hits the paper, but I think its becos its very sharp and pointed, so whatever pressure , its like trying to cut the paper.

If i were to smoothen it , the tip may become rounder and as a consequence - produce fatter lines.

 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/TMLee/Stationery%20Paraphernalia/ARCHITECTS%20NIB/IMG_2549.jpg

 

I am now convinced the SAILOR specialty nib like the Cross Point or Cross Emperor would be even more fascinating, allowing varying strokewidths depending on how steep your pen grip is.

 

This unit I have , and I believe other similar grinds, are ground at 45deg ?

 

The Cross Emperor takes that a step further.

 

I haven't filled with black waterproof ink yet for sketching & ink & watercolour washes .

Importantly, the flow of ink has to keep up with the rapid penstrokes which is commonplace during sketching.

 

So far the experience is positive. Good. :thumbup:

 

I hope to own a SAILOR Cross or Cross Emperor nib one day.

Hugely expensive.

apparently ENGEIKA has stopped offering these specialty nibs?

 

Great review! The frog playing the piano made me smile!

[sidthecat]

The Naginata Togi is a very similar nib: essentially the same, but less aggressively sharp. It's a very good nib for printing as well as cursive.

 

Here's an example:

Edited March 9, 2017 by sidthecat

[Polanova]

 

 

 

I am now convinced the SAILOR specialty nib like the Cross Point or Cross Emperor would be even more fascinating, allowing varying strokewidths depending on how steep your pen grip is.

 

This unit I have , and I believe other similar grinds, are ground at 45deg ?

 

The Cross Emperor takes that a step further.

 

I haven't filled with black waterproof ink yet for sketching & ink & watercolour washes .

Importantly, the flow of ink has to keep up with the rapid penstrokes which is commonplace during sketching.

 

So far the experience is positive. Good. :thumbup:

 

I hope to own a SAILOR Cross or Cross Emperor nib one day.

Hugely expensive.

apparently ENGEIKA has stopped offering these specialty nibs?

 

 

 

Before you decide to sink your money into a NAG Cross Point:

I love mine, but find the outwardly similiar looking Cross Music Nib more versatile in terms of line variation.

The Emperor feature is bogus, imho.

 

The NAG Togi FM, which I suppose has been used by sidthecat for one of her really nice cat sketches, is a wonderful nib as well; great for drawing and writing, albeit with very subtle line variation.

[rafapa]

I have a Pelikan M205 with a BB nib transformed to architect by Pablo (fpnibs). I use it with the fluorescent inks.

[Jamerelbe]

Thanks so much for the heads up.

 

If only I knew of this store earlier

 

BTW , what size number are KAWECO Sport Classic nibs?

 

Are they size #5 ?

 

Where can I find quick info on which pens can take #5 size nibs?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Sorry for the slow reply: Kaweco Sport Classic nibs I believe have the same curvature around the feed as a #5 nib, but are shorter. Bock make these nibs for Kaweco, but also sell their own compatible replacement nib units as an "060" unit (check out Beaufort Inks, for example, in the UK).

 

I find #5 nib sizes more variable between brands (Bock, JoWo, Schimdt), as compared with #6 sizing - though a Bock #6 nib unit won't fit into a pen designed to take a JoWo unit, you can swap the nibs themselves relatively easily. My impression is that the #5 nibs from different manufacturers are more different in terms of overall shape, so that swapping them between nib assemblies isn't as straightforward.

[sidthecat]

I hadn't actually tried drawing with that nib before, but on this paper (which is a bit absorbent) it works very well.

 

I can actually draw more things than cats, but that's what I got in the bedroom.

[TMLee]

Before you decide to sink your money into a NAG Cross Point:

I love mine, but find the outwardly similiar looking Cross Music Nib more versatile in terms of line variation.

The Emperor feature is bogus, imho.

 

The NAG Togi FM, which I suppose has been used by sidthecat for one of her really nice cat sketches, is a wonderful nib as well; great for drawing and writing, albeit with very subtle line variation.

Yeah ...

 

The CROSS MUSIC EMPEROR nib may be just it.

 

Here's a wonderful YouTube review of the CROSS EMPEROR nib, but he does make a little comparison with the CROSS MUSIC EMPEROR nib.

(He also made a separate YouTube review of the CROSS MUSIC EMPEROR)

 

https://youtu.be/Ry7xrS4wiho

Edited March 10, 2017 by TMLee

[TMLee]

Sorry for the slow reply: Kaweco Sport Classic nibs I believe have the same curvature around the feed as a #5 nib, but are shorter. Bock make these nibs for Kaweco, but also sell their own compatible replacement nib units as an "060" unit (check out Beaufort Inks, for example, in the UK).

 

I find #5 nib sizes more variable between brands (Bock, JoWo, Schimdt), as compared with #6 sizing - though a Bock #6 nib unit won't fit into a pen designed to take a JoWo unit, you can swap the nibs themselves relatively easily. My impression is that the #5 nibs from different manufacturers are more different in terms of overall shape, so that swapping them between nib assemblies isn't as straightforward.

thanks much for your reply although i dont think i fully grasp what you intend to convey 😊

 

but thanks much still 🙂

 

much appreciated.

[TMLee]

I hadn't actually tried drawing with that nib before, but on this paper (which is a bit absorbent) it works very well.

 

I can actually draw more things than cats, but that's what I got in the bedroom.

thanks for posting.

 

i think the TOGI nib offers much less line variation.

 

is it fair to say that?