How Long Will A Platinum Preppy Extra Fine Nib Retain Its Fineness?

[bagho]

I like to write with small handwriting and so European nibs are way too broad for me. After many trials, I finally concluded that the Platinum Preppy 0.18 EF is the most suitable for me.

 

So I was wondering how long will this extreme fineness of the nib last if I use it as a workhorse pen? How many pages can such cheap steel nibs write, before it starts to wear out and become broad or scratchy?

 

I use minimum pressure on the pen while writing.

Edited October 2, 2016 by bagho

[SpecTP]

I've always run out of ink before I experience any changes to the line. At which time, I just toss the pen and get another.

[LizEF]

I've always run out of ink before I experience any changes to the line. At which time, I just toss the pen and get another.

Seems a lot more expensive than just buying more ink.

 

I like to write with small handwriting and so European nibs are way too broad for me. After many trials, I finally concluded that the Platinum Preppy 0.18 EF is the most suitable for me.

 

So I was wondering how long will this extreme fineness of the nib last if I use it as a workhorse pen? How many pages can such cheap steel nibs write, before it starts to wear out and become broad or scratchy?

 

I use minimum pressure on the pen while writing.

 

I have to believe the plastic body will wear out / crack before the tipping material will wear down. See this thread for a discussion.

 

And while it's weird-looking, you might also like the Pilot Penmanship - great EF nib on this thing.

[SpecTP]

not really expensive (at least to me). I get a packs of 7 from amazon for $17. more often than not, the body of the pen will show some cracks by the time I use up the ink. not worth trying to extend its life.

[pararis]

Seems a lot more expensive than just buying more ink.

 

 

I have to believe the plastic body will wear out / crack before the tipping material will wear down. See this thread for a discussion.

 

And while it's weird-looking, you might also like the Pilot Penmanship - great EF nib on this thing.

 

I agree on the Pilot Penmanship. Mine is far finer that my Plat Prep EF, and it's Pilot smooth and reliable.

[LizEF]

I agree on the Pilot Penmanship. Mine is far finer that my Plat Prep EF, and it's Pilot smooth and reliable.

 

And if absolutely necessary, you can relieve boredom by making rocket-ship noises while flying it around in the air over your desk.... (Or so I imagine....)

[rwilsonedn]

The Preppy, if I recall correctly, uses a tipped steel nib. This being the Platinum company, you can bet that even their inexpensive pens are made from excellent materials. And you have a light hand. So unless you are writing on very abrasive papers the nib should keep its width for years. You could probably get a lifetime supply in one of those multi-packs. If you want to extend the life even more, you might choose to use lubricating inks, which should reduce wear even further.

ron

[pararis]

 

And if absolutely necessary, you can relieve boredom by making rocket-ship noises while flying it around in the air over your desk.... (Or so I imagine....)

No, I use the Plumix for that -- the color provides so much more realism.

[LizEF]

No, I use the Plumix for that -- the color provides so much more realism.

 

Yes, the colors on the Plumix do seem more amenable to pretend rocket ships.

[bagho]

Thanks a lot for your replies.

 

I just got a black Penmanship!

[bagho]

And if absolutely necessary, you can relieve boredom by making rocket-ship noises while flying it around in the air over your desk.... (Or so I imagine....)

 

I will! The one I bought is still flying on its own on its way from the US.

 

 

The Preppy, if I recall correctly, uses a tipped steel nib. This being the Platinum company, you can bet that even their inexpensive pens are made from excellent materials. And you have a light hand. So unless you are writing on very abrasive papers the nib should keep its width for years. You could probably get a lifetime supply in one of those multi-packs. If you want to extend the life even more, you might choose to use lubricating inks, which should reduce wear even further.

ron

Great! Thank you so much for the information.

[LizEF]

 

I will! The one I bought is still flying on its own on its way from the US.

 

 

I hope it arrives quickly and that you enjoy it - you'll have to tell us your thoughts. I smoothed mine a little with 12000 micromesh, FYI.

[queerspaceman]

Seems a lot more expensive than just buying more ink.

 

 

I have to believe the plastic body will wear out / crack before the tipping material will wear down. See this thread for a discussion.

 

And while it's weird-looking, you might also like the Pilot Penmanship - great EF nib on this thing.

 

if the body of the penmanship is too weird for you, the nib can be swapped into a metro/MR.

[bagho]

I hope it arrives quickly and that you enjoy it - you'll have to tell us your thoughts. I smoothed mine a little with 12000 micromesh, FYI.

Of course I'll share a review with you all.

 

You did? Amazing! Smoothening a Japanese EF is something that requires advanced skills, right? You know, once I got a Parker Fine. And it was way too thick for me. So I got a Rotring Arkansas Stone and after watching videos and reading articles, I tried to grind the nib to EF. Guess what, I ended up with a 1.2mm italic Bold.

[LizEF]

You did? Amazing! Smoothening a Japanese EF is something that requires advanced skills, right?

 

Well, I was a little worried about it, but in the end decided it was worth the risk (it cost less than $7 when I bought it). I just did what SBRE Brown and Brian Goulet had shown / explained in their videos, using the finest micromesh pad, and it worked well - did not take much. I was very careful to only do a little at a time, since there's so little tipping material on that thing. Yours may not require any smoothing - no telling until you try the nib and see.

 

And yes, the nibs can be swapped between Metropolitan, Kakuno, Penmanship, and (I think) Plumix (maybe others, don't know).