Flex pens/nibs for everyday fast cursive handwriting

[CoolBreeze]

Just wondering if you all could recommend any flex/semi-flex pens/nibs for everyday fast cursive writing. I don't need a lot of line variation - just a bit to make things look nice. I have tried the Franklin Christoph steel flex nib and it is extremely hard. Using that much pressure is exactly why I got out of ballpoints. So snap back and ease of flex is most important. Even if line variation is minimal (1 or 2 nib sizes), its ok. If I have to sacrifice one thing, that is the place I want to do it. Thanks! 

[Karmachanic]

Montblanc 146 Calligraphy

[CoolBreeze]

35 minutes ago, Karmachanic said:

Montblanc 146 Calligraphy

Does this recommendation also apply to the 149 calligraphy nib? If I was going to go the route of Montblanc, the 149 is my preferred size pen which is why I am asking

[Runnin_Ute]

1950's Pelikan 140 or 400NN. More semi flex than anything, but a bit of line variation is available with very little pressure. 

[CoolBreeze]

45 minutes ago, Runnin_Ute said:

1950's Pelikan 140 or 400NN. More semi flex than anything, but a bit of line variation is available with very little pressure. 

Semi-flex is perfectly fine! Thank you! 

[sansenri]

I would tend to agree with Runnin_ute, a 140 or 400NN would be great, however the nib would need to be tested first because there is a lot of variability nib to nib in these vintage pens, but when you get the right one it is perfect for fast writing, you get that slight line variation from these semi flex nibs, without thinking about it, it just comes.

[OMASsimo]

Many vintage German brands and some UK and Italy ones from the 50s and 60s provide exactly what you look for. Indeed, old Pelikans might be the ones most easily available in the US. There are also the old 400 and 100N models, which are quite common and relatively easy to find. And yes, it‘s a gamble how the nib really is if you cannot test it. I don‘t think that there‘s really a modern nib that‘s competitive to the vintage ones but that‘s only my personal opinion.

[Karmachanic]

9 hours ago, CoolBreeze said:

Does this recommendation also apply to the 149 calligraphy nib?

 

Yes. If you can find one.

[AlexLeGrande]

I have two Ultraflex nibs from Kevin of Fountain Pen Revolution.  They are nice and flexy, and I frequently use them for fast cursive writing in my journal.  I have no relationship to this company other than that of being a satisfied customer.  Kevin has been very responsive to my needs, and I am happy to recommend this business.

[Karmachanic]

I'm happy with the 14k semi-flex #5 and #6 nibs from Pablo at FPNibs.

[CoolBreeze]

13 hours ago, AlexLeGrande said:

I have two Ultraflex nibs from Kevin of Fountain Pen Revolution.  They are nice and flexy, and I frequently use them for fast cursive writing in my journal.  I have no relationship to this company other than that of being a satisfied customer.  Kevin has been very responsive to my needs, and I am happy to recommend this business.

thank you!

[CoolBreeze]

5 hours ago, Karmachanic said:

I'm happy with the 14k semi-flex #5 and #6 nibs from Pablo at FPNibs.

 

Interesting option and I do have a new Opus 88 Jazz on order that I could fit one in. Help me understand what you are ordering. You are just selecting the semi-flex option from the drop down? Are you adding new breather hole cuts or requesting the ebonite feed?

[Karmachanic]

1 hour ago, CoolBreeze said:

You are just selecting the semi-flex option from the drop down? Are you adding new breather hole cuts or requesting the ebonite feed?

 

Yes to the first question, and no to the second.  Rhodium finish.  Standard feeds were the only option when I purchased, which work well enough for me.  Line variation, in my case,  comes from 0.6 Cursive Italic grinds, and natural pressure changes whilst writing.  I very much enjoy the luxurious softness.  Similar to the MB 234 1/2.  Pablo reduces the thickness and narrows the shoulders.

 

If I was to order another I might get the ABS high feed hack just to see.

 

to add: #5 is mounted on an Opus Koloro.

[mhwombat]

Here are some nibs that I would not recommend for fast writing, but the information might be helpful in case you're considering these, or want to compare.

 

I have several full flex #5 and #6 steel Jowo nibs from fpnibs.com. I  transplanted the #5s into TWBI Ecos and a TWSBI ALR,and I absolutely love them. Comparable to vintage flex. The #6 is very good too, but not as flexy. I put it into an Omar 88 Jazz. The good thing about these is that they are tipped, so they aren't scratchy (but there is some feedback).

 

I bought one FPR 14k fllex nib. It's very smooth, but very little line variation. I'm not really a fan of it.

 

I have one Noodler's triple flex. It's so stiff that I have to stand up and put all my weight into it to get it to flex! And then there's the odour. I regret buying it.

 

I have one Bluedew pen with a steel flex nib. It does flex, but it's quite scratchy.

 

 

Edited May 24, 2022 by mhwombat
forgot to mention manufacturer

[CoolBreeze]

2 hours ago, Karmachanic said:

 

Yes to the first question, and no to the second.  Rhodium finish.  Standard feeds were the only option when I purchased, which work well enough for me.  Line variation, in my case,  comes from 0.6 Cursive Italic grinds, and natural pressure changes whilst writing.  I very much enjoy the luxurious softness.  Similar to the MB 234 1/2.  Pablo reduces the thickness and narrows the shoulders.

 

If I was to order another I might get the ABS high feed hack just to see.

 

to add: #5 is mounted on an Opus Koloro.

This makes sense to me. Thank you!

[CoolBreeze]

43 minutes ago, mhwombat said:

Here are some nibs that I would not recommend for fast writing, but the information might be helpful in case you're considering these, or want to compare.

 

I have several full flex #5 and #6 steel Jowo nibs. I  transplanted the #5s into TWBI Ecos and a TWSBI ALR,and I absolutely love them. Comparable to vintage flex. The #6 is very good too, but not as flexy. I put it into an Omar 88 Jazz. The good thing about these is that they are tipped, so they aren't scratchy (but there is some feedback).

 

I bought one FPR 14k fllex nib. It's very smooth, but very little line variation. I'm not really a fan of it.

 

I have one Noodler's triple flex. It's so stiff that I have to stand up and put all my weight into it to get it to flex! And then there's the odour. I regret buying it.

 

I have one Bluedew pen with a steel flex nib. It does flex, but it's quite scratchy.

 

 

Pens that don't work are great to know!  What brand/manufacturer/etc. "full flex" #5 and #6 Jowo nibs (that you mentioned) do you like? I found the Jowo #6 Steel nib form franklin christoph is very hard.

[mhwombat]

1 hour ago, CoolBreeze said:

Pens that don't work are great to know!  What brand/manufacturer/etc. "full flex" #5 and #6 Jowo nibs (that you mentioned) do you like? I found the Jowo #6 Steel nib form franklin christoph is very hard.

Ah, I forgot to include that info. The full flex #5 and #6 steel Jowo nibs that I mentioned were from fpnibs.com. I just edited that info into my post. Below is a writing sample I did a while back with the #5. Lots of line variation. Took me a day to feel in control of it because it flexes so easily. So a wonderful nib, in my opinion. Probably not good if you want to write fast, though.

 

For fast writing, if you're more interested in softness or "bounciness" and don't need a ton of line variation, you might try the Leonardo elastic nib. Of course you can get one in a Leonardo pen. I have the momento magico with a steel elastic fine nib, and I love it. I chose that model for the ink window. The steel is so smooth and nice that I don't see any point in paying more for a gold nib. But shipping and customs charges might make the cost higher for someone outside Europe. Defintely a pen that would suit fast writing. If you're interested, let me know and I'll do a writing sample.

 

There is a "soft" Jowo nib available from fpnibs (different from the flex or semi-flex) that I suspect to be an unbranded Leonardo elastic, but I can't confirm it. Available in gold and steel. and there are a lot of customisation options.

 

Edited May 24, 2022 by mhwombat
It is available in steel too.

[dragondazd]

2 hours ago, mhwombat said:

I have several full flex #5 and #6 steel Jowo nibs from fpnibs.com. I  transplanted the #5s into TWBI Ecos and a TWSBI ALR,and I absolutely love them. Comparable to vintage flex. The #6 is very good too, but not as flexy. I put it into an Omar 88 Jazz. The good thing about these is that they are tipped, so they aren't scratchy (but there is some feedback).

Oooh what does putting it in a twsbi entail? I had the impression not many nibs fit.

[mhwombat]

Putting the #5 flex nib from fpnibs.com into a TWSBI 580 was trivial. Unscrew the nib assembly from the TWSBI, and it separates easily into a slightly conical acrylic cylinder, a metal trim thing-y, and the nib unit (nib + feeder + holder). Replace the nib unit and reassemble. Easy peasy, or as we say in Irish, éasca péasca.

 

Putting the #5 flex nib into a TWSBI Eco is harder because you can't just replace the nib unit. First you have to pull the nib and feeder out of the TWSBI, which is not difficult. Just pinch the nib and feeder between your fingers and pull. Now you have to do the same with the nib unit from fpnibs -- but that thing is jammed in tight! I had the best luck with wrapping the nib and feeder with a few turns of masking tape, wrapping the holder in a few turns of masking tape, grabbing both with pliers, and pulling hard. The masking tape is to protect the elements. Alternatively, just file/cut away the nib holder. that's least risky to the nib, and if you later want another holder you can get one cheap. That done, you can put the fpnibs nib into the TWBI. It fit perfectly into one of my Eco's, but the other Eco was slightly too big to get a good fit.

 

 

[Karmachanic]

Masking tape, file, pliers?