Flex pens/nibs for everyday fast cursive handwriting

[dragondazd]

35 minutes ago, mhwombat said:

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.

Woah.... In my past research I thought I had to buy a Faber castell. And to think I could have just bought a Franklin Christoph #5! Thank you so much! My twsbi will soon see use again.

[CoolBreeze]

On 5/24/2022 at 1:15 PM, mhwombat said:

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.

 

Thank you! Wow. that is a lot of flex. I honestly don't think I would need that much line variation. That being said, that is pretty impressive. The wideness of that nib would allow me to fit half the amount of words on the page! I would be totally interested in seeing the Leonardo flex when you get a chance. That sounds more up my ally for sure!

[frolic838]

On 5/24/2022 at 10:57 AM, mhwombat said:

I  transplanted the #5s into TWBI Ecos and a TWSBI ALR,and I absolutely love them. Comparable to vintage flex.

This is so good to know.  I was just looking at options to get a flex nib and had not heard of these.  Now I cannot wait for payday!

[mhwombat]

23 hours ago, CoolBreeze said:

I would be totally interested in seeing the Leonardo flex when you get a chance.

 

I just wrote a post that includes some examples of the Leonardo elastic nib with comparisons to other pens. It is a very good nib indeed. From my research, the gold version offers very little advantage over the steel nib, so I'd stick with steel.

 

[mhwombat]

4 hours ago, frolic838 said:

This is so good to know.  I was just looking at options to get a flex nib and had not heard of these.  Now I cannot wait for payday!

 

You might also find this post helpful.

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/366529-my-quest-for-flex-a-heroic-epic-with-pictures/

[frolic838]

4 minutes ago, mhwombat said:

 

You might also find this post helpful.

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/366529-my-quest-for-flex-a-heroic-epic-with-pictures/

Thanks!  I'll check that out.  Just sprung for a vintage flex pen on Pen Swap, so my quest for modern flex will have to wait until I figure it out.

[txomsy]

Those links to other threads are great. Thanks.

[como]

I agree with @sansenri and @OMASsimo that vintage German pens such as Pelikan and Montblanc can be really great options. They have the kind of soft Italic character and the ink flow is usually good. The pens tend to be small by today's standards (though they are big ones too but quite expensive). Among the modern candidates for fast italic writing, I would say a soft juicy Italic / stub from Omas, Scribo, Santini (to name a few) should be a pleasant, fun and expressive writing experience.

[CoolBreeze]

On 5/27/2022 at 4:06 PM, mhwombat said:

 

I just wrote a post that includes some examples of the Leonardo elastic nib with comparisons to other pens. It is a very good nib indeed. From my research, the gold version offers very little advantage over the steel nib, so I'd stick with steel.

 

 

On 5/27/2022 at 4:07 PM, mhwombat said:

 

You might also find this post helpful.

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/366529-my-quest-for-flex-a-heroic-epic-with-pictures/

Thank you so much. I appreciate your post and your commentary! Very thorough! Your Pilot 912 with FA nib looks really great too!

[georges zaslavsky]

Parker Duofold Senior with Canadian nibs and Parker Vacumatic Maxima. Omas 360 and Omas Paragon with Extra Flessible nibs. Older Pelikan m800 and 1000. 60's-70's MB146s-MB149s. Modern Wahl Eversharp with flexible nibs 

[wtlh]

Modern Pilot custom 74 has a surprisingly flexible nib.  I have two Fs and they both produce good amount of line variations during fast writing.  I was able to take very fast notes during conferences with the pen, and they are all cursive with line variations.

 

Just to note that with flex nibs results really depend on practice.  Unlike italics or stubs you don't get good line variations for free.  You need a lot of practice to master the nib.

[Stompie]

On 5/20/2022 at 8:04 PM, CoolBreeze said:

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! 

Firstly, to your question, I have a pen from a chap here in the UK called Tom's Studio. He makes pens and his flex pen is very reliable although not a lot of line variation but it does write first time every time.

 

Secondly, have you considered just using an italic fountain pen nib such as made by The manuscript pen company? I think these are available online through Walmart and are very cheap. I often use an italic nib and find with an ever so slight twist when writing it gives you a nice swell to your letters.

[Nick T]

On 5/20/2022 at 5:07 PM, CoolBreeze said:

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

For me, the 146 is less flexible which makes it easier to use without as much line variation compared to the 149. I own and can recommend both as great choices. They can both withstand fast writing and the nibs are fantastic. Good luck with your search.