Fountain Pens and Carbon Copies

[TrueBlue719]

Hi all, 

 

Before the database incident, I had posted a question regarding what fountain pens I could use on carbon copies and triplicate forms at work.  Inkstainedruth had told me about some Esterbrooks I could look into, as well as a large Esterbrook nib database by Richard Binder (I have and thank you Ruth!).  I recently read too while FPN was down that a Shaeffer Triumph nib could be used for the same.  I was wondering if anyone has experience with this before I try it.  I don't want to learn the hard way and spring a nib!

[Silvicolus]

My understanding is that this was one of the main purposes of 'manifold' nibs.

[TrueBlue719]

I believe you're right in that regard, but I wasn't sure if the Triumph nib was also a manifold. Thanks!

[carlos.q]

You could also use a vintage Pelikan manifold nib: DEF, DF or DM. The "D" stands for "Durchschreib" for carbon copies. These are extra hard nibs that are a joy to use for rapid writing.

 

Pelikan made Taylorix pens are also an option: https://thepelikansperch.com/2018/07/31/pelikan-made-taylorix-pens/

[TrueBlue719]

6 minutes ago, carlos.q said:

You could also use a vintage Pelikan manifold nib: DEF, DF or DM. The "D" stands for "Durchschreib" for carbon copies. These are extra hard nibs that are a joy to use for rapid writing.

I will definitely look into them, thanks!

[Penguincollector]

   I’m bringing this back up because I have to fill out forms soon. I have a few nibs that I think are alright for carbon copies but I’m not sure. I have a Hero with a 360 nib, Parker 180, 51 and 51 clones, Vector, and Lamy AL-Star.  Out of these, which would work the best on triplicate forms? I am looking at Esterbrook rigid nibs, Waterman manifold,and Pelikan D nibs for the future- any other pens to consider?  It’s a form that I have to fill out multiple times a year, so it’s worth finding something that works well. 

Edited July 30, 2024 by Penguincollector
Grammar

[PPPR]

The Parker 51 should be fine because of the stiff nib.

[Penguincollector]

1 minute ago, PPPR said:

The Parker 51 should be fine because of the stiff nib.

  Thanks! I’ll see which 51 has the narrower nib. 

[inkstainedruth]

My initial thought would have been the Esterbrook manifold nibs, since that's what they were designed for.

Didn't know that Waterman also made manifold nibs.

I learn stuff on FPN every time I log in!

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Mercian]

9 hours ago, Penguincollector said:

   I’m bringing this back up because I have to fill out forms soon. I have a few nibs that I think are alright for carbon copies but I’m not sure. I have a Hero with a 360 nib, Parker 180, 51 and 51 clones, Vector, and Lamy AL-Star.  Out of these, which would work the best on triplicate forms? I am looking at Esterbrook rigid nibs, Waterman manifold,and Pelikan D nibs for the future- any other pens to consider?  It’s a form that I have to fill out multiple times a year, so it’s worth finding something that works well. 

Of the pens you already have, although the Parker “51” or Vector should suffice, I would personally opt for your Lamy.
The Z50 nibs are steel, stiff, available in grades including ‘F’ and ‘EF’, easy to swap off/on to the pen, and are inexpensive to replace.

 

Obviously though, the vintage Pelikan nibs marked ‘D’ that @carlos.q mentioned were of course specifically designed for this purpose, so I would recommend the purchase of one of those (if you like Pelikans).

 

As the nib-grade stamping on the 1950s pens can be faint, one quick way to spot these nibs is that they often have what looks like a second ‘breather hole’ in them, which shortens the length of the tine that could bend.

See https://www.pelikan-collectibles.com/en/Pelikan/Nibs/Nib-units-since-1929/index.html#heading_toc_j_10, and especially the photo at

Slàinte,
M.

[Penguincollector]

  Oh, I love it, @Mercian. I bet there’s one that would fit my 140 around somewhere. 

[Penguincollector]

5 hours ago, inkstainedruth said:

My initial thought would have been the Esterbrook manifold nibs, since that's what they were designed for.

Didn't know that Waterman also made manifold nibs.

I learn stuff on FPN every time I log in!

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 Me too, Ruth. 

[Trekker]

Duofolds have traditionally had manifold nibs.

 

”Unlike the Jack-Knife Safety, which could be fitted with a manifold nib but was more usually sold with a flexible nib or an ordinary firm one, the Duofold would be offered with only a manifold nib but could, on special order, be fitted with a flexible nib. This move would permit Parker to offer a 25-year warranty on the nib by reducing the number of pens returned for nib damage, although Parker did not implement such a warranty at the time of the Duofold’s introduction.”

 

http://www.richardspens.com/ref/profiles/duofold.htm

[PPPR]

On 7/30/2024 at 8:53 AM, Penguincollector said:

  Thanks! I’ll see which 51 has the narrower nib. 

I should've specified I was thinking of the vintage version since I know nothing of the current version. Apologies for any confusion.

[Penguincollector]

1 hour ago, PPPR said:

I should've specified I was thinking of the vintage version since I know nothing of the current version. Apologies for any confusion.

  I only have the vintage, so it’s fine.