Varuna ED + Wahl Flex Nib

[QM2]

http://queenmargot.com/indian_flex2.jpg

 

Steve Braun at AllWriteNow offers a service where he fits handmade Indian ebonite pens with vintage nibs, and

I've been wanting to try one of these hybrids out.

 

This here is a Varuna "Kavi" model. It is handmade in black ebonite and fitted with a Wahl #2 flex nib.

 

 

http://queenmargot.com/indian_flex4.jpg

 

The pen itself is about the size of a Reform 1745/Calligraph, and a very similar shape as well. It fills via eyedropper

and holds a fairly large amount of ink. I have been practicing flex with it for a few days now, and have not encountered

any ED-related problems. I know that Steve tunes these pens, and whatever he did has clearly made this one into a

reliable writer.

 

http://queenmargot.com/indian_flex1.jpg

 

On the flexi-scale, the Wahl nib is somewhere between a semi-flex and full flex. You can judge for yourself by the

writing. The sample was written pretty casually and at normal writing speed, while engaging flex as much as possible.

There are no interruptions to the flow, no "railroad tracks", no ink starvation. This is a very even and consistent writer.

 

I would recommend these Indian body + vintage nib hybrids to those looking for a good starter flex nib pen with a

comfortable grip. Personally, I will upgrade to a larger flat-top model when it becomes available, but anybody

accustomed to writing with a Reform 1745 or even a Parker 51, will find the proportions of this one just right.

 

http://queenmargot.com/indian_flex3.jpg

Edited February 9, 2009 by QM2

[QM2]

http://queenmargot.com/indian_flex6.jpg

 

In response to a PM, I am posting a closeup of the nib and a photo of the uninterrupted text.

 

Sorry, this is the best shot of the nib I can get with my camera in this light.

The text is just some Lorem Ipsum nonsense.

 

http://queenmargot.com/indian_flex7.jpg

Edited February 9, 2009 by QM2

[Bill Wolfe]

Wow! Thanks for sharing this! Really magnificent writing. What's the grid size of your paper?

BW

[Brian]

Nice handwriting. Sort of like a modified or hybrid italic copperplate, sort of. Anyway, that was a nice review.

 

[QM2]

Thanks, Brian and Bill.

 

The paper is MiquelRius grid notebook (A5 size), 4mm squares.

And yes, my handwriting is definitely an italic-copperplate hybrid!