This may also help: I forgot where I heard it, but a way to tell of you need a larger or a smaller nib is look at your handwriting once you have written with the pen. If there is no space in your letters like “e” or “a” you may want to consider going down a Nib size. Conversely, if there is too much space in the “e” or “a” go up a Nib size. The general rule I personally use, I base the Nib size to the ruling size of the paper. For example: if I plan on using graph paper (5mm rule), I will use an Extra Fine Nib; If I use for Narrow rule/ 6mm rule then I will use a Fine Nib; If I am using College Rule/ 7mm I will use a Medium Nib; Finally, If I am using Wide Rule paper/ 8.7mm I would use a Broad Nib. This is a good starting point, to help refine your tastes.
Best advice anyone could give a first time buyer, that's exactly how you can tell what nib will be most suited to your natural writing style and paper ruling choice. Then from a purely practical standpoint, you can always buy more pens in other sizes down the line: fines are great for things like writing on bad quality paper, writing in Asian scripts, when your ink needs to dry quickly, writing very neatly because you or others need to read back what you've written, planners, adding notes to text/figures/technical diagrams and writing lists on narrow pads. Mediums are great for writing quickly while still drying reasonably quickly and being smooth to write with and quite readable later on, like for long and fast note taking in a class or seminar. Broads are good for pretty (cursive) writing, titles, headers, greeting cards and for colouring in areas, as well as showing off ink properties(though I find the ink resistance of the paper is the biggest factor there). Every nib size is a tool unto itself and has a practical use, even if it isn't one's first choice.
@@rudraneeldey1642 yes I am and I love my bright yellow wood and green plastic ca 20 year old fountain pen. And I still write with it, last week a letter to my first grade teacher. 😊✒
@@illiengalene2285 wow that's great .I HAD 😭 mine as well but ,one of my friend borrowed it for the class and broke it because we got into an argument .It was a fabercastell ,I still regret giving him the pen.
@Greedy monster umm I agree in my 5th grade It was mandatory but now in my younger sister's time the used ballpen. They were told that the clothes will get dirty
Loved that bit about Japanese and western nib sizes and how they compare. First pen was a pilot metropolitan (Japanese) in Fine while my second was a LAMY Safari (German) also in Fine. Even though I was told that Japanese nibs are finer, it still shocked be how these were both labeled as “Fine” nibs. LAMY was WAY broader. I’m looking for a flex and stub/italic to get some extra flair, can’t wait. 😆
All of these fountain pen guides make it looks like fountain pens are for more grown-ups. In Vietnam, fountain pens are either for children or stationery lovers/calligraphy lovers. Vietnamese children have to learn to write with a fountain pen after they have practiced well enough with pencils. Calligraphy contests are still common among 1st and 2nd graders and teachers, as Vietnam has a long tradition of calligraphy (in ancient Vietnamese alphabet that is more like Chinese and modern Latin ones). My mom had to write with a dip pen in her elementary school (fountain pens were not available then). I wrote with fountain pens until grade 7, then I had to give it up because there was no suitable notebook paper because all fountain pens paper back then was for children in elementary school. I remember a pen with italic broad nib that I used to love writing with in the past but is no longer available. I started to use fountain pens again when a friend gave me one as a birthday present. I have like 10 now. I used to prefer italic nibs, but now I use round nibs because I write to fast for an italic nib to catch up with.
Interesting. At least in america fountain pens seem only to be used by hobbyists or people looking for a more dignified/professional look. Its usually ball points that most people use due to their convenience. in school most very you g children start with pencils, then either continue using pencils and/or ball points as they grow up. Though this may also be a generational difference.
I do hope you always continue making videos on choosing your supplies not just for writers, but also artists too, since there’s many differing things to look for when drawing versus writing. I don’t recall if you have a fountain pen for artists video yet? I hope it’s in the works if not :3 (I know you have the comparisons of inks; I was hoping for comparisons of the nib flexibility for drawing or just different brands’ firmness for line art or things like that)
My wife and I greatly appreciate the level of detail and effort you put into your videos and website's written articles. My wife is trying to migrate away from Ballpoint Pens. This video greatly helped her to choose the right Beginner's Fountain Pens for her needs.
My mother had a fountain pen heirloom which costed her 230$ her best friend stole it and refused to give it back. My mother never talked to her again. Finally 30 years later she gotten it back
Ah I just but a fountain pen yesterday and with this video, I realized I wanted an italic nib instead! Maybe it's time to place another order 😆 Thank you for another great video! It was really helpful!
Ah I also wanted the same, I just wanted to have an experience of quills without actually using them and fountain pens are the ones that can do that but unfortunately... I guess I'll get it as a gift after my half yearly exams instead now
My favorite is extra fine because it saves space when i write lol. After watching this video, I feel like getting a fountain pen with a flex nib to replace my small calligraphy pen. It looks fun to use! Can't wait to save some money to get my hands on them and some new inks 🌸
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I feel you! I started with Lamy's mediums bc that's the default & what is used in school, but I quickly realise I was better off with fines & extra fines. Unfortunately, Lamy's fine nibs are a bit... rough to write with.
I understand that the Jinhao nibs aren't the best out there when compared to their German counterparts, perhaps due to quality control inherent in mass production. What post processing of these nibs would need to be done to take them to the next level (or two), and can that be on the cheap? Would you be able to comment on this, and also reach out to your contacts to see what they think? Thanks, and keep up the good work.
A family member recently gifted me a fountain pen. One thing led to another and now I am here watching this video. Thank you JetPens, you will be my next fountain pen purchase!
Thanks for your suggestion! We're planning on making a video for left-handed fountain pen users soon. Be sure to subscribe to our channel if you haven't already!
I usually write calligraphy with brush pens, but I really want to know what calligraphy fountain pens I could use for that as well. I would prefer a flex nib, since the technique of using it is similar to a brush pen, but I don't know which brand or etc would be best. Also for the ink as well. Thanks :D
Hi there! You may want to consider Pilot Parallel Pens for italic script or Noodler's Konrad Flex Fountain Pens. www.jetpens.com/blog/pilot-parallel-pen-the-best-calligraphy-pen-for-italic-script/pt/260 www.jetpens.com/Noodler-s-Konrad-Flex-Fountain-Pens/ct/1736
Great video, Jetpens! You covered all of the bases. TWSBI's website has a good little guide for helping choose a nib size if you're not sure. Basically, the larger your handwriting, the broader the nib. My handwriting is naturally fairly small, so I don't enjoy using nibs larger than a Medium, and most of my nibs are Fines. (Except for the Japanese nibs. I love the Medium Nibs on the Pilot Metropolitans/Kakunos and the Medium Fine nibs on the Pilot CH92!)
Do these rules apply also to nibs that require an ink jar? As i have a fountain pen with ink jar and my hand writing is much better with that then with a pencil or traditional pen. Also when i bought it i looked at refilable cartriage styles and found that they didnt have the same improvement.
Most helpful and informative. Many thanks. I think I am looking for a nib, with the opposite characteristics to those you ascribe to an Italic nib. My preference is to find a nib which writes narrow on the vertical strokes, and wide on the horizontal strokes. Can anyone help me ? Many thanks.
You can still use a stub/italic nib, just rotate the pen in your hand to make vertical thin lines and horizontal thick lines. Make sure the nib makes full contact with the paper to maximize the line variation.
If you want a really big nib then buy the Namiki Emperor(although it has an even bigger price tag). In general though I just love how sailor nibs look and write
i was always told that as a lefty i would find fine nibs too scratchy, but they’re my favorite size! the TWSBI Swipe is my current EDC fountain pen, loaded up with a warm brown ink!
I just bought my 1st, At office depot I happened in, they had some great clearance prices..Not knowing much the cashier was not kind or helpful I Almost Didnt get anything.. ( I am the kind who Calls when People are Kind..I am not a complainer) 9.99 for a fine tip was like $27.00..'Cross Light Series '?? A lighter one not heavy.Only it had a Fine nib.. I usually Like my Inkpens Wide..I am getting more into fiber ones.. a QUESTION PLZZ.. I also got a 'Staedtler Calligraphy 33 pc set. Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, broad large, Extra Broad Ex Large.. many colors.. is STAEDLETTER A GOOD FOUNTAIN PEN Maker?? It was 27.00 I seen Amazon has it..the same for 17.00 Being new at this.. Not much money, I dont want to waste it on bad quality..a Costly Chance..I Appreciate All your Info..I will go through your site..THANK You so bery much..Hugs Prayers 🙏🙏🙏🤟🕊❣ 'Crods
Thanks for the tips of what to do. I am new to this and really like the pens. I wanted to make sure I am doing the right thing to all my pens. Thanks again Brian
Learned how to write on fountain pen, and man does it feel natural. Carry mine everywhere I go and I always get compliment on both my handwriting and my dear fountain pen.
Hey can someone please tell me what ink that is at 1:11 I would really appreciate it if someone told me. I mean let me tell you I’ve been trying to find it ever since this video was uploaded.
When it comes to smoothness in writing I'll use a uni ball rollerball/gel pen, but when it comes to style and font, I'll go for the italic/stub, since needing practice to use something is just normal, the broad nib is like a gel pen with more precision, but I don't want a precise gel pen. So i would reccomend getting a high quality rollerball from uni ball, a gell pen from uniball, and the cheapest fountain pen from that luxury brand, it's called Mona black?
From my knowledge, Italic nib got its name from the font (or writing style) Italic, which originated in Italy; therefore, should be pronounced "ɪ"talic, you don't say "aɪ"taly do you?
That could be true, but I do believe it may be similar to what happens when calling something Spanish versus talking about Spain, in that the two relate but just inherently have the different pronunciations and emphasis. I’ve always heard “ai”talic and never “i”talic, so it’s most likely just the separation between the words and less about where it’s from. It’s also more natural to make the “ai” sound when emphasizing the first syllable, at least in my opinion.
Italian here. You are pronouncing Italy incorrectly to us as well. So just say italic however you want to. I will wager you are all saying bruschetta incorrectly too. Hint, it sounds like a k, not a sh.
Well I've started late in life..Trying these Fountain Pens out.. My Mother Loved them soo much she Had Many types. Different colors, ink vile sizes and the ones with Springs.. I Collect Pens..I mean A LOT.. Century just lobe a smooth pen and paper MATTERS. ...
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I wonder if there's a difference between the nibs that come by default in Europe & in North America... In Germany, unless you opt for a specific size the default is medium. Is it the same in USA? How about Canada?
I have a question, I want to get a fountain pen and nibs of different sizes for it (F, EF, etc.) so would any nib fit any pen? Or do they go by models where the model of both the nib and pen need to be the same?
Try a Japanese C(coarse) nib; they are most definitely the widest round-tipped nibs there are(something like a Pelikan triple broad has some line variation, it's not perfectly round). If you don't mind spending a bit more than entry level prices, you can often find a Platinum #3776 with a gold C nib for around $80. Pilot makes the absolute widest round-tipped nibs, but you will be spending more than double and you'll be hard pressed to tell the difference in writing quality or line width, even side by side. And if you'd like a cheap gold EF nib, the Pilot Elite 95s has a fantastically writing gold EF nib for around $80(if you look around a bit), though that is a pocket pen with a design that you either love or hate.
Take a thin sponge (or something to cushion your finger and if you dont want inky fingers) and press the 2 parts of the nib together until satisfied. Its important that you check the nibs every 2-3 seconds and dont apply too much pressure. If you apply to much pressure, the nib could break entirely.
@jetpens or anyone I need a fountain pen/ink if I spill isopropyl alcohol it won't run. This would be my first fountain pen must have a thin writing extra fine nib and under $30
Hi there! We recommend Noodler's Bulletproof Inks. They're water resistant and resist alcohol: www.jetpens.com/Noodler-s-Bulletproof-Inks/ct/3742 The Pilot Metropolitan is a good pen to pair it with. The fine nib is very thin, equivalent to European extra-fine nibs. The metal barrel won't get damaged if you spill alcohol on it, but please note the grip section and feed are plastic. If you accidentally spill alcohol on them, you may damage them: www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Metropolitan-Fountain-Pens/ct/1706?&f=4cb4dbdf7f3f31d2 We hope that helps!
Nice to know about nibs. These are good quality as i would describe them at first glance. Chosen nibs. Just functionality is not the criteria when one chooses. Also, these are used to function in the best way as these are quality nibs. The way these nibs function is the criteria to choose. I was just writing this to describe why people need quality products. Of course it is a choice for those who like to choose. But choosing by choice is again a choice. Please excuse me.
Ryder Pham Not necessarily! I’d argue that ink resistance is more important. For instance, Tomoe River paper is ultra-thin, but it really makes fountain pen inks shine!
