Bock Nib Sections

[21William]

Bit confused (easily done!) but what are these used for and why do no suppliers over here seem to sell them?

Sections for nib systems in various surface finishes

 

[Bigblackdog]

it is a section- you put the feed and nib inside it. The nib sticks out of the non threaded bit, the barrel screws onto the threads.

kitless pen makers make their own, either in a contrasting material or the same as the barrel. Kit pen makers use the one in the kit- these would probably not fit the barrel threads. I imagine that there is probably little demand for buying them.

 

[Penpal]

Handy for part kitless pens.

Peter.

 

[Phil Dart]

why do no suppliers over here seem to sell them?

kitless pen makers make their own, either in a contrasting material or the same as the barrel. Kit pen makers use the one in the kit- these would probably not fit the barrel threads. I imagine that there is probably little demand for buying them.

Beaufort Ink is the UK distributor of Bock. However, Mark has hit the nail on the head. There is next to no demand for them amongst artisan pen makers for the reasons he has mentioned, and absolutely no demand whatsoever from fountain pen owners. That said, I'm happy to order one for you, but you'd still have to make a connector to attach the section to your barrel, and I also have to point out that we wouldn't receive it until December, which is our next scheduled delivery from Bock.

 

[21William]

Handy for part kitless pens.

Peter.

Well that's what I would have thought as well Peter, they look really nice.

Unless the maker is making the nib and reservoir the result is not really kitless is it? Just asking. I've seen a few "kitless" pens where the maker has indeed made the "section" and I have to say the result is no where near as nicely made as the Bock example. No disrespect intended as Bock obviously have the tools and know how to make a superior product. I wonder who Bock are selling these sections to?

As a point of interest Phil what size is the thread used on the end of the section? I assume it depends on the size of the section as I note they make 5, 6 and 8 versions.

 

[wm460]

I like the look of the RUTHENIUM colour.

 

[Phil Dart]

The thread is the same for all of them - #5, #6 and #8. It's 8.5 x 1

 

[21William]

I like the look of the RUTHENIUM colour.

Yes, I spotted that Mark, very nice.

Did you see this, not a slit but a "Flash"!

I also noticed they make a nib with the section included.

Thanks for the size Phil, very helpful.

It's a shame the Bock site is so devoid of useful information. When buying other components like levers for example you normally get a nice drawing showing showing all the dimensions and the threads used etc. It all seems to be a secret on the Bock site although they do say further information "by request".

 

[Phil Dart]

Bock's site is effectively onlya trade site - all it is there for is to show people an overview of what they produce, not necessarily the ins and outs of each product. They don't deal with the public on a retail basis

I have all that kind of gen here, and if there is something I don't have or don't know, I can ask them. If you ask them, they will generally refer you to me. It's a good, tried and tested way of doing business, whereby the manufacturer supports its distributors, without at the same time shafting them by dealing direct.

Beaufort Ink is the largest distributor of Bock nibs worldwide, and if there is anything you wish to know that I cannot answer, I'm happy to find out for you. All of the drawings that you are referring to (not the sections though) are on the Beaufort Ink website, or available from Beaufort Ink. They're all out there, it's just that you are looking in the wrong place for them.

 

[Penpal]

Bock to Bock confirmation, nice to see dealer loyalty.

Peter.

 

[21William]

Yes Phil, I noticed this on your website. It's exactly the kind of information folks need.

I'm just surprised that Bock don't provide this kind of info on their own website.

Is there a similar drawing available for the sections?

 

[Phil Dart]

I think it's just a matter of the business model that Bock adopts William. I agree that in this modern age, where we all expect to be able to access everything we need to know within a couple of clicks of a mouse, that Bock do not publish such information on their own website, but as I said in as many words my previous post, their aim is to drive customers to their retail partners. Compared with their competitors though, believe me, they are positively verbose when it comes to to information sharing. I challenge you for instance, to even find a website from any other mainstream nib manufacturer whatsoever, let alone find anything useful on it.

I don't have drawings for their sections I'm afraid. I have no doubt that they exist though, and I will ask the question for you next week.

 

[21William]

Just seen this. Bit expensive at €20.50 but what a lovely Matt gold finish.

Starbond Europa

Don't worry about the drawing Phil, the sizes are noted on the website - 28mm long by 9mm.

Where do you get the 8.5 x 1 taps? I suppose they're expensive as usual!

 

[wm460]

Where do you get the 8.5 x 1 taps? I suppose they're expensive as usual!

You could try Beaufort Ink.

 

[21William]

Oh, I didn't see them on the website Mark!?

 

[silver]

Where do you get the 8.5 x 1 taps? I suppose they're expensive as usual!

Take a look at the link below William, I have one and made some a few years ago but not done any for quite a while now.

Tools Tap/Dies 8.5 x 1 mm

Not as expensive as you think but don't forget about import taxes, handling fees and VAT.

You could always save pennies by using a Baron end and then use the Bock feeder with kit threaded fittings rather than one for a Bock. Same result only different platings.

 

[wm460]

Oh, I didn't see them on the website Mark!?

Sorry wrong site here the one I seen, about 60.00 aussie peso's,

Starbond Europa

 

[21William]

Sorry wrong site here the one I seen, about 60.00 aussie peso's,

Yes, not nice is it Mark!

I've got a metalwork lathe so if I do have the need in the future I think I'll make my own tap from Silver Steel.

 

[Phil Dart]

OK - a quick update as promised last week.

I've had several conversations by phone and by email with Bock this week - actually it transpires that they don't publish drawings of their sections, but I'm pleased to report that Beaufort Ink has today committed to stocking the sections from Bock, and all being well they should be here at the end of next week. When they arrive, I will do some drawings myself and make them available on the Beaufort website.

We've ordered them in both sizes 5 and 6, in all available colour options, and those options in both polished and matt finishes. Everyone's next question is going to be "how much?" Prices are not yet finalised (give me a chance guys) but I expect them to be be between £10 and £20 depending on the size, colour and finish.

I have also just come off the phone to TapCo, who we've commissioned to make the necessary 8.5 x 1 taps for us, and they should be here in the next two to three weeks.

So.... That seems to be that sorted.

 

[21William]

Just got this from Phil today. I have to say they are even nicer than they look in the pictures. I'm not sure why anyone would make their own sections to be honest. I must add I don't have a project in mind for this yet so sadly it's going to sit in the box until my other jobs are done and I work out what I want to use it on.