what is the advantage of a full flex nib, phil? Is it just personal preference, or is there more to it?
They are flexible, meaning that with varying downward pressure, you can spread the tines on the page, allowing you to vary the line width. You can vary the line with with a calligraphy nib but only is predetermined directions. With a flex nib you can do it in any direction.
They are a hang over from dip pens really, but you do see them in reservoir fed pens too. The problem is that the wider the line, the more demand it has for ink, so unless you have the right feed with it too, you just end up with a skippy line where the ink supply can't keep up. You also need a lot of practice too.
Hi Phil,
Thanks for the information, I had a feeling that would be the answer. At least I know there will be a positive outcome some time next year. Is this a newish trend or has it been around for a while. I suppose it helps with copperplate writing, giving the opportunity to have thick downs strokes. Reading some light articles it seems they are not to easy to master. jim
It's an ancient art Jim, and it's been around in reservoir fed pens for a few decades, but because of the limitations of the ink flow, they're not necessarily something you can just swap into your pen on a whim like you can a Bock nib, so they're not nearly as popular - that and as you say, the fact that they are difficult to tame.
They are great for drawing too if you have the skill. Ed Street owns a wonderful picture of an exotic bird that he bought, which if he pops along he might share with us.
