Fountain pen nibs - can I have yours thoughts please?

[Grump]

A couple of links for those who think this is an unimportant discussion, might open a few eyes to the technicalities of a nib.

Scribblers Calligraphy Resources
How do fountain pens work? - Explain that Stuff

OK I'll get my coat init?

 

[paulm]

A couple of links for those who think this is an unimportant discussion, might open a few eyes to the technicalities of a nib.

Scribblers Calligraphy Resources
How do fountain pens work? - Explain that Stuff

OK I'll get my coat init?

no no, come back in and sit down Brian, they are 2 very interesting links

 

[donwatson]

I like the links Brian and some of the other links that have appeared in this thread.
It has me looking at the fountain pen a little differently.
Speaking for myself I find pen making fairly simple, and when problems arise they are solved quickly on this forum, simply by asking as someone on here has met the same problem before and will explain what is needed. Maybe I put that a bit simply but it does seem that way.
I made a couple of Omegas for the closed end competition, I entered the rollerball but I felt the fountain handled like a superior pen
I can't explain this but I am finding this thread very interesting

 

[Phil Dart]

I'd have some steel ones Phil, I like them.

That's interesting Paul - If you had paltinim to choose from as well, would you still go for steel? Is it looks or price (clearly performance) that influences your decision?

Ahhh, Brian. Platignum pens. That brings back memories. I grew up on them too. Wonderful, affordable, and obtainable, and THE ideal weopon for splatting the exercise book of the swatty little kid at the next desk.

Your post is taken in the spirit it's intended, but you do make a good point too, A softer metal will get "run in" faster than a harder metal. Presumably then it will wear out faster too.

Your links are very interesting too. Put your coat back on the peg.

 

[Phil Dart]

Don, my understanding is that these days sales of fountain pens outstrip sales of rollerballs. There is one person on this forum who sells 8 or 9 FPs for every RB he sells, but about 55% to 45% is the the current usual ratio according to the nerds.

 

[paulm]

Oi... whos a nerd

I buy the nibs purely for looks and snobery value Phil. Most wouldn't know the difference in any nib and the cheap chinese nibs as supplied look good and work fine. The fountain pen collectors and pens I push with uprated nibs will sell with Bock nibs and then it comes down to what the collector wants or looks for the people that don't know better.

I agree that gold nibs will run in better and become an individual item and that is firmly set in my mind but I only think of that with the pure gold ones that cost an arm and a let.

I would buy platinum nibs over steel depending on the price of course.

 

[donwatson]

Don, my understanding is that these days sales of fountain pens outstrip sales of rollerballs. There is one person on this forum who sells 8 or 9 FPs for every RB he sells, but about 55% to 45% is the the current usual ratio according to the nerds.

Hi Phil,
As I have said before ' I need to find customers who do joined up writing ' before I can sell fountains.

 

[Grump]

My mum and most of the neighbours mums worked at the factory, mainly due to the crèche.
Mum used to bring home outwork and we would all sit and assemble the damn things for our pocket money.
My Drain worked there to from a school leaver till it shut down, it was nicknamed the fanny factory as mainly women worked there.
A great place to tug a tart, those were the days init?

 

[paulm]

My mum and most of the neighbours mums worked at the factory, mainly due to the crèche.
Mum used to bring home outwork and we would all sit and assemble the damn things for our pocket money.
My Drain worked there to from a school leaver till it shut down, it was nicknamed the fanny factory as mainly women worked there.
A great place to tug a tart, those were the days init?

A very romantic thought Brian. Nowadays its going to be all robots or Chinese.

 

[Grump]

A very romantic thought Brian. Nowadays its going to be all robots or Chinese.

Sod the romance I wanted a bunk up init?

 

[Phil Dart]

You're not the nerd Paul (although you do keep owls) I was referriing to the vast unseen populace that have a voice on the information overloader., from where we all get these statistics.

Once you know the price of platinum nibs you may change your mind. They're likely to be more than the solid gold. But interesting to learn your perceptions, thanks.

 

[Jimjam66]

You're not the nerd Paul

Eh??? Have you met the man?

Once you know the price of platinum nibs you may change your mind. They're likely to be more than the solid gold. But interesting to learn your perceptions, thanks.

Bock Platinum is about 60 Euros, 18k about 130 Euros, Phil. I'm not at all surprised to find they are nightmares to deal with, my experience with Starbond Europa will live with me for a looooong time ...

 

[Jim]

Bock Platinum is about 60 Euros, 18k about 130 Euros, Phil.

What!! No wonder they are slow movers ..

 

[Buckeye]

What!! No wonder they are slow movers ..

I buy my Bock nibs from Timberbits and I alway try to have a coup of 5s and 6s spare, they don't go fast, but some people want Bock nibs and I let them have them as an upgrade, they don't do platinum or gold though. I have about 10 of each kind and size that rizheng do, they are the same GPI nibs in lots of kits. Like others I don't notice any difference between the standard kit nib and bock nibs apart from price.

Peter