Left Handed + Oblique Nib = ?

[olivier78860]

Hi foutain pens worshippers,

 

I was wondering, as I'm left-handed, if I could enjoy an oblique nib.

Since my writing isn't very compatible with large lines, I was thinking of something like a Pelikan OM nib.

 

Could anyone left-handed share some experience with me ? (on oblique in general, or on Pelikan OM in particular?)

 

Thanks in advance !

[Lorna Reed]

I am left handed and bought an OM nib for my Pelikan M400 pen, thinking it would suit me, but found that it did not and I was better with an ordinary M nib. I swapped my OM nib for a B with a fellow FPNer.

[olivier78860]

Thanks for the fast reply, Lorna.

 

Could you tell me why it didn't suit you ?

The core of my question is that I suppose an oblique nib is cut for right-handed people. So using one with the left hand would not be possible.

 

Was it because of this, or am I totally wrong and was it just a matter of taste for you ?

 

Thanks!

[Chris Chalmers]

I'm also left-handed and use OM Pelikan nibs quite happily. I have an oblique italic B in my M800 Demo at the moment - and am really enjoying that!

 

I suppose it depends on if you are an 'overwriter' or not..........I'm not, so I write with my hand in the normal position, and just turn the page so that the right-hand side is level with the edge of the desk - and write towards myself. If you look here - http://www.nibs.com/Left-hand%20writers.htm I write like Pat Ackor does. You may find this part of John Mottishaw's site very helpful. Richard Binder also has very educational info on his www.richardspens.com

Just a happy customer of both!

[andybiotic]

As Richard would say (i am guessing, I am sure I have seen him saying something like this in another post before)... a oblique nib is not the solution for left handed people, the solution is the writing techniques, anyone can enjoy writing with any nib style with the correct technique.

 

Don't limit yourself to one particular nib style, that goes for right handed people as well!

 

There are many left hander using normal nibs, flexy nibs, and even reverse oblique nibs!

Edited July 20, 2011 by andybiotic

[Richard]

As Richard would say (i am guessing, I am sure I have seen him saying something like this in another post before)... a oblique nib is not the solution for left handed people, the solution is the writing techniques, anyone can enjoy writing with any nib style with the correct technique.

That's not exactly what I'd say. What I say is, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A LEFT-HANDED PEN! Read this article for an explanation.

[andybiotic]

hey, I did say I was guessing! :embarrassed_smile:

 

 

Ah... Here is what I have read ages ago and got the ideas from, and I quote:

"Some lefties, as do some righties, work best with a straight italic. Some lefties, as do some righties, work best with a left-foot oblique italic. Some lefties, as do some righties, work best with a right-foot oblique italic. It all depends on how you hold your arm, hand, and pen in relation to the paper."

 

Yes, I didn't remember the exact words that "THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A LEFT-HANDED PEN!" but the ideas were close in that it is all down to the techniques and that anyone could enjoy any nib styles... :embarrassed_smile:

Edited July 20, 2011 by andybiotic

[Scriver]

There is much written on this, but the bottom line is that whether an oblique (or reverse oblique) will work for you depends on your particular writing style. As a left-hander, I have found that I am more sensitive to nib differences than many right-handers seem to be, so I try to be careful in picking out pens with non-rounded nibs. I like them but recognize not all will work for me.

 

I see you are in France. My suggestion would be to stop by Mora Stylos in Paris. That is a wonderful pen shop with caring, knowledgeable people who will work with you to pick out the right pen and nib for you. It is worth the investment to get a pen that is a joy to use.

[Lorna Reed]

Thanks for the fast reply, Lorna.

 

Could you tell me why it didn't suit you ?

The core of my question is that I suppose an oblique nib is cut for right-handed people. So using one with the left hand would not be possible.

 

Was it because of this, or am I totally wrong and was it just a matter of taste for you ?

 

Thanks!

It was possible to use, but just didn't feel 'right' or comfortable.

[olivier78860]

Thanks for all your answers. You gave me quite some doubts. My writing isn't the most beautiful around, so maybe I should stick to normal nibs. I'll try to find some inexpensive pen, like a Lamy, to try first.

 

And of course, when I know what pen to get with the nib, I'm going to visit Mr Mora, it's just 20 miles away from home

Wish me luck though, I'll probably dehydrate to death, from drooling too much in his shop

[Beechwood]

http://www.scribblers.co.uk/acatalog/William_Mitchell_Round_Hand_Left_Oblique_Nibs.html

 

A nib shaped like a right foot for left handed persons? Presumably not left hand overwriters.

 

Left obliques (looking like a left foot) are a delight for right handed person, especially if you can find the less common 30degree B or BB nib

 

http://www.calligraphy.co.uk/leftHandNibExchange.asp

Edited July 20, 2011 by Arthur

[Alieanor]

http://www.scribblers.co.uk/acatalog/William_Mitchell_Round_Hand_Left_Oblique_Nibs.html

 

A nib shaped like a right foot for left handed persons? Presumably not left hand overwriters.

 

Left obliques (looking like a left foot) are a delight for right handed person, especially if you can find the less common 30degree B or BB nib

 

http://www.calligraphy.co.uk/leftHandNibExchange.asp

 

I am learning as I spend more time with my Pelikan M800 with 3b CI nib that I turn the pen to the right as I write. I keep having to remind myself to turn the pen to the left to avoid the pen skipping. As soon as I do, the skipping stops, so I know it's not the nib. It will take some practice with this one. Next time I'll get an right-oblique addition to any new CI I get.

 

I should add that I'm a lefty underwriter. Before ordering an oblique, make sure you actually rotate the pen and in which direction.

[Bo Bo Olson]

The reverse of this trick might help.

 

A number of folks had/have problems with obliques. I being a right hander prefer semi-flex, or maxi-semi-flex/''flexi' (left foot) Obliques. I like the line variation with those nibs that I did not get with a modern OB nail. As a left hander a nail or regular flex might be needed.

 

The German ones come in @ 15 and 30 degree grinds.

For a right hander, to lay the nib flat on the paper easily, I recommend for a 15 degree grind setting the clip so it is in line...or aimed at the nib area between the slit and the edge.

For a 30 degree grind, setting/aiming the clip at the edge of the nib.

 

I'm not sure if something like this would work with any of the two or three left handed methods in revers or even as stated.

 

There are here and there a few right foot ground obliques.

I've not been lucky to find one yet, in I wonder what pattern that will give my writing.

 

It could well be that a modern regular flex or even stiff oblique might help.

 

Being a right hander I have it easy.

 

Do go to that pen shop.

 

There are some real fast drying inks available, also. Something from Noodlers. I do not know what other companies make a super fast drying ink.

[olivier78860]

Thanks to all who replied.

 

Yesterday, I went to visit Mr Mora.

 

I asked him about an oblique nib, and told him I was left-handed. He immediately answered it wouldn't be possible.

So I prefered to give up on that idea; I saw some of you telling me it was possible, but I don't want to spend many many hours trying to adapt my writing, with the possibility of not getting any consequent result.

 

And, last but not least, for the FPNers who would like to go to his shop, it will be closed for summer break from next saturday, until the 28th of august included.

Edited July 23, 2011 by olivier78860

[pajaro]

I am left handed and bought an OM nib for my Pelikan M400 pen, thinking it would suit me, but found that it did not and I was better with an ordinary M nib. I swapped my OM nib for a B with a fellow FPNer.

I am the left hander who swapped the B for the OM, which suits me, so it must be an individual thing. I have an M1000 with an O3B nib, and I found that pen entertaining. These obliques are pretty good, but I think I like the two BB stubs I have just as well. I seem to use the OM about like a M. I am still figuring out how to use all of these. It has been fun so far.

[lovementos]

Is there anyone who writes like #6 in this: http://www.nibs.com/Left-hand%20writers.htm that has tried an oblique nib?

[georges zaslavsky]

I am ambidextrous but when using a pen in the left hand, I can also easily use an OB nib

[Algester]

ok I just made a quick search on the left obliques... It's also worth mentioning that I'm currently getting my behind handed into writing Italic (Italic calligraphy no less) well I ground my Lamy 1.5 into a left oblique... no problem the right oblique no problem it does write, but here's the catch Italic calligraphy is a bit nit picky about my style of writing so no matter what grind you use as long as your a lefty you will have some obstacles to challenge especially since we dont have a left hand form for Italic writing (so every single letter you write will be judge with the right hand perspective)

and yes this is how I stumble on this thread and will probably get it necro-posted...

the nib will write but if your going to expect calligraphy you need to find something more suitable as an everyday writer you can use it but if people will judge you because of your font and handedness... well I will leave that decision on what the OP will do next

I will buy some more Italic nibs from Lamy and grind them I'll post a writing sample once have them all

and yes I'm a lefty... It pains me to write with a claw grip just to get the letter forms right AKA I'm tackling from above the writing line pushing the nib and as an over writer

Edited September 6, 2014 by Algester

[Algester]

I got this one

http://i.imgur.com/osnibbFl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/9Ensn5nl.jpg

[Baric]

I love a good left oblique as a lefty side/overwriter, but it's very much an individual preference kind of thing. Just because you are a lefty doesn't automatically mean you need or can use an oblique. Just watch your nib orientation on the paper as you write, if you notice a favoring of one tine over the other, you might benefit from an oblique.