New Edison Stub Nibs

[djpyle]

Okay, first of all, I'm really not sure which forum to post this in. It's not exactly a pen review, so I guess I'll just plop it down in the general forum. Moderators, if you think this would fit more appropriately in one of the sub-forums, feel free to move it.

 

So, as some of you know, Brian Gray recently announced Edison #6 stub nibs in both 1.1 and 1.5 mm varieties. Of course, I had to have them. I love my Edisons and I love stub/italic nibs. I know you've been able to get a customized stub nib from Brian for a long time (and I have one of those as well), but stubs have previously been limited by the original size of the nib. At least for steel nibs. I guess you could have gotten a gold nib retipped by someone like Greg Minuskin (not that I think there's anyone quite as awesome as he ), but gold nibs and retips get expensive. And even customized steel nibs add some cost. But now we've got the option of stock stubs as wide as 1.5 mms, and I couldn't be happier!

 

I guess I'll preface the rest of this by saying that these nibs are probably more like cursive italic nibs than stubs, or maybe they fall somewhere in the spectrum between those two terms. They're definitely not crisp italics—and I'm glad they aren't—and although they produce more line variation than some stubs I've had, they're also much smoother than many cursive italics. In my oh-so-humble opinion, these offer pretty much the perfect blend of variation and smoothness.

 

 

I have several stub/italic nibs from stubbish double broads to crisp italic dip nibs so sharp you could cut someone with them—or so I would imagine —and I think the most comparable nib I own in terms of variation, wetness, and smoothness, is my TWSBI Vac 700 1.1 mm. Which makes sense. I believe (?) both the new TWSBI Vac nibs and Edison's new nibs come from Jowo, but I could be wrong about that, and I'm sure if I am someone will correct me. Either way, they're very similar. They're also my favorite stubs other than my Minuskins.

 

 

 

The comparisons to the 1.5 mm probably weren't the best ones to make. Those Minuskin stubs are definitely stubs without much cursive italic to them—especially the red one there, which is my M1005 nib—but they were the only similar nibs I had on hand. I hope this gives you at least a little bit of an idea of the 1.5's variation.

 

 

 

Both nibs are fantastic. I have a third Edison, and I wanted to test both options before I decided which one to get for the third pen. After writing with them both, I think I'll go for a second 1.5. The 1.1 is a hair smoother, but I love the variation I get with the 1.5. I wanted to be sure the 1.5 wouldn't starve the feed, so I wrote two full letter-size pages as quickly as I could. The pen didn't dry out even a little bit. And that was on cheap, absorbent paper. You can't ask for much more than that.

 

 

 

The only minor complaint I have is the same one I have for all Edison nibs: I wish the logo was stamped into the metal rather than etched. It's a minor thing and totally cosmetic, but I think having the logo stamped would the final, prefect touch. I have no idea whether such a thing is cost effective or even feasible, but it would be nice. Otherwise, the nibs look great and write like a dream. If you have an Edison pen or are thinking about getting one and like line variation, you should definitely consider a stub!

 

I hope this comparison was helpful to someone.

[nm4]

Thanks for the awesome review. These nibs look fantastic. Glad to hear they're smooth. Edison just moved up on the list!

 

Cheers,

NM

[heymatthew]

Thanks for sharing! I just did the 2013 Group Buy and was considering adding a 1.1 to it (I ordered it in an EF to use as a daily writer). You just pushed me over the edge. I'll definitely be ordering one to go with my new Ebonite Morgan. I appreciate you taking the time to put this together.

 

Also, I'm wondering if these nibs are pre-manufactured and the logo is etched on after the fact. Brian can probably offer some insight, but I would guess maybe he's buying them in bulk for his pens and adding his logo later with a laser etcher and then tuning them before they go out. Just a thought...

[tinta]

Thanks "djpyle", for your Edison italic comparison.

I've just ordered a Purple Web Celluloid Pearl with a 1.1 mm italic from Brian. Your evaluation of the 1.1 mm. JoWo is very encouraging.

(I also considered the 1.5)

Cheers:

tinta

[Namo]

Just received my 1.1 mm. I must say these are great nibs! My Edison (extended, celluloïd Peral) didn't see much action these last monthes, mainly because I like nibs with some "give" and that I was able to adapt a Waterman super 6 OBB nib in an other pen (Ken Caver's). I still like the Waterman nib better, but this 1.1 stub is really so soft and gliding that I am sure the Edison will see much more action in the weeks to come. And back to that fabulous celluloïd feeling!! And as always, Brian's customer's caring is the best!

[tinta]

May I also add that I've been happily using my new Pearl (a clipless Purple-Web Celluloid) at every opportunity.

I'm impressed by the performance of the 1.1 mm. JoWo stub/italic nib.

Every bit as good as my custom 14K stubs.