Stub Nibs Vs. Medium And Broad For Palmer Method

[Retro-user]

I've read some of the forum topics on italic nibs for different cursive styles, but has anyone had luck using a stub nib for Palmer Method handwriting? I'm experimenting with a Pilot Parallel 1.5, and it seems like overkill.

Edited November 20, 2016 by Retrouser

[Water Ouzel]

I don't get along so well with stubs around 1.1mm and larger, but .6 to .9 work well for me.

 

They're not necessary, but the results turn out nicely.

[gryphon1911]

I find that the Pilot Parallels are great for calligraphy, but I struggle with the sharp edges for cursive.

 

I was taught Zaner-Bloser and find that I am good using an italic from 0.6 through 1.1mm I prefer the broader nibs because I like the look better and it makes my shading inks sing!

 

I currently have a Nemosine Singularity with the Nemosine 0.8mm stub in it(Yanked it from a Fission that was having some flow issues) and a TWSBI Diamond 580 with a 1.1mm

 

Also, I put a Goulet 1.5mm stub into a Jinhao X450 that I use for ad-hoc calligraphy use. For cursive, I find that I just have to write too big, so not a fan for that kind of application.

 

Given all that, I'd say my sweet spot is a 1.1mm

[ac12]

I normally use EF, F or M nibs.

However, for Christmas cards, I've used a Lamy 1.1 CI nib.

The trick for the WIDER nibs is that you write LARGER, so that you can see the space inside the loops of the e and l. Thus you need MORE SPACE in which to write. I can barely use a 1.1 CI nib on wide ruled paper, and would prefer a wider line spacing. The 1.5 is too wide for use with wide ruled paper, and needs even wider line spacing.

 

Larger writing almost requires you to use arm writing, which can be difficult for a finger writer.

[Retro-user]

Thanks for the feedback — i think you all have confirmed what I suspected. i can do OK with the edge of the parallel for cursive, but its scratchy and unpleasant. I already write huge, so I will probbaly stick to medium.

[Ghost Plane]

 

Larger writing almost requires you to use arm writing, which can be difficult for a finger writer.

You have hit upon the key. Anyone finding a stub or italic scratchy are rolling around the nib's axis and off the sweet spot. With practice, there's no need to go larger thanks to the nib's line variation. Learn to keep a "calm" hand first so the edge stays flat to the page UNDER ITS OWN WEIGHT. Your fingers are there for light steering, not to haul the pen around.

[Runnin_Ute]

I don't recall whether it was Palmer or Zaner-Bloser I learned a kid. I use most nib width from ef to b and stub. For round nibs I use fine mostly.

[Retro-user]

From samples I have seen, I probably was taught Zaner Bloser, but I am practicing more Palmer letterforms to delight my recipients with my "antique" handwriting!

 

When it comes to using the stub with Palmer, there's a lot of retracing, so it makes the letters excessively shaded for me; does anyone know how different a 1.1 stub is vs. a Pilot parallel?

[ac12]

 

 

From samples I have seen, I probably was taught Zaner Bloser, but I am practicing more Palmer letterforms to delight my recipients with my "antique" handwriting!

When it comes to using the stub with Palmer, there's a lot of retracing, so it makes the letters excessively shaded for me; does anyone know how different a 1.1 stub is vs. a Pilot parallel?

 

The parallel has sharper corners making it more difficult to do cursive scripts like Palmer. The sharp corners will tend to dig and scratch the paper if you are not careful.

[akustyk]

It's an interesting idea, and you should definitely pursue it. It's all about your own preferences, your style, what looks and feels right. There are no rules

 

For me, the broad stub/italic nib is not the best tool for Palmer Method. It's more suitable for italic handwriting. But that's me. Your experience might be very different.

 

[Retro-user]

Thank you for that comparison, akustyk. Look, though, at how large you had to write the Palmer vs. the italic. And still some of the loops are filled in.