Writing with flex nibs

[tipstricks]

I've seen sometimes on this board really beautiful writing examples (I remember a letter written by antoniosz to richard binder or various examples made by caliken), so I decided to try to do something by myself. I know I can't expect to have a result like that, but I'm curious to know if I can have a chance doing some (very hard and long - I think ) practices.

I've found in my hardware an old "Inco" fine flexible nib (I don't know nothing about this brand), that permit 2mm width lines and I wrote the first row of the example in the image. I've fixed it on a section with a converter (in this case a Parker's one), and I've noticed a lot of problems with discontinued ink feeding (is it for high ink consuming?).

For the second row I've used an Italic M nib of a Sheaffer Nononsense.

This is first result after few hours of tests.

 

http://www.webalice.it/charlize/foto/Writing.jpg

 

Using a flexible nib is more attractive, and I want to continue my practice, but I think I've to try with a quality FP, for example a Pilot 742 with Falcon Nib (I've read a lot of good impressions on it), or another (if you want, please suggest).

Also I don't know nothing about dip pens, to use for example a Guillott #1 principality or someone else: is it more difficult use them instead of a FP?

[artaddict]

Molto bene!

 

I'm a beginner to flex too...

[hardyb]

Very Nice!!!

[kudzu]

Another total beginner here as well. What pen, nibs are recommended to learn basic flex writing? I am having a heck of a time with the ink globbing onto the paper. What am I doing wrong? Nice beginning, Tipstricks - better than mine!

[Elaine]

Nice start! Try letting up much more on the upstrokes. The key to using a flex pen is in the thins rather than the thicks.

[tipstricks]

http://www.webalice.it/charlize/foto/Writing1.jpg

[caliken]

I suggest that you put the purchase of an expensive fountain pen on hold for a while.

 

Buy some Gillott 303 or Leonardt Principal EF nibs and an oblique penholder. If you get a good one, such as those sold by John Neal, it will last for many years. I recently bought a 5/8" Century Oblique which is quite superb.

 

My first choice of ink is Walker's Copperplate, but any good quality ink will do, as long as it isn't too thick.

 

Use the smoothest paper you can find - I like Viking Imperial 100gsm but there are plenty to choose from.

 

None of this is hugely expensive and you will probably get through quite a few nibs until you have a feeling for the degree of pressure to apply on downstrokes.

 

If you don't have easy access to personal tuition, buy a couple of good instruction books such as "Copperplate Calligraphy" by Dick Jackson or "Mastering Copperplate" by Eleanor Winters. Both are inexpensive and are easily available through Amazon.

 

I believe that it is better to start with flex nibs and an oblique holder to establish good habits before moving onto a fountain pen. You will be surprised at how soon writing with this strange-looking pen becomes second nature. Relax and take your time. Work your way methodically through the instruction books and, eventually it will fall into place.

 

good luck!

 

caliken

Edited July 27, 2007 by caliken

[kudzu]

Wow! Great tips and help for us beginners. Thanks so much, Caliken & Elaine.