Flex Nibs Vs Stub And Italic

[brunico]

Italic is different, in one holds the pen before the big knuckle like a ball point

 

I've always held a ballpoint in exactly the same way that I've always held a fountain pen, at 45 degrees' elevation or thereabouts. I was taught that this was the correct and most relaxed pen hold for any pen.

 

If you mean holding the pen closer to vertical is desirable for italic, this isn't something I can remember any calligrapher doing: they all seem to hold their fountain pens and dip pens at something close to 45 degrees or whatever they find comfortable. Holding a pen (or a table knife) close to vertical is a recipe for cramps and poor control.