Modern Flex Pens

[ac12]

The Konrad will be my first flex pen, and I was considering replacing the Konrad's standard nib with a flexy dip nib, as shown here:

 

 

Not as simple as just replacing the nib.

The problem is that most dip pen nibs are not stainless steel and will rust if kept in contact with ink. You are supposed to clean then wipe them dry. The Nikko G and similar nibs are chrome plated, so should last longer than an unplated nib, but they are still not designed to be kept constantly wet.

Edited September 3, 2014 by ac12

[andymcc]

The Slimfold isn't a true flex pen no, it has a 14k gold nib that is soft(or at least my two are) and can give you a little line variation.

For your budget you only have one or two options in new pens(FPR & Noodler) and most of the true flex pens(Waterman 52 etc) are way beyond your budget but you can find older pens with soft nibs easily.

 

Pens like the Parker Slimfold, Junior or cheaper Watermans like the W3 have gold nibs that often have a spring or softness that will yield some line variation. I mentioned the Slimfolds as most are ready to use and need nothing more than a rinse in water to work but lots of vintage pens on ebay need work e.g. sac replacing, nib straightening or general service/clean.

[j.a.j.]

Ranga can supply you with Zebra G nib holder with feed. Dont yet have one but i am planning to get one. Zebra G nibs are nice and its not so bad to ruin 2 dollar nib compared to 200 dollar pen.

 

There is also the Akkerman pump pen for a few different nibs, including Zebra g, but getting one from the nototious Akkerman might be near impossible.

 

BTW it should be possible to insert the nib from the Dilli to Kaweco Sport with little tinkering.

[j.a.j.]

Ranga can supply you with Zebra G nib holder with feed. Dont yet have one but i am planning to get one. Zebra G nibs are nice and its not so bad to ruin 2 dollar nib compared to 200 dollar pen.

 

There is also the Akkerman pump pen for a few different nibs, including Zebra g, but getting one from the nototious Akkerman might be near impossible.

 

BTW it should be possible to insert the nib from the Dilli to Kaweco Sport with little tinkering.

[BookCat]

 

Not as simple as just replacing the nib.

The problem is that most dip pen nibs are not stainless steel and will rust if kept in contact with ink. You are supposed to clean then wipe them dry. The Nikko G and similar nibs are chrome plated, so should last longer than an unplated nib, but they are still not designed to be kept constantly wet.

I'm expecting the Konrad to be higher upkeep than my other pens, so would be prepared to clean the nib after use. Will check the Nikko G. Thanks for all the great ideas.

 

 

The Slimfold isn't a true flex pen no, it has a 14k gold nib that is soft(or at least my two are) and can give you a little line variation.

For your budget you only have one or two options in new pens(FPR & Noodler) and most of the true flex pens(Waterman 52 etc) are way beyond your budget but you can find older pens with soft nibs easily.

 

Pens like the Parker Slimfold, Junior or cheaper Watermans like the W3 have gold nibs that often have a spring or softness that will yield some line variation. I mentioned the Slimfolds as most are ready to use and need nothing more than a rinse in water to work but lots of vintage pens on ebay need work e.g. sac replacing, nib straightening or general service/clean.

Thanks for suggesting the Slimfold. I have a Cross pen with an 18K nib (a present) which is like a nail, but butter-smooth. It's one of my favourite pens for beauty and smoothness and the design is no longer manufactured: it's a Century II with a red rosewood pattern. They still make the model, but not the pattern.

 

Ranga can supply you with Zebra G nib holder with feed. Dont yet have one but i am planning to get one. Zebra G nibs are nice and its not so bad to ruin 2 dollar nib compared to 200 dollar pen.

 

There is also the Akkerman pump pen for a few different nibs, including Zebra g, but getting one from the nototious Akkerman might be near impossible.

 

BTW it should be possible to insert the nib from the Dilli to Kaweco Sport with little tinkering.

I've been wondering which nibs to use and thinking of getting a dip pen to test them so your info is very appreciated. Does the feed on the Zebra G holder mean that it writes for longer between dips?

While I'm happy taking the Dilli apart, I'm not so happy doing that with the Kaweco Sport which is fine as it is, just not flexy. A new Dilli should be in the post (if they're true to their word which I've no reason to doubt), I'm hoping that one will work.

Edited September 4, 2014 by BookCat

[KBeezie]

I'm expecting the Konrad to be higher upkeep than my other pens, so would be prepared to clean the nib after use. Will check the Nikko G. Thanks for all the great ideas.

 

 

Thanks for suggesting the Slimfold. I have a Cross pen with an 18K nib (a present) which is like a nail, but butter-smooth. It's one of my favourite pens for beauty and smoothness and the design is no longer manufactured: it's a Century II with a red rosewood pattern. They still make the model, but not the pattern.

 

I've been wondering which nibs to use and thinking of getting a dip pen to test them so your info is very appreciated. Does the feed on the Zebra G holder mean that it writes for longer between dips?

While I'm happy taking the Dilli apart, I'm not so happy doing that with the Kaweco Sport which is fine as it is, just not flexy. A new Dilli should be in the post (if they're true to their word which I've no reason to doubt), I'm hoping that one will work.

 

Adding a feed is simply to provide more ink in between dips, more of a 'collector' than a feed since it's not feeding down from a ink reservoir.