Show Me Your Wet Noodle Pens!

[sombrueil]

Something I did not know until I experienced it is that just because you can get a big line variation from a nib doesn't mean that you will have a "flexy" writing experience. Some nibs need a lot of force to get that wide line, and so unless you want to make a big effort you'll see little variation. Another variable is 'return'. A quick return to whatever line the nib lays down without pressure will give the fanciest-looking line.

 

That's what I mean by not having wet-noodle nibs. None of my nibs are capable of hairlines or BBBB widths, and without a fair amount of pressure will only show flair, not big variety. But they are all "full flex" whatever that means.

[Scrawler]

The Wearever is one of my wet noodles.

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx153/FPWriter/wewn_zpsxqpgg36z.jpg

[Scrawler]

Something I did not know until I experienced it is that just because you can get a big line variation from a nib doesn't mean that you will have a "flexy" writing experience. Some nibs need a lot of force to get that wide line, and so unless you want to make a big effort you'll see little variation. Another variable is 'return'. A quick return to whatever line the nib lays down without pressure will give the fanciest-looking line.

 

That's what I mean by not having wet-noodle nibs. None of my nibs are capable of hairlines or BBBB widths, and without a fair amount of pressure will only show flair, not big variety. But they are all "full flex" whatever that means.

One of the problems with true wet noodles is that they require no force to open up. They give easy variance with just the normal pressure changes as you hand moves over the page.

[sombrueil]

The Wearever is one of my wet noodles.

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx153/FPWriter/wewn_zpsxqpgg36z.jpg

 

Yeah, that is a wet noodle. Gorgeous.

[sombrueil]

One of the problems with true wet noodles is that they require no force to open up. They give easy variance with just the normal pressure changes as you hand moves over the page.

 

Why is this a problem?

[Scrawler]

 

Why is this a problem?

It takes much more effort to learn to control your muscles in 3 dimensions than 2. That pen I illustrated above flexes so easily that you do it without noticing, and just a hint of pressure will have it splayed out 1/8 of an inch wide. You do not just casually write a note with a wet noodle.

 

Full or super-flex nibs like this Waterman

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx153/FPWriter/w3-2_zps4d414b1b.jpg

 

require more deliberation in pressing, though not as much deliberate action as the semi-flex Watermans.

[Scrawler]

This is different again to the previous 2 pens. It is super flexible, but requires deliberate effort to open the tines. It will open to 4B at least from a hair line, but requires noticeable, conscious pressure to do so.

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx153/FPWriter/fester1.jpg

[vxv]

Something I did not know until I experienced it is that just because you can get a big line variation from a nib doesn't mean that you will have a "flexy" writing experience. Some nibs need a lot of force to get that wide line, and so unless you want to make a big effort you'll see little variation. Another variable is 'return'. A quick return to whatever line the nib lays down without pressure will give the fanciest-looking line.

 

That's what I mean by not having wet-noodle nibs. None of my nibs are capable of hairlines or BBBB widths, and without a fair amount of pressure will only show flair, not big variety. But they are all "full flex" whatever that means.

hm, i haven't really considered that. hopefully my soon arriving rosenfeder nibs are a nice experience in both ways.

I think it would be much more satisfying to use a nib thats both flexible in line width and in experience, probably why actual wet noodle nibs will be more expensive. it really matters whether one focuses on the feeling or presentation.

thanks for replying, sombrueil!

[sombrueil]

It takes much more effort to learn to control your muscles in 3 dimensions than 2. That pen I illustrated above flexes so easily that you do it without noticing, and just a hint of pressure will have it splayed out 1/8 of an inch wide. You do not just casually write a note with a wet noodle.

 

Full or super-flex nibs like this Waterman

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx153/FPWriter/w3-2_zps4d414b1b.jpg

 

require more deliberation in pressing, though not as much deliberate action as the semi-flex Watermans.

Yeah, I think my pens are more like this.

[sidthecat]

I just bought a modified Noodler's Ahab from jfdiberian...he does some very interesting things with nibs. Has anyone else bought one of these? I have several vintage pens with flexy nibs but nothing like the instrument in the video.

[Freddy]

 

Fred

...and narrated by Walter Winchill

[vxv]

 

Fred

...and narrated by Walter Winchill

This is really fun to look at!

does this pen flex comfortably?

[Freddy]

This is really fun to look at!

does this pen flex comfortably?

 

Glad you like.................

 

Yes! Slightest pressure and tines spread............

 

Fred

[prime.lens]

 

Pelikan 400NN,1959 Germany

pelikanNNsample1.jpg

pelikanNNsample2.jpg

 

 

The Pelikans seem modern enough and they are available in decent condition. Do you know if the 400 and 400N also have this nib? Do all of them have flex nibs, or should it be marked on particular nibs? Thanks.

[Freddy]

I just bought a modified Noodler's Ahab from jfdiberian...he does some very interesting things with nibs. Has anyone else bought one of these? I have several vintage pens with flexy nibs but nothing like the instrument in the video.

 

 

Can't says I have re: bought one of these.......I too have a few sexie flexie

nibs................Sounds if only the plutocrats buys 'em and uses 'em as pacifier{s}

{freakin' happy smiley Face time}

Fred

those films have an integrity that most of today's films almost always

lack...........the integrity is physical; it is owed to the certainty that no computer

interfered with anything......{'tis from memory..excuse if I miss---quote}

the slick new resources..which take vividness beyond verisimilitude..

are a boon for entertainment.....when you see the finished product you can

Smell the Green Screen..the Way You can smell Google in pieces written

by people who Do Not really Know their subject....................................blah..blah...

~ Leon Wieseltier

[sombrueil]

 

The Pelikans seem modern enough and they are available in decent condition. Do you know if the 400 and 400N also have this nib? Do all of them have flex nibs, or should it be marked on particular nibs? Thanks.

Not marked, and not universal, but certainly possible. Buy from someone who is capable of describing the nib's writing abilities accurately. I have green flexible NN from Rick Propas and this tortoise came from Bittners in Carmel. Both recommended -- but Rick is specifically a Pelikan expert.

 

In terms of engineering, reliability, great nibs, ink capacity and handsomeness, I feel that Pelikans in this general era are unbeatable.

[prime.lens]

Not marked, and not universal, but certainly possible. Buy from someone who is capable of describing the nib's writing abilities accurately. I have green flexible NN from Rick Propas and this tortoise came from Bittners in Carmel. Both recommended -- but Rick is specifically a Pelikan expert.

 

In terms of engineering, reliability, great nibs, ink capacity and handsomeness, I feel that Pelikans in this general era are unbeatable.

 

Thanks. It turns out that a friend has a Pelikan 300 from around the same time -- apparently a Swiss only model -- and I just got to try it out. It's slightly flexible and a great nib, but not near as much variation as your pen.

[sidthecat]

A small inheritance is good for something.

 

I used to make films one painful, hand-drawn frame at a time...I've made my peace with the computer.