Vintage Nib Comparison - Flexing It Old School

[AAAndrew]

So, over on another calligraphy-oriented forum I just posted a review of sorts I thought some here might also appreciate.

 

It's my first attempt at comparing some of the vintage nibs I've collected accumulated.

 

For my first group, I chose flexible nibs that all have something to do with School: either labeled as "school" or "college" or "university", or, in the case of the Palmer Method completely associated with something you do in school.

 

These are all written using the same straight holder, using Diamine Registrar's ink, and are all vintage.

 

I included a Spencerian no. 1 at the top as it's a pretty famous flexible pen and at least gives you an idea of the relative performance of these nibs compared to the Spencerian.

 

I've also included a picture of the nibs themselves so you can then figure out that ones like the Palmer Method and the Esterbrook Business and College are too big for oblique holders, but work great in straight holders.

 

Hope you enjoy!

 

Andrew

 

 

 

 

[ThyPenMaker]

So from the notes Esterbrook 105 and 453 win the writing enjoyment trophies.

[AAAndrew]

They are definitely two of the best. The Hunt 56, if you can find an early vintage one, is just crazy fun to flex like mad. The 453 is a big pen, and takes some getting used to, especially if you're used to writing with small nibs in an oblique holder. It's like a Bank Pen in that way. But once you start to get the feeling, you can do some amazing things with it. And the 105 College is a way-under-appreciated nib. It is as flexible as many "big name" flex nibs, lays down a very fine hairline with good snap, but is much more durable than any other flex nib I've encountered.

[Cryptos]

That is a great way to tabulate your findings!

 

A question: in the notes section how have you defined the various properties? For instance, you have the Spencerian as super flex AND soft. What is the qualifier here? In the last column what is being measured?

 

Asking because this is too good not to adopt!

[ThyPenMaker]

I'm in the market for any of these good nibs, my only experience is comic G.