When You See Vintage Nib Flex Abuse, Do You Comment?

[mhphoto]

I get FPN stuff pop up on my Facebook feed all the time, and sometimes the pictures involve users or sellers flexing the ever loving bejesus out of defenseless vintage nibs. And YouTube is filled with videos of the same.

 

So when you see such abuses, do you ever mention it or call them out?

 

Just curious. I used to comment on such pictures and videos, but don't usually anymore.

[jar]

Got no feeds. Want no feeds.

[Randal6393]

Oh, no, the nib will let them know all about it soon enough.

 

Enjoy,

[phaus]

Every online seller I'm aware of that specializes in flexible pens does this except for Mauricio. Its unfortunate because I'm not interested in buying pens that are already suffering from metal fatigue.

 

I don't comment about it, because I'm pretty sure they are doing it intentionally to make the pens sell.

[akustyk]

It's crazy how people want to flex nibs these days! I stopped watching pen reviews because most reviewers insist on "squeezing line variation" out of nibs that are not designed for that. Vintage nibs get a lot of abuse, but I have also seen Nakaya, Pilot, even TWSBI nibs being tortured on camera.

[pajaro]

Flex seems to be a wagon every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to jump on. Sort of the way people who would never use a fountain pen would carry an empty Montblanc 149 in their shirt pocket in the 1990s.

[Randal6393]

Few people seem to start with the classic oblique holder and dip nib. Really the easiest and most controllable way to do the flex scripts.

 

Enjoy,

[proton007]

Few people seem to start with the classic oblique holder and dip nib. Really the easiest and most controllable way to do the flex scripts.

 

Enjoy,

 

Easiest and most controllable are relative IMO.

 

The best instrument to learn may not be the easiest.

In my experience, steel dip nibs are harder to control because of the high level of springiness. They build up skill for sure.

 

Gold nibs tend to leave an impression that flex is easy.

[gordonhooker]

The short answer is 'No', and the long answer is 'No' as it is none of my business...

[hellokloh]

I'm fairly new to flex pens -- how can you tell?

 

I started with a dip pen, and have been on a vague hunt for a flex fountain pen (it's fun) and have found a couple non-wet noodles -- I enjoy flexing them, but I worry that I may be "hurting" them. I don't think I am -- and I'm definitely not flexing them as far as they can go, but it's something I worry about.

[DonLeone]

I would comment if I could comment but I usually don't have commenting accounts and can't be bothered to register.

 

In Germany there was this ad on TV that involved a fountain pen and a guy flexing hamfisting it way too hard. I felt bad for the poor thing.

[robert1962]

I don't have a problem with someone using their pen any way they wish and, I suppose, I defend the right of someone else being able to voice their opinions of said use. "Calling out", though, sounds a bit too confrontational to me.

 

Got no feeds. Want no feeds.

+1

 

Bob

 

Bob

[Shaggy]

I don't have a problem with someone using their pen any way they wish and, I suppose, I defend the right of someone else being able to voice their opinions of said use. "Calling out", though, sounds a bit too confrontational to me.Bob

 

Bob

I would agree with that, but it does bother me when a retailer is making videos claiming that certain pens are flex or semi flex, and pushing the nib past the point of all redemption. Seems a little bit like a misleading business practice at that point.

[FarmBoy]

Fun topic. I have had a multitude of opinions on this topic.

 

My current stance is ALL NIBS ARE FLEXIBLE. Some flex once, some flex a few times, and others actually flex. Broken and cracked nibs tend to be very flexible.

 

It is also true that most nibs are more flexible when being sold than when being purchased.

[Sasha Royale]

Anyone who has been reading here, will support that I give my advice freely, when solicited. However, I made an agreement with the world, years ago. I don't tell people what to do with their personal stuff, and they don't tell me to go to xxxx.

 

Dishonest advertising is another matter. I will offer corrective advice once. In fairness, I will allow opportunity for rebuttal. Then, I will tell the world that buying his product involves risk of getting damaged goods.

Edited December 29, 2015 by Sasha Royale

[haruka337]

I don't have the time to address every documentation of nib abuse I come across, so I say nothing. Aside from hard nibs, most non-flex nibs have some level of "spring" that is incorrectly (or purposely) labeled as flex or semi flex. Calling a soft nibbed pen a "flex" pen fetches a higher sales price, but, as noted, is also incredibly dishonest. Best thing one can do before buying a flex pen is to do some research and ask sellers, as well as members here, questions.

Real flex nibs are hard to control for the non and moderately experienced user of flex pens. As someone already mentioned, it's best to start with a dip flex nib using an oblique holder. Easier to control, better for practice before taking the plunge into buying a real flex fountain pen and dip flex pens are much more affordable.

[tragique]

Considering most pictures of flex nibs and writing I see around here on other forums contain some form of nib abuse, I refrain from commenting. What I deem safe may not be what others people deem safe, and maybe I'm just overly cautious in that I won't flex my nibs beyond a size or two under what they can reach. I like my flex nibs, but I will like them even more if they survive some years with me.

Edited December 31, 2015 by tragique

[sidthecat]

I'm left-handed, so it does no good. Really flexy nibs work, and nicely-shaped medium nibs work, but I can't really spread a nib to a dangerous extent.

[legume]

It's crazy how people want to flex nibs these days! I stopped watching pen reviews because most reviewers insist on "squeezing line variation" out of nibs that are not designed for that. Vintage nibs get a lot of abuse, but I have also seen Nakaya, Pilot, even TWSBI nibs being tortured on camera.

 

Yes! I hate this. Why do they do this? Flex is not some superior form which all nibs should aspire to. Stiff nibs are good! If you want real flex use a dip pen. If you need an ink reservoir, stick it in a Noodler's, Desiderata, or Ackerman.

[kestrel]

Only if the person is doing it to a pen that belongs to me. Yes, I brief people carefully before handing him or her one of my babies.