Soft Fine Nib Vs Fa Nib Help

[cchukan]

Hello,

 

I have a question regarding Pilot #10 Soft Fine nib vs. FA nib.

 

After researching, I've purchased the Pilot Custom Heritage 912 with FA nib. However, I was much disappointment as it was difficult (probably due to being inexperienced with flex nibs, although I did try out a Noodlers flex nib...yes, I'm aware it does not compare to a real flex nib) for everyday handwriting as the lines were consistently too thick with the slightest pressure.

 

So I'm planning on purchasing the same pen with either a Fine or Soft fine nib. What I can't gather from researching (google and YouTube), how Soft Fine actually writes compared to the FA nib. I understand the Soft Fine has less flex but that's it.

 

But what else? Does it take a lot of pressure for line variation? If so, that's is what I'm after. An everyday Fine line but with added pressure (a lot of pressure), providing thicker line. But how much pressure does it take? I couldn't consistently get a fine line with FA nib as the SLIGHTEST pressure would thicken the line. And I couldn't write well as I was so concentrated on maintaining minimal pressure.

 

In this case...should I just get a Fine nib? I'm in a dilemma as I'd like to get some line variation but only with some decent pressure. Something like the Noodlers pen experience where you get a consistent fine line unless decent amount of pressure given for thicker line is what I'm wanting...

 

Thanks for all the assistance!

Edited May 7, 2016 by cchukan

[larnivon]

I bought a Custom 912 with a SFM nib precisely because I was worried that the FA would be too difficult to control for everyday writing. I've never tried the FA, so I can't help you with that comparison.

 

I will say that there is still a fair bit of variation with the SFM nib. Not so much that I can't control it, and it is nice to have some flair to the writing, but there are times when I get a thicker line than I intended. Usually, though, it is by conscious effort. It is a very smooth nib.

 

I went for fine-medium instead of fine because I found my Custom 74 with a F nib to be way too dry and fine. I find the 912 to be quite wet, though, and in retrospect I wish I had gone with a soft fine nib.

[Algester]

if you have tried the Elabo/Falcon Pilot series you should know what to expect of the soft nibs by Pilot, they need more pressure just to open the tines but arent hardy nibs like what you get from Sailor, and their size is more comparable to the western nib sizes so don't expect a SF pilot put out an EF line

[Jezza]

A pilot SF in a #10 size nib will not give you more flex than a falcon-style nib. It will have some springiness too it, but that's about it. They're my favourite nibs.

[georgeb]

I have a Pilot Custom Heritage 912 SF and a FA. They are quite different.

 

The SF is not a flex nib but a soft nib.

 

It doesn't take much pressure to flex it a bit, but it will take a conscious effort unless you are heavy handed, in which case it will take some practice not to push so hard.

 

The line variation obtained is quite easily controlled in my opinion and is also limited to perhaps twice the width when not applying pressure.

 

The Namiki Falcon with a SF nib is a better choice for "calligraphy", though not a flex nib either. The bodies are quite different in size and weight.

 

The 912 SF is a good everyday pen with some ability for line variation.