Unique Nib Grinds

[JaunShuan]

Why are most of the mass-produced nibs all points and stubs/italics? Why are unique shapes so hard to find/ridiculously expensive/only available from nibmeisters?

 

-Architect's

-Music

-Fude

-Waverly

-Oblique

-Inlaid

 

Are there any other unique nib shapes that I'm missing? BTW I know that there are some of the listed nibs that are available at a cheap price, like Sailor's $15 USD fude pen, cheap Chinese pens with unique nibs, and stubs/italics rotated 90° to create the effect of an architect's nib (this is what I did with my Pilot Plumix).

[gerigo]

Because today, it all boils down to market demand. Fountain pens themselves are already a niche product for one. On the other hand, many consumers have lost the ability to write nicely and to leverage these more unique points.

[Bo Bo Olson]

Inlaid is a nib mounting, not a grind.

[JaunShuan]

Thank you for your replies! I think the nib variety is one of the most intriguing aspects of fountain pens for me. I've heard of some of Sailor's specialty nibs and I fear for my wallet's future. I guess one other factor I forgot to consider when posing my question is that a lot of specialty nibs are also much more difficult to mass produce compared to pointed or stub nibs.

[Jamerelbe]

You've probably missed a couple of specialty grinds here, including the sharp italics and cursive italics, which can provide line variation (if you wish) for finer nibs than stubs. Also, some nibmeisters do what they call "itali-fine" nibs, which are ground to operate as an italic if used right-way-up, and as a fine (round tip) when writing upside down.

 

I've bought a number of new nibs specialty grinds from fpnibs.com in Spain - their (JoWo) nibs are reasonably priced for starters, but their customisations are among the most reasonably priced I've seen. So far I've ordered cursive italics, fine stubs, and architect grinds on their #5 (TWSBI Eco or Mini) and #6 (for a custom pen) nibs - the latter are still in the mail, but the nibs I've received are very well done.

[jjlax10]

So as a professional nib maven I have some observations. The mass produced stubs are not really tipped, and are more like an italic. Since they are not tipped, its just a polishing that does not involve a lot of work. To to do a nib like the waverly style, architect, and other more bespoke styles, we end up doing a number of cuts and hand polishing and sanding. In addition, some grinds need to be done with a person's writing style in mind, since that can be detrimental. You might find you don't like the sweet spot on your architect nib, or that CI has edges that are too sharp. So with all this in mind, its difficult to get big pen makers to make nibs like this regularly.

 

On the other hand, some of the manufacturers have more interesting nibs, like the Visconti BB which can be a lot of fun. The Sailor Music Nib is terrific, and can be purchased relatively inexpensively. Aurora has a factory stub which is really a CI, but is done in their own style and people very much enjoy.

[wijko]

If you don't mind spending some money on your specialty nibs, You have a look at the nibs from Sailor.

The Naginata series vary in line with by the angle you use

There are also some specialty nibs made of multiple layers of nibs.

 

a good starting point is: http://www.sailorpen.com/nagahara-story.html

I now only miss the Sai-Bi Togi in 21kt (have it in 14kt though) to complete the set.

 

see an example I've posted some time ago:

[ASCIIaardvark]

I'm a big fan of unusual nibs too.

 

Nobody mentioned the PO or "posting" nib, which is like a WA/waverly nib but bent in the opposite direction. Pilot has them on a few of their models; I got mine from fpnibs.com and rather enjoy it.

 

The Hero 360:http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1GsDuMfa1Dc/Te8Z_vaKNeI/AAAAAAAAAEU/wvv-YnwNAeg/s1600/hero360pen-2.jpg

It's basically two nibs on top of eachother, a little like the Sailor Cross nib -- but instead of designing for line variation with angle, the 360 is designed so you get a consistent line regardless of angle. It kinda looks like and should theoretically write like a ballpoint. I ordered one on ebay a while ago but it hasn't arrived yet.

 

srebrown did a set of reviews on all the current Sailor nibs, which is definitely worth a watch. They used to have one called the trident, which seems like the Hero 360 but with 3 nibs instead of two.

There's also glass-nib fountain pens, like the Wink pen.

 

I include "flex" as a category of interesting nibs, but presume you're well aware of that. Have you tried the Daedalus? It takes a dip-pen nib, so you get gigantic line variation -- though you'll need to periodically replace the nib for like $2.

 

 

Is there a common criteria for "music" nibs? Some but not all have 2-slits/3-tines. Some but not all have flex. Some but not all are stub/italic shaped...

[fly_us]

Why are most of the mass-produced nibs all points and stubs/italics?

 

Because out of 1000 people buy pen, maybe one or two people want to have those not-so-common nib. Why put the money in such a small niche?

 

Why are unique shapes so hard to find/ridiculously expensive/only available from nibmeisters?

You want something unique, you need to pay the premium price or hire someone to do custom work. And they ain't cheap.

 

At the end of day, pen makers want to make money. And if the market is not big enough, they just better put their money somewhere else.