Looking To Try An Uef Pen.

[1791thinkshop]

I write really small when for myself (notes, lists, the ever present 5"x8" cards {gasp})... so I want to try an UEF. I generally write with EF and Stub but it's time I try an UEF. Ive found a Platinum Century #3776 UEF for $73 USD delivered. So first, is that a fair deal? Two, is there a cheaper UEF pen for me to try before jumping into a century? Thanks to you all in advance.

-B

[mke]

First of all, a Platinum 3776 Century UEF is a nice pen - I tried it several times (but do not own one).

 

And yes, there is another possibility. Your description made me think you should try a needlepoint nib. Buy a Jinhao 159, Jinhao X750 or Jinhao X450 and change the nib to a needlepoint nib, either with 0.1mm (XXXF) line size or 0.2 (XXF, that is about UEF, I think).

If you buy on Aliexpress.com, the pen will be 2-3 USD - especially there is a special sales day on 11/11 coming.

I bought a nib at fpnibs.com - depending what you choose, it can be all from 15 to 150 USD.

Changing is more than easy.

 

Here is my pen:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/JYn8ompM9rqKZHBu1

 

The nib I bought is a size 6 Jowo, Steel, Rhodium-coated, EF regrinded to XXXF and is very impressive. If you do not pressure your pens unreasonably while writing, it is very smooth. And the ink capacity seems to be enough for eternity.

 

In total it will be about half of the price of the Platinum Century.

Edited November 10, 2017 by mke

[eciton]

You might find this helpful:

https://ukfountainpens.wordpress.com/2017/10/22/two-nibs-that-are-finer-than-fine-fpnibs-xxf-platinum-uef/

 

I think the 3776 UEF is a wonderful pen and a good deal at $73.

[RoyalBlueNotebooks]

I think the "winged" nib design from Pilot in EF is as fine as a Western UEF, so I recommend either a Pilot Kakuno in EF or a Pilot Penmanship that has the EF nib as default.

 

I recommend this fully knowing that it's a completely different brand and nib material than the option you were looking for, OP.

[mke]

> EF is as fine as a Western UEF

 

I would say don't buy something to close to your present pens. Better buy something where the difference is really visible. Personally, I would recommend the XXXF nib from fpnibs.com.

Actually, I tried the Platinum UEF and EF at the same time - didn't consider it very different. Your EF (which brand?) might already be quite near to the Platinum UEF or EF. The XXXF will be different - that is for sure. Or use the XXF which is closer to the UEF - or buy both (still cheaper than the Platinum).

 

The pen which I have is 2.38 USD at the moment (today only). https://www.aliexpress.com/item/JINHAO-X750-Medium-Nib-Fountain-Pen-Stationery-Supplies-Writing-Tools-Gift/32810704178.html

You cannot go wrong with this pen. All you need then, is the nib.

[benbot517]

I'd try a .2 Platinum preppy before going in on a 3776. It's a super fine nib, maybe not as fine as the uef, but it's pretty darn fine, and a cheap way to try something on the super fine end of the spectrum.

[1791thinkshop]

I'm really appreciative of the help thus far, and especially to being turned towards the fpnibs.com folks. I'm thinking too I could get a #6 Jowo from these folks for a whirl in my TWSBI Vac 700r Mini's. I do believe that they and the Bock's fit like a glove on the TWSBI Vacs. I'm also going to order a Preppy. But believe I already have enough Jinhao, Heros, and Wing Sungs laying around to construct a Frankenstein or 3. I do use an Esterbrook #1550 Bookkeeper in two of my Esties already which are very very fine, but can only write cursive if using really wet ink and very light pressure so as not too be so 'scratchy' on the corners. I use them primarily for notes in the margins of books, bible, post its and one sits on my desk in my library at all times next to a TWSBI. I've heard/seen many say that fountain pen can not be used in their bibles, but it's like anything else, the paper/ink combo makes all the difference. My carry bible that use the liknshare of the time is a Calfskin Tyndale NLT Select. Now, sure that it is considered a 'premium' bible and only so many are printed/bound each year drives the cost of one far higher than many would be willing to spend on a bible, but look at it from a FP or Chiropractor aspect; you/we spend an exponentially higher amount (per square inch) on paper that does not feather, bleed through, scratch, accepts a clean line, and that exploits the fluid tension qualities of our inks... a chiropractor is going to recommend a good bed because of how much of your life you spend in one to begin with and then too for the positive affects it can have on your rest, comfort, and alignment. Same trends are true with a bible that you use everyday and would like to last you long enough for house your notes, study, and impressions at least through your adault life or until the next generation... sorry for the tangent! Maybe I should do a review on each of my bibles for bleed through, drying times, etc... It might be useful to all of those who have been told that's it's impossible to combine fine writing and their study of what we believe is God's word.

-B

 

Any thoughts on using the TWSBI as a Guinea Pig for the Jowo's from fpnibs.com?

Edited November 15, 2017 by 1791thinkshop