Graf Von Faber Castell - Ef Or M?

January 31, 2018

I have the choice between EF and M on a GvFC classic. I would probably have gone for an F normally but this is really a good opportunity so that is out of the question. I am happy with a fine line, as long as it isn't scratchy and has good flow. I hear GvFCs are on the wetter side so that pushes me towards an EF. Does anyone have any experience or comparison of an EF v M? I've again heard that GvFC, being German, tend towards a broader side of things.

For comparison, I have a TWSBI EF which isn't too fine or scratchy for me (I think it's a good one though). I also have a MB 146 M which is a good thickness, although I'd like something a bit thinner here. I also have a Waterman Carene in M which is thicker than I want for my GvFC, a Nova with a Bock #6 medium which again is thicker than I'd want for this pen. That all said, if the EF is likely to be scratchy I'd rather go for a wider line to get a buttery smooth writing experience.

If anyone has any samples that they could take a picture of, I would be extremely grateful. Otherwise any input is appreciated. Thanks!

January 31, 2018

I have found GvFC gold nibs to be very wet. I have had 3 B nibs. The were so broad and wet as to be unusable for me. However, I bought these pens with the plan to have the nibs ground to italic, so no problem.

I have one F-C steel EF. You would think it is a Japanese nib it's so fine. Sorry. I've never used a gold F or M GvFC nib. I'm interested in seeing responses to your question for others with more helpful experience.

BTW, welcome to the FPN!

David

January 31, 2018

GvFC EF is an excellent nib with smooth inkflow. I've never had issues with mine. The M nib is thicker than TWSBI equivalent nibs.

January 31, 2018

I have two mediums. One was sent back to them as it had nib creep and they tuened it to be dryer for me, so regular medium. The other was fine out of the box so is wet and closer to a B. Superb hand tuned nibs, but on the wet side.

January 31, 2018

I have tried two 18k EFs, and have one currently. I would say they run true to size, or finer than German sized Montblanc and Pelikan nibs. The EFs are good, smooth but with a definite feedback on tomoe river paper. They can run a but dry if used infrequently in my experience, but it could have been the ink.

February 1, 2018

Hi,

welcome to FPN!

Here are writing samples of GvFC M and F with the same ink (GvFC Stone Grey), on 60gr Lyreco office pad.

M is smooth, wide, wet, with just a bit of nice feedback.

F is smooth, true to size, slightly drier, also a bit of feedback, not scratchy at all.

February 5, 2018

I have 2 classics one with an ef and one with a m and they both put down the same line width closer to f. i would say go with the ef since their nibs are very wet.

February 11, 2019

I have an EF and a M. The EF was perfect out of the box, but the M needed some help. It had pretty pronounced babys bottom, and once I took care of it, it is very smooth, thick, and ultra wet as everyone else has said. These are both Classics, and I'm pretty impressed with how much ink these nibs put down.

February 12, 2019

Pelikan makes a dry ink 4001 (Edelstein often runs wetter) ...MB a medium dry ink....and are 1/2 a size wider than semi-vintage & vintage. Lamy seems to be @ the same widths.

Bock makes GvFC's nibs, so are made to their specs. They too make an ink right now....only have one, so have not thought to look to see if it's a wet ink. Only used a twist in a piston pen to see what color of dark green it was......for my wallet a very expensive ink, so have not an urge to ink a lot of pens with it.

If their inks run wet, then a narrower nib is 'normal'.....back when Waterman was considered a wet ink....pre'Noodlers, they made narrower nibbed pens.