Black Ionized Nibs Typically Dry Writers?

[KCat]

No one seems to have an answer in my other thread so taking another approach. Have you noticed that the trendy black ionized nibs tend to write drier than other nibs? If I try to swap a new black nib with another black nib, am I setting myself up for failure?

[Erik Dalton]

I’m sure others have differing experiences. My experience has not been good. Only my opinion. they really look sharp but n the right pen. but almost every blackened nib I’ve had, especially Conklin has been less than a stellar performer. I replaced them with two tone Jowo #6 nibs and all is well.

[KCat]

  On 5/15/2018 at 1:22 AM, Old Salt said:

I’m sure others have differing experiences. My experience has not been good. Only my opinion. they really look sharp but n the right pen. but almost every blackened nib I’ve had, especially Conklin has been less than a stellar performer. I replaced them with two tone Jowo #6 nibs and all is well.

That's kind of the feeling I'm getting from a handful of comments here and there in reviews. I would like to hear more before I ditch this pen though. I hate to have to do so but I won't use it if it doesn't have the flow I'm accustomed to in a VP.

[Erik Dalton]

If you like the pen, just replace the nib.

What pen is this we are talking about?

[Mr.Rene]

  On 5/15/2018 at 1:13 AM, KCat said:

No one seems to have an answer in my other thread so taking another approach. Have you noticed that the trendy black ionized nibs tend to write drier than other nibs? If I try to swap a new black nib with another black nib, am I setting myself up for failure?

+1 ...same experience (Lamy Safari & Conklin)

[Jamerelbe]

I have some black anodised nibs that work perfectly well, with no (apparent) negative impact on performance. My one and only black Bock nib, the finish began to wear off, which was very disappointing - but again, no noticeable difference in performance. My newest black nib, a Monteverde, writes a bit dry - but I don't know whether that's got anything to do with the coating of the nib. My black anodised JoWo 1.1mm stub nib writes just as well as every other JoWo stub nib I own.

 

I think your problem was with a VP nib? I had no problems with the black anodised F nib that came with my VP, nor have I heard that issues are common. And frankly, given the cost of the pen, I wouldn't *expect* to hear of problems: it's the cheaper nib providers, who sometimes place a higher importance on volume than quality, that you have to look out for.

 

My guess would be that coating the nib *may* introduce an additional (potential) cause of poor performance - but it would be wrong to conclude that it *always* causes problems. Moreover, a scratchy or dry nib *can* be adjusted with a bit of effort and care (more care in the case of an anodised nib, to avoid losing any of the coating).

[Bo Bo Olson]

One can always use a wetter ink like Noodlers.

[KCat]

  On 5/15/2018 at 1:47 AM, Old Salt said:

If you like the pen, just replace the nib.

What pen is this we are talking about?

It's a VP with matte black appointments so the nib style that came with it suits it best, TBH. That and I don't have money to burn. I got this on sale and was trying to limit my expenditure to that price. A replacement nib costs almost as much as the pen. Can't see Pilot or the seller replacing with anything but like and maybe I'll get better, maybe not.

[KCat]

  On 5/15/2018 at 2:54 PM, Bo Bo Olson said:

One can always use a wetter ink like Noodlers.

You would think.

[KCat]

  On 5/15/2018 at 3:34 AM, Jamerelbe said:

I have some black anodised nibs that work perfectly well, with no (apparent) negative impact on performance. [...]

 

My guess would be that coating the nib *may* introduce an additional (potential) cause of poor performance - but it would be wrong to conclude that it *always* causes problems. Moreover, a scratchy or dry nib *can* be adjusted with a bit of effort and care (more care in the case of an anodised nib, to avoid losing any of the coating).

 

I know that they can be adjusted but a) I don't want to pay to do so since I have already spent more than I really should have and if I'm going to sell or exchange the nib/pen, I don't want to mess with it. There is nothing technically "wrong" with the nib. It is simply dry compared to what I prefer.

 

If, however, this feature isn't typical of this kind of nib, then i will hang on a short while and consider my options.

[KCat]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond. I do appreciate it. I'm a bit frazzled right now and didn't think to say as much. We've moved and my brain simply doesn't work like it ... nevermind, it's never worked like I imagine it used to.

 

Again, thanks for the input.

KCat

[Bo Bo Olson]

If classic looking nib, place your thumbnails under the shoulders and pull slightly, that will widen the slit. Takes 3 seconds.

Spade nibs expansion....I don't know. Do ask in the repair section. Could be done with thumbnails too perhaps.