Inky Question For Ef Nib Users

[85AKbN]

These videos helped me on the nib differences.

 

 

Edited March 20, 2020 by 85AKbN

[85AKbN]

one more

 

[Misfit]

Question for those who use EF nibs more often. Have you seen some line variation with your EF nibs? It seems the Graf von Faber-Castell Grip 2010 pen I have with an EF nib does show some, especially in looping tail letters. The Caran d’Ache 849 does that too, but the GvFC seems more pleasant to write with.

[A Smug Dill]

Question for those who use EF nibs more often. Have you seen some line variation with your EF nibs?

 

 

Yes, of course. However, line width is an attribute measured on a continuous scale, so if the individual thinks of line variation as a boolean attribute (i.e. yes-or-no, there is or there isn't, with no middle ground), then he/she will be (consciously or unconsciously) applying threshold criteria based on absolute (e.g. >0.2mm between the narrowest and the widest parts of a pen stroke) or relative (e.g. >50%) difference. Then there's the matter of whether the line variation is controllable; the upending tails of minuscules 'g' and 'y' may be very narrow and sharp, but that doesn't mean the user of the pen can achieve the same thin hairlines in parts of other majuscules and minuscules when he/she so desires.

[Intensity]

Very easily with some nibs and inks. Seeing plenty of line variation with my new Pilot Vanishing Point EF nib. Pressure is a factor. Pressing more or less into paper will result in different line width. This works best with moderate to dry inks.

[SchaumburgSwan]

Very easily with some nibs and inks. Seeing plenty of line variation with my new Pilot Vanishing Point EF nib. Pressure is a factor. Pressing more or less into paper will result in different line width. This works best with moderate to dry inks.

 

+1

 

This works surprisingly well when writing with some kind of "flex rhythm". More pressure on downstrokes, otherwise a light hand.

Just try it... I have some vintage Swan nibs in the xxf to xf range that give very nice results this way when writing upside down... Smooth paper and ig ink like ESSRI help, too.

 

Best

Jens

[Misfit]

Its fascinating because I dont think I see it as much with F, M and B nibs. Or am I not looking as A Smug Dill mentioned.

 

I agree that pressure plays a part as I've seen that with my own writing with the Faber-Castell EF. Thank you all for telling about your experiences.

Edited March 23, 2020 by Misfit

[A Smug Dill]

I go out of my way, so to speak, to extort, cajole, or otherwise "achieve" line variation from a pen when it's desired (for effect, or show, or for any actual value however measured).

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/344907-lamy-benitoite-ink/?p=4205686

 

I personally do not accept (or "respect") any definition of "line variation" that explicitly or tacitly requires no conscious effort and change in writing technique (pressure, speed, etc.) on the part of the fountain pen user, and no "risk" in trying to skirt the fine line between elastic and inelastic deformation of the metal.

 

There are very few pens with "nail" nibs that will totally resist and therefore exhibit no line variation whatsoever no matter how hard I try.

Edited March 23, 2020 by A Smug Dill

[Intensity]

Its fascinating because I dont think I see it as much with F, M and B nibs. Or am I not looking as A Smug Dill mentioned.

 

I agree that pressure plays a part as I've seen that with my own writing with the Faber-Castell EF. Thank you all for telling about your experiences.

 

Some nibs are easier to get line variation from than others in this regard, and the right ink types help too. For instance, very rounded, larger tipping nibs with a wet ink will mostly write like markers. I'm thinking of the likes of Lamy Safari Medium and Bold. A nib with a sharper cut that puts down precise lines is much easier to get line variation from, especially with more dry inks. Also nibs that are a bit springy. For instance my Kaweco Perkeo Fine with a #5 Bock nib is really good at line variation with almost no effort. Finish with a light hand for very fine hairlines, push down slightly for bold lines. Try more dry inks too, like GvFC, Pelikan, even some Diamine.