14K Vs. 18K Experience

[RayCornett]

For those who have 149s with 14k nibs as well as 18k nibs which do you prefer and why?

I have a chance to exchange my 149 with a 14k f-m nib for one with an 18k ef nib. I love the finer grind but am wondering if there are any differences that make it worth the exchange.

[zaddick]

14C tri-tone marked L139 on the tail > 14C tri-tone > 18C tri-tone > 14C bi-tone > 18K bi-tone > 14K bi-tone > 18K tri-tone > AU 750 tri-tone

 

 

Those are my preferences. Basically the older the better and more likely to be springy.

Edited November 19, 2018 by zaddick

[tinta]

I have tried 18c & 21c in other brands but on the whole prefer 14c. My only MB nib is a buttery 14c Flugelfeder BB on a second tier 245.

One of my best approx. 1.1 mm factory stubs.

 

[torstar]

14C tri-tone > 18C tri-tone > 14C bi-tone > 18K bi-tone > 14K bi-tone > 18K tri-tone > AU 750 tri-tone

 

 

Those are my preferences. Basically the older the better and more likely to be springy.

 

do you have that memorized for quick reference, just in case??

[zaddick]

 

do you have that memorized for quick reference, just in case??

Yup. It took time and money to sort it out for myself and now there is no doubt.

 

I actually left 1 out, so I guess I answered too quickly. The 14C tri-tone marked with an L139 on the tail is my first choice. I was for the 139 but used in early 149 production to consume remain in nibs.

[dubhe]

Modern nibs are very smooth and write well but with no flex. Vintage nibs require more work to use but offer a greater experience proportionate to the effort made in using them. I find I can use a modern 18K broad nib for just about everything.

[Barry Gabay]

Hello RayCornett,

 

I assume by 14K, you are referring to a 149 nib produced ca. 1985-90 which was a two-tone nib marked 14K. Those have longer tines than the three-tone 18K nibs. The two-tone 18K nibs also have slightly longer tines than the three-tone 18K nibs. This is true of those marked 18K and those marked simply 750 Au. So, if you switch a two-tone 14K nib for a two-tone 18K, I think you will find little difference.

 

I agree with Zaddick regarding the performance of older v newer 149 nibs. Those made prior to 1985 and marked 14C or 18C, whether three-tone or two-tone, are the most responsive in my experience. For springiness and responsiveness, my order of preference is 3-tone 14C, 2-tone 14C, 3-tone 18C, 2-tone 14K, 2-tone 18K, 3-tone 18K, 3-tone 750. I have never owned or used the rarest 149 nib, two-tone 18C.

 

Hope this explanation helps your nib consideration rather than just piling on more information.

Good luck,

Barry

Edited November 20, 2018 by Barry Gabay

[RayCornett]

Thanks, everyone, for your input and future input. The reason I asked is someone with a newer 18k ef nib he claims to be an architect grind is talking to me about trading for my 1990 14k F-M. I love EF nibs, I also love architect grinds but am not holding my breath on the EF actually being an architect grind so that is no big deal.

Initially he was looking for a nib swap but then I thought, why not just trade pen for pen. His was recently serviced by MB for a piston issue. So, it is basically brand new.

[Honeybadgers]

my early 90's nib is quite firm. it can squeak out some line variation but it's a medium-firm gold nib. I also find mine to be extremely dry, almost EF and skippy with no pressure, and with a little pressure it's a medium-broad.

[torstar]

Yup. It took time and money to sort it out for myself and now there is no doubt.

 

I actually left 1 out, so I guess I answered too quickly. The 14C tri-tone marked with an L139 on the tail is my first choice. I was for the 139 but used in early 149 production to consume remain in nibs.

 

 

haste makes waste; as always your posts are among the top hi-lites of my daily enjoyment of the FPN!

[fpupulin]

If you are looking for a semi-flex extra-fine nib, the contemporary EF are probably not the best to give you joy. If flex is not an issue, then I think that an extra-fine nib, of whichever period, would probably give you a more special experience than a medium nib, as they have more personality.

 

I would surely trade a fat fine or a skinny medium for an extra-fine. More fun...

[RayCornett]

We are doing a 1 week swap to try each others pens out.