Objectively, How Thin Or Thick A Line Do You Require Your Nibs To Produce?

[txomsy]

Note that I speak only for myself, although I suspect many others may be in a similar case.

 

I work with computers, so I have no objective  requirements for any line width.

 

Subjective requirements are a different matter.

 

Personally, when taking notes for continued use (little black pocket notebooks) I prefer high information density as it will allow me to pack more information in less volume so I can carry it out with me for later consultation. I usually pack lines in 0.4 - 0.5 cm (ascenders/descenders included), so I prefer a thin F or EF, whether western or eastern, anything that allows me to get it done, does. I would say my preference is for 0.1mm-0.35mm lines, though 0.5mm may sometimes do). As usual, ink also matters (for it requires colors that give enough contrast and not too much blink), and paper (though I have so far not had trouble finding good cheap paper in these notebooks and with an EF/F it is less of a concern).

 

When taking plain notes, I see I tend to write in larger sizes, usually so they call my attention more effectively, and are not lost among a lot of information (about 0.7 - 1 cm in height). For this anything does, but thicker lines are more effective to draw my attention, so 0.5mm is usually OK).

 

Then, titles, italic writing, filling and signing diplomas, calligraphy practice and many others benefit from thicker lines, 1.1mm to 2mm typically. But that goes with the application.

 

And finally, age also counts. I find lately I require either higher ambient light or glasses, or both. That means a preference for using larger, bolder writing. And I do not know yet when will this new "requirement" stop.

 

So, objective requirements? None. Subjective? Everything.

[Aysedasi]

I find I get disappointed by broad nibs some times as they're not broad enough!  I bought a Nahvalur Nautilus recently and was really surprised at how 'thin' the BB nib was.  Swapped it out for a stub which runs super wide and juicy, just how I like my nibs.  I confess to being quite a clumsy writer, there is nothing neat about my handwriting and writing with a thinner nib only serves to make it more spidery and untidy.  

[ParramattaPaul]

Following on to the two posts immediately above, I too spend most of my time on computer.  I use it to research, write, communicate, and to waste time doing nothing important. With that,  I have no objective line spacing requirements. As for my scribbles -- I can't dignify it by calling it 'writing' -- it is "careless' and 'clumsy' except for the few instances in which I take time and great care. Even then, line spacing isn't a  consideration.  What I do care about is that the pen, the nib, moves smoothly across the page. I suspect that is a product of being left-handed and having nibs dig in to what I wrote on at school as a child.  The result is that I prefer a broad nib, will tolerate a medium nib, and suffer under protest a fine nid.  But line width? 'Give me what you have.'

[Mangrove Jack]

I prefer nibs on the finer side. The Pelikan EF nibs are my favourite. I have 2 always in use with  different inks in them. Both nibs write well upside-down (turned over) and gives me an even finer line.

 

[Sailor Kenshin]

Did I ever answer?  Have you seen my brain?

 

How thick or thin a line do I require from my pens?  EVERYTHING.  From needlepoint to house paintbrush.  
 

Because ya gotta catch 'em all.

[Karmachanic]

I definitely require all my pens to make lines, curves, angles, and even circles.  EF to 1.3

[LordCactus]

On 5/15/2023 at 4:18 PM, Sailor Kenshin said:

Did I ever answer?  Have you seen my brain?

 

How thick or thin a line do I require from my pens?  EVERYTHING.  From needlepoint to house paintbrush.  
 

Because ya gotta catch 'em all.

Will try and make one that does that soon!

[LordCactus]

This is needlepoint arrowflex, it is unpleasant to write with

[LordCactus]

This is needlepoint arrowflex which is pleasant to write with,made it today!

[txomsy]

Wow!

[mana]

Very interesting and cool topic, I especially liked the preface/initial post. Hmmm, I like both fine and extra fine, and extra/double broad CI nibs. Finer ones for sketching and marginalia/smaller handwriting, the broad ones for more expressive general writing in cursive. That's about it.