Beginner flex nibs and FPR Ultra flex combinations?

[mizgeorge]

There is another option, which is to just get a Kanwrite Heritage with an ultraflex nib (this is the same nib that's rebranded for FPR. They're in India, so shipping costs may well be a bit less, and there's no premium on the ultraflex nib 

 

https://kanpurwriters.com/product-category/fpc/heritage/

 

These are incredibly good value, decently made piston fill pens, and at least buying direct means they're not having to travel half way around the world and then back again to reach you.

 

Alternatively, for a little more, get a Blue Dew nib unit (from Singapore) and ust it in an existing pen. They're pretty close to a dip pen (as in that they're untipped and more flexible than other FP nibs, even those that have been modified), but are reputed to last a lot longer than the usual 'G' steel nib options.

[Tasmith]

[amberleadavis]

6 hours ago, Tasmith said:

[Pamp]

22 hours ago, tde44x said:

When I started my pursuit of flex/more distinction to my handwriting I began with flex nibs, specifically the FPR ultraflex. IMHO, their Himalaya (I prefer the larger nib on the v2) is their best setup in terms of feel in the hand, ink capacity (eye droppered), and flex.

 

However, I found over time my preference in nibs to enhance my writing gravitated to stub nibs of various sizes. These had the style impact I wanted and there were many pens/nibs available, without any of the downsides of using a flex nib. FWIW for me the downsides are speed (you have to go slow when flexing), railroading (when you least want it), and I would still get an ink blob on occasion (even after heat setting which helped a lot).

 

I then wanted to pursue the occasional special lettering/drawing and went to dip pens. Yes, you do have to dip them often but the selection of nibs, the flex available, and the cost made it a no brainer for me. Especially because I could use shimmer inks to my hearts content  which in a standard feed you had to be more careful of and ensure you constantly agitated the pen (vs the ink container).

 

I still have and still play with my Himalaya w/ultraflex from time to time, but my daily writers are now mostly stubs and for fancy stuff I bring out dip pens.

I actually prefer the larger nib on the Himalaya V2, also. The smaller 5.5 nib is easier to control, but the larger one is flexier. 

 

Yes, I agree you can't beat dip pens for the price, versatility, etc., for sure!  I use mine often. (I'm kind of obsessed with pens, in general.)  I just really like to sit and practice my lettering on my sofa, with my hubby and dog, so I love the portability of a flex fountain pen for that. It does mean I have a few too many fountain pens inked at one time, though. 

 

Pam

https://anartfulmom.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anartfulmompam/

[Pamp]

17 hours ago, AlexLeGrande said:

I highly recommend Kevin, owner at Fountain Pen Revolution, and his Ultraflex nibs.  His customer service is simply incredible.  He's taken great care of my needs.  No relation, just a satisfied customer.

 

Agree!  Kevin's customer service is amazing. I've become one of his biggest customers, I think.

 

Pam

https://anartfulmom.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anartfulmompam/

[Tasmith]

9 hours ago, amberleadavis said:

 

[Tasmith]

50 minutes ago, Pamp said:

I actually prefer the larger nib on the Himalaya V2, also. The smaller 5.5 nib is easier to control, but the larger one is flexier. 

 

Yes, I agree you can't beat dip pens for the price, versatility, etc., for sure!  I use mine often. (I'm kind of obsessed with pens, in general.)  I just really like to sit and practice my lettering on my sofa, with my hubby and dog, so I love the portability of a flex fountain pen for that. It does mean I have a few too many fountain pens inked at one time, though. 

 

Pam

https://anartfulmom.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anartfulmompam/

That's what I love about mine, to practice thick and thin lines of Copperplate anytime without having to take out my dip pens and ink.  Your review of the Himalaya v2 helped convince me to buy it from FPR.

[Pamp]

1 hour ago, Tasmith said:

That's what I love about mine, to practice thick and thin lines of Copperplate anytime without having to take out my dip pens and ink.  Your review of the Himalaya v2 helped convince me to buy it from FPR.

Oh, that's awesome - I'm glad my review helped!  That makes me so happy. I really love that pen. (Also, I want to assure eveyone, I don't get a commission from FPR if someone buys the pen through my blog link. I just love the pen. Kevin sent me one in exchange for my honest review, and that pen hooked me on the company. Those ultra flex nibs are my favorites.)

 

Pam

https://anartfulmom.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anartfulmompam/

[IanP2303]

On 3/8/2022 at 5:22 AM, mizgeorge said:

There is another option, which is to just get a Kanwrite Heritage with an ultraflex nib (this is the same nib that's rebranded for FPR. They're in India, so shipping costs may well be a bit less, and there's no premium on the ultraflex nib 

 

https://kanpurwriters.com/product-category/fpc/heritage/

 

These are incredibly good value, decently made piston fill pens, and at least buying direct means they're not having to travel half way around the world and then back again to reach you.

 

Alternatively, for a little more, get a Blue Dew nib unit (from Singapore) and ust it in an existing pen. They're pretty close to a dip pen (as in that they're untipped and more flexible than other FP nibs, even those that have been modified), but are reputed to last a lot longer than the usual 'G' steel nib options.

The pens look awesome! Sadly, I live in Hong Kong and there is no such option, they don't even have China.

 

Thanks,

Ian

[txomsy]

2 hours ago, IanP2303 said:

The pens look awesome! Sadly, I live in Hong Kong and there is no such option, they don't even have China.

 

Thanks,

Ian

 

Did you contact them directly? It seems to me that many Indian businesses are willing to mail their items overseas despite them not stating it explicitly in their web sites. Just drop them an e-mail and ask if they are willing to send the pen to you. You might be (pleasantly) surprised.

[Tasmith]

4 hours ago, txomsy said:

 

Did you contact them directly? It seems to me that many Indian businesses are willing to mail their items overseas despite them not stating it explicitly in their web sites. Just drop them an e-mail and ask if they are willing to send the pen to you. You might be (pleasantly) surprised.

Their website says they are now accepting international orders.