TWSBI Diamond 580 - Medium or Fine nib?

[LandyVlad]

BEFORE you start throwing things at me for asking a question which has likely been asked many times, I'm new to TWSBI (and fountain pens in general).

 

I'm looking to buy a TWSBI Diamond 580 in "Iris' because it looks great.  But it's not cheap so I kinda want this one to be the one I'd use for my day to day writing.

 

Now, I have an older but basic Parker fountain pen, uses a converter, steel nib noted as 'medium'. That's all I know about it. (Aside from it gives a little too much feedback for my liking) 

Writing on normal 7mm ruled notepaper (nothing fancy) using Parker Quink ink (all I currently have, that'll change).

The line width, for what I'd call 'normal' handwriting size sometimes gives me closed loops on the e's.  For that reason I thought PERHAPS a fine nib might be a better option? 

On the other hand, it wouldn't show off a nicer ink as well as a medium nib would.

 

For what it's worth I intend to use Diamine Inks, primarily.

And while I'll practice on cheaper notebooks and copy paper I do have a couple of pads of Rhodia and Clarefontaine paper 'for best'.  

 

Maybe those with experience of 580s and both M and F nibs using Diamine ink could comment as to whether the TWSBI M writes toward the Fine or Broad side of things (if that makes sense).

 

If anyone is able to give me any guidance as to what else I might do / check / think about to help me decide between a medium or fine nib, I would very much appreciate it.

 

[AmandaW]

4 hours ago, LandyVlad said:

BEFORE you start throwing things at me for asking a question which has likely been asked many times

 

Not likely to happen here! Instead I will say 'thankyou' for describing your request so clearly cos it helps us help you.

 

I don't have a Parker M so can't compare my TWSBI 580s to it, but do have fine and ef of those and many Diamine inks and will say the inks are case by case in finer nibs. Take a look at LizEF's ink reviews (among others) for how good those that interest you can be with an EF.

 

Also TWSBI 580 nibs are easy to change since it's a nib unit that just screws in and they're readily available. Nib tastes do change over time too. It's not the end of the world if you don't get it perfect first time.

 

Have you looked at the Nib Nook on Goulet's website?

[LandyVlad]

I'll have a look at that nob nook, thanks.

 

Sadly replacement nibs in iris colour don't seem to be available 

 

It's so typical that the more I learn the more confused I get leading to choice paralysis 

 

I like smooth which screams medium, but I also like some level of detail...

[Dillo]

@LandyVlad If you like a medium Parker nib, you might want a medium (or possibly broad) TWSBI. The TWSBI nibs are made by JoWo and are generally finer than Parker nibs. That said, Parker from the late 90's and early to mid 2000's have large inconsistencies in their nib sizes. I've seen many of them running broad, but it's hard to say. New Parker pens have different nibs again, so it's hard to say

[LandyVlad]

Thanks.

 

After much to and fro, opinions here and elsewhere, and a desire for a smooth flowing pen that looks great I have decided to go for the medium. 

And yes I know that means I'll need to buy a fine down the track too What a shame...             

[AmericanMonk]

On 11/16/2024 at 12:46 PM, Dillo said:

The TWSBI nibs are made by JoWo and are generally finer than Parker nibs.

 

Similarly, it is my understanding that TWSBI has requested that Jowo grind the TWSBI-branded nibs a bit finer than other Jowo nibs. That's certainly how it is with my TWSBI vs Monteverde (both Jowo) stubs.

 

On 11/16/2024 at 6:41 PM, LandyVlad said:

And yes I know that means I'll need to buy a fine down the track too What a shame...

 

"The rabbit–hole went straight on like a tunnel for some way, and then dipped suddenly down, so suddenly that Alice had not a moment to think about stopping herself before she found herself falling down a very deep well."

[LandyVlad]

OK well the TWSBI arrived today! Will post a thread on it and impressions but not yet.

Although first impression is I like it!

 

7 hours ago, AmericanMonk said:

"The rabbit–hole went straight on like a tunnel for some way, and then dipped suddenly down, so suddenly that Alice had not a moment to think about stopping herself before she found herself falling down a very deep well."

 

Yes... yes.... yep. Charles Dodgson got that right. He was a fountain pen guy for sure.  

[AmericanMonk]

2 hours ago, LandyVlad said:

OK well the TWSBI arrived today! Will post a thread on it and impressions but not yet.

Although first impression is I like it!

 

That was fast! Congrats on your new pen! 😃

[LandyVlad]

Well I am enjoying my TWSBI 580 and am considering getting a few more so I can have them inked up with different colours, and also trying a F nib.

As it should allow me to get 2 pens instead of 1, I am considering getting 2 ECO's rather than another 580.

One <M> and one <F>

[Doc Dan]

On 12/11/2024 at 8:04 AM, LandyVlad said:

Well I am enjoying my TWSBI 580 and am considering getting a few more so I can have them inked up with different colours, and also trying a F nib.

As it should allow me to get 2 pens instead of 1, I am considering getting 2 ECO's rather than another 580.

One <M> and one <F>

Make sure to add a 1.1 stub nib to your collection. It will likely be your favorite. It gives broad down strokes to show off ink but side strokes are thin like a fine. You get the best of both and it makes writing look fancy. I love TWSBI Stub and Fine nibs best, but especially stubs.

[langere]

Also, keep in mind that the width of the stroke can have as much to do with the paper and, especially, the ink.  Some inks tend to "feather" and disperse the ink more in the paper, making closed loops with the "e"s .  I have that problem with my checkbook paper, regardless if I am using an "F" or a "M" nib.  Best get "drier" ink - another rabbit hole to go down!

 

Erick