My experience with (extra) fine nibs (TWSBI, Lamy)

[ukini]

So, I was in a search for fine/extra fine pen. And was thinking that I can find really fine nib only in Japanese pens.

But recently and tried EF Lamy Vista I would say that the nib was really fine. I got used the a little scratchiness and overall I liked that pen, although I gave it away as a present. Then last week I received TWSBI 580 in EF. And again, the experience was great. The line is extra fine.

So, why am I writing all this? You can get real extra fine in more affordable pens as well.

 

Also, I noticed that Tomoe River paper (in 2024 Hobo and in 2022 Weeks) makes writing lines a little thicker.

 

I hope this will be helpful to people searching for an affordable extra fine options. And probably, I need to try those pens in fine as well.

[Penguincollector]

   The most reliable and inexpensive EF nibs that I have encountered so far have been on Chren and Yiren school pens. They are spade nibs that are interchangeable with Lamy Z series nibs. I have paid as little as $3 for a pack of 6 on Aliexpress. I like these nibs better than Lamy’s steel nibs, to be honest. 
 

 

[senzen]

The Pilot Penmanship is an easy recommendation to try Japanese extra fine pens on the cheap; at least my handwriting with it no longer shows the nervousness it once had, writing as large as with thicker nibs.

[LandyVlad]

funny I just bought TWSBI ecos in F and EF to try as well. Just waiting for santa (australia post) to bring them. 

[Skydiver]

I don't know why, but the EF nibs on my TWSBI Eco and Go feels better than the EF nibs on my 520 and Vac 700. I had to do some work on the latter with some very fine mesh pads to get them to feel smoother.

 

I've given up hope the EF Compass Sailor. Just does not feel right.

 

For cheap EF excellent nibs: Platinum Preppy for me. Stay on the wetter side, though. The stock ink that the pens come with are a good match.