My Favorite Nibs for Pointed Pen

[Brad franklin]

I don't want to speak for Erica but I believe it is indeed The Shorthand Nib Code: DP40. I have this nib and it is very interesting looking nice blue, unfortunately I can not get it to work. Not because I think it's bad because of my lack of experience.

[Perfectsettings]

@Erica, I don't know why that sister/brother thing cracked me up but it did!!

[Erica McPhee]

Yes - that's the one. Brad, it is a bit tricky. I found they were erratic - some the tines were split unevenly. But about 10 years ago, pre-Nikkos, there weren't many great options. It was a whole lot more difficult learning with some of the trickier nibs.

Those twin Hiros, Daisy, they are naughty! 

[garyn]

I just tried the Hiro 41, after fixing the ink problem.  (see http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=562.45 reply #47)
It is an amazing nib.   THANK YOU Erica.

It flexes with so little effort that I have to try to NOT flex the nib. 
And it does not snag, bite or dig into the paper (so far).  Perfect for a novice like me.
Now I wonder, why did I buy all the vintage nibs when I could have just bought the Hiro 41 ?  And at 60 cents each, it isn't expensive either.

Erica, your recommendation for supplies for a beginner is spot on.  I wish I saw that before I started my collection of nibs.

[AndyT]

And at 60 cents each, it isn't expensive either.

*sigh*.  Best price I can find here is £0.80, about $1.34.  I won't even mention how much Principals cost in the UK.  I'm beginning to think seriously about importing British nibs back from the US as an economy measure.   

[garyn]

Hmmm... no idea! The Nikko G takes a little wearing in and then it goes much smoother. Glad you like the Principal!

Erica
Dumb question, does this mean that the tines will flex easier?
Then how much wearing in and how do I write to wear it in?  I think you mean, applying some pressure to get the tines to spread a bit.
Being a novice, breaking in a nib is something that I have to learn.

Thanks

[Heebs]

Hmmm... no idea! The Nikko G takes a little wearing in and then it goes much smoother. Glad you like the Principal!

Erica
Dumb question, does this mean that the tines will flex easier?
Then how much wearing in and how do I write to wear it in?  I think you mean, applying some pressure to get the tines to spread a bit.
Being a novice, breaking in a nib is something that I have to learn.

Thanks

The tines will flex slightly more with time but don't expect much without switching to a nib with more flex.

[tintenfuchs]

Is anyone here using the Brause Steno aka Blue Pumpkin nib? I just tried it and I love it. The funny thing is that I cannot write with the Hiro 40/Hiro Steno nib. It is toooo flexible x_X

[garyn]

Hmmm... no idea! The Nikko G takes a little wearing in and then it goes much smoother. Glad you like the Principal!

Erica
Dumb question, does this mean that the tines will flex easier?
Then how much wearing in and how do I write to wear it in?  I think you mean, applying some pressure to get the tines to spread a bit.
Being a novice, breaking in a nib is something that I have to learn.

Thanks

The tines will flex slightly more with time but don't expect much without switching to a nib with more flex.

Thanks Heebs.
Makes sense now that I think about it, and having used the Hiro 41.
I was just under the impression that the G nibs would flex.

[Linda Y.]

Gary, you may get different answers for this from different people, but I personally find the Nikko G much stiffer than the Zebra G. Zebra G is sharper and more flexible. They both flex, but won't give you super-dramatic shading.

[joi]

oh i just received the blue pumpkin steno nib and i'm liking it.  i don't LOVE it like the Hiro 41, but it's a good replacement.  and agreed, the Hiro 40 just would not work for me.  skipped and blobbed out ink.
with the Hiro 41 out of the lineup...my current favs are:
-blue pumpkin
-brause ef 66 (just got a holder for this nib after slicing my hand with a screwdriver trying to adjust a flange...never again)
-leonardt 30 for white and gold ink.

and i'm still trying to love the brause 76 rose.  i love the thicks but it's just so finicky sometimes it's great, other times not.
and i also have ONE Hiro 41 left.  it's almost spent...i only use it if i really really need a smooth nib.  i'm gonna cry when i have to toss it.  actually i might just preserve it in a block of acrylic and put it on the shelf next to our late dogs ashes... ((((

[Erica McPhee]

Erica
Dumb question, does this mean that the tines will flex easier?
Then how much wearing in and how do I write to wear it in?

I usually do a few warm ups (about a page or two) or just practice for a bit and then the nib is nicely worn in. It has a sweet spot. Then it writes for quite some time and finally becomes scratchy again without recourse (worn out).

The Nikko G's are definitely stiffer than the Hiro 41s but I like them quite a bit. Once worn in (not out), they give a nice thick and maintain a very crisp thin.

I'm glad you like the Hiro41. Now if we can just get them fixed! I find them so easy to use and I love the thicks it produces. Also, rarely skips. 

[tintenfuchs]

actually i might just preserve it in a block of acrylic and put it on the shelf next to our late dogs ashes... ((((

Ahaha I like the picture of that.

[ultraQuiche]

I have a few pen points, but for my script, I only ever use the Gillott 303s. I find that they don't skip after breaking them in.

Since I have some Principals coming my way - how can I expect the transition to be between the 303 and the Principal? Do they respond similarly? How about the G points - Zebra and Nikko?

[Brad franklin]

I can only tell you the principles are very flexible and fragile.  The Nikko is very stiff. Just my 2 cents