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Messages - penstaff

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1
Tools & Supplies / Re: Fountain Pens for Newbies
« on: September 26, 2016, 09:55:59 AM »
No one yet has issued a report on the Manuscript fountain pen set so here goes...They are wonderful, reasonably priced, come with a metal carry case, come with 6 different size nibs, converter (for your own ink), plus 4 ink cartridges. This set will do everything you ask of it. And I sell them for only $19.95 plus postage $3.95 (depending on your location, out of U.S. postage is $9.95). You will love if for its convenience, portability, and performance.
Harvey (penstaff)

2
Tools & Supplies / Re: How to get ink off the nib?
« on: September 26, 2016, 09:44:35 AM »
You might do better by switching to a different ink...Higgins Eternal with a few drops of gum arabic should do wonders for you,. Or if you want the best (imho try Kaimei. I never had a propblem with this ink.
Harvey

3
Tools & Supplies / Re: Reason for Vintage Nibs' Quality?
« on: September 22, 2016, 12:29:40 PM »
There was a vast difference between vintage steel and todays inferior steel, plus being hand-ground, much more quality control of the the nib while it was being made. Some of the old paperwork said it took 2 days to make a nib - hard to believe, but I suppose it is true. The only decent (good) currently made nib is the Leonardt Principal EF nib...for pointed pen lettering. When hard pressed to find vintage nibs try this one (I sell them 5/$11.95 plus postage so they are very reasonable). BUT, I have a vast inventory of vintage nibs that I sell on Ebay and around the world so if there is something that you want, need or want to try let me know...no order too large or too small.
[email protected]
Harvey Anton

4
Tools & Supplies / Colonial Williamsburg ink powder
« on: August 24, 2015, 03:41:21 PM »
This is not a new ink, but haven't seen it mentioned on FF. It is a fine POWDER, made from the soot of burnt lamp oil. When mixed with warm to hot water it gives a very nice writing medium to try. And it's definitely worth the try...you might want to add a few drops of Gum Arabic to the mixture. It can be purchased from Colonial Williamsburg Historic America, P.O. box, 218, White Oak, GA 31568. They also stock stationery, quills, sealing wax, ink stands and playing cards along with other items. Personally I like the writing ability of mix-your-own ink, Chinese stick ink, but I like the Kaimei the best overall.

5
Tools & Supplies / Re: KAIMEI CARBON BASED BLACK (JAPANESE) INK
« on: August 24, 2015, 03:30:58 PM »
The name "India Ink" does not apply to the Kaimei. It is a carbon based ink without shellac

6
Tools & Supplies / Re: KAIMEI CARBON BASED BLACK (JAPANESE) INK
« on: August 13, 2015, 08:23:50 AM »
reply to Matthew_R: All I can tell you is that you're going to like it! To my personal "taste" I think it's the best on the market without exception to all other brands. And did you know it take brush very well also? Makes no difference to which paper you use, it still does a remarkable job.
Harvey(penstaff)

7
General How To's & Projects / Re: Preparing Your Nib Properly by Schin!
« on: August 12, 2015, 11:55:35 PM »
I was always taught (back in the dark ages) never to put a flame to a nib, but while the nib is new place it in your mouth and let the saliva do it's thing. With all the many nibs I have used over the years this has been the tried and true method. A flame can ruin a nib in short order, but NEVER use a butane lighter flame - it's hotter than a match - if you are not interested in keeping the nib go ahead and try the flame method. All you are trying to do is remove the factory oil on the nib. Be safe, not sorry! Use saliva, you won't taste the oil.

Harvey (penstaff)

8
Tools & Supplies / Re: KAIMEI CARBON BASED BLACK (JAPANESE) INK
« on: August 12, 2015, 11:26:12 PM »
Thanks for the photo, Matthew_r. Yes, this is exactly the right stuff! Sorry, but hsven't figured out how to post a photo, but I'm working on it. This is the 360 ml bottle, but available in smaller sizes also. And according to the info sent with the pic it's available from Amazon.co.UK.
Thanks, Matt
Do you like it as mauch as I do?






9
Tools & Supplies / Re: KAIMEI CARBON BASED BLACK (JAPANESE) INK
« on: August 12, 2015, 12:11:06 AM »
GOOD NEWS! Found an old bottle of Kaimei Ink with the company name and address and phone:
Chew Chong Tai and Co.
905 Grant Avenue
P.O. Box 2505
San Francisco, CA 94126
call: 415-982-3479

Failed to add that it is an intense black ink that is not watered down.

10
Tools & Supplies / Re: KAIMEI CARBON BASED BLACK (JAPANESE) INK
« on: August 12, 2015, 12:02:07 AM »
to all: to my knowledge there is only one type of Kaimei ink available, but in several sizes. Sorry, i'm not familiar with JetPens.com, but it will be worth a try.

11
Tools & Supplies / Re: KAIMEI CARBON BASED BLACK (JAPANESE) INK
« on: August 11, 2015, 11:56:39 PM »
to all: Kaimei ink is far superior to the Sumi (which is o.k.), but will not eat the nib up as Sumi will. Plus on every paper I tried it on it worked beautifully. What other ink is available that sits up on the paper, dries to shine, will not eat your pens, and smells great? And if that isn't enough, being carbon based will photograph extremely well for the Gocco Printer. How's that for a recommendation? Now where to buy it - The last purchases I made (several years ago) was in a small calligraphy shop on Grant Street in San Francisco's Chinatown - name unknown, sorry. I have seen it in some catalogs, but not recently - perhaps Dick Blick or some smaller catalogs? The last I bought was a 360 ml yellow bottle , but unfortunately I'm not conversant in Japanese which is the label on the front - a rectangular shaped yellow plastic bottle - the only English printed on the label, "Kaimei Carbon Ink, made in Japan". If you find it, be sure to buy it, if you look for it - keep looking til you do find it...very well worth the effort. I'm sure it's available in the U.S.-somewhere.

12
Tools & Supplies / KAIMEI CARBON BASED BLACK (JAPANESE) INK
« on: August 10, 2015, 08:44:53 PM »
Haven't seen it listed so thought I'd 2 cents worth of Kaimei ink. If you haven't tried it yet - it's a must! Gives very fine lines and dries waterproof! It isn't sold by all stores, but if you find it you will be delighted, and the smell will want you to drink it (BUT DON'T)! Discovered it many years ago while visiting San Francisco's Chinatown and fell in love with it and used it for all my black work. It even sits on top of the paper giving a raised effect with a slight shine. Don't take my word for it - try it yourself and prove me wrong. Also gives beautiful brush strokes.

13
Tools & Supplies / Re: Oblique pen for Brause EF66 nib
« on: August 03, 2015, 08:44:30 PM »
reply to Evad: Obviously you haven't yet heard of my Handmade wooden pen staffs made especially for the Brause 66EF nib. Yes, I make them, they are lightweight, and come with a cushioned finger gripper. The non-corrosive nib flange is bradded and cemented to the shaft for longevity and durability. The smaller shaft combined with the cushioned finger gripper help reduce hand-fatigue. You can find one listed on Ebay for only $14.95 plus postage. I'll be happy to email you a penstaff flyer if you send me your email address.
Kindest regards,
Harvey ([email protected])

14
Tools & Supplies / Re: Am I using them right?
« on: July 28, 2015, 06:05:02 PM »
Hi Gary, the Speedball plastic holder is quite nice to hold, but unfortunately as you found out the longer nibs stick out too far in front. I have modified this hilder to accommodate any length of nib by removing the back end of the holder. You can find one listed on Ebay for only $7.95 plus postage or if you would rather not wait for the end of the auction let me know and I will send you one. Just send $7.95 plus $3.95 postage and one will be in the mail to you.
Thanks for listening,
Harvey Anton ([email protected])

15
Tools & Supplies / Re: EF66 - defective?
« on: July 28, 2015, 08:20:44 AM »
Reply to Cheri: Obviously you haven't yet tried my holder made especially for the Brause 66EF nib. It's not too late - I make them and sell them for $14.95 + $3.95 postage USA, metal flange, lightweight wood, and have nothing but rave reviews (8 models). Let me know if you are interested. They are not fancy, just practical and easy on the hand-fatigue.
Harvey Anton
[email protected]

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