What is the best nib for starting your journey in Calligraphy?

[steffie_sf]

I have been faced with a dilemma a few days ago,  I tried the nibs I had to start off my copperplate practice,  I found out that some of the nibs I have make swells so much and others are firming and makes sudden pauses when stroking upwards.  Why is this so? It left me wondering what's the best nib and pen holder for beginners like me,  suggestions such as using a few drops of gum Arabic proved to be really helpful on bleeding inks.
I hope you can suggest some tips to make the writing smooth and what pressure should be applied to avoid too big swells on letters  

[Chandra]

Maybe you can check here for other preferences :
http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=434.0

[Moya]

Hi Steffie!

Try this thread too:  Nibs for Beginners?

I think there might also have been a couple of others, too.  Have a quick search around the forum

Good luck!  It can be a challenge to start off, but it's worth it in the end.

[Linda Y.]

Hmm, there is no perfect answer because it's different for everyone.

I would suggest looking at Erica's favorite nibs for pointed pen post.

If you find some nibs too "soft," it's most likely because you haven't yet developed a light touch. Try a stiffer nib like Nikko G.

[Chandra]

Hmm, there is no perfect answer because it's different for everyone.

I would suggest looking at Erica's favorite nibs for pointed pen post.

If you find some nibs too "soft," it's most likely because you haven't yet developed a light touch. Try a stiffer nib like Nikko G.

Just like Linda said, there's no perfect answer.
I myself struggle with Nikko G as i think it's to stiff and need an amount of pressure to make the shade which i'm uncomfortable.
Maybe you can try a few recommendations that seems to fit most of calligraphers here, like :

Brause Extra Fine 66
Princi Leonardt Extra Fine Principal

I'm also just starting and waiting on the arrivals of my nibs and testing them one by one.
Goodluck !

[steffie_sf]

I think I also have to practice on being light handed as well.  Been reading and practicing at the same time,  self learning is hard,  but with tips and forums such as this,  it just makes it easier. 
Will take note of those nibs Chandra

[AndyT]

I could not possibly offer an opinion on nibs, and would refer you to Erica's tutorials and the threads mentioned above.

As for holders, I recommend buying as cheap as you can until you have a firm idea of what you like.  Assuming you're a right hander you'll probably want to try an oblique holder, and despite what you might hear the plastic Speedball is perfectly adequate for writing with.  Some nibs won't fit, and others are a poor match - but there's no point in spending more until you know that you actually want to commit to an oblique and will appreciate an upgrade.

[steffie_sf]

Thank you all for the tips and advices, been practicing with Tachikawa Nib lately if im too lazy to focus on pressure and swells but when I start using Gillot 303 my writing is way better but i have to really concentrate in the strokes and swells. The Gillot nib makes very fine hairlines and it makes big swells if not controlled properly😉  Hardwork comes with such great rewards. Thanks again everyone! Looking forward to sending you mails soon!