Messages

31

Tools & Supplies / Re: Nib storage boxes

« on: October 27, 2015, 01:44:16 PM »

How is the Palmer No9 nib?  I have seen that from time to time on the net  and wanted to get some.
-Prasad

Just as a point of information, there are two versions of this nib that I know of--the hand ground ones made in England, and the later groove stamped ones made in the US.

Strange, mine have "Made in the U.S.A" on the box and no mention of England anywhere and are hand ground

32

Tools & Supplies / Re: My nib got stained :(

« on: October 26, 2015, 05:24:37 PM »

The G nibs are pretty tough thanks to that coating on them, it'll be fine Try some pen cleaner if you haven't already, it removes most inks from my experience.

33

Tools & Supplies / Re: Nib storage boxes

« on: October 26, 2015, 01:31:00 PM »

For non-traveling nib storage I love bead storage boxes, these guys in particular. They don't seem great for small beads though...tops seem kind of flimsy but they're perfect for even the longest nibs.

I use my label maker to make them easy to ID

34

Tools & Supplies / Re: What's your favourite gold ink?

« on: October 24, 2015, 04:58:40 PM »

Yasutomo Sumi-e is my preferred gold.

35

Tools & Supplies / Re: Recommend Supplies for Beginners

« on: October 23, 2015, 07:26:46 PM »

The few reviews I've read seem to suggest it is prone to breaking more often than other holders.

36

Tools & Supplies / Re: Recommend Supplies for Beginners

« on: October 23, 2015, 02:36:08 PM »

I don't personally have any experience so I couldn't say :/ Someone else might be able to shine some light on that.

37

Tools & Supplies / Re: Are vintage nib prices going a little crazy these days, or is it me?

« on: October 23, 2015, 01:57:46 PM »

Shopping smart is the key, there's no doubt this trend will continue and although most people will likely never get to try a Spencerian 1 or Gillott 604ef there are always those willing to pay top dollar.

I've got about a gross of Spencerian 1's left and never paid more than what a modern Principal goes for. I've even picked up 20 of them on etsy for about $10, just have to keep an eye out and have patience. And really there are so many alternatives out there but as Schin mentioned, people will get caught up in the big names that get thrown around. I bought a gross of some unknown nib on ebay (I can't even remember the name) for $12 that performs nearly as well as the Spencerian 1 (slightly scratchy but no where near as much as a modern Principal or 303).

38

Tools & Supplies / Re: Recommend Supplies for Beginners

« on: October 23, 2015, 01:50:52 PM »

Hi Mandy,

A super fancy holder is never required but something with a metal flange goes a long way in allowing you to customize your writing experience. For example, I cant (turn inwards) my flange to adjust the angle of my nib and of course being able to shape a flange to fit a different nib really helps.

There are somewhat universal holders (flanges I should say) such as the Paper and Ink Arts Hourglass Adjustable (Bullock Flange) or the Blackwell Holder from John Neal but they are higher priced. These holders come with advanced flanges that allow you to insert many different sizes of nibs with a simple screw adjustment.

The Ziller oblique will work well for what you need, the only major difference between that and the Peerless is that the body isn't smooth--it has flat grooves on it, take a closer look here

At the moment it looks like John Neal has more selection in stock
https://www.johnnealbooks.com/prod_detail_list/133

39

Calligraphy Book Reviews / Re: Introduction into Engrosser's Script with Bill Lilly "DVD"

« on: August 21, 2015, 03:42:26 PM »

I picked up my copy directly from him for $20 I believe, it's an older series of videos but great none the less.

40

Tools & Supplies / Re: Latest nib experiences

« on: August 12, 2015, 12:59:47 PM »

From the nibs you mentioned you like you should keep an eye out for the Spencerian 1 and 2. I normally don't like the G nibs (mostly because I've been spoiled by vintage nibs) but the new Titanium Zebra G is really great.

You have a nice variety of nibs, many people like the Mitchell 138 as well but it's a bit temperamental.

41

Tools & Supplies / Re: Crane's Lettra

« on: August 10, 2015, 06:50:48 PM »

Acryla will work on almost any troublesome paper as long as you don't add too much water, it's lovely to work with once you find the right consistency for you.

42

Broad Edge Pen Calligraphy / Re: Modify parallel pen

« on: May 11, 2015, 04:13:28 PM »

Definitely don't use an electrical rotary tool o_0 I ruined a perfectly good attempting it...as others have mentioned just take your time.

43

Tools & Supplies / Re: Yoke Pen Giveaway

« on: May 11, 2015, 04:09:54 PM »

Congrats Mike!

44

Tools & Supplies / Re: Favorite Practice Paper

« on: March 31, 2015, 04:16:36 PM »

Almost anything will take longer to dry on marker paper, a side effect of the bleed proof properties. Although not days o_0

45

Tools & Supplies / Re: Vintage Supplies TRUE Value

« on: March 26, 2015, 02:13:21 PM »

At $4 a nib, you must be making a considerable profit, unless you are paying over $400 for a gross box.  How about reducing the price to something closer to your investment?  That would be really fair.

He did mention purchasing about 100 604EFs at $3.50 each.