Recommend Supplies for Beginners

[Dora Szabo]

Many thanks for you two! I will dig into these lists after work... 

[charys]

Hello,

I've been trying to find Zebra G nibs locally and I was asked if 'Zebra' is the brand name.  I think it is, but not sure.  Can someone tell me if I'm correct?  Thank you

[AndyT]

You're quite correct, Charys.    It seems that the parent company is Deleter, if that's any help.

[charys]

Thank you very much! 

It seems calligraphy is not popular here in the central valley of CA. I kind of like that. One person said they only have a small section and another person from another store told me they really don't get many requests and they don't have the Zebra but they have a lot of other options.  If they weren't on the other side of town I would have gone in to see what they have to research those options a bit. 

Thanks again!

[charys]

Hello all,

Is there a quality difference between Peerless and Speedball holders?  And if so, does it affect the writing?  I've read a couple of posts on other sites that suggest there is a difference, but not sure.  Thanks

[AndyT]

So far as I can tell the basic black Speedball is widely regarded as the lowest of the low ... irritatingly, I can write just as badly with a beautifully made custom holder.  My point being that quality is of marginal importance, if any.

There's a good reason for upgrading to a design with a brass flange, however, because you can adapt it to fit any nib within reason, and tweak the angle a little too.  Between the Speedball Deluxe and the Peerless I doubt that there's any significant difference in function, but if you take a glance at the reviews here you might decide that the former is the better bet.  Don't dismiss the lowly $1.99 Speedball out of hand though: it's surprisingly comfortable and works well with a suitable nib.

[charys]

Thank you, Andy. I was beginning to wonder if perhaps the quality of paper and type of ink might actually be worth more consideration than the holders.  I appreciate your input. 

[AndyT]

Oh, without a doubt.  Paper in particular makes a big difference.

[charys]

Ahh... thanks for that confirmation. 

[garyn]

Andy
The Peerless oblique holder has a brass flange.

[AndyT]

Andy
The Peerless oblique holder has a brass flange.

I know.   

So does the deluxe Speedball ... the only customer review of the Peerless at JNB implies that it might not be so resistant to solvents, otherwise there doesn't seem to be anything much between them.

[darrin1200]

I have a question about John Neal, Bookseller. Great store by the way.

I am about to place my first order, and I noticed a box for a promo code. Where can you find these code's? If I can save a few dollars, I figured I would ask before hitting the checkout button.

Thanks

[dimins]

I really want to get a good oblique holder but I have to ask a few questions:

1) I currently own a Brause black plastic oblique holder with a non-adjustable plastic flange. Am I good to go with this, or should I invest in an oblique holder with a metal flange? Today I noticed that my Nikko G nib kept wiggling out of the flange as I was lettering, and I had to occasionally push it back in, getting lots of ink on my fingers as I did so. I'm not sure if I didn't push it in deep enough when I mounted it the first time.

2) The Peerless oblique holder recommended at the beginning of this thread is out of stock on Paper Ink & Arts. Are there any other recommendations for oblique holders? I have the Ziller one in my cart (http://www.paperinkarts.com/zill40.html) but it's a brand that I've never heard of being discussed around before.

3) What should I look out for when buying oblique holder with metal flanges? Is it important to find a universal flange (if there's such a thing)? Most of the ones I've seen are fitted for Nikko G, which is still good enough for me since I own one and usually use that to practise, but I don't want to be in a situation when I have to hunt for other holders in the future if I acquire nibs that don't fit.

Thank you! I'm super tempted to splurge on calligraphy but I want to control my finances as well so I don't want to spend recklessly.

[Heebs]

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

[dimins]

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

Hello! Thanks for your reply I have checked out the various holders you mentioned in your posts. Unfortunately Paper Ink & Arts is also out of stock for the Hourglass Adjustable. The biggest concern I have about ordering from Paper Ink & Arts and John Neal is the shipping charges, but I guess I don't really have much of a choice, since the local arts supplies stores don't stock the oblique holders I'd like.

Will the flat grooves of the Ziller hinder the lettering experience, do you think?