Ok, so I decided to try this out in several different ways. Since I'm not a calligrapher, but instead use pointed dip pens for writing (mainly) letters, I am probably faster than those trying to make it look nice. I wanted to see what difference it actually makes when I write faster, and with different pens.
- The first line is my normal writing speed when writing a letter. 32 seconds
- The second was trying to be more careful. Doesn't seem like a huge improvement considering it's nearly double the time. (more limitations in my skill than anything)
- Third fourth and fifth lines were trying to push myself to write faster. The quality does go down a bit, but not a huge amount. The type of "A" does make a difference.
- Lines six and seven (15 and 13 seconds) were written with a stub nib (#314 Relief) instead of a pointed nib. Since you're not taking any time to flex, it does go faster. They're also smoother, especially on this more textured and absorbent paper.
- Line 8 and 9 (in blue) are written with an extra-fine fountain pen. Line 8 is how I used to write all the time until just over a year ago when I started to re-learn cursive. And Line 9, the last line, is my poor cursive when writing as quickly as I can.
This all can vary a great degree as well if I am warmed up, and if my hand is tired. By the 5th page or so of a letter my writing really starts to deteriorate. I usually try to pace myself and write in shifts. If I'm writing a long letter and don't really care that much about how it looks, I'll use a stub nib, like an Esterbrook #442 Jackson Stub or #14 Relief, but only on certain paper. They really do make it easier, but it doesn't look quite as nice as a pointed nib.
This was a fun experiment. Now, if I actually wanted it to look good, ... maybe 2 years?