Nibs. Oh how I love nibs...
My favorite modern-
Nikko G for envelopes, flourishing, just general writing
Leonardt Principal- for small copperplate when I want seriously fine hairlines (John Decollibus's recommendation)
not modern Gillott 303's as they are too scratchy. I agree with the FORD vs. Rolls Royce analogy
Blue pumpkins, I hate having to dip my pen so frequently. I need a nib that can hold a serious amount of ink and those blue ones didn't do it for me.
Now vintage...
Ahhhhhh....
Spencerian no. 1's --my favs. Not too finely pointed so they don't snag, and enough flex to give me the big shades I love.
Gillott 604ef---this is a nib that can make some crazy mad shades. For me, because I am not afraid of breaking my nibs, I can get shades that are well over a quarter inch wide. Probably wasteful but I can't help myself.
Principality. Made serious shades and CRAZY fine hairlines. The contrast was fabulous. Only had the one nib and wouldn't waste money on them. It's just an extravagant pleasure to write with one. The Dom Pérignon of nibs.
Vintage Gillott 303's-- nice shades and great flex. LOVE but you need a light hand to use them.
Musselman Perfection (Dr. Joe's fav)-- excellent for Copperplate
Palmer no. 9-- love these- they are long like Nikko G's and have pretty good flex...
Hiro Leonardt- great for think inks, but a pain to clean the nib
I have so many other nibs...nut these are the ones I use most.