Messages

31

Tools & Supplies / Re: Wax Seal Suppliers

« on: February 08, 2015, 12:26:50 PM »

Hi Schin, my, yes, and in a big way-colors in abundance, and bookoo of seals as well as nibs and most anything your heart desires pertaining to calligraphy...and a ton of different nibs: leonardt, Tape, poster, round hand, and many others. As well as markers, fountain pens and different type sets of fountain pens, many different inks including Chinese sticks, etc.
Let me know if I can be of further assistance - it would be wise to combine orders with others to save on postage.
The best,
Harvey

32

Tools & Supplies / Re: EF66 - defective?

« on: January 26, 2015, 11:42:41 AM »

Erica, sorry you are having so many problems with the Brause 66EF nib. They are a tempermental nib (at best) and it used to be one of my favorites, but life is too short to be frustrated with a nib, and there are soooo many others out there that will suffice or be better than what you are using (especially Vintage nibs). Being in the calligraphic world over 35+ years and having gone through many of the same problems and trials that you are going through, make me look back and reflect and remember the same problems I used to face. I have long since retired from calligraphy, but haven't lost my love for letters and lettering. As a thought you might like the La Renommee spear shaped nibs (very similar to the Brause 66EF). I would be honored to send you a couple to try without any strings attached.
Let me know if you are interested.
Harvey (penstaff)

33

Tools & Supplies / Re: EF66 - defective?

« on: January 26, 2015, 11:07:47 AM »

You guys are barking up the wrong tree! Have you never heard of Vintage nibs? The newly made nibs just don't compare and never will. Don't be frustrated, just purchase Vintage nibs (from me) and most of your problems will be solved. True enough the price of Vinyage nibs may be more than you are paying, but not when you account for the ones you have to toss and the frustration you have to endure. So far the only Good newly made nibs that I have found are the Leonardt Principal EF which give the results you want (I stock those also) without any problems. Contact me when you are ready to eliminate frustration and problems for the Vintage nibs. Don't you owe yourself that? And who needs more problems in these days of trial and troubles and problems?
Harvey (penstaff)

34

Tools & Supplies / Re: Wax Seal Suppliers

« on: January 25, 2015, 12:50:11 PM »

Hi all you wax enthusiasts. There are several posts to this question, but I haven't seen anything pertaining to the supplies from The Manuscript Pen Company. They not only have an abundance of colors, styles, etc . of wax, but stamps as well. You really ought to check 'em out! Of course I represent the company and have their catalogs.
Harvey (penstaff)

35

Tools & Supplies / Re: Offset Speedball plastic pen staff

« on: January 25, 2015, 12:35:26 PM »

Hi Heebs, the curvature of the nib holder is preset to hold most any curvature nib as the original did. My only modification was to remove the mack, make a few improvements, and thsi allows almost any length nib to fit as the picture shows.
Thanks for your interest.
Harvey (penstaff)

36

Tools & Supplies / Re: Offset Speedball plastic pen staff

« on: January 21, 2015, 08:48:47 PM »

Hi Schinn, thank you for your interest in the Speedball (modified) pen holder. My tech savvy is very poor, and can't list a picture on The Forum (to my regret), but I do have a picture listed on Ebay showing an inserted Easterbrook #14 nib sticking out at the right amount for maximum comfort and ease of writing. This modification does not change the diameter of the nib or the holder - only removes the back end allowing a nib to be inserted as far as you want...like most all offset holders.
Thanks again for your interest.
Harvey (penstaff)[img

37

Tools & Supplies / Re: Need Vintage nib equivelants for modern nibs

« on: January 21, 2015, 09:56:38 AM »

Howdy! In reply to your post - as a rule you will find that the vintage nibs are more superior to most new style nibs - the difference being the quality of the old steel which is usually longer lasting, a bit more thick, and more flexible . This is not true in all cases. As a tip: cherish the vintage nibs: they are not being made any more and most all the newer models are just copies trying to get close to the action of the vintage nib. An exception is the Leonardt Principal EF nib which is terrific.
Good luck.
Harvey (penstaff)

38

Tools & Supplies / Re: My Handmade Nib Holders!

« on: January 21, 2015, 09:45:15 AM »

They all look terrific and very tempting! Keep up the good work - the best is yet to come!
Harvey
[email protected]

39

Tools & Supplies / Offset Speedball plastic pen staff

« on: January 21, 2015, 09:10:21 AM »

We all use the offset pen staffs (most of us), but for those of you who like the Speedball plastic offset pen staff, because of it's shape, lightweight, the way it fits, etc., but can't stand the way a medium nib sticks out too far from the nib holder making it unwieldily, hard to manage on paper, I have good news for you. I have developed a modification process for this holder which will allow even the long (Easterbrook #14 nib) to stick out just the right amount. It involves taking off the back end of the nib holder, making the modification, and have an open back nib holder allowing you to use most any of your preferred nibs (regardless of length). You will learn to relove this new/old tool again. I can either modify your holder if you send it to me, modify it and return it to you,  or will modify a new one from my stock - your choice. If interested let me know and we will work out all details.
Harvey Anton
[email protected]

40

Tools & Supplies / Brause 66 EF Nib Penstaff

« on: October 27, 2014, 11:03:23 AM »

In addition to my other 7 lightweight wooden handmade penstaffs I have added a penstaff to fit the Brause 66EF nib for only $14.95. To my knowledge there isn't one like it on the market. Yes, I also make an adjustable nib holder penstaff, but the Brause 66EF is just a bit off for this holder. Contact me for further information.
Harvey ([email protected])

41

General How To's & Projects / Modified Speedball Offset Penstaff

« on: October 27, 2014, 09:02:10 AM »

This topic is for everyone who uses the black Speedball Offset Holder, but can't control the nib which sticks out way too far - I have the solution. I have modified this holder to hold any length of nib (including the Esterbrook #14 nib); the back end will stick out longer than the front end giving you complete control of any length of nib. There isn't anything wrong with the holder except won't allow the shaft of the nib to pass through the holder-the back end is closed up. By modifying this holder to allow the nib to pass through the nib holder solves your problem. Contact me for purchase of this modified penstaff at a very reasonable price or if preferred you can send me yours to be modified, I will modify it and return it to you. Naturally, you will have to pay postage both ways.
Harvey ([email protected])

42

Introductions / Re: Hello from Rome - ITALY :-)

« on: August 21, 2014, 09:08:45 PM »

Reply to Cecilia: Spend two days in Rome to see the sights before picking up the cruise ship to cruise the Mediterranean and make a new stop every day on the way back home - a total of 21 days. Had a wonderful tour guide that took us all over Rome (all the tourist sights)> The reason I said "where it all started" referred to the start of Calligraphy as we know it in year 114. Some of my most memorable sights were the Trajan Column, the Coliseum and the Trevi Fountain. Next time you visit the fountain throw a coin in the fountain for me and maybe I'll get to go back someday.

43

Tools & Supplies / Re: Phantom Liner - helpful or cumbersome?

« on: August 19, 2014, 02:36:40 PM »

The easiest method of using the PLG that I found was: secure the base, then take a mat board "L" corner and mount that in conjunction to the PLG. With this method you can simply insert the envelope, write, take out the envelope to dry, then insert another envelope. This method takes a bit of time to setup, but in the long run will save you bunches of time, and you don't have to wory about slanted lines and/or moving the PLG in case you brush up against it. I mounted the "L" corner onto an underliner to make sure the lines would be straight. Over the years I probably wrote out several thousand envelopes using this method-some envelopes have non=see=thru inserts glued into them. All in all I rate the PLG an A+ for practicality, usage, and convenience. For those of you having eye problems with it - just don't sit too long looking thru the dark plastic - take a break when necessary.

44

Kind Critique / Re: First Long One

« on: August 17, 2014, 09:58:16 AM »

Hi Schin, your copperplate is almost as good as your spencerian - a few comments, please, your entry strokes should be from the baseline up (not down to the baseline then into the letter, and your flourishes are a bit ostentatious - I'm from the old school of -plain is better -basics where any flourish should be at the end of a line or paragraph. One thing I really love is your ability to paint on Brian's penholders - magnificent. Please forgive my criticism - you are far better than I.
penstaff

45

Introductions / Re: Hello from Texas!

« on: August 09, 2014, 08:36:50 PM »

Hi Katie and welcome to the forum and another welcome from Plano, Texas. I'm sure wou will enjoy the Forum and everything that it offers including some great people who aren't afraid to share ideas with you. Enjoy,
penstaff