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General Categories => Tools & Supplies => Topic started by: Erica McPhee on August 09, 2015, 09:08:54 PM

Title: Nib Review
Post by: Erica McPhee on August 09, 2015, 09:08:54 PM
I thought I would share this nib review from Dasherie's latest issue. This was a really good exercise because it had been years since I had used some of these nibs and I was pleasantly surprised by some old favorites.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Erica McPhee on August 09, 2015, 09:09:54 PM
This compares the same word with the various nibs.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: prasad on August 09, 2015, 11:17:54 PM
Beautiful article Erica.
Love the information and specially being able to see how the nib is SUPPOSED to perform  ;D

But I didn't see your favourite Hiro 41 on there. Are they still having problems?
-Prasad
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Brad franklin on August 10, 2015, 12:15:35 AM
Wow what a nice beautiful article Erica. I love the way you laid it out.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: SueL on August 10, 2015, 12:45:42 AM
great article, Erica
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Erica McPhee on August 10, 2015, 06:49:49 PM
But I didn't see your favourite Hiro 41 on there. Are they still having problems?
-Prasad

Thanks Prasad, Brad, Sue!

Prasad,
I left it off because it can still be hit or miss.  >:(
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Milonguera on August 10, 2015, 09:15:37 PM
Haha!!  Great descriptions, Erica!   ;D
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Starlee on August 11, 2015, 09:34:46 AM
This is truly as wonderful as it is helpful! I am not surprised coming from you Erica. My only question though is 'where's Lenny?' (Leonardt Principle EF) :)
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: ericp on August 11, 2015, 09:39:34 AM
Wow!  Good stuff!
I didn't even read the article at first, I just stared at the layout and the great background art!   :D
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Erica McPhee on August 11, 2015, 12:25:49 PM
Thanks Eric, Starlee, and Debbie!  ;D

My only question though is 'where's Lenny?' (Leonardt Principle EF) :)

LOL Starlee! Schin asked the same thing. I decided against using it for a couple of reasons, its expense being one. And the second is much less diplomatic - I don't care for it! LOL!
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Erica McPhee on August 11, 2015, 12:33:14 PM
See this  post (http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=3356.msg46333#msg46333) above for the word comparison. Sorry for the late post, I had to go to my other computer!

Edit: PDF attached - it wouldn't let me attach to the other post.  :)
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: handmadeletters on August 11, 2015, 12:39:38 PM
Thank you, Erica! This is extremely useful. And boy, do I agree about the 303. Indeed very scritchy/scratchy, and it will make you work for it! But I have to admit, I like the "splits" and "splats"! Kind of like ink fireworks. :)
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: schin on August 11, 2015, 12:53:41 PM
Thanks Eric, Starlee, and Debbie!  ;D

My only question though is 'where's Lenny?' (Leonardt Principle EF) :)

LOL Starlee! Schin asked the same thing. I decided against using it for a couple of reasons, its expense being one. And the second is much less diplomatic - I don't care for it! LOL!

Boooooo!! The referee is biased and paid off!!! >:(
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: JohnNealBooks on August 11, 2015, 01:20:48 PM
I gave my copy of the new issue to my teacher yesterday.  Now I need to order another copy!  The nib review is great, Erica, along with the rest of the issue. 
Cheers, Michael
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: angelinamkelly on August 11, 2015, 02:15:56 PM
lovely! thank you so much for sharing!
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: AnasaziWrites on August 11, 2015, 02:32:01 PM
@Erica:

Any chance you could post a higher resolution scan of the word comparison, making it easier to see the differences among words, especially the thins?
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: AnasaziWrites on August 11, 2015, 03:56:22 PM
Thank you, Erica! This is extremely useful. And boy, do I agree about the 303. Indeed very scritchy/scratchy, and it will make you work for it! But I have to admit, I like the "splits" and "splats"! Kind of like ink fireworks. :)
Just as a side note, if you like sritchy-scratchy, then the 303 is your nib, at least the modern one.
Erica is reviewing the modern Gillott 303. I think the 303's reputation as an excellent nib for copperplate was earned by the earlier, bronze 303. The vintage 303 is really a different nib and infinitely superior to the modern 303. Below you will see why. On the left is a modern 303 (actually 25 years old). It has stamped grooves (to increase flexibility), the tines are slightly misaligned (hence the scritchy-scratchy), and has fine point. On the right is a vintage 303, hand-ground, perfectly aligned tines, and much finer point In all, the vintage is a much better nib, fully deserving its good reputation. Don't give up on the 303--just get the right one.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: FlowerCityLetters on August 11, 2015, 04:16:04 PM
Thank you, Erica! This is extremely useful. And boy, do I agree about the 303. Indeed very scritchy/scratchy, and it will make you work for it! But I have to admit, I like the "splits" and "splats"! Kind of like ink fireworks. :)
Just as a side note, if you like sritchy-scratchy, then the 303 is your nib, at least the modern one.
Erica is reviewing the modern Gillott 303. I think the 303's reputation as an excellent nib for copperplate was earned by the earlier, bronze 303. The vintage 303 is really a different nib and infinitely superior to the modern 303. Below you will see why. On the left is a modern 303 (actually 25 years old). It has stamped grooves (to increase flexibility), the tines are slightly misaligned (hence the scritchy-scratchy), and has fine point. On the right is a vintage 303, hand-ground, perfectly aligned tines, and much finer point In all, the vintage is a much better nib, fully deserving its good reputation. Don't give up on the 303--just get the right one.


Great info here! Modern 303's you really have to check yourself before even bothering using one. I love love the modern ones, but you end up having to throw away a bunch because of quality control. Before I even try to use a modern 303 I check the tines and flex them against my thumb nail. If they are at all misaligned, or sometimes chunks will just be missing, I just throw them out. When you get ones are that properly aligned though, I think they are great. Sharp though, but that helps remind me to keep a light hand.

I'd love to try the vintage ones, but have not had the opportunity.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Erica McPhee on August 11, 2015, 04:20:14 PM
Aw — thanks so much Michael!  ;D

I gave my copy of the new issue to my teacher yesterday.  Now I need to order another copy!  The nib review is great, Erica, along with the rest of the issue. 
Cheers, Michael
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Erica McPhee on August 11, 2015, 04:25:46 PM
@Erica:

Any chance you could post a higher resolution scan of the word comparison, making it easier to see the differences among words, especially the thins?

I just attached a PDF at 150dpi which looks a bit pixelated on screen but if you print it out, is viewable.  ;)  I had to attach it to  this post (http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=3356.msg46398#msg46398) as it wouldn't let me attach to the first one for some reason!  :) Hope that helps!
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Erica McPhee on August 11, 2015, 04:28:09 PM
Just as a side note, if you like sritchy-scratchy, then the 303 is your nib, at least the modern one.
Erica is reviewing the modern Gillott 303. I think the 303's reputation as an excellent nib for copperplate was earned by the earlier, bronze 303. The vintage 303 is really a different nib and infinitely superior to the modern 303. Below you will see why. On the left is a modern 303 (actually 25 years old). It has stamped grooves (to increase flexibility), the tines are slightly misaligned (hence the scritchy-scratchy), and has fine point. On the right is a vintage 303, hand-ground, perfectly aligned tines, and much finer point In all, the vintage is a much better nib, fully deserving its good reputation. Don't give up on the 303--just get the right one.

Exactly!  ;D Thanks Mike!
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: AndyT on August 11, 2015, 06:46:34 PM
Whilst I agree with Mike that the old 303s were much better made, I also like the action of the new ones and their sharpness.  The best of the lot in my opinion was the second version (very soft and sharp), but my stock of those is running very low ... the modern nib is more to my taste than the firmer vintage type in spite of the frequent annoyances. 

Digressing a little further, the vintage 404s really do knock the current product into a cocked hat.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: RyanR on August 11, 2015, 06:51:37 PM
Thank you for this Erica! It's great to see all of the different nibs with the same hand and same word. Since I am just starting out and trying all the nibs for the first time, it's sometimes hard to feel all the nuances. That being said, I sure can feel the difference between something like a Nikko G to a Leonardt Principal, etc. It sure is fun trying all the nibs!

I read that you recommended the Hiro/Leonardt 41 and Nikko G, and in Eleanor Winters book she recommended the Gillott 303/404 so that's what I'm sticking mostly with to learn the letterforms. After I have the basic stroke down, I figured I would try all the nibs to see which ones work best for me.

This is a great reference that I will surely use many times in the future! 
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Erica McPhee on August 11, 2015, 07:29:23 PM
Digressing a little further, the vintage 404s really do knock the current product into a cocked hat.

ROFL!  ;D  ;D  ;D Truth!
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Erica McPhee on August 11, 2015, 07:32:55 PM
Thanks Ryan! I like the Hiro41, especially for modern and when you are first learning, because it gives this softish squared edge kind of automatically. And the Nikko G is my fail safe. I really love the lush thicks of the 404. The 303 is not my best friend but the vintage ones were definitely a lot more user friendly. I think all four of those are good beginner nibs (although the 303 might cause some serious frustration if you get a few naughties).

I think that is a great plan to try out the different nibs when you are ready to see which ones you feel work best for you. I was pleasantly surprised going back to some older nibs I hadn't used in a while.  ;)

Thank you for this Erica! It's great to see all of the different nibs with the same hand and same word. Since I am just starting out and trying all the nibs for the first time, it's sometimes hard to feel all the nuances. That being said, I sure can feel the difference between something like a Nikko G to a Leonardt Principal, etc. It sure is fun trying all the nibs!

I read that you recommended the Hiro/Leonardt 41 and Nikko G, and in Eleanor Winters book she recommended the Gillott 303/404 so that's what I'm sticking mostly with to learn the letterforms. After I have the basic stroke down, I figured I would try all the nibs to see which ones work best for me.

This is a great reference that I will surely use many times in the future!
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: handmadeletters on August 12, 2015, 09:00:31 AM
Just as a side note, if you like sritchy-scratchy, then the 303 is your nib, at least the modern one.
Erica is reviewing the modern Gillott 303. I think the 303's reputation as an excellent nib for copperplate was earned by the earlier, bronze 303. The vintage 303 is really a different nib and infinitely superior to the modern 303. Below you will see why. On the left is a modern 303 (actually 25 years old). It has stamped grooves (to increase flexibility), the tines are slightly misaligned (hence the scritchy-scratchy), and has fine point. On the right is a vintage 303, hand-ground, perfectly aligned tines, and much finer point In all, the vintage is a much better nib, fully deserving its good reputation. Don't give up on the 303--just get the right one.

Thank you for this! You reminded me that Pat Blair mentioned in a workshop that she prefers the vintage ones, bc they're much more reliable than the modern ones. Do you have an idea of how one can find vintage 303s?

As Elaina mentioned below, it's really hit or miss with these guys, and you just have to resign yourself to tossing them. But when they do behave, the hairlines they produce are just glorious! And I agree, Elaina, that the 303s are a good way of practicing a lighter hand. I know I can see that in your work, especially. :)
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: AnasaziWrites on August 12, 2015, 09:26:01 AM
Thank you for this! You reminded me that Pat Blair mentioned in a workshop that she prefers the vintage ones, bc they're much more reliable than the modern ones. Do you have an idea of how one can find vintage 303s?

They regularly appear on eBay. The latest large lot (103 pieces) went for about $4 per nib.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: MH on August 23, 2015, 04:01:48 AM
A very useful review. Thanks Erica.

I feel better now about not being able to get the 303 to work for copperplate in my first ever calligraphy class.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Ergative on November 17, 2015, 01:31:54 PM
When I first started I taught myself with a 303 on toothy paper, because that was all I had. When I moved to a Nikko G on Rhodia it was like night and day. I haven't yet gone back to the 303, but I suspect starting out with those materials taught me to have a really, really light hand.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: AnasaziWrites on December 03, 2015, 09:03:15 AM
Thought I'd post this here so that it can easily be found.

Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: PapeLineCo on December 05, 2015, 03:29:45 AM
hi all
head over to my instagram (https://www.instagram.com/papelineco/ (https://www.instagram.com/papelineco/)) for vintage nibs that i've tried, compared to hiro41 and titanium g
hope this helps!
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: AAAndrew on December 08, 2015, 01:12:59 PM
I recently purchased a box of Spencerian "Forty" Falcon nibs. I had one from the original set of nibs which I inherited, and it was quite nice. When the opportunity came to get a box of them for a reasonable price, I jumped at it.

Here's a quick review. I'm not comparing it to anything so I didn't use my regular comparison sheet, and thought I'd stick it in this thread for reviews. Hope that's ok.

Spencerian "Forty" No. 40 Falcon
100% Cotton Southworth Business Paper
Walnut ink
lines are spaced at 8mm

Hope you find this useful.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Entropy on January 23, 2016, 09:13:29 AM
I'm not sure why I didn't think about it but it occurred to me that I shoulf post something here since I'd going through my (extensive) nib collection slowly and trying out different nibs. You can find mu list in the members only section under "Nik's Nibs". I've so far tested out a pretty good number of Hunt and Esterbrook nibs as well as most of the wrll known French nibs. I would love for some feedback on how accurate you feel those ratings are (surely many people here have also tried a number of those nibs). There's also a growing nib book for view there that might be useful as a reference. Do also feel free to remind me to twst something if you're curious, I've been so busy sorting them that I haven't been keeping up with my goal of trying out at least one new nib a day...
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: AAAndrew on March 22, 2016, 09:48:25 AM
I like to highlight lesser-known nibs that are also of good quality. I've got two of them this time that are definitely worth trying if you ever get a chance.

In an IAMPETH article on nibs you can find some mention of the Esterbrook #14 Bank Pen listed as a "beaked pen" and talked about favorably.  They're very nice, semi-flexible nibs, especially the earlier ones, and quite smooth.

We'll I recently acquired two others in the same Bank Pen shape, which is generally like a large straight nib, often with a longer point. The Bank Pen shape is too large for most oblique holders, but they are quite fun in a straight holder.

These two are examples from less-known lines manufactured by Turner & Harrison, one of the major US manufacturers, based in Philadelphia. The Pacific Railroad Pen is slightly narrower than the Constitution, which is wide even for a bank pen. Both are really nice writers with good snap and a firm action. Both are quite smooth, but the Pacific Railroad is able to draw some really fine hairlines. It's not as obvious in the photo as in real life, but as good as the Constitution is at hairlines, the Pacific Railroad is even better. Both are better at hairlines than the Spencerian No. 1.

The Pacific Railroad is starting to get broken in, and once it is fully, it could probably work fairly well for smaller-sized Spencerian because it is so fine and yet so smooth with some good, stiff action. Both work quite well for everyday roundhand.

Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: AussieCalligrapherAlex on March 23, 2016, 03:11:40 AM
Hey guys,

One that a lot of people don't try is the hunt 100, its super sharp and super soft and the tines flex reasonably well. I'm pretty sure its a drawing nib and not meant for copperplate but I tried it out and it forced me to learn a soft touch and even then it still snagged on the upstrokes. Going from that to the modern 303 made it seem smooth even though it is called scratchy by most people.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: darrin1200 on March 23, 2016, 08:49:50 AM
Thank you very much for this Erica.
As a beginner, it really helps to see the different nibs together, with a description of how they work.

And thank you for pointing out Dasherie magazine to me. I must be blind, because I am sorry to say that I never realized it existed. It is nowat the top of my magazine "To buy" list.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: AAAndrew on April 06, 2016, 09:07:54 PM
I was waiting for my son to finish with some activity last evening and had my portable kit with me, so I pulled out a bunch of nibs I had on hand that might qualify for semi-to-flex depending on your definition.

It was interesting writing with each one in immediate proximity to the others. It really pointed out some subtle differences in action from one to the other. I use the term "action" in the sense that it was used last century to talk about nibs: a kind of combination of flex and spring and stiffness. You can have a nib that springs back beautifully but doesn't flex very far. You can also have a nib that spreads far and wide but is still soft, like the Palmer 8. If you just judge by the width of line it doesn't really tell you much about what it's like to write with the nib.

A couple of things are obvious right off the bat:
1. My writing is NOT calligraphy.
2. It is definitely harder to have control with some nibs than with others
3. The Palmer nibs tend toward soft action and the Turner & Harrison are definitely on the stiffer side.
4. Nib size generally does not determine either flexibility, or action.
5. Some nibs trade spring and hairlines for smoothness, like the Eagle and Esterbrooks
6. The Spencerian 1 is really nothing that special. I found the Zanerian 3 and the Wm Mitchell "G" would make a much better pen for Spencerian writing, in my very ill-informed opinion.

These were all written on 25% cotton paper, 9mm spacing between lines, and written with a straight holder. All are vintage pens, some, like the Gillott 404 and the Turner & Harrison over 100 years old.

And, in the end, each one delivers a slightly different experience. The combination of nib shape, size, line, action, flex and smoothness add up to an overall experience. I enjoy them all, but some are most definitely more fun than others.

Andrew

Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: AAAndrew on April 27, 2016, 04:08:21 PM
I just picked up some Miller Bros. #87 Falcon Pen nibs. These are surprisingly fine and have a very nice spring while being a little on the stiff side. They don't open widely, but if you're looking for a Falcon that would work for smaller, less shaded Spencerian, it seems like it would work quite nicely. It's actually a quite nice nib.

I was also playing around to see if I could get shading from a pencil purely from using a lighter and heavier touch. I got a little, but I wasn't trying to go back over and add shade. This was just a continuous writing. It just so happens to be tagging along with my example from the Miller Brothers pen.

Oh, and please excuse that horrible "P." Other than that, and my fake Spencerian, it seems to do quite well.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Mimi on June 02, 2016, 01:11:35 AM
This compares the same word with the various nibs.

Thanks, Erica! I do this with my nibs, too! Yours looks way better, though. :) Thanks for the comparison! I haven't used some of these nibs, this is very helpful!
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Mimi on June 02, 2016, 01:13:27 AM
But I didn't see your favourite Hiro 41 on there. Are they still having problems?
-Prasad

Thanks Prasad, Brad, Sue!

Prasad,
I left it off because it can still be hit or miss.  >:(

I've noticed this, too. Some of mine are silver, and some are a very light bronze color. And, the worst part is that they work differently. I thought it was just me... user error, but I guess not. :)
Title: Blanzy-Poure Sergent-Major Superieure No. 2500
Post by: Krapprot on January 10, 2017, 09:58:27 PM
Are the old Blanzy Poure Sergent Major Supérieure n° 2500 nibs good for any particular style of lettering?   The 2552 seem to be in great demand and highly sought after, but I never hear anyone talk about the 2500s.   Do any of you use these nibs, and if so, for what kind of lettering in particular? 

Thanks,


K
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: neriah on January 11, 2017, 04:02:41 AM
I just got a dozen of Sergent Major 2500 and I'm not really sure what to do with them. To me they feel like Nikko G, similar flexibility and similar hairlines. At the moment I can't fit them in any oblique holder I have but I think with minor adjustments they might fit in one made for Nikko G. Personaly I prefer more flexible nibs.
I won't give up on this nib, they are so much cheaper than any modern nib I can get and if I'll ever need medium flex nib I'm sure I'll pick up Sergent Major.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Krapprot on January 11, 2017, 07:22:15 AM
I DO think I'd have to either use a custom oblique holder or else simply use them in a standard straight holder.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: AAAndrew on January 20, 2017, 11:08:10 AM
The Sergent Major's are really for straight holders. Too long for an oblique holder, in my opinion.

I have an old friend in another state who's wife is a very talented artist. She mainly does pen and ink and comic book art. The penny finally dropped after seeing some of her work online and I asked her if she had ever drawn using old fashioned dip pens. She does have a couple of holders but she'd only ever used a couple of modern Japanese manga nibs. So, I'm sending her a few nibs to play around with and if she likes them she might draw something for me.

Well, I went a little crazy and ended up sending her 53 nibs in 31 different types. These were ones that were easy to get to (I obviously pulled out my stack of Esterbrook boxes) so it's very Esterbrook-heavy. I sent her a list of the pens with some notes on each one. The notes aren't geared towards calligraphy, but they might be of some interest to one or two of you here. See attached pdf.

As for my collection, I've slowed down a great deal in the last 6 months, partially because of the holidays, partially because I'm running out of room, and a lot because it's harder to find something I don't have, and also interested in. I'm now up to over 14,000 nibs and 490+ "types" which can include different impressions or coatings on the same nib. Not bad for a part-time collector, but nothing on the numbers of some here.

Hope someone finds this interesting.

Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Krapprot on January 20, 2017, 11:44:52 AM
What an awesome gift for Wendy.    I also no longer feel gluttonous about my paltry (by comparison) nib collection.

Thanks for the terrific info, once again.   I'll use these specifically in a straight holder.



K
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: carencruz on January 28, 2017, 07:27:13 AM
I love this graphic and mini review of the nibs. As a beginner, I've only tried the Nikko G and the Blue Pumpkin. Now I am eager to try out the others and see how they work for me.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: JanisTX on January 28, 2017, 12:47:29 PM
I'm glad that this got bounced back up to the top again!  I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed that article!  And, the layout is just beautiful!!!

Janis
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Tales from the Nib on February 13, 2017, 05:07:22 PM
What a super thread, I've enjoyed reading this very much.
I must admit I'm guilty of returning to my G nibs, but very fond of my Baignol and Farjon Incomparable. It's lovely to use.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Cyril Jayant on April 19, 2018, 10:48:54 AM
This is great thread on the topic of  best and favourite nibs. It really helps for the New bees like me who are struggling and becoming curious to get into calligraphy.
As we begin in anything, we always get into the to trap of finding the best tools believing that help you to be better than learning to do some thing repeatedly in a learning process.
" TOOLS DON'T MAKE THE ART YOU DO"  :'( AGREE)

So I had found some very different Vintage nibs and was able to buy a lot of them at some reasonable price. Lot of nibs are very good quality and old new  stocks. So I spent some time to know what level they are and I have decided to use some when my level of writing get better. I have seen this Spencerian 40 Falcon as somewhat  demanding and great looking. There are other Falcon similar to this and Easterbrook and from other Co. had produced this same style in shape. It looks very majestic.... Baignol and Farjon ( French ) too had wonderful nibs and don't know if they produced the same Falcon nibs.
I recently acquired  Baignol/F Pens . They looks quite interesting.
Dose anybody can tell the modern nibs have more advantages than some Vintage nibs or vice-versa.. I think that helps us to  focus some points to add advantages to improve our experience in calligraphy.
I believe adding best tools to get best experience  and that is why I bought  a Spencerian N0 1 nib recently  for a higher price. :P


I recently purchased a box of Spencerian "Forty" Falcon nibs. I had one from the original set of nibs which I inherited, and it was quite nice. When the opportunity came to get a box of them for a reasonable price, I jumped at it.

Here's a quick review. I'm not comparing it to anything so I didn't use my regular comparison sheet, and thought I'd stick it in this thread for reviews. Hope that's ok.

Spencerian "Forty" No. 40 Falcon
100% Cotton Southworth Business Paper
Walnut ink
lines are spaced at 8mm

Hope you find this useful.
Title: Re: Blanzy-Poure Sergent-Major Superieure No. 2500
Post by: Cyril Jayant on April 19, 2018, 03:53:32 PM
I just now won a bid on a box of unopened  "Sergent Major Superior" On  E-Bay.  It was for £13.40 Plus postages. When I was going after Baignol and Farjon French nibs, Just two nibs attracted me.
This S-Major pen and Henry Superior pen nib. I have got one H-Superior nib to try and see what it gives before I get hold of more of that nibs. :D

Are the old Blanzy Poure Sergent Major Supérieure n° 2500 nibs good for any particular style of lettering?   The 2552 seem to be in great demand and highly sought after, but I never hear anyone talk about the 2500s.   Do any of you use these nibs, and if so, for what kind of lettering in particular? 

Thanks,


K
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: overthemoon on April 22, 2018, 02:11:55 AM
Thank you so much for sharing.
Truly help me in deciding what nib I should get and try next!

I started off with nikko g and now I am totally in love zebra g, just like what the pic said!
I also use LPEF, which is also my favourite.

Definite going to try some brause, hunt and gillott when I have access to it.
Title: Re: Blanzy-Poure Sergent-Major Superieure No. 2500
Post by: Ergative on April 23, 2018, 03:30:04 AM
I just now won a bid on a box of unopened  "Sergent Major Superior" On  E-Bay.  It was for £13.40 Plus postages. When I was going after Baignol and Farjon French nibs, Just two nibs attracted me.
This S-Major pen and Henry Superior pen nib. I have got one H-Superior nib to try and see what it gives before I get hold of more of that nibs. :D

Are the old Blanzy Poure Sergent Major Supérieure n° 2500 nibs good for any particular style of lettering?   The 2552 seem to be in great demand and highly sought after, but I never hear anyone talk about the 2500s.   Do any of you use these nibs, and if so, for what kind of lettering in particular? 

Thanks,


K

Judging from the availability and marketing, those 2500 were enormously popular back in the day. The company brands itself as the maker of the Sergent Major on boxes for other nibs, and the 2500 boxes have different images of battles on them (like a 'Collect them all!' marketing campaign).  I played with one once, and it was certainly flexible enough to do copperplate with, but I haven't had a chance to really give it a proper work through. Maybe next time I'm on an Ebay nib-spree I'll grab a box of those.
Title: Re: Blanzy-Poure Sergent-Major Superieure No. 2500
Post by: chisato on April 26, 2018, 03:20:35 PM
I just now won a bid on a box of unopened  "Sergent Major Superior" On  E-Bay.  It was for £13.40 Plus postages. When I was going after Baignol and Farjon French nibs, Just two nibs attracted me.
This S-Major pen and Henry Superior pen nib. I have got one H-Superior nib to try and see what it gives before I get hold of more of that nibs. :D

Are the old Blanzy Poure Sergent Major Supérieure n° 2500 nibs good for any particular style of lettering?   The 2552 seem to be in great demand and highly sought after, but I never hear anyone talk about the 2500s.   Do any of you use these nibs, and if so, for what kind of lettering in particular? 

Thanks,


K

Judging from the availability and marketing, those 2500 were enormously popular back in the day. The company brands itself as the maker of the Sergent Major on boxes for other nibs, and the 2500 boxes have different images of battles on them (like a 'Collect them all!' marketing campaign).  I played with one once, and it was certainly flexible enough to do copperplate with, but I haven't had a chance to really give it a proper work through. Maybe next time I'm on an Ebay nib-spree I'll grab a box of those.

As a small bonus, supposedly the Sergeant Major nibs were Proust's favorite :)
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Jenafer on April 27, 2018, 11:14:35 AM
Thank you for these wonderful printables. I think I'm going to buy a sampler pack of nibs soon too see what speaks to me the best.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: AAAndrew on May 03, 2018, 05:59:05 PM
I have a "new" pen I would recommend, especially for copperplate.

I just received a box of Eagle E470 "Magnum Elastic" nibs. I've not purchased this Eagle number before, and I figured with that name they were worth a gamble. I paid $26 for pretty much a full gross of them. That helped too.

These remind me a lot of Esterbrook's 453 Business and College pens. IAMPETH lists the 453 as good for copperplate. The E470 is at least as flexible with good snap and a fine line. It share's the 453's problem of not fitting in standard oblique holders. This is not a small nib, but for straight holders, it's quite a good, flexible and durable nib. It's essentially the larger version of the Eagle E370 College. The E370 does fit into oblique holders and is quite flexible. This E470 is larger and will last a long time, and seems better suited to straight holders.

With walnut ink on good paper I was able to get .5mm hairlines and a flex up to 3.2mm with reasonable pressure. With good control you can write decently in 9mm lines, and very well with larger size letters.

This is my poor writing in a 9mm-line Black n' Red notebook. I did not get even close to pushing it for this example. I easily wrote quite well with my letters twice as large.

I've not noticed this Eagle pen before, but that doesn't mean it's not periodically available.

Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: JenniferJesse on March 09, 2021, 01:43:02 PM
so agree with this review.  the Gillott 303 & 404, Hunt 56, I may have to try again.  I was not a big fan due to the scratchiness on the upstrokes.  It really requires a a very light hand on the hairlines.  but all the rest... LOVE them all!  they are organized in my little storage container as faves.
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Mark T on August 26, 2023, 10:25:50 PM
Hello,

I'm very new to calligraphy. So new that the paint hasn't dried yet.
I am learning as much as I can about nibs and paper and ink and, and, and, and,.... make it stopppp!
Basically, as much as I can about everything, but I've realised that slowly, slowly catchee monkey is the best way to go, so I have chosen to learn about nibs as a priority, and pick up along the way whatever falls at my feet.
I also participate at a fountain pen forum, and have asked calligraphy questions their, to which I am pleased to say, that the questions have been answered by people calligraphy knowledgable.
The question I have (now that I am a member of a calligraphy orientated forum) is this - I have tried everything that I have read to make my nib good for writing by way of loading it with ink, but unfortunately, I don't seem to get more than three words on the paper before having to dip my nib into the ink to refill.
I have tried the 'potato' method,... the 'saliva' method (apologies if you're eating whilst reading),... the toothpaste method and the 'flash' with a lighter, but nothing. I'm guessing I am doing something wrong. I have tried the 'no spreading the tines', or 'pressing too hard on the paper' but nothing seems to work.
I have bought a couple of dip pens from a company here in the UK, and they offer a device to fit to the nib to allow extra ink to be taken onto the nib, but at the moment they don't have the device for sale (out of stock).
However, a member from the FP site was very helpful and sent me a link to a webstore in the USA when I asked a 'paper' question. When I was looking through the site I came across this https://www.johnnealbooks.com/product/ink-cage-reservoir-nib (https://www.johnnealbooks.com/product/ink-cage-reservoir-nib) please don't think I am spamming/trolling, I'm not I promise.
My question is this - the nibs and the coil on the nib obviously work, but what nib would be recommendable for a total novice, and secondly - would I be required to do anything other than write what I would consider normally, or do I press lighter/get better paper?
Please remove the url if I have overstepped the rules to the forum.
Many thanks,

Carpio
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: AnasaziWrites on August 27, 2023, 10:59:57 AM
@Carpio

Which nib depends on which script you are learning. If happens to be Spencerian, a Nikko G is often recommended for beginners--smooth, reasonably sharp, and inexpensive, and widely available.

Any of the cleaning methods you have tried should work. Are you dipping the nib deeply enough to cover the vent hole?

What kind of paper are you using and what type of ink?
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Mark T on August 27, 2023, 04:07:56 PM
Hello,

Thank you for the reply.
I'm attempting to learn Copperplate. I was advised to use a Nikko G to start off with, but it was as if I was prospecting for gold by way of the nib digging into the paper as well as the lack of ink. The paper at the time was a cheap printing paper. I then purchased a pad of Rhodia but was having the same issues. I then, rightly or wrongly, changed nibs to a Brause 361b. I found that I'm not digging into the paper so much, but not getting a lot of ink onto the nib and the ink I do get onto the nib is causing bleeding through on the copperplate practice book paper. I hope I now have that (bleeding) sorted as I have ordered some laser print paper (as recommended to use for practice) and I'll just draw the lines onto the paper.
I seem to be covering the vent hole each time I dip the nib into the ink.
The ink that I am using at the moment is 'Diamine calligraphy ink'. I have also just ordered a 'McCaffery's set of ink' from America as I am led to believe that ink is great for dip pens.
I'm sure I am doing something wrong with what/how I'm doing things, as 'Diamine' is a highly reputable company, and I trust the person who advised me to use Nikko G, but I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
As frustrating as it is, I have no doubts that this is not uncommon so I'm not at the end of my tether, and any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,

Carpio
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Erica McPhee on August 27, 2023, 08:46:23 PM
Great question! I don’t think you are doing anything wrong. Three words seems like just the right amount before you have to redip. Even three letters is a good go. As long as the ink is flowing well, not dropping off the nib, and doesn’t blob, that seems right.

It can take some trial and error to find the right combination that works for you. Recently I was practicing with McCaffrey’s which is one of my favorites. But I think this bottle is old because the ink was not cooperating. It was not flowing well off the pen. I switched to Walnut ink and it flowed perfectly.

I have found sometimes NikkoG and ZebraG nibs can be a little rough at the start. A few rounds of drills (ovals) can help smooth out the tip and it then works better. I also find sometimes just as I get it broken in and flowing well, it wears out and starts to splat.  :o
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Zivio on August 28, 2023, 06:43:48 PM

I'm very new to calligraphy. So new that the paint hasn't dried yet.
I am learning as much as I can about nibs and paper and ink and, and, and, and,.... make it stopppp! ...


@Carpio I also am new to calligraphy ... so much so, that I won't even attempt to provide any particular technical advice about nibs and ink and paper and pressure and .... yes, make it stopppp! There are many skilled and helpful people here on the forum that will provide that.

What I will offer is moral support through some encouragement. My first year of learning Spencerian I practiced only with fountain pen. To try to keep things simple, I didn't attempt to learn any shading and was just writing monoline. After the first year I purchased my first dip pen and oblique holder, and everything changed!  It was honestly as though I'd started completely over. I just could not figure out how to make that new writing utensil work, and it was very frustrating!  I encourage you to continue to do what you are doing: keep researching, studying, trying new things and asking questions of others on the Forum. 

As @Erica McPhee wrote, "It can take some trial and error to find the right combination that works for you." This was certainly true in my case. I did learn, though, that the choice of ink can, and did, make a huge difference for me!  Switching from Higgins Eternal (infernal) Ink to Tom Norton's Walnut made things just start to work for me, in a fashion. No doubt, everyone's experience will differ in this respect, but I was completely taken by surprise that just the ink used would have that profound an effect! From there, I tried some papers and got an assortment of nibs. I took a tremendous amount of experimentation, but little by little I was able to make the pen work.

The angle of approach of the nib to the paper was another eye-opener for me.

It was only after months of messing about that I discovered Kestrel Montes's excellent "Pointed Pen Tips & Tricks" online tutorial. Although, by then, I'd already figured out a few things for myself, if I'd availed myself of this tutorial earlier, I would have spared myself a lot of grief.  The course is $75, and was well worth it, in my opinion.  I hope it's OK to post this link on the forum, but if not, I welcome Erica to edit:

https://www.learncalligraphy.com/pointed_pen (https://www.learncalligraphy.com/pointed_pen)

The overall encouragement I offer is not to give up hope or to feel overly discouraged. I remember feeling really bleak when I saw so many gorgeous examples of what skilled penpeople could do with their pointed pens, and what I mostly did was scratch and splatter.  The huge number of variables, in tools, materials and technique, made it that much more disparaging ... at the time. I've since discovered that learning the art of calligraphy is a marathon, not a sprint, which is what makes it so admired and coveted.

~Karl


Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Zivio on August 28, 2023, 07:04:53 PM

I have tried the 'potato' method,... the 'saliva' method (apologies if you're eating whilst reading),... the toothpaste method and the 'flash' with a lighter, but nothing. I'm guessing I am doing something wrong.

@Carpio  One thing I was surprised to learn about cleaning new nibs is that it often took me A LOT of cleaning and wiping to get it to work.  The easiest way to tell if you've cleaned the nib properly is that the ink should evenly coat the nib without any "dry" spots where the ink has been repelled. If the nib doesn't get completely covered, I would get similar results where the ink was either not flowing, or taking more dips into the ink than necessary. There are two excellent images at the website below showing improperly and properly prepared nibs.

For what it's worth, I find passing the nib through a flame my favorite method, because (for me) it works the fastest. But even then, I find I need to make multiple quick passes, letting the nib cool, and wiping with a paper towel in between attempts. Everyone has their own favorite method.

https://www.mirabellemakery.com/blog/ink-problems (https://www.mirabellemakery.com/blog/ink-problems)
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Mark T on August 28, 2023, 10:15:36 PM
Hello,

Thank you so, so very much for those two posts 'Zivio'. I can't tell you how happy I was to read them.
It made so much sense to me. Along with the 'McCaffrey's ink I have ordered from the US, I also ordered a tub of Walnut Ink Crystals (oh, look- it's 'BROWNNNNNNNNN') I so like, nay, love using brown ink. Most of my FP's have brown loaded into them, but that is digression - so I have the ink base covered, although I don't know who the manufacturer is, but I have read a lot of good things about Walnut crystals diluted down.
I will now concentrate on not flexing, and concentrate on the style by using a fountain pen.
Again, I can't thank you enough, Karl. So much so I am going to run your two posts through my printer and laminate them and glue to the front of my 'FP' case.

Thank you, and also many thanks for the advise shared by others. So much appreciated.

Carpio
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Zivio on August 29, 2023, 01:12:07 AM
Hello,

Thank you so, so very much for those two posts 'Zivio'. I can't tell you how happy I was to read them.

Hello again, @Carpio -- you are welcome!   

Quote
I will now concentrate on not flexing, and concentrate on the style by using a fountain pen...

Just to be clear, when I wrote that I only used fountain pen for my first whole year, I wasn't necessarily suggesting this was a good thing to do!  What I meant to convey is that I, too, struggled with the pointed pen when I first began attempting to use it.

I think it would have been helpful for me to have begun experimenting with pointed pen much earlier on.  And if you are wanting to learn Copperplate, especially, getting started with pointed pen right away would be a good thing since shading is essential with that script! 
Title: Re: Nib Review
Post by: Mark T on August 29, 2023, 03:39:47 AM
Hello,

Not to worry about making yourself clear, Zivio, it is I who made it clear as mud. :)
I understood entirely what you meant from what you wrote, but my reply wasn't, as I now realize, how I should have responded.
I'll practise by way of FP, and at the same time, once I feel I have the correct form of a letter/word, that is when I shall load up my dip pen.
I have fountain pens with a variance of flex, so I will not be short of practise tools. I just need to be careful how I approach/teach myself. Something I had considered, but hadn't considered with enough enthusiasm? (for want of a better word) until reading your post, and then my lightbulb moment shone with a 100 watt glow instead of a candle.
There I go again - writing what I know I meant and understand, but not nessiecelery what others would understand. My bad!  ;D
In short - your posts were exactly what I wanted to read and worked a world of good. Thank you once again.

Carpio