Just stumbling on to this very useful thread. Thanks for all the useful information!
I noticed that despite all my efforts at fastidiously cleaning my nibs that some are starting to rust a bit. Does that mean I should toss them? Or is their some way to extend their lives a little bit longer? I feel like I haven't been using them that much.
Also, I read somewhere that putting a new nib in flame helps "break it in". Is that true? And do you all do this practice?
Thanks in advance for your answers/suggestions!
Janice
Regards rust:
Keep you nibs dry (after use, of course) should slow rust formation. Storing then in containers with a little uncooked rice works, if you are in a very humid climate. Iron gall ink will corrode any nib after a while, so you could use less corrosive inks/ gouache/ acrylics for practice. If you have rusted nibs, you could remove the rust chemically, and if the rust is not near the point, you could ignore it. If the rust is on the tines, especially where they meet, just toss the nib. As a practical matter, I've found it's just easier to toss any nib that needs any work other than keeping it clean.
Regarding the flame--that's just used prior to using the nib for the first time to remove the protective coating. No more than a second or so in the flame, though, or you could ruin the temper of the nib.