One word, then out of ink!

[Hillary A.]

Hi All,
I'm sure that there have been problems reported like this before, but I'm having a problem and I'm not sure the cause.

I'm using a Hunt 101, with Higgins Eternal, and the nib hasn't been holding ink very well and has been catching (it's a couple weeks old). So I busted out the new Hunt 101, cleaned it so I was getting no blobs or oily looking ink, dipping (and it looks like it's sticking!), and yet I'm not really even making it through a whole word!

Does anyone by chance have any insight in what I might be doing wrong?
Full disclosure, I'm a bit heavy handed and on some words, I can tell I'm letting out way too much on my downstroke, but even when i'm very careful, I'm not getting very far!

Thanks in advance everyone!
Hillary

[garyn]

How about a pic of your writing next to a ruler, so we can see how large you write.

The size of your writing and how much ink you lay down affects how much you can write.
- larger writing = more ink used
- your heavy handed = more ink used

Try wiping the nib with alcohol.   
I found that improves the ability for the ink to stick to the nib.

Too much ink on the nib can make the writing messy by putting down too much ink onto the paper. 

I remember seeing a video of someone writing calligraphy, and he reinked his pen a couple/few times on a single letter.

BTW your nib catching sounds like you are putting too much down pressure onto the nib on the cross and up strokes.  Try lightening up your hand, so you barely skim the paper.

And if you are using an inkjet paper, that is another problem.  The IJ paper is like a sponge, sucking up your ink.

[Hillary A.]

Thanks so much, Gary!
I tried to get a good photo below - I'm definitely working on lightening my hand, I know that is a huge part of the problem - and I think I'm improving on that front, so good news I'm using Bienfang 100% rag, as I was advised that the cotton comp was best and that was what was on my supply list (side note: my workshop has been delayed so some of my questions are a bit premature in my learning process!)

Apologies for my poor technique, and the glare, and the picture quality...my nerves make me a bit shaky.

[AndyT]

That's an interesting ruler, Hillary; it took me a while to spot the inches!

Looks like you might be working with an x-height of 5-6mm - is that about right?  That's pretty big, and copperplate uses a fair bit of ink.  The marker paper ought to be eminently suitable.  One word per dip doesn't sound unreasonable, really.

I can't remember what the 101 is like beyond the fact that we didn't get on too well: the design suggests that it ought to have a decent ink capacity but it ain't necessarily so.  My feeling is that you're probably doing just fine. 

[tintenfuchs]

Hi Hilary! I use the Hunt 101 regularly and the ink flows quite freely from it. It's definitely one of the nibs that uses a lot of ink. On some days, when I'm more heavy-handed, I can't use it because what you said happens. When you develop a lighter touch, the ink will last longer. I believe that this is what's "wrong", I wouldn't worry too much.

[Starlee]

I used Hunt 101 when I was first learning because it was all my craft store sold (that, and the 99). I remember it being notorious for not holding ink for long. I agree with Natascha about the heavy handedness. I was very heavy handed at the beginning. Very tense and shaky. I haven't tried it in a long time, curious now...

[Hillary A.]

Hi Everyone,
Thank you so much for your guidance! You've made me feel so much better, I thought I was doing something that was causing it but it sounds like once I improve my touch and with the style of the nib, it all will make more sense!

Andy - yes, it took me some time to get used to, but it's really a very useful ruler!

It was, in fact, all my store had as far as the right style nib, so I'm looking forward to ordering some different nibs and hopefully will improve from there - developing a lighter hand is definitely on my list of things to work on right away.

Thanks again, all!
Happy inking!

[Linda Y.]

Hillary - if you order some nibs from Paper & Ink Arts, add Gillott 404 and Nikko G to the batch. You'll be asked to use them in DeAnn's class

[Hillary A.]

Perfect!
Thanks for the tip, Linda!