Trouble getting squared off tops with Leonardt Principal

[Emilyrose]

I am taking John DeCollibus' Madarasz class, in which he recommends using Principal nibs.  I had not used this nib prior to this class.  I generally like the nib and it does seem the best choice for this style, however I am having the worst time getting nice squared off tops. 
Granted, this is an aspect of my calligraphy that I generally need to improve, but I have been able to get nice crisp square tops with the other nibs I use consistently - mostly zebra g, but other favorites are Leonardt 30 and Brause 513.  Obviously, the Principal is more flexible than what I usually work with.  So, is this issue just a matter of mechanics and feel? Or do others have this issue?  Any tips?

[Starlee]

Hi Emily, I have been going at this for nearly three years and I have yet to achieve consistent square nibs with Lenny (Principle). It likely has to do with finesse my hand has yet to acquire. In the meantime, I touch up on second pass when I'm dotting my eyes and crossing my t's

[Erica McPhee]

I experienced the same thing as I had never used it before either. I generally like the nib - although it seems to wear out really quickly. I did see a difference between the first nib and the second nib. Like perhaps the first nib wasn't cut as well or something. It seemed easier with the second nib. As far as I have heard they are fairly consistent nibs though.

The first nib at one point I actually thought, is this even possible? LOL. But then I watched John's video again and sure enough he made it look easy as pie.

The second nib was a bit better. I played around with it a bit and rotated the angle of my pen from side to side as well as up and down in terms of angle to the page until I found the sweet spot. I also felt I had to pause just a bit longer to make the square top. 

[Emilyrose]

I experienced the same thing as I had never used it before either. I generally like the nib - although it seems to wear out really quickly. I did see a difference between the first nib and the second nib. Like perhaps the first nib wasn't cut as well or something. It seemed easier with the second nib. As far as I have heard they are fairly consistent nibs though.

The first nib at one point I actually thought, is this even possible? LOL. But then I watched John's video again and sure enough he made it look easy as pie.

The second nib was a bit better. I played around with it a bit and rotated the angle of my pen from side to side as well as up and down in terms of angle to the page until I found the sweet spot. I also felt I had to pause just a bit longer to make the square top. 

Thanks, Erica!  I'm happy to know it's not just me!  I still haven't found the sweet spot, but I'll keep trying!
This is also my first time using McCaffery's, which I was enjoying until this afternoon when it completely stopped flowing.  It got a lot colder today, so I'm wondering if it's a temperature thing. . .I mistakenly added water to it, so now I think I've made the issue worse.  Do you have experience with this ink?  I watered some sumi way down to practice today and it is working nicely for now. 

[Erica McPhee]

Yes, McCaffrey's is a wonderful ink but definitely temperamental - in more ways than one. I've had jars get moldy very quickly, get chunky, get gritty, etc. But when it's good - it is the best.

It's OK to add water to it, I do. But I add it in a dinky dip, not in the jar.

I've been working with Old World Ink which is a nice deep black but I find really corrodes the nibs fast.

I think my favorite will always be Walnut ink.