Questions About Oblique Holders

[Lindagreenart]

I'm a little confused about oblique holders. I currently have a speedball oblique (plastic flange) that I'd like to replace with a more adjustable holder.

I've seen that some oblique holders (with flanges) advertise that they are only compatible with certain nibs. Do I need to know which nibs I like to use before buying a holder? Is there an oblique holder that accommodates most nibs? Is there a real difference between holders other than shape, colour or length?

So confused...

[Erica McPhee]

Hi Linda,
This is a great question so I have made it a new topic.

The metal flanges on nibs are flexible so they can be adjusted to fit different sized nibs. Some pen makers create the flange with a specific nib in mind. This makes it easy for the user to insert the nib and not have to adjust anything. Many oblique holders are completely adjustable to whatever nib you like, but it does take some finagling to get the nib to fit securely.

For this reason, I like to buy my oblique holders with a specific nib in mind and just use it for that. There is a big difference between say a Brause EF66 which is tiny and a NikkoG.

The difference in the holders is really about how they fit in your hand and how they feel when you write. The majority of round holders feel similar but their weight and width can make a difference. I like the Curv-E holder which I designed with Edward Curran of Chic Obliques because it has a flat shape on top which allows me to rest my finger on a flat surface and gives me more feedback. But it is all personal.

If you search through the forum, there are lots of posts about oblique holders. And a large list of oblique makers. John Neal and Pen & Ink Arts also carry a wide range, many of which can accommodate a range of nibs with a little tweaking.

You may like some of these articles:
Criteria for Selecting an Oblique

How to Adjust an Oblique
This one has a great video by @YokePenCo

Hope that helps!

[Lindagreenart]

That's so helpful thanks Erica. I had no idea what was involved in adjusting a flange every time you wanted to use a different nib. That scares me a little. I have a habit of breaking stuff so I'm sure to mess up a little brass flange. Having a holder for each size of nib would be the way to go.

I've just noticed how badly the Nikko G nib is sitting in my plastic Speedball flange. The nib doesn't slip in far enough so the tip doesn't sit to the centreline of the holder and I have to adjust the way I'm holding the pen to make the correct incline with the nib. I'm not giving myself the best chance of success.

Where do I find the Curv-E Holder?

[Erica McPhee]

That is very true! It makes such a big difference to be able to put that nib all the way in. Even if it’s just a cheap holder with a metal flange so you can adjust it will be an improvement.

Edward’s website is: ChicOblique. He has been studying art and hasn’t had time to make pens recently but there are still two for sale. 

[JanisTX]

Hi, Linda!  Great question!  I have many, many oblique holder. Some of them are beautiful, custom-made holders that my kids have given me for Mother’s Day or my birthday. Even so, I find that I use my plastic Speedball with a metal flange 90% of the time. My nib of choice is the Brause EF66 & it fits in the Speedball just fine!

Janis

[Lindagreenart]

That's the thing isn't it Janis, we use whatever gives us the best result don't we? Its not about what looks the prettiest. I wanted to buy the Speedball with the metal flange but in Australia they are not easily accessed, so I ended up with the Speedball with the plastic flange 

I actually don't have a favourite nib because I've only been using the Nikko G. It would make sense to find one that fits the Nikko G.