Grading Flexible Nibs
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Flexible Nib Specification
Grading nibs is harder than grading pens as nib specification is a very subjective topic. I have seen multiple pen enthusiasts having a hard agreeing on what a fine nib is or should be. Add three more dimensions to that criteria: Flexibility of the nib, line variation the nib can produce, and "snap-back" and you have a really subjective matter.
Like the pen grading criteria in the previous page, the nib specification provided as follows is not, in any way, oficial nib specification, but a mere reference point as you consider the purchase of a fountain pen from this website.
Nib specification is listed in four different types of categories in this wesbite: (1) Nib width; (2) Nib flexibility, if any; (3) Line variation of the nib, if any; (4) Nib "Snap-back"
Like the pen grading criteria in the previous page, the nib specification provided as follows is not, in any way, oficial nib specification, but a mere reference point as you consider the purchase of a fountain pen from this website.
Nib specification is listed in four different types of categories in this wesbite: (1) Nib width; (2) Nib flexibility, if any; (3) Line variation of the nib, if any; (4) Nib "Snap-back"
(1) Nib Width:
- EXTRA FINE (XF): Not every extra fine nib produces a hairline. If a specific nib does, it will be marked as capable of making a hairline. Please notice there are XXF and XXXF nibs as well, and that their line's widths are thinner than an XF nib.
- FINE (F)
- MEDIUM (M)
- BROAD (B)
- DOUBLE BROAD (BB)
- TRIPLE BROAD (BBB)
(2) Nib Flexibility:
The flexibility of a nib is the level of springiness of the nib tines while applying pressure to the nib. The are multiple levels of nib springiness or nib flexibility:
- FIRM: Rigid nib with no springiness or flexibility at all. Also known as a “nail”
- SLIGHT FLEX: The nib tines flex modestly with substantial pressure applied.
- MEDIUM FLEX: The nib tines flex significantly with substantial pressure applied. Also known as “semi-flex”
- SUPER FLEX: The nib tines flex tremendously with moderate to substantial pressure applied.
- WET NOODLE: The nib tines flex tremendously even with very little to moderate pressure applied. This nib resembles a paint brush.
Firm Nib
| "Wet Noodle" nib
... with little pressure applied
|
Note: Please do not attempt to flex the tines of your nib ot its maximum capabilities unless you know what you are doing. You can misalign, bend or break your nib beyond repair. It is not worth to damage a nib just to see its maximum capabilities. Over time and with much practice, your skills to determine the degree of flexibility in a nib will become more natural.
(3) Line Variation of the Nib:
Line variation must not be confused with flexibility of the nib. While flexibility of the nib is how much flexibility the nib has while applying pressure, line variation of the nib is the line range a flexible nib will produce under different degrees of pressure applied and regardless of the nib’s degree of flexibility.
For example: One medium flex nib is only able to generate a fine to broad line, while a different medium flex nib is able to generate an extra fine to double broad line. Another example would be a super flex nib able to generate an extra fine to broad line while a different superflex nib can generate a fine to triple broad line.
Line Variation: Extra Fine to Triple Broad
Line Variation: Fine to Double Broad
(4) Nib "Snap-Back":
Nib "snap'back" is how quick the nib is able to regain its original shape after releasing pressure. Also known as nib responsiveness.
Additional Nib Grading Criteria
"Normal Nib When Not Flexed" ... There are flexible nibs which only allowed you to write at a slow writing speed. If you attempt to write at a normal speed, the tines go everywehere, splash ink everywhere and become very scratchy. However, there are exceptional flexible nibs that are: (1) Capable of flexible writing when the nib is flexed, and also (2) capable to write like a normal nib and as fast as you can when no flex is applied to the nib. These "normal nib when not flexed" are some of the nicest flexible nibs to write with as they are very forgiving to both, the experienced and unexperienced flexy writer. It is like having two pens/nibs in one.
"Professional" nib .... When you see this term in a pen listing, it indicates the nib requires tremendous skill to write and control the nib. They are ultra thin and ultra soft nibs, capable of making the thinnest hairlines combined with thick lines, a real joy to professional calligraphers and artists. A very light and steady hand combined with extremely slow writing speed are needed to properly control these nibs. Professional nibs are not your usual flexy nibs for regular daily use or for the amateur. They are for professionals as the name implies. Please do not attempt to venture into flexy writing with one of these nibs. To someone who is not highly skilled with one of these nibs, the nib will seem faulty or scratchy. It is not. They are just extremely hard to control and very fragile. One or a few bad strokes and the nib is damaged beyond repair. Please do not underestimate how hard these nibs are to control. I have a hard time writing with them myself, if that tells you something.
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Copyright © 2009 - 2012 Mauricio Aguilar. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright notice: All photographs, written descriptions, and flex nib specification information appearing in this website are the property of Mauricio Aguilar. They are protected by U.S. copyright laws, and are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission of Mauricio Aguilar. Buying an item does not entitle the buyer to use the photographs, the written description and the flex nib specification information.
Copyright notice: All photographs, written descriptions, and flex nib specification information appearing in this website are the property of Mauricio Aguilar. They are protected by U.S. copyright laws, and are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission of Mauricio Aguilar. Buying an item does not entitle the buyer to use the photographs, the written description and the flex nib specification information.
