Artist Review: Noodlers Ahab Fountain Pen (Flexible Nib?)

The Noodlers Ahab is an affordable fountain pen marketed with a flex nib. Is it really that flexible?
Text review:
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Pelikan m200 pen review:
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Namiki Falcon pen review:
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[@glyndablack6601]

Teoh, I believe you've missed the point of the Ahab's clip. In the book, Moby Dick, Captain Ahab pursues a whale that mauled him in a previous encounter. That's why the clip is in that shape. The clip resembles a whale. Besides being a wonderful pen it's a tribute to a great book. I think the clip is one of the more appealing parts of the pen. In addition, I don't think that for the money you can find another that holds up to hard use any more than the Ahab. I've had mine many years, and I appreciate the ease of dismantling the pen, the style, and even the limited flex of the nib. True, it's not 100% flexible, but it's not sold for that. I love my Ahab for all the reasons Noodler's has it for sale.

[@teohyc]

+Glynda Black No wonder the shape is quite unique. Thanks for the info 😁

[@glyndablack6601]

Glad to help. I should have mentioned that I love your videos.

[@Pottymoon]

I’ve just ordered an Ahab thinking it was good for flexing. Please can you recommend one that really flexes well and flows beautifully without railroading or leaking? Anyone’s suggestions welcomed! x

[@gracentien]

@Shmijdathe smell must also be nautical... 😁

[@Miami7]

I don't really "see" the whale shape, but that is very interesting. I didn't know that! Thank you for telling us!

[@MJFallout]

I think a lot of people buy the Ahab with the wrong expectations: - If you are looking for a very flexible pen that comes to your door pre-tuned, all ready, with amazing wetness and smooth (enough) feedback, then you really have to look elsewhere; more so, shell out serious money, require (almost certainly) a gold nib (like on the Namiki Falcon, or pre-tuned vintage pens e.g. Watermans), and will still be running the risk of receiving not exactly what you were thinking of (like for example vintage pens having common issues such as burping ink, drippy feeds, corrosion etc.) -In addition, beautiful flex writing doesn't just come from the pen: With the wrong ink, or bad paper, or *bad form* you might still feel disappointed. Also, many a vintage gold nibs have been ruined by over-enthusiastic new owners, beware. - Likewise, if you are looking for a great writer that comes out of the box perfect, just get a less specialized pen, like from Lamy, or Pilot or wherever, because the Ahabs tend to all need a bit of adjustment at first. (Like, I was - all around- lucky with mine in the past, but they all wrote extremely wet. I could make adjustments (to the feeds) for that, or simply use very dry inks only) *Yet,* that's not what the Ahab is meant to be; foremost it it meant to be inexpensive and fully user-adjustable (like you can take it apart fully, no tools needed). Then, having to tinker with the pen to get it just right for your personal needs is not a bug, it's a feature. This is proven by Nathan Tardif actually teaching you himself on YT how to make these adjustments (and what they might be good for) Want it drier, there's a fix for that, wetter, fix for that, ultimately wet, fix for that, tinker with different specialized nib options, shows you also. - The flex on the Ahab is hard flex, meaning you really have to bear down on it. For beginners, and for e.g. sketching, like it's shown here, that's fine; and once you are more experienced you can file the nib down to make it flex much more easily. I for one would buy Ahabs again (but mine are holding up well, so), but I can also totally see that the whole experience could be off-putting to some. I also think the value-for-money is quite good for the reasons I've laid out.

[@maleehamahmood1286]

Thanks for this! Helpful review. Just bought mine and after rinsing it out, found it writes beautifully if a lot wetter than my other pens. I'm still a newbie to the world of fountain pens but I can tell I'll get to appreciate this pen as something I can play with to learn more about adjustments and what I can get out of it. I was definitely put off by the smell but it got better after rinsing. Not regretting it and would buy it again once I'm more used to it!

[@stevehuffman7453]

Yeah ... Gods forbid Noodlers tunes the nib and feed before shipping it out. And what's with calling it a "flex" nib? I have two (nibs only) 1writes O.K. as an Extra Fine. The second one doesn't work at all -- on the same pen and feed. With around 3 to 5 pounds pressure, the one that writes MIGHT flex as much as 0.001 inch. About the same as my non-flex nibs with the same pressure. I learned my lesson. Of the set of five Noodlers nibs I bought, one works. It don't flex as much as a broom stick, but is OK as a somewhat scratchy extra fine nib. I might try some of Noodlers inks, but will never buy one of their pens or anything else.

[@MJFallout]

@@stevehuffman7453 Sorry to hear it didn't work out for you. I'd think it unreasonable to expect a $30 pen be tuned before shipping and don't think any mainstay manufacturer does that. Yet, of course, percentages matter: when a Pilot or Lamy is put together in an ultra-modern, machine labor-forward environment, 98+% will just work right, out of the box, regardless of little individual care. An Ahab is surely not made in the same manner and cannot compete in this league. Personally, I'm still using the same old Noodler's flex nib (with the flanges filed down (as is commonly done once you're far enough down this particular rabbit hole.) I've transferred it to another pen body (Indian made also), but wouldn't mind switching it back to an Ahab because of its great shape and section and because there are so many intriguing patterns and colours to choose from. Noodler's ink is expensive for me to import, but I have a few bottles. There are of course a lot of audacious colours or special purpose inks that won't appeal to everyone. The bottles oftentimes also serve as a medium to deliver Nathan Tardif's convictions in political philosophy. It's sometimes subtle, integrated in the art on the bottle and some will find that interesting, too.

[@chrisblanc663]

I’m enjoying my new ahab pen. I was actually hoping I would need to adjust it, but it came to me just right. No complaints. I’m sure it will give me a chance to tinker with it in no time. I got the pen with the expectation of it being a tinkering pen, so I can get educated on how pens work. Nothing like getting your hands dirty to really learn the details you didn’t know existed. If you don’t want to tinker with your pen, (and I get that, I have pens in my offices I just need to be reliable) then noodler pens really aren’t right for you. Nathan is a tinkerer, a craftsman, a fisherman, and his products reflect that. He’s the type who enjoys mastering the perfect cast, and figuring out the perfect writing tool for the individual, and supports those who want to find their perfect writing tool by tinkering with a hardy and sustainable instrument. Also I think the stink reflects his love of rotting fish…

[@obaldorodsucamen9502]

Entonces un piloto si tiene punta flexible

[@gluis2k]

Awesome review 👍 thank you! Just what I needed to see before I decided to buy it.

[@amitsarraf5615]

Very good review. I was looking for that but now I will decide with later.

[@Detman101]

How fortuitous! The cracks inside the grip help you see where it's supposed to go...awesome!

[@Foervraengd]

It seems like I'm the only one who like the smell coming from the Ahab. It's kinda sweet smell and I know I'm going to learn to associate the smell with many joyful moments drawing and writing with my lovely ahabs. From what I've read tho, the smell seems to dissappear after a while, so I guess it's a case of "new car smell" scenario.

[@ShaddySoldier]

Yeah all my noodler's pens have smelled nice and sweet, I've never experienced sny smelling nasty.

[@SharonNolfi]

Useful review. I really appreciate your mentioning the smell, as I don't like to use supplies that have an odor. Thanks.

[@teohyc]

+Sharon Nolfi It's very smelly 😂

[@HJKelley47]

Recommendation: In a small zip lock bag pour some Baking Powder (enough to cover your Ahab). Leave the pen in the bag for about 2-3 days, after which approximately 80-85% of the smell will be gone. The material used to make the Ahab is a vegetal resin. After about 3 days, take the pen out of the bag and dust it off, and you will have minimal odor left. I have (4) Ahabs, and it has worked for me. I have kept the bag with the baking powder in it in case I decide to purchase another pen made from this type of resin (i.e. FPs from India or another Ahab). You can also exchange the nib for a Zebra G nib if you are looking for some serious flex. A #6 flex nib will work in the Ahab. Also, the more you use the Ahab nib, you will discover it becomes easier to flex.

[@666Horus]

@@HJKelley47 Thank you very much for the tip!

[@HJKelley47]

@@666Horus : Update: My last Ahab I kept in the bag of baking soda for 7-10 days. With so many pens in my collection, I had no problem waiting for a few extra days.

[@666Horus]

@@HJKelley47 Did you uncap it for the "de-smellizing" process? Because I'm considering to dismantle and put it in coffee powder or charcoal (in grain), covering the nib with parafilm, of course. Thank you!

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

I know it's six years later, but I just got one of these pens. Starting to like it! Did have to flush out good to improve ink flow. Flushed with home made pen wash, then clean water. Writes OK.

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Teoh, I have 2 Noodlers Flex , and they were my first pens. I have to say I like them but they don't flex as well as I thought they would .. They are a bit larger than I would have liked, but for starters not bad at all for the price.. Good videos, very useful and informative. Especially like your travel sketches, thanks for sharing.

[@teohyc]

Thanks. One viewer said the nib can be pulled out a bit more to make it a bit more flexible.

[@Pear65]

If possible, Would love to see a review of the Twsbi mini vac or similar :) many thanks for the great content!

[@teohyc]

+katherine324211 I've the Twsbi Vac 700. Did not like it because it's too big. Perhaps the Mini might be better.

[@bevroberts8440]

Thanks for this review...at least it is affordable. I had no idea how expensive fountain pens are! You should be going to England soon? I am so excited about the videos you will make and hopefully share with your fans here!

[@teohyc]

I'll be in Manchester from 26 - 30 July for the Urban Sketchers Symposium. Then I'll move around England and then to London.

[@666Horus]

Excelent review, thank you. I purchased it here in Brasil, but it didn't arrive yet.

[@haicautrang5304]

Thank you for this video, I've been curious about this pen for a while. The Noodler's Konrad Brush Pen looks interesting too. The bristles on it seem very long.

[@teohyc]

+Rebecca Nelson I've not heard of the brush pen before. I'll check them out in the future.

[@drymariner]

At first I hated this pen -- it took me a while to figure out how to align the nib and feed, at the correct depths, so it would work for me -- now I love it. The smell is more sweet than chemical. Almost endearing.

[@napotronix]

I've got 5 of them for drawing. My findings are that 4 out of 5 didn't need any tinkering at all. One did need some tinkering for proper inkflow (put the feeder and tip less far in solved it). Another thing that's always brought up is the smell, which can be pretty bad if you're sensitive to it. The translucent Ahabs have the strongest, most pungent smell. The opaque ones have the same smell but a lot mellower and in the background. In general I think they're very good, especially considering the low price.

[@bonbonq9521]

Nice. Thank you for the info. I like your sketching style. More book review please.

[@teohyc]

+Robbinson Jr I try to add one book review each week

[@bonbonq9521]

+Teoh Yi Chie Wow! that sound nice! Anyway, how much is the total cost of the Noodler's Ink you bought from US? I cant seem to find it here in Indonesia.

[@teohyc]

It usually sells for US $13 for the 90ml bottle. But they do not ship directly from Amazon as they are sold by third party sellers and shipping from them can be expensive. You might want to check out Platinum Carbon Ink instead from eBay. Sometimes sellers offer free shipping.

[@kelyrin-douceuretdessin9476]

Hi ! Thank you so much for your awesome videos I love them. I fell in love with this the Noodlers Ahab Flex in an art store and bought it straight away because I was looking for a fountain pen to draw with. However, pairing it with the De Atramentis document black ink, I’m sad to notice that the drying time is suuuuper slow and that it shows through the other side of the paper (hahnemuhle watercolor sketchbook, 200gsm, slightly textured) and it takes super long to dry (like one minute or more). I’m quite disappointed, as the pen was more than 40 euros in the store I bought it in. Do you have any tips ?? Or maybe should I just accept that drawing with a fountain pen (esp with a little bit of flex) will automatically mean that I’ll have to wait to close the sketchbook and do the watercolor later, contrary to the microns I used to use… Thank you so much

[@rboyarts5122]

Hi Teoh. Thanks for the review! I have one of these and like it very much but agree that you do have to add a lot of pressure to get the broader strokes. Can you recommend a pen that is more flexible? Appreciate your videos and help. Always look forward to watching them. :)

[@teohyc]

The Namiki Falcon is slightly more flexible. www.parkablogs.com/picture/review-pilot-namiki-falcon-fountain-pen I'm not very familiar with other flex pens There are also the Omas fountain pens with the so called flessible nibs. You really need to try these out before buying if possible. The amount of flex and how much pressure to apply is quite subjective.

[@YummyBananaFish]

I have some additions: My own experience with this pen has been bad. I've found its ink flow to vary from extremely dry to just leaking everywhere - very rarely reaching anything usable in between. Also, I suppose the Ahab I bought must have a medium nib (although the nib isn't marked, and I wasn't offered a choice of sizes when buying) because the 'default' line is WAY thicker than yours, in this demonstration. Possibly my biggest complaint, though, is that ink will very quickly evaporate when left inside the pen, which I've not noticed happening with other fountain pens. Really good demo as always, by the way.

[@teohyc]

+YummyBananaFish The ink evaporates? Where would it go? 😨 I've read several complaints about the pen too.

[@YummyBananaFish]

Teoh Yi Chie I assure you, it happens! I can only assume the cap isn't airtight.

[@johna4750]

I had a similar problem. Cured it by making sure the nib and assembly are properly seated in the barrel

[@gamereview2655]

Please upload a video about ink tank fountain pen

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Cool. I wish they were all full flex, coz' that's the reason we buy a fountain pen, to have those line variations, even if our letter are really small (for a pocket notebook, for example). Which is more sensitive to flex, a great brush pen (what brand?) or a great calligraphy pen? God bless, Proverbs 31

[@gamereview2655]

Teoh bro I am still 15 years old till I'm using fountain pen bro upload a video about delta fountain pen

[@Buckwheat_Spaghetti]

I love this pen, I like to tinker a bit with stuff so it feel unique to my hands, but the smell is too much for me I barely want to even touch it anymore

[@CronicileElizei]

You mentioned you have a Namiki Falcon nodified for Spencerian. Can you tell me where you got that? Thanks.

[@teohyc]

I bought it at nibs.com www.nibs.com/

[@bonbonq9521]

Hi Theo. I was wondering what kind of ink should I used for sketching. Can you give us some brand suggestions?

[@teohyc]

For waterproof ink, you can try Noodlers Bulletproof Black (but quality can be inconsistent at times). Or the waterproof Platinum Carbon but make sure you wash your fountain pen regularly. If there's no need for waterproof ink, you can just use any dye-based inks which are the most common fountain pen ink offered by many manufacturers. Here's a chart comparing some black inks I've used www.parkablogs.com/picture/comparison-of-different-black-inks

[@MrAndrew1953]

Good pen, have you tried the Noodlers Triple Tail. Not a smell so much an odour that fades over time. The pens and the inks are unique in their own way.

[@teohyc]

I've not tried that before

[@higherground711]

Nice review and demo. Did this pen work right out of the box for you? Or did it require any tinkering?

[@teohyc]

+James Barton It worked out of the box.

[@higherground711]

I've considered one of these too. A low price and with some practice could get thin and thick lines.

[@jasonmullins4826]

If you compare the Namiki Falcon (now called the Pilot Elabo) with the AHAB flex pen in terms of flex.....is the Namiki...a little bit more flexible...quite a bit more flexible...or crazy flexible? I see lots of drawings on the internet from the Falcon and most all of them do not show hardly any line variations at all...it's like they could have used any fountain pen and got the same results. Just my thoughts. Thanks!

[@teohyc]

The Namiki Falcon is quite flexible (solf), however, it's not able to get that variation in terms of stroke width when compared to something like a dip nib.

[@jasonmullins4826]

Is your Pelikan M200 fine nib gold plated or gold colored..14K?...etc....Thanks Teoh for your patience.

[@teohyc]

jay miller Probably not gold plated. More like gold coloured. Steel most probably.

[@jasonmullins4826]

Cool. Just wondering because you said the fine has flex but not extra fine...if they were all steel...not sure why that is happening.

[@teohyc]

jay miller Yes, that's the very strange thing about the Fine and Extra Fine.

[@luca-ul1bb]

Has the smell gone away or has he got used to it...?

[@JD.Giantulisan]

Review pena yang sangat inspiratif 👍

[@jma7561]

Hello from Barcelona. I’m beginner!!!. Haw waterproof ink do you recommend for my fountain pen. I have a Noodlers Ahab Fountain Pen.

[@teohyc]

You can check out comparisons at www.parkablogs.com/picture/comparison-of-different-black-inks

[@jma7561]

Thanks a lot

[@mikeerler5465]

Noodlers has awesome "bulletproof" inks. Black is always good, right now I have bulletproof green gator in my Ahab.

[@sudir_ebi]

Can it produce extra fine Lines..I Want to do monoline spencerian(without so much flourishes)....I want to buy it for the moderate flex and thinner lines..I want like more of a thinner line than a Pilot Metropolitan..Stuck between Pilot Penmanship (EF but STiff nib ) and Ahab..CAN you suggest any pen...?Thank you..

[@teohyc]

You can get the Noodlers Ahad, Konrad or FPR Himalaya www.parkablogs.com/content/review-fpr-himalaya-v2-fountain-pen-ef-flexible-nib

[@pewpew1943]

I’ve read things like soaking the nib in water,are those true?

[@teohyc]

Soak the nib in water for?

[@rezonthe]

You can remove the clip. Just unscrew the end of the cap (finial?) and you can take it off it you don't like it.

[@teohyc]

Thanks. I don't want to lose the clip

[@rezonthe]

My mistake. In the video you said, "I don't like the clip." (?) :-/

[@fannystin.y1966]

His flex is about .7 cm but I got mine 1.2 flex super easy. You need to press like rely hard but as you can see it'll railroad. You need to do it fast, if not, the wave of ink will break apart

[@teohyc]

It's tiring to press so hard

[@fannystin.y1966]

@@teohyc true... I bet heatsetting it a lil bit will soften it up. Cus when I got mine, I heatset it and now works like a vintage!!!!

[@1962amanda]

The biggest problem is that the ink evaporates. I have 2 Ahabs in different colours - I wanted to fill them with different colour inks for drawing - both have the same problem. Love Noodlers ink but disappointed with the pens. Good ink is too expensive to waste.

[@conradsmith9332]

Hey, try putting some 100% silicone grease on the treads where the body screws onto the nib section. This should stop it from happining

[@supercoeurdark2673]

Hello can we use china ink with this foutain pen ?

[@teohyc]

No. China ink is pigmented and will clog

[@SuperBeanson]

Not being weird, but I love the smell of the pen. :/

[@KGatLC]

How can you not like the smell?

[@DanielleGonzalez]

Great review! Could you tell me what would be the best one if I’m looking for an extremely flexible nib? Thank you.

[@teohyc]

Fountain pen nowadays aren't as flexible. You can consider Namiki Falcon. For extra flex, consider dip pens with Zebra nibs.

[@michaelcorleone89]

how would you consider the nib size without flexing the nib? EF, F or maybe F/M?

[@teohyc]

It’s really personal preference. I prefer M nib myself. If you like to draw details, get EF or F nib.

[@michaelcorleone89]

@@teohyc thank you! This Noodler’s Ahab is closer to an F or to a M?

[@teohyc]

@@michaelcorleone89 It's a F nib

[@derunertugrul1151]

Very good video thanks. I will buy one. Can you advise us a better flexible fountain pen which is not very expensive?

[@teohyc]

I think this is the most common pen people recommend as a flexible pen. Other flexible pens are just too expensive. E.g. Namiki Falcon or the Pilot Custom 743 with Falcon nib. www.parkablogs.com/picture/review-pilot-custom-743-falcon-nib

[@derunertugrul1151]

Thanks Buddy.

[@michelletulumello661]

Derun Ertugrul I really like my pelikan m200 medium nib. I did a demo video on how flexible it is. Teoh has a video on the fine nib version of the same pen. Very nice line variation although it's not marketed as a flex pen.

[@derunertugrul1151]

I learned how to produce plastic nib from coca cola bottles, they work like a charm, huge line variation and 100% free. I think pen companies are exaggerating prices of even plastic fountain pens. Fountain pens are so simple in terms of design and don't deserve huge amounts of money. I use Jinhao fountain pens which are around 4 $ and write better than my gold nib Parkers. I put DIY plastic nibs and I get a softer nib than a gold 14k full flex nib.

[@2000DEVILANGEL]

Hi, what is the name of your paper?

[@teohyc]

I can't remember. Probably some fine grain drawing paper made for pencil drawings.

[@2000DEVILANGEL]

@@teohyc if you can link a good product to write with fountain pen , i can buy from it! Thanks for your time ❤️

[@CynnekeSer]

is it true that all noodlers pens are the same, like the same nib, just the dfferent name stands for a different 'handle'? cause in belgium i can't find anything, lol. (ahab, konrad, standard?)

[@teohyc]

I'm not sure if they use the same nib. You may want to ask the company.

[@viarnay]

The nib should be inserted into the body pen no more than 1 cm. The feed is ok.

[@katie4623]

It amazes me that in a review video, you couldn’t be more precise about the cost of the item.

[@greyareaRK1]

I'm surprised that flexible pens are hard to come by, considering how advanced manufacturing and materials research is compared to the 'golden age' of fountain pens.

[@bensmith-mannschott9640]

Matt Armstrong recently had some thoughts on exactly this: penhabit.com/2017/06/17/why-cant-modern-manufacturers-recreate-vintage-flex/

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

I like flex nibs for drawing, Because they are like dip pens that comics artists use. My favorite is the osprey Milano, I like the size and how it posts and it has a big ink capacity

[@greyareaRK1]

@@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess I've been curious about that one. I think there are 2 or 3 brands that use dip pen nibs on fountain bodies, but it's good to know it works from a user.

[@amdza]

Does anyone have a recommendation for an affordable flexible nib pen? I'm looking for something softer than what this seems to be.

[@ethanwei6352]

LadyCupid190 the Konrad and Ahab are the BEST CHEAP PENS by far. They are about $20

[@MichaelHarto]

Jinhao 159 + dip flex nib like zebra G or brausse

[@MichaelHarto]

konrad and ahab use the same semi-flex nib.

[@mfcoom9485]

The clip is a shape of a whale

[@ragelord4805]

This pen is glorious （＾Ｏ＾☆♪ this review is much appreciated 👍 not forgetting, it's very affordable.

[@teohyc]

Thanks ~(˘▾˘~)

[@CobraDove1111]

Great review! Really thorough... But he clip is in the shape of a whale...love that

[@isaac5933]

*doesn't like smell* 😂😂😂😂🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@lisathaviu1154]

The clip is shaped like a whale. It's from New England and called the "Ahab" so naturally, there must be a whale reference!

[@lisathaviu1154]

Whoops! Sorry, read below comment and now see that this is covered. One point I would like to make is that although the Ahab is decent pen, with a beautiful range of colored bodies, and at a very decent price point, the very best drawing pen is a Pelikan. There is no better flow and no better point. The Classic is all I can afford, and they run about $110 - 130.00. Another very cheap good pen is a drawing fountain pen sold by Art Alternatives through Amazon for about $20. I don't think it has a model name.

[@teohyc]

+Lisa Thaviu I've a Pelikan pen too. A M200. I like it a lot.

[@pickandstring]

Good pen but it stinks.

[@Orphanlast]

Iike your pen reviews and all, but I wish more delicate care would go into the drawing process. I've seen you draw some good images. But others have been... kinda slop. Not trying yo be mean.