Flex Nib Fountain Pens (Fountain Pen 101)

One of the most exciting things about fountain pens in recent years has been the rising popularity of flexible nibs. What makes them appealing is that you can write with a varying amount of pressure to change your line width from a finer line to a broader one, giving you a lot of expression and versatility in your writing. But did you know that flex nibs have been around for decades? How about the fact that there's a specific way you need to write with them to really get them to work properly?
As a retailer of flex nib fountain pens for the last several years, we've been asked a variety of really compelling questions about how they work and how to use them. Compiling knowledge from the members of our Media and Customer Care teams, online research, and speaking with manufacturers in the industry over the last several years, we've put together this video to try to explain everything you need to know to get the basics of flex pen use down. We hope you enjoy it!
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*PENS AND INKS FEATURED*
Noodler's:
Ahab - Diamine Emerald (01:29)
Nib Creaper - Organic Studio Glycine (00:29)
Neponset - Pilot Irokosuki Shin-kai (03:57)
Konrad - Organic Studio Alanine (00:00)
Conklin:
Duragraph 1.1mm- De Atramentis Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle (01:58)
Omniflex - Noodler's Apache Sunset (02:46)
Pilot:
Falcon - Diamine Wild Strawberry (04:24)
Custom 912 - De Atramentis Aubergine (04:26) Noodler's Heart of Darkness (00:51)
Platinum:
PTL-5000A - Platinum Classic Sepia Black (05:30)
Pineider:
La Grande Bellezza - Faber-Castell Moss Green (05:30)
Edison:
Nouveau Premiere w/ JoWo Nib - Diamine Sapphire Blue (04:42)
LAMY:
Joy 1.1mm - De Atramentis Aubergine (02:34)
Vintage Pens:
Waterman Pink - Diamine Ancient Copper (00:00)
Mabie Todd - Noodler's Black Swan in Australian Roses (03:40)
Paper:
Rhodia No.18 (10:13)
Clairefontaine Classic Wirebound (10:14)
Tomoe River Loose Sheets A4 (10:15)
ABOUT GOULET PENS:
Brian & Rachel Goulet started The Goulet Pen Company in 2009 and you can see the evolution of our mom and pop into a full-blown company through this channel. We run a dedicated online store with fountain pens, ink, paper, and other fine writing accessories. Our goal with this channel is to provide fountain pen fans at all levels of experience with comprehensive product reviews, round ups, and how-to videos to answer all the fountain pen questions you may have. Shop at www.gouletpens.com.
FOLLOW US:
Instagram: / gouletpens
Facebook: / thegouletpencompany
Twitter: / gouletpens
Pinterest: / gouletpens
Sign up for Emails: shop.gouletpens.com/newsletter
Blog: blog.gouletpens.com/

[@cn9800]

I felt my soul leave my body when they demonstrated the sprung tines.

[@28951SBDMDK]

☝️Best comment e v e r ! ✒️☠️ 🙏

[@Crazytesseract]

your soul, and your body you say... then who exactly are you? Soul or body? Please introspect!!!

[@YTMuza]

9:03 Ouch. The nib's destiny was to lay down its life for the sake of educating others. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten, Noodler's Nib.

[@gavinvales8928]

it was horrifying.

[@HumblyDumbly]

Seeing the price of a Noodler's replacement nib helped relieve the pain 😂

[@Csoery]

@@gavinvales8928 Agree, I cringed :o

[@myrusEW]

It hurted so bad

[@ypaut]

We didn't need more than the verbal explanation though, something in me cracked

[@joyfulpens]

I inked a flex nib for the first time this month and realized that I'd been writing with it incorrectly. A little pressure goes a long way! Thanks for the video!

[@tofucube7703]

I thought the meme: "Weird flex but okay" originally came from a pen guy

[@donna30044]

At 9:03 I literally winced and my stomach felt queasy, even though I had anticipated what was going to happen on-screen. My nerves are still jangled.

[@myrusEW]

*audible gasp* "Oh my fuck no" was my reaction

[@mikerbikex6656]

This was one of your best videos:. Direct, really complete and to the point. You packed in a lot of information. Now I'll go look for my scotch tape...Thanks.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks! Brian, Drew, and Andi all did a great job on this. The tape trick really helps! - Colin

[@helenmcdonnell2585]

Most informative presentation on penmanship I've yet come across!! So appreciated, thank you so much. Wishing all you pen nerds a very Happy 2020!

[@jadedenthusiasms]

I am SO excited to have found you guy's!! Long ago after losing my grandma, my mom gave me several of her journals and fountain pens....we loved the same things, except then I had NO clue about fountain pens and just saw a baggie with a few pens and spilled ink and it scared me to death....I know I have them somewhere but not sure where at the moment🥺 but, i love lettering and thought I spent my whole life telling myself I was incapable of drawing or painting or anything wonderful, in my early 40's hit a place where I was done with meds for mental health and knew I needed something good and beauty to keep my head focused on the instead of the chronic pain and other physical handicaps...and was shocked when I could look at a simple flower and draw it...I mean, nothing amazing, but for me it was :) then I fell in love with everything! But ink and watercolor washes are my favorite! But I have been using the micron pens, which are fine, but the tips are very sensitive, especially on watercolor paper. And I love when I see all you amazing artists sketching with the fountain pens....love the looseness and where it sometimes looks out of ink or blobs a bit extra...love everything about it. But, I've been watching a lot of your videos, still need to watch more as there seems to be an overwhelming amount of info my old brain can't fully grasp...but I also liked that it might be easier in my hands that are riddled with rheumatoid arthritis since you hold it as a more comfortable angle and don't have to press so hard.....I have no clue where to begin and with recent massive medical bills and no work I couldn't get anything, but a friend just told me they bought me just the simple Amazon Basics fin nib fountain pen and converters and waterproof ink, platinum carbon or something I believe...hopefully that's ok. I assume it'll be a hard nib....is that still something I can sketch with and get the rough and messy lines I love? I love the very not perfect look in all my art...which is good since I'm definitely not good enough for perfection ;) What about a fude nib? Is that better for what I'm looking to do? And do you basically have to buy new pens and converters and nibs for each type? I'd love to have a couple pens to have different nibs that will last a long time but won't be super expensive. Any advice is great ;) thank you for all you do!!!!!

[@Gouletpens]

We're glad you found us! Please let us know if there's anything at all we can help with! - Drew

[@jadedenthusiasms]

@@Gouletpens Hi Drew....I do have a question and wasn't sure which video to leave it on so thought I'd start here, hope thats ok😳😬 I'm just learning out how to use a fountain pen (probably too old at 49 i know🙄). I love to sketch, ink and watercolor...but using the microns, the tip is very sensitive and doesn't love the texture and I have to be extra careful and they dry up....I also have rheumatoid arthritis and in doing research I've seen that you don't have to hold the fountain pen straight up like I do with the micron and that there's no hard pressing even if I'm just writing, so less stress on my hands. but, I know nothing. I need waterproof ink, which seems to not be what comes in the pen cartridge, so a friend just gifted me an inexpensive fountain pen to try (Amazon basics) which came with cartridges but reviews said the universal (think thats the term) converter would fit so she got me a set of 2 converters plus platinum carbon black ink. My question is this...when I went to put in my converter, it is really tight, but I am also terrified of breaking something so it scares me to use force. But I finally got it go on and the bottom black part of the converter went in but then there is a band of silver after the black and I'm not sure how far I should push it on and don't want to break anything but also don't want to fill and have ink go all over :/ So any help is greatly appreciated!!!! One more question... I just LOVE the look of sort of messy loose ink lines with watercolor. The nib it came with is fine, I'm wondering if I should also get (only when I can afford it) a pen with a Fude nib? Or are there better pens with all those nibs? Sorry for so many questions...I'm super excited but SUPER nervous to do it wrong :) Thanks again for the help!!!!

[@RebeccaSB]

Love love love the flex! Gotta get me a Noodler’s for my beginner flex. After watching your interview with Nathan I’m trying far more Noodlers! Cheers to all that you do for fountain pens and their inks & nibs!

[@katie4623]

This is so helpful. You’d be surprised how hard it is to find such clear and helpful information on this on the internet. Thank you.

[@Gouletpens]

You’re very welcome! -Brian

[@patoeme]

thanks guys, I bought to you an ahab, im super happy and these topics serve me a lot

[@MatthewHilbertsBaritone]

That is such an amazing effect with the music nib.

[@Kjj17]

Love your videos :) thanks for all the educational entertainment!

[@kylejacobs8329]

Well made, very informative video! Thanks for the awesome work you all do at GPC!

[@JuanValdezfor88]

Love it guys. Keep up the great work.

[@kapirk2244]

Well done video with great info and a few good giggles. Thanks again!

[@AceyMo21]

another wonderful video! love seeing the fun they have making it!

[@Gouletpens]

AceyMo21 maybe too much fun ;) -brian

[@r.mercado9737]

There was a need to revisit this video. I am very glad I did! Thank you. Semper Fi

[@HiKimiko]

Great editing and info. I really appreciate the time that was put into making all the clips for this 11 minute video.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks! Andi, our videographer, did a great job editing it all together :) -Margaret

[@paralax2064]

thanks, that helped with my flexperiments!!!

[@paulx7620]

Great info I've forgotten about the scotch tape trick I'm going to try it now thanks guys

[@gnomilius]

Did it work well lol

[@LifeCrier1]

Great video! I hope at some point there will be replacement Music Nibs for the Neponset. Thanks for the whole team for this video.

[@paulx7620]

Great I really like flex pens thanks GPC

[@ilustralilian_]

Great video! I love stubs and I want a flex next. :)

[@woodthrushcottage]

Great video - very helpful and delightfully presented. 👏🏼

[@Sunny-pr1qw]

oh, that was so helpful!!! you guys are great, thank you very much. I have lots of nib holder, nibs, inks and am intimidated by them, and have wondered, why can't they make a fountain pen that works like that? now I know! :)

[@the_officials38]

I won't let my friends touch my flex pens

[@qwerty_artist]

The Officials Channel Same

[@qwerty_artist]

TypoPyro They might not understand/care about the proper way to use them, and accidentally break them..

[@user-ww1wq1oj9l]

me too

[@LAMProductions99]

My biggest fear is someone thinking that all fountain pens are flexible and then springing the tines on one of my pens when they use it 😱

[@collecter3456]

LAMProductions99 same

[@elizzievb]

Great video! Thanks! ❤️

[@troyjenkins3886]

Wow you really flexed your knowledge on this video and spread it on thick.There was a few variations on this episode.😁Awesome stuff guys 👌

[@Gouletpens]

Your pun game is strong! You'd fit right in here. :) - Colin

[@lamarrharding4776]

Learned cursive 60 years ago with a Higgins ink bottle in a a cast iron and wooden desk, cutting chicken feathers with a pen knife or a dip pen from the 5 and dime. Pembroke was the stationary store that repaired fountain pens while you waited, at a big counter in the middle of the store. I bought Sheaffer snorkel and inlaid pens there in the 1960's. Ball points were just introduced after "the war" and gained popularity with "carbon paper" for multiple copies "NCR paper" allowed even more multiple copies that needed the ballpoint pen to go through. Bottled ink came in black, blueblack, blue, red, green and purple for the bank. I have recently decided to try and work on my penmanship, so I've got got out some old fountain pens and discovered a whole new world of inks.

[@papasmurf3758]

Wow! Great Video!

[@totlblnde002]

Thank you!!! Lots of good info!

[@vinzgozer]

great video..... excellent tips!

[@Xeqcme]

Gonna need to remember that scotch tape tip! Thank you!

[@the-wonder-of-it-all]

feel like my little dog Charlie seeing a treat..."Can I have it, can I have it!!! Now? Right now!!! I love it, I love it...give it to me please, I can't wait!!! Chases his tail in a circle...lol

[@TheMartialist]

Great video!

[@rastislavstanik]

very nice vid with good info

[@monkandcherry88]

thank you

[@1treasureway]

Gracias. I like trying new stuff

[@Estereos]

I have a some experience with nib pens and I have to tell you that the only reason why we don't have modern flex pens is a feeder, not a nib. it is easy to make a nib of any kind, specially with modern super tools, but to make a system of ink floating which can feed the nib well in flex and not-flex modes, that is a real challenge. The problem is in material, plastic can't do this job, and to make a feeder from natural materials is super expensive for modern lazy manufacturers.

[@singlesideman]

Also, new flex requires a TON of pressure and they just can't keep up with the ink flow required for elegant writing. You need some speed to get elegant lines, especially with the hairlines.

[@jeffreyepiscopo]

I haven't used my flex pen in almost a year. I think it's time to go break it out again!

[@piperfox74]

Wow! Super video. Great information well-presented.

[@nanathanhthan2705]

I love your videos, super informative and I found the answer to my question : how come we can't find flex nib nowadays in modern pens.

[@lez7767]

Hi, thanks to Goulet Gang for the video. Oddly? I bought a Pilot Heritage with a FA nib to STOP myself from using pressure as I used to have to use TONS of pressure to get through the triplicate and Sextuplicate? forms we used in my previous work. The legacy of that was disaster when I returned to fountain pens some 6yrs ago,,, OK so now I have the Pilot, Noodlers pens and various dip nibs to try and get some better results in penmanship, but anyone who can do flexie writing such as Spencerian or American Cursive has a gift in my opinion. I've found IAMPETH a good place of interest for tips on writing but don't get hung up on those styles. You've got to be yourself when writing and enjoy your work and however you write is an extention of yourself, and folks do appreciate a hand written letter in a world of sterile didgetology... I think! Thanks again for the video. Regards to the Goulet Gang... and Best wishes as always to all pen people. LeZc @@

[@jennhill8708]

It's been awhile since I dropped by! Look what you've done to yr "set"! I love it! Of course, you've just wound up my pen lust; however, that will have to wait awhile, as I'm having a harp built. So, I really have to find my missing fountain pens! Two are right in front of me, but where did the others go?

[@x-changex-outx-oner8224]

"....you've just wound up my pen lust;..." So what you are saying is, once one has gone down the "Fountain Pen Rabbit Hole".....there is no getting back out of it. I guess I'll just have to accept the inevitable.

[@WantedVisual]

I learned this old German alphabet designed for flex (fountain) pens and I thought I could just use a stub... Except my school taught me to write with my wrist to the right of my letters, rather than underneath. The line variation is interesting, but I have to turn the page ninety degrees to get anything close to the aesthetic the script calls for. Miiiight have to try a Noodler's pen...

[@drennyvision6141]

I'm with you drew...really Brian flexpectations ????

[@warblerab2955]

I understand why they can't make flex nibs like they used in regards to cheaper pens. But when we are talking about pens that are over $1000.00 per pen, I don't see why in that price range, they can't make nibs like they used to.

[@Cj12sings]

Awesome..!!!

[@careysilbaugh5408]

Very informative

[@Csoery]

Ugh, this video convinced me to give fountain pens a wide berth. I'm a beginner in calligraphy, and I have just switched from brush pens to dip pens. It's quite a challenge to work with them and manage the ink, the constant dipping is a bit annoying so I came here to learn about fountain pens. But fountain pen ink just doesn't look as good as regular ink. It looks like you can't get the same result with a fountain pen. Too bad... Would be a great solution! (Hey, pen makers, design an interchangable nib fountain pen that works with calligraphy ink! Thanks! :D)

[@Csoery]

Oh yeah and +1 bonus point for "flexploration" :D

[@1RamTough]

I occasionally write with an oblique dip pen, using Zebra G nibs, and I’ve always wanted this same line variation from my fountain pens. Maybe a vintage fountain pen is the solution?

[@janiceboyd3996]

9:03 ouch.

[@hereticmatt957]

I'm so freakin FLEXCITED to purchase a demonstrator Noodler's Ahab from yal!

[@mmarjisr]

My preferred capless fountain pen with different color barrels for starters can you recommend any nibs like size and material it's made from

[@chapa435ify]

Whoever came up with the term "wet noodle" really missed the chance to coin the term "soaked spaghetti"

[@uhoy1488]

chapa435ify abbreviated to SS

[@RabRabNZ]

Malleable macaroni

[@jasonforster9445]

Inky Fetichini

[@jennhill8708]

I recently picked up an early Waterman w a #2 nib. (If I'm understanding the stamp on the side of the pen. Is there a moderately flexy nib I can look for? Jenn Hill. Loving all my pens, but this Waterman is my current daily writer. 😇 My Dad learned how to write beautifully as a child in school. Your discussion relative to the use of the lg muscles of the arm is write (groan) on target! I've purchased the books, but haven't gotten around to practicing. Needs me a sexy flexy pen, first! 😜

[@liliana1lfr]

I missed the clinking of the mugs. This was kinda formal! Wished you had thrown in the Duraflex at least as part of the demo of the flex family. (Yeah, I know, not currently available). Loved the video and all the information, saved it in my reference playlist.

[@Gouletpens]

You can see the Omniflex nib (on the Duraflex) at 2:46. It'll actually be available on all Conklin pens starting next week. - Colin

[@MrBobkeenan]

Very good comprehensive review of flex fountain pen. This is great for new or prospective owners of flex pens. I am going to add this to our FB group "Flex Fountain Pens". A few things I might add: 1. Modern nibs, like the the Pilot FA nib can be modified by master nib grinders to provide a vintage pen flex experience 2. You can adjust the flow of the feed if you are railroading.... see various youtube videos Other than that you video was Really Good... Thanks.

[@jeromejoz5935]

wow pretty cool. thanks for the info

[@JB-es3ff]

What ink was the blue one called that you used with noodles neponset?

[@arkapriyamukherjee8895]

Loved this video. I want to learn and practise Calligraphy. I'm really very interested now seeing this video.

[@Gouletpens]

Noodler's Nib Creaper for under $20 is a great first step. Found that one to be the easiest to use when just starting. - Colin

[@arkapriyamukherjee8895]

The Goulet Pen Company Thanks a lot.

[@patoeme]

thanks for the advice, I bought a creaper today to you guys

[@arkapriyamukherjee8895]

Patricio mun Where have you bought it from?

[@patoeme]

Arkapriya Mukherjee i bought one creaper on Goulet pens :)

[@gavinryder8690]

Nice vid

[@wessimpkins4401]

scotch tape...........never heard of that one before, but will definitely give it a whirl. i am fortunate as i am an older collector, have many vintage flex, full-flex and noodle nibs. the only "modern" flex nibs i have found are those sold by FPR/ebonite feed, Franklin Cristoph's flex nibs- unless of course you get a Mottishaw, Indy-Dance, Greg Minuskin, etc. modded nib for flex. thank you for the video and am hoping the younger generation will keep the fountain pen faith going................:>)

[@Donna_G]

I think I have a collection going on. I just ordered a new TWSBI Eco which will make 3 Ecos. It's my second limited edition Eco. Instead of an EF or F nib, I ordered the one with the 1.1 stub nib. I have a few flex nibs in my dip pen nib collection. I don't particularly like them because the seem too flexible with hardly any pressure.

[@paulx7620]

Donna G I bet you'll really like the stub the one I have on my VAC 700R is really good. Write on 😁

[@TheCreate78]

Hello, Do you know where to buy the pink waterman?

[@chowyunfatty]

Great video! Keep up the awesome work! I have a question about frankenflex pens using a zebra g flex nib with fountain pen body. I’ve watched a few of your videos about flex pens but you never mention about these Frankenflex pens. They are quite popular amongst the flex community and are inexpensive to make. I made mine using a zebra g with a Jinhao x750 as well as Noodler’s Ahab. Both work great but with a bit of tweaks to the feed. Would love to hear your experiences with these frankenflex pens Brian?

[@tracyphoenix8]

How do you tweak the feed? Do you make these pens for calligraphy?

[@lazarusrex9545]

Great video. But I was wondering. What was the red lever fill pen that was used to introduce vintage flex pens?

[@Gouletpens]

That was a Waterman Pink in Red Ebonite I believe! - Colin

[@cookieofchaos]

I like the idea of flex nibs but what size are they when writing unflexed? I can't seem to fine the answer anywhere :/ Are there different sizes of flex nibs???

[@amberlyndsey87]

What is the pen you are using at 2:49 with the noodlers apache sunset ink?

[@MrG0CE]

WHAT IS THE BLACK FLEX NIB SHOWN WITH THE ORANGE INK ??

[@japankasasagi]

I don’t know if anybody from Goulet is still reading these, but on the off chance somebody IS, I just have to know - what is the gorgeous ink you’re using with the stub nib at the 2:14 mark??? It’s just lovely, and I don’t usually go for that color family, but I just fell in love! If someone e could tell me, I’d sure appreciate it! Thank you for all your information!

[@antonioraffa5489]

Great vid. Can you recommend the best inks for flexi nibs please.

[@Gouletpens]

I've found pretty good success with Monteverde inks because they are lubricated. They flow really nicely with flex nibs: www.gouletpens.com/collections/monteverde-ink - Colin

[@erwinjosue5437]

Finally!!! Flex pen 101. Question for Brian or Drew, what are the best inks and paper for flex nib?

[@Gouletpens]

Paper would definitely be Rhodia or Clairefontaine. I found shading inks to be a lot of fun for flex nib writing because of the color variation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5zKiqiZr5eghbc - Colin

[@qwerty_artist]

Erwin Josue If you read lots of calligraphy blogs they’ll also recommend Hp LaserJet 32pound paper. 12$ for 500 sheets on Amazon and personally I think it’s really nice, but it is blank.

[@x-changex-outx-oner8224]

@@qwerty_artist The nice thing about using blank paper is, you can add the lines yourself to your desired line width using an ruler and mechanical pencil (using a harder graphite/lead for lighter lines and less smudging ). Just my 2 cents.

[@mlfranca2047]

What pen and ink is being used at 9:17??

[@mohamedbukharyibnmohamedri8769]

9:34 , can I use a chip blower for cleaning ??

[@ArkansasMike]

Flextacular video.

[@bertiepimplebum5633]

There's so.much information in this video its content should be wrote to PDF so that I can have the only copy, maybe other's, too. (UK)

[@bertiepimplebum5633]

I don't suppose you could recommend a first time purchase of a flex pen? (UK)

[@coyotetrickster5758]

don't know if you still are looking, but I will say for those with the same question. Noodlers has a flex nib fountain pen(ahab and conrad have flex nib options) that is around 20 bucks(25pounds in the UK Amazon). It may demand a bit of fiddling, but this page has resources to help with that. Good luck and all that.

[@bertiepimplebum5633]

@@coyotetrickster5758 .. I will look. If a flex pen is there I will buy. Thanks.🙂

[@coyotetrickster5758]

@@bertiepimplebum5633 Glad to be of help =)

[@MorganScorpion]

I bought a Noodlers Creeper from Noodlers via Amazon. The nib is absolutely terrible. It WILL flex, a little, if I press on it as hard as I can. This means for practical purposes, I can't use it as a flex. I tried using it as an ordinary one, but even then the nib is scratchy. However, I received today a Jinhao 992 with a medium nib, and amazingly, it flexes beautifully. Not as good as a dip pen, but way more flexible than the Creeper.

[@Detman101]

I have the weirdest issue with my flex pen/nib. If I write slow while flexing...it seems to run drier and sometimes railroads...rarely. If I write fast while flexing...it stays wet and the ink keeps up...never railroads I would have thought it would be the opposite of what I've experienced. (*confused*) It has pushed me to write well...faster...lol.

[@zeitgeistry]

Can you please let me know which pen you used to demonstrate line variation, at 8:19? Is it Pineider?

[@Gouletpens]

That was a Noodler's Ahab (www.gouletpens.com/collections/noodlers-ahab-fountain-pens ) - Colin

[@1959GreenGables]

What is the color blue ink you use in this video that looks like it coats the flex caligraphy pen? It is in the screen shot of the ink bottle on the upper left of the white paper and the lid on the upper right with the person's hands and pen writing in the middle. Thanks.

[@Gouletpens]

I believe that was Speedball Indigo Blue, but it is a calligraphy ink and not to be used with fountain pens! - Colin

[@djl9010]

For anyone else who's thirst for line variation in a fountain pen can't be quenched with a Noodler's pen, try Desiderata. They're a company that make really elegant and simple flex nib fountain pens, they use either Zebra G or Nikko G nibs. Plus they only cost around $100. Thank me later.

[@irenelalouve2679]

Can you please tell me which pen was used in 9:55 ?

[@kle2217]

Informative video. Are there any thoughts regarding the type of nib used (F, M, B) when it comes to flex nibs? Do you get the most bang and width variation with a "M" size nib as opposed to a "F" size nib? Or is all a matter of preference in the end? thx

[@Gouletpens]

K LE the finer the nib, the more dramatic the line variation you’ll see. -brian

[@kle2217]

yah, that makes sense when you think about it. Thanks Brian!

[@michaelmewis4761]

Are StoneGraph any good?

[@hereticmatt957]

Flexpectations 😃👍

[@p1nesap]

If so many people request vintage-style flex pens, I'd think you might be in a position to come up with something. ~ a GPC customer

[@karinejohannecharlot1781]

Thank You for this video. Which model would you recommend for Copperplate Calligraphy ? Regards

[@Gouletpens]

A dip pen is probably the best option just because of the wide range of line variation you can achieve. For fountain pens, I'd say the Pilot Falcon EF is probably the closest option! - Colin

[@qwerty_artist]

Is it weird that my Ahab has 0 feed issues? It’s almost too wet aha. I also gave in and bought some zebra G nibs to use with my ahab with surprisingly good results. Though not reliable enough for day-to-day use. I’m still trying to narrow down the best flex(ish) fountain pen for me, so thanks for the video!

[@philipli6077]

I did some testing with the Zebra G and if you submerge it under water, within 3 hours, rust begins to set in. It's just a hassle to remove it after each use from a fountain pen.

[@qwerty_artist]

The Goulet Pen Company I actually got a Jinhao recently, and I have a creeper as well (got an ahab just for the zebra G nib!!) and I love them all lol. I seriously recommend it, though if you want it to last you have to clean after every use (not much of a hassle for me, since I love to clean and take care of my stuff) If you’ve heard of the guy that makes fountain pen bodies for dip pen nibs (desi-something...) then he has a well made manual on the cleaning and mantinence. It’s lots of fun!

[@qwerty_artist]

Philip Li Well yeah, that’s not a revelation. Dip pens rust! That’s why you have to take extra precautions, like cleaning after every use. You might think it’s a hassle, but for me it’s 100% worth it. You can also clean with alcohol instead of water, since alcohol doesn’t cause rust, also dry well etc etc. I love playing with my pens so none of it is a hassle, just fun! It’s also not made for day-to-day writing... you could just use a normal pen for that. What’s the point of getting a dip pen nib if you aren’t going to go all out?

[@chrislj2890]

My Ahab was absolutely perfect straight out of the box, and I loved it. Unfortunately while cleaning I dropped it in the sink, of course hitting directly on the nib tip. I replaced the nib with an identical Noodler's, but it's never been quite the same. What a bummer. 😢

[@qwerty_artist]

CHRIS LJ My condolences , that right there is why I always sit down and use two cups of water instead of a sink aha. Tho this could be an excuse to go all out and buy some more ahabs , just in case you find a good one lol.

[@MsRamona7]

You are both such adorable dorks! Can I please adopt you? :D

[@octoberfox3399]

Does anyone know a reliable website where I can find vintage flex nibs pens for sale?

[@zombierepublican]

What ashame, the best flex from there looks of it is the vintage Waterman, I'm a newbie 😢. Can we get a review of the easy Watermans?

[@Gouletpens]

we don't carry waterman so we don't have any reviews for their pens planned. sorry about that! -Margaret

[@greatheartbeats]

i'm facing issue of Railroading while writing... how to rectify it?

[@MeghoRoddur]

What was nice green ink that was used with the noodler’s pen whose nib sacrificed it’s life to educate us? Awesome video btw!

[@Gouletpens]

That was Diamine Emerald (www.gouletpens.com/products/diamine-emerald-30ml-bottled-ink?variant=11884619726891 ) One of my favorite green inks! - Colin

[@mariankern195]

I noticed the Conklin DuraFlex wasn't mentioned. I know you are out of stock with them right now but how do they compare to the Noodler's besides price?

[@Gouletpens]

Should have more stock next week on all Conklin pens! I would say they are a bit easier to flex than Noodler's, but a bit more finicky. Prone to ink issues as the feed tries to keep up. Can have railroading struggles, so it's best to go slow with it. - Colin

[@domino52o26]

I kinda looked through the comments and couldn't find anyone else mention the spelling errors at about the 4:06-4:08 mark. Surprising due to the assumption that most viewing, and especially the creators of the video are penmanship type people.

[@Gouletpens]

Haven't you heard of the world famous Nooder's pens? Just kidding, mistakes happen! - Colin

[@Sciguy95]

These nibs can be a great way to FLEX your writing skills.

[@taklebury]

I really want to know what Drew wanted to say but didn't at the end. 🤣

[@peterhofmann8292]

+1