The Different Types of Fountain Pen Nibs: Fountain Pen 101 Part Four

[@vtohobbit]

I think you’ve addressed this in a previous pen cast but I think the other reason Japanese fines are so fine is because of the writing system. I have to use Japanese fines when practicing Japanese because there are so many strokes that become indistinguishable if I use thicker lines. In contrast, there’s more spacing in English. I’m a medium, broad, stub girl in English and Japanese extra fine for Japanese.

[@maverator]

"The single most important part of a fountain pen", yet the part that manufacturers pay the least attention to in terms of consistency and quallity. For me, the absolute most frustrating part of enjoying fountain pens is having to be my own nibmeister, especially for pens that already cost a small fortune.

[@Tankmastor]

Just buy low-end pilot pens, A+ consistency

[@hemkeshyeole4630]

​@@Tankmastor I felt the same , can you recommend me other brand sir

[@pacamanca]

The best part of this video is the calligraphic Rickrolling. LOVED IT!

[@DodonaWind]

I lost it over that! 😂 Brilliant!

[@Turbostiewen]

Although i would describe mysself as an expert after using fountain pens over 38 years and being in the "hobby" for 8 years, i love watching your fp 101 - videos. They are very informative for everyone everywhere on the fountain pen journey and they also help me to improve my bad german english... ;)

[@kimlindseyOH]

Brian Goulet, you did *not* rick-roll us @8:00, you trickster! 🤣😂🤣 Tho it's true - never gonna give up my FPs!!

[@KendallW]

These new 101 videos are so well done. The Goulet KZbin videos helped me when I was getting started, so I will always be grateful and part of the reason why I prefer shopping Goulet when I can. You guys are awesome!

[@dancinswords]

The Nib Nook is a great tool! Maybe not "101" but I would love to see a video covering allllllll the different specialty nibs

[@lunastefanieroy]

I've recently gotten into fountain pens after purchasing a Zebra Zensations fountain pen... then, I got a Platinum Plasir F nib on a whim. I now own an EF Platinum Preppy and an F Platinum Preppy Wa. Being on a budget, the Preppy is really handy for testing nib sizes!

[@eileengoldenberg270]

A great way to try pens is to attend a pen show. The vendors will let you dip any pen in ink and give her a test run. I have tried pens that cost $12,000! If you want to feel the difference between gold nibs and steel this is the way to find out. There are many Pen shows all over the US and world. I teach urban sketching at the San Francisco International Pen Show. It is where I got to meet Brian and Drew. It is a fun and welcoming community of fountain pen people!

[@StealthyGypsy]

I have been keeping an eye out for info on the SF pen show. I haven’t heard of urban sketching as a feature of the pen show. Will you be at the upcoming show?

[@sunitafisher4758]

🌸 I have gold nibs and normal nibs in my pens, I have expensive ones and reasonable ones However, they are similar and my favourite was one that cost the least amount It has a small calligraphy nib, which I love, it just personal preference 😊

[@RevelationsPrimo]

My first pen cost literally x1000 **less** than that lmao ($12 USD) My steel Jinhao tries, and she succeeds lol The most I ever spent on a pen was my 1980s Platinum 18K Gold pen ($130). Unfortunately it doesn't have a model number.

[@dtaggartofRTD]

Got my start with the original FP 101 series you made. Glad to see it revisited. For me BB is my favourite. Preferably tuned wet.

[@belle.irina.]

Great video, Brian, extremely valuable for both the newbies and the more experienced fountain pen lovers, thanks

[@heretolevitateme]

I would say nib sizes are more akin to dress sizes. Like the size tells you the relation to other nibs for that model, but brand to brand or model to model can be all over the place.

[@jamesbell8730]

Very good addition to the 101 videos, excellent job!

[@CinkSVideo]

These new videos have been great additions. Even us old dogs who have been writing with fountain pens for decades can learn a thing or two. Thank you! I have a Twsbi Eco stub nib coming from you this week. That will be my first foray with that type of nib. Yay!

[@jakezorabedian5871]

Just sat and wrote a few letters with some pens and inks - if not for the Goulet family, never would've gotten into all this stuff or known nearly as much about the hobby. Thanks Mr. Goulet! PS] Your nibs are awesome, sanded a few to make some custom stubs - so one day I'll grab a few Fs and Ms. Cheers!

[@archivist17]

Nicely balanced amount of detail so as to inform rather than overwhelm new users.

[@highnoon9333]

I love hooded and inlaid nibs and the way they look

[@Donna_G]

My first fountain pen from Goulet Pens was a Platinum Preppy. It has a fine nib. My second fountain pen was a Pilot Metropolitan with a medium nib. My third fountain pen was a TWSBI ECO with an EF nib. What I discovered was that there was not much difference between the Eco's EF and Metro's F. Also, the Preppy's F was finer than the Eco's EF. All three pens were nice to write with and fun to draw with. I have since purchased some stub nib pens. None of the fountain pens that I have purchased since my Preppy have had broad nibs since I tend to write and draw on the small side.

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Thanks for the good video on nibs! I am mostly a fine nib or nothing kind of guy, but when I saw an old video where you tried out a Conklin with a 1.1 Stub, I had to have one! And it's GREAT! Makes even MY mediocre cursive look pretty good!

[@felixcolon3843]

I did NOT expect to get Rickrolled in a GouletPens video 😂

[@kat_koe]

love the G2 size comparison for nib size selection ❤❤❤

[@adams1030]

Yay! I'm glad you're updating these videos and making tutorial videos in general.

[@s.n.11]

Shoe sizes is a perfect comparison for nib sizes, I loved that!😊

[@2Bcreative888]

A glaring omission to this video was about the different SIZES of nibs!! That has always puzzled me as to what the characteristics are for each size and why it matters! There’s no choice on sizes usually but I’d like to know how they compare! I’m NOT referring to the size of LINE the nib writes of course, but the size 5 through 8 nibs that I was wondering about.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Starts with Extra Fine @ 5:30 and finishes with Broad about 7:18 as he segues into the Stub Italic nibs... AND this time, try watching with your eyes AND your ears OPEN... You're welcome. ;o)

[@nostro1001]

​Lol 0.43 It's typically those who try to be sarcastic and poke fun at others, that make the largest errors...who'd have thought fountain pen 'forums' have keyboard worries. Alas, the internet has no safe houses from such nonsense. Yes, I'm sure the op understands what you are referring to, however he/she is referring to the physical size of the nib as opposed to its line width e.g. size 5, 8 et. al. About 0:43 will help you to understand that Bryan clearly stated he was not going to talk about that matter and was concerned with the size of the line i. e ef, f, m etc for this particular video. Need a say: "your welcome?" 😮

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

@@nostro1001 Nobody who writes OR draws with them gives half a sh*t about the physical size of a nib, not for longer than it takes to realize it has NOTHING to do with anything else but looks... Snark yourself... It's a stupid bother and a fool's errand. ;o)

[@kschmidt1967]

@@gnarthdarkanen7464hmmm no need to be sassy. You must be a joy to be around. Have a lovely day.

[@ironeagletrike]

Nib Question - So I have a Pilot Metrolina pen with a Medium nib. If I wanted to change to a fine nib can I change the nibs? I didn't see that on your website so thought I would ask. Love your videos, very informative!

[@run-a-milekyle3835]

I usually like a Japanese MF or western F, but I also have a few mediums too. I decided to try out a coarse nib from Platinum to have something different. It lays down a nice thick and even line every time.

[@NicholasPaulFranks]

Pen therapy 🙏

[@dancinswords]

Sometimes you just need to listen to someone talk about nibs

[@NicholasPaulFranks]

@@dancinswords preach

[@nickklett]

Nice Rick roll in the video 😂

[@Charon-5582]

I don't know if the hole is entirely for looks... it probably helps prevent the slit from causing a crack to form over time.

[@samueltheweber]

Update: I've found my Parker 21! The wonders of cleaning one's desk! I do my best to find pens with gold nibs at estate sales and garage sales. I've found Conklin, Anon & Co of Columbus, OH., and a Parker 21(stainless nib). I sold the Conklin (that was a mistake, haha), I misplaced the Parker, and the Anon & Co had misaligned tines (repaired now) and requires an ink sac. But I have learned my lessons those pens and my experiences with them, and I cherish the one that I've kept.

[@shadow_mors44]

This was a great sampler! Many thanks! Looking forward to playing with some new nibs!

[@krys6461]

We're never gonna give y'all up cuz you never let us down!

[@sharlenezuhlke1561]

Great job Brian, well done!

[@warpingaily]

Please bring back the custom nib grinds. My Diplomat Aero Medium Cursive Italic is my all time favorite nib!

[@jimmyzhao2673]

Good information. Much appreciated.

[@ravkesef]

Fine work, Brian, it really covers the field well

[@salvatoreIII]

Very informative and really well put together video.

[@leicaman]

Storing horizontally is good? So glad I watched.

[@laurabryan2556]

Great video! Very informative and newbie friendly. Thank you!

[@caelointheclouds]

Hey Brian, and fountain pen lovers, can anyone recommend the fountain pen that has an architect nib? Thanks!

[@macgriannad168]

#6 size architect nibs (that fit in such inexpensive pens like many Jinhao pens) can be bought. I bought one from Fountain Pen Revolution and then fitted it into a Jinhao X450. I don't know of any particularly affordable pens that come with an architect nib already fitted

[@dcreinken]

Thank you for Fountain Pen 101!

[@shannonmariehauck]

I have no idea what I started with as it was 40 years ago when I was about ten or eleven. These days I use Fine In Japanese nibs and extra-fine for everyone else.

[@michaelmedlinger6399]

Always something to learn! Thank you!

[@neemancallender9092]

Extra Fine in Japanese nibs is to be able to write the intricate kanji An European XF would be to thick Also mention how the ink used will vary the width of the writing

[@nandakumar-qs5sr]

Pen-tastic 👍👍👍👍👍

[@raytoei]

Thanks for the video!

[@jillleonard3212]

What do you recommend for a lefty that slants the paper (no claw hand) almost sideways?

[@cindyc9527]

Fabulous video… what about Fude (bent nibs)? Urban Sketchers love these nibs

[@barryporter6993]

What is the difference in the nib numbers? Like a size 6 or size 8? is there someplace where this is explained?

[@belphegor_dev]

Larger means bigger. Nib size numbers are not standardized across brands.

[@LauraKnotek]

Did Pelikan discontinue the M250? I don't see it anywhere nowadays. I have one, and it has a gold nib, rather than a gold-plated nib. However, it is only gold coloured, rather than two-tone like the M400. I thought of this question when I saw the Pelikan nib in this video.

[@PeterPancreas-bt8zc]

If I am going to by a beginner fountain pen what brand should I get

[@CarlosRamos-z9l]

TWSBI ECO

[@belphegor_dev]

Lamy Safari.

[@thecivilizedape]

I have a parker frontier , nib size 5. those are cheap quality. I want to upgrade this nib . pls suggest me some nibs, I like dual color nib which writes smooth without any break.

[@boblossie3192]

All wonderful information ! ! !

[@goldencalf5144]

What's the blue ink in this video? Very vibrant.

[@stanloona000]

once again, I'm asking what ink is being used in the video. Is it ama-iro? I really like the color

[@latinachicana1989]

Are omniflex and flex nibs the same thing or a different type of flex nib?

[@jehan60188]

Can nibs be replaced when they wear out?

[@95SLE]

Thank you

[@rockymarciano6750]

What is that blue Brian ❤️. Can I use a flex nib as an everyday carry? Never used one but love to give it a go, it’s part of the FP accoutrement.

[@libraincarnate]

I use a flex as my everyday carry - without putting pressure, it just writes like a fine, but I can use it to get a bit of variance when I want to be fancy

[@WangHaoYangHCI]

do chinese pens also have thinner nibs for fines as they also have crowded words?

[@ronhori]

Another excellent video. Thank you, Brian. Maybe it's my pc, but while watching this video my pc stopped and restarted itself twice. Anybody else have this happen?

[@signalrambo]

Did NOT expect to get Rick Rolled in a fountain pen video! 😂

[@wonderingatom8203]

Weirdly I am seeing my Lamy Studio with a medium nib significantly finer than my Caran d'Ache Ecridor's medium nib.

[@LightningWithaTouchofMag-on7oe]

Could you give a clear description of what an architect grind is? I keep finding different definitions for it…sometimes it sounds brill but sometimes it sounds like a horror film.

[@FarhadSalami]

thank u so much i learned a lot

[@lancecombes]

7:38 I want to know what that pen is, I want to write like that at work! *edit; and the ink used too, that was beautiful!

[@DodonaWind]

Me too! That nib looks and writes so amazing!

[@streampunksheep]

omg i love this so much

[@theduck7940]

Did you just rick roll us?😂

[@piergiorgiotomassetti2630]

Nero e blu l inchiostro importante per me. ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊.dimenticavo. Piergiorgio Tomassetti

[@drnimish333]

Nice video

[@richarded22]

The only writing i can find on my nib is iridium point germany

[@karigori6415]

7:56 Oh boy.

[@williammaccarthey3089]

I'm a broad boy. I like to glide like a sailing vessel on a sea of ink. No drag no dreary!

[@maxlebow7373]

I would also note that the same person may prefer different nibs depending on the job and paper

[@BradenBest]

why does a search for "manifold nib" bring this video up when this video does not mention manifold nibs?

[@stickinthemud23]

Keep in mind the extra price for a gold nib is probably 75% beyond the cost of buying the metal and manufacturing the nib itself.

[@maximiliangerboc]

Did I just get rickrolled by Goulet?

[@RubensMateusPadovezeArquimago]

☺

[@azamatbezhan1653]

Name please smoothest nib of pen

[@atropos_thefate]

Did I just get ever so subtly Rick rolled?

[@masterims6419]

Nice rickroll 7:56 😂👍

[@cooker4000]

Whats that ink!?

[@palashchoudhury5565]

These days Fountain Pen r mostly used in Writing Cards & Diary Medium Tip bcz SmallR Tip can feel Scratchy @ 1st

[@yrknutzreek]

We literally got Rick rolled.

[@JSwift-jq3wn]

By a rollerball

[@DijaVlogsGames]

Goddamn rickroll out of nowhere…

[@tall_n8788]

Idk why but I can only get my pen to write upside down

[@Soyokaze404-yc1dt]

I want Daddy Goulet to expose my nib and feed...god I'm sweating right now, thank the heavens we got another 101.

[@sleepawkeen]

A sincere question....what does it mean to be "rick rolled"?

[@sleepawkeen]

so, I searched it out---Rickrolling is a bait and switch: a person provides a web link that he or she claims is relevant to the topic at hand, but the link actually takes the user to the 1987 Rick Astley music video for "Never Gonna Give You Up."

[@Gouletpens]

That's correct! - Drew

[@AlenaNguyen-k4s]

If I showed you my work book you'd a see I need an extra extra fine nib

[@zzycatch]

The nib nook is interesting, but when are you going to have samples of each ink from each nib? And spare me that whole "more permutations than atoms in the known universe" excuse.

[@flyfloat31]

Why Americans prefers finest nimbs than in EU ??