How To Write With A Stub Nib (Fountain Pen 101)

Drew and I dig deeper into fountain pen stub nibs. We talk about what makes a nib a stub, the differences between the variations of stub nibs like crisp italics vs cursive italics, and how to properly write with a stub nib fountain pen.
TIMESTAMPS:
(1:31) Types of Stub Nibs - Crisp Italic, Cursive Italic, Stub, Oblique
(3:25) Nib Materials and Tipping
(4:10) Gold Stubs and Baby's Bottom
(5:58) Nib Positioning on the Paper and Scratchy Nibs
(7:16) Stub Pen Brands
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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.
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[@jcortese3300]

Watching this in 2023, and OMG that is the most understated shirt I've ever seen Drew wear. :-)

[@sushanart]

😆❤️👍

[@lynnbuchanan8449]

"The Brian and Drew Show"! Should be a monthly offering. Seriously. You guys were amazing....funny banter while delivering the correct information instantly engages the audience. One of the best Goulet videos EVER! Many thanks from a fan and fountain pen geek in Nashville, TN! Write on!

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for the kind words. We're hoping to steal Drew away more often for videos in the future! - Colin

[@lynnbuchanan8449]

Glad to hear it! Kidnap him if you have to! :-)

[@alexfry6846]

Yes please!!!! The best combo! Drew's awesome

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Yes, please. More of this. You make a great team for video demo/explanations. Like Drews sense of humor. Waiting for my pen with stub nib, to arrive in the mail.

[@kaziiqbal7257]

This aged well

[@dovie2blue]

With zero recen t nib experience, I just intuited that the stub nib was closest to what I used back in the day to do some italic and calligraphy. It's fun returning to real writing with a fountain pen. Thanks! 🥰

[@retardno002]

What you described as a cursive italic, or even the stub, used to be the standard way they made nibs in Germany in the 50s or so. The ones that were tipped with a ball had a K added to the nib size such as KB instead of just B, so the round nib was the exception not the norm. I recently learned this after purchasing a vintage Pelikan M400 from that time and to my surprise seeing the B nib look more like a stub so I researched it a bit. With that being said, writing with that is addictive and with the sepia ink I put in it I feel like Shakespeare even when writing grocery lists. It makes the handwriting beautiful with no conscious effort on my behalf.

[@fuckingfuck6405]

didnt know elvis presley was into pens

[@betterwatcherself]

You make a good team. Personable, come across as sincere and knowledgeable.

[@sintia179]

"We aaaaaaare", "we shouuuuuld"....@ 11:11 That Drew is a ray of sunshine!

[@Gouletpens]

+Cynthia Morales Hitting new octaves on those words! - Colin

[@manuelruiz4390]

I recently found an off-branded pen with a Crisp Italic Nib. Didn't know what it was at first, and felt hesitant about it because it felt, as you mentioned, like scratching and cutting. Really sharp! Anyway, I decided to try out making it wetter, and it now works fantastic! It allows me to glide easily when writing, and only a few specific strokes require special attention or a specific direction in order to get the desired result without issue. Great nib!

[@Toneyfish]

It's always nice to see a video hosted by two people who are clearly good friends off camera as well!

[@Gouletpens]

+Evan Rogers Yeah, the Drew & Brian chemistry is undeniable! - Colin

[@annemiev9278]

So this popped into my KZbin feed... Wow - was this Drew’s first video??three years ago?? Well done lads!

[@mikerobertson4041]

I am a calligrapher of 35 years, using mostly broad-edged pens. To achieve the most dynamic difference in stroke width, one needs to hold the pen nib at about a 35°-45° angle to the writing line.

[@jacquesdespadas]

As a lefthander, I have found that a left oblique stub nib is critical to writing with fountain pens. The nib-to-paper angle demands that I straighten my wrist rather than defaulting to the overhand grip that I grew up with. The result is way less smearing (really almost never). As soon as I learned about stubs, I bought a few medium nib Preppies and the nib tuning kit from Goulet Pens and started grinding the shape that works for me. I have since found an architect style grind that works for me too. So my brother and sister lefties, do not despair! Your pens might just need a little tweak. And once you find what works, your writing will have some extra flair.

[@karlkunkel]

Thank you for producing this video and keeping it available. I am starting to explore Italic and Stubs, so this was very helpful!

[@niquegrigsby6901]

Very informative. Colin recommended I try a stub nib and now I'm really intrigued after watching this video.

[@dianahendricks2011]

Thanks for all of these videos. I am learning about fountain pens and really enjoying your videos. I watch them as I clean the pens and doodle and write. As a career journalist and entertainment writer, I find myself taking notes on your videos just to practice writing. I have purchased several of the pens and nibs you have recommended and am truly loving this new COVID hobby! Grab a fountain pen and a legal pad - and write a letter to a friend - whether it is someone you see regularly or haven't talked to in ages. I promise that they will be thrilled!

[@explorerextraordinaire5472]

great hobby indeed

[@cyclingtroll]

Great job, I'm thoroughly enjoying the Goulet vids!

[@helenmcdonnell2585]

Love the Drew/Brian rapport, have come back to rewatch just because:)

[@allisonwinebrennerhodges5011]

I love my Lamy stub nibs! Thanks for this informative video.

[@CiceroSpeaketh]

Omg I felt like I went into a time machine. Watching this video in 2024 for the first time after watching the pencasts...

[@ArcherRon]

Well done guys. Great explanations and great examples that brought it all together.

[@newsigmundfreud3023]

THANK YOU for giving us such clear explanation, simply and effectively informative.

[@AmberLaraine]

this video came up on it's own after watching the diamine shimmering inks overview. I'm writing with a Lamy 1.5 right now and my not so hot handwriting is looking super fancy with my Diamine Shimmering Seas ink sample. I'm loving the shading I get with my inks with this nib. Beautiful!

[@sam9242]

Best time I ever spent was learning to grind my own nibs. It makes it easy to change the manufacturer's idea of stub or italic into exactly what I want.

[@lilymcalister1825]

Awesome!! I am looking forward to doing same!! Good for you!👍

[@ProducerBoy650]

Outstanding overview. Answered all of my questions!

[@AnzanHoshinRoshi]

Nice to see Drew again. Thanks Brian and Drew.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks! -Brian

[@Tabbyhasbees]

Great video! I picked up a Lamy 1.1 a few years ago as an experiment, and you guys are right: it is absolutely a great beginner italic nib: I've been hooked on these stub/italic nibs ever since.

[@Rahul-wj6tk]

Watching Drew is so nice. Thanks for such nice and entertaining videos.

[@FirstFlyte]

Great work guys! Love these vids. Thanks for putting the content together.

[@k.m.alleenaofonemorechapte532]

This was a wonderful video! Great to hear from Drew again, too. Keep up the great work, and thanks for posting this today!

[@Gouletpens]

+K.M. Alleena of One More Chapter Glad you liked it! Hopefully Drew can pop into a few more videos in the future. - Colin

[@allyson_gari]

I like a lot when you both make the videos for review the fountain pen!

[@tryonmom1]

I'm just learning how to use a fountain pen. Very helpful video!

[@iridiumscribe4915]

I started learning about fountain pens from you and now, after five years, here I am again learning about stub nibs. You guys have been the most helpful source whenever I have questions about my pens. Two years ago I purchased a Montblanc 146 with a Oblique nib. I had no idea what that was other than it was a stub nib. When I did the test at the boutique, I really liked it so I decided to buy it as a special gift to myself. It mostly stayed in my collection case until yesterday when I took it out again and inked it up. I realise now that I have to write more at an angle to get the desired results. Now it's my favourite fountain pen that I own. It's quite interesting to learn how rarely companies offer this style of nib. It makes this pen even more special to me. Thank you for the content you release and making fountain pens even more fun.

[@martynsnan]

Thanks for this. You answered a question about the nib on an old Platignum pen I found in my art supplies.

[@semperfidelis9579]

I was able to send you the pictures on your blog. Thank you so much Brian and Drew and I hope to hear from you.

[@johnandrewmunroe]

Great info, love the scintillating repartee as well! Keep it coming.

[@cherylynn927]

Very informative, thank you both! Well done!

[@bbrachman]

Excellent overview of stub, italic and cursive italic nibs. I still have to find the right nib for me, as a Lefty. I will probably cut down a less expensive nib to an oblique angle and try to make it work. Excellent diagrams and examples in this video. Goulet Pen Company videos are top notch.

[@vics-videos]

Excellent and detailed overview! Thanks, guys!

[@fludrbywest3886]

Yes thank you ! I appreciate the information and you two are so funny 😆 thank you !!

[@NicholasAarons]

Awesome Video Guys. Very Cool & Helpful. Keep up the great work. Nick.

[@gautambasu8807]

Both of you guys are smart presenters. The content was very interesting, helped to learn a lot.

[@Sonicman415]

Drew ROCKS. Your ‘shop’ is fabulous. I’m kinda hooked. You guys are so much fun. Thank you. Just got my first stub nib TWSBI Eco. It’s Groovy.

[@dividir88]

Drew was a good addition to this vid. great personality

[@OliverHellenbach]

Really really informative and helpful. Thanks much!

[@kathrynsargent5769]

Thanks for this, guys! I learned a lot!

[@joesasser4421]

Since discovering stub nibs earlier this year after talking with Susan, they’re my #1 choice for nibs. So far have had two custom grinds: a 0.5mm, and 0.6mm. They’ve certainly improved my handwriting, by making me go slower and concentrating more.I like the look of that crisp italic, maybe that should be my next one. Thanks, love your channel & vids.

[@mayhjuga2332]

I just got a dip pen and only 2 out of 6 fountain pens worked. The misalignment thing was the reason for most of my struggles and you've helped me so much. thank you!

[@marinechapssemperfiout9939]

Another outstanding piece.

[@arabesquejacob8176]

Love stub nibs! Amazing video, thank you 🙏

[@oanavornicesei]

This was SO useful!! Amazing! Clear, well documented, quick guide which answered a question I had, provided additional information I had no idea I needed, and all so user-/beginner-friendly AND fun to watch! As far as I'm concerned you nailed it!! Thanks! I'm going to stick around some more to get a 'good education'. :)

[@Gouletpens]

That's awesome to hear and glad you find your way to us! Thanks for the feedback & support. Write on! - Colin

[@baadogs]

This was very helpful, thanks! I recently got a stub 1.1 and a couple of Metropolitan italic nibs and now I only want to write with those pens!

[@Ken-wz9vy]

Hey guys, thanks for explaining. I'm a fairly newbie when it comes to fountain pens. I have been hesitant about venturing out into the stub land.

[@marlakay226]

Ohhhh what a fun AND informative video this was to watch. I do understand more than I did before. What a team you guys are.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks Marla! We're hoping to do another one in the coming weeks on flex nibs, so that should be a lot of fun as well. - Colin

[@marlakay226]

The Goulet Pen Company Yay! I look forward to it Colin!

[@bikkies]

I love the Lamy stubs for being cheap and accessible. Interesting though that the Pilot Plumix / Pluminix nib didn't get a mention here. These can be great fun for very little outlay and are a good way to spice up a Metro or a Prera.

[@macfrenzyfrost]

Great video. Loved Drew's charm and passion for the pen

[@Gouletpens]

+mac frenzy One thing Drew definitely doesn't lack is passion. He exudes it! Thanks for watching :) - Colin

[@jamesbarros950]

Everyone told me stub nibs would be scratchier and harder to write with. I got the Goulet 1.5 and now I need to order 5 next paycheck as ALL my friends want one. The smoothest writing, funnest nib I've ever used.

[@hidilley]

This was super helpful, thanks!

[@ypure3859]

great reviews. answered almost my questions

[@evilganome]

Great information, as usual!

[@MeekoSan]

Great video!! Good job guys!!

[@chrisrap52]

Great video. You nailed it. Great info. The italic writing experience can be very rewarding or extremely frustrating. I love left obliques. Mike Masuyama grinds a perfect one. That is one way to get an oblique from a gold nib. Now I mostly get broad nibs that can be ground.

[@chrisrap52]

+James Jacocks That is one of my Pen Show activities. Like seeing the nib & testing it after grinding. I have bought a B nib & ground it same day.

[@Gouletpens]

Mike does awesome work! Definitely catch him at a show tho, I think he has a 13 week backlog right now! -Brian

[@scorpion777silvermoon3]

Omg i love this type of writing. I took Calligraphy once.it was fun

[@MoonlightPassions]

Very informative, Drew has quite the entertaining personality and very expressive eyebrows haha

[@Gouletpens]

+MoonlightPassions Drew is very expressive in general. His hands are moving a mile a minute! Glad you enjoyed :) - Colin

[@24juraj]

Better video than others you publish and those are very high quality. Thank you for your passion and willingness to educate all newbies including myself in this amazing hobby. Bowing down.

[@Gouletpens]

These ones takes a bit more time and planning, but we should have a video on flex nibs in the coming weeks! - Colin

[@1happyag]

I purchased a TWSBI Vac 700 with a 1.1 stub from you guys not too long ago and I'd never had a stub nib before. I LOVE it! Thanks for a great video!

[@Gouletpens]

+Heather Burnside That's awesome. We think a lot of people will fall in love with stub nibs after this video clears things up for them! - Colin

[@jenniferh3587]

Thank you! I was very confused and now I know why I was having problems.

[@davidsilva8695]

I love writing with stub nibs-so much more to learn. So far my favorites are Lamy and Monteverde.

[@davidsilva8695]

I just bought my first stub nib, the Lamy 1.1-so much fun! It’s like the beginning of a new adventure.

[@kapirk2244]

Good information, thanks for the video. Good job guys.

[@wendybowman5871]

Thank you. It helped a lot.

[@JaviBee]

I vastly enjoy italic/stub nibs more than regular ones. They just make writing so much more interesting... Thanks for the helpful video!

[@Gouletpens]

Agreed! -Brian

[@campingknitter]

very helpful - i might be a little obessed with italic/stub nibs! I am waiting on a Platinum music nib pen to arrive at my local pen store. i tried the Pilot music nib - loved it!

[@antman5474]

My old school gave us all Platinum stub pens then. I never knew that until I watched this. Nice

[@sophiasideris3814]

Great to see another face in a video! Drew is great and very enthusiastic

[@NatLili1]

This was so informational. I revived a calligraphy set for Christmas and I am so excited to start a new hobby. I recently ordered the TWISBI Eco from your company as I have been watching hours of your videos. Thank you ;)

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for watching! Good call on the TWSBI Eco, great pen. Hope it brings you many hours of writing enjoyment. :) - Colin

[@Tsoti1]

Thank you so much the best explanation

[@jakegevorgian]

Thanks for the tips.

[@willcresson8776]

I recently picked up a Pilot 78G from the early 2000s with a "broad" nib that is decidedly not a broad, but a medium stub. Its quickly becoming my favorite pen

[@pujapatel1034]

Can I just say Drew made this video fun to watch :)

[@Gouletpens]

He's a super energetic guy, and it just oozes in the video. We hope to steal him away for more videos in the future! - Colin

[@wendywander7]

I had only ever used calligraphy fountain pens before I purchased my first fine nib fountain pen from The Goulet Pen Co. in late December, and I've been increasing my collection since then. I've been looking forward to this video since Brian mentioned it a little while ago. Thank you especially for explaining the different types of nibs and how they function! I found all the information in this video to be interesting, useful, and well presented by Brian and Drew. Great job, and thank you!

[@Gouletpens]

+wendywander7 Thanks for your support and glad this video was helpful! - Colin

[@isabelpatchett9356]

Great Video very informative thanks.

[@Kammitoes]

while I watched I got all my stub nibs out and swapped them out on my FPs - so now I'm playing with them. Great Vid, please do more of these 😍

[@Gouletpens]

That's awesome! Glad this video served as inspiration. We're definitely hoping to do more of these in the future! - Colin

[@helenmcdonnell2585]

You guys are a gas:) Thanks for the great info!

[@RandyJohnsonCoral]

keep up the good work. Nice job!

[@stephanieinspired1151]

Excellent information!

[@pat999x]

Very timely! I recently purchased a Pilot Parallel from Goulet Pens. I haven't inked it up yet, but I'm looking forward to trying it out.

[@Gouletpens]

I think you'll find it takes a little getting used to, but when you do...it'll be love :) -Brian

[@Julian-bq9qv]

Just saw this one and Drew is a trip!!! Have him on as a guest from time to time -

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, he's something else! Hope to have him in more videos soon, maybe another joint Q&A. - Colin

[@RushikeshTade]

I can't belove I watched whole video on Pen Nibs..... I love the fact that I enjoyed it as well.... you have a sub

[@noelitocastillon3324]

I got a 1.1 stub that I put in my Lamy Vista. It is the smoothest one compared to my sheaffer and TWSBI Eco. I used it for daily writing, note taking and even signing some important documents.

[@markkrell3276]

Really helpful. As a left-hander, I’ve been tentative about trying a stub.

[@johnwhite4070]

I'm left handed but idk if I can use a stub nib because I'm a side writer / overwriter

[@PuthirVanam4U]

I love your videos. I am learning a lot.

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for stopping by! - Drew

[@AaronzDad]

Excellent Information - caused me to change some things around in my wish/future purchase list.

[@Gouletpens]

+AaronzDad I think everyone should give a stub nib a try. It can be very enjoyable writing experience once you get the hang of it! - Colin

[@13noman1]

Thanks. I have an Aurora Talentum in my collection that's just been sitting there for a few years. Before watching this video, I thought to put it back in rotation -- and noticed how sensitive it was to my rotation angles, varying from pretty wet to a complete skip. Now I'm inspired to play with it a bit more -- and adjust my writing a tad when using it.

[@embroiderpiccies]

Great video guys. Brian watch out, Drew is cooks like you. Great teamwork. Really enjoyed this as been thinking about trying a stub nib, as I have a few Lamy's with broad nibs and I love the effect on my writing.

[@Gouletpens]

+embroiderpiccies If you have a Lamy, I'd definitely give a stub nib a try because of the swappable nibs! - Colin

[@weezyfaz7]

great video. very informative

[@forjazznjava]

You guys and this channel is pure ink crack. Addictive. Keep it up!!!

[@keithwhitney7491]

I had not watched this before (for some unknown reason); however, I am glad I did, as it remedied some the problems I had with the nuances (although I am sure I will store the knowledge in a part of my brain that eludes me). :)

[@TaraHornbacker]

I am a big fan of the stub nibs! TWSBI is wonderful - also have had great success with Lamy, Conklin - I started with italic nibs of Osmiroid pens in the early 70's (early Osmiroids were wonderful...not so much now...)- and have been a fan of the fountain ever since.

[@michaelmclean2363]

Great video I currently use Speedball and Manuscript so I am going to have to check these out. I would love to see a video of the manufacturing process

[@petra8888]

Thank you, guys!! 😀