PenBBS Calligraphy Nibs vs Kaigelu Long Blades and Architects 2022

[@kevinlandon7578]

Doug, I am stunned and amazed at the range of caligraphy nib you have discovered and reported for this video. Sometimes, there are too many choices to divine a favorite.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I know! That's why Daniel's chart is SO helpful. I got two #1 nibs when they were first introduced and the only ones. Then, when they released 1-7 in steel, I got a #2 and #7 because they represented almost the full range. The 14k #8 was as close to a normal nib as I saw in that group. For me, the best of the lot is #1.

[@sandy1508]

I must thank you Doug as I took your recommendation and got myself a pair of those Kaigelu long blade nibs and they are just great. My Jinhao's are now transformed. Always found the Jinhao nibs to be lacking in some way. Now I am getting another pair of Kaigelus possibly along with a couple of the Penbbs ones.

[@edwardwiper1323]

Have been waiting for someone to do this video so well done Doug.I have the #1 Penbbs calligraphy nib & 4 Long knife grind,but did not know about the Bobby nib which i sent for after watching(so its always worth watching).I dont class this as a pen purchase so iam still sticking to my 2 grail pen year.😁

[@InkquiringMinds]

Buying new nibs basically gives you a new pen, so it is a great way around your commitment! LOL

[@Volkmannx]

Interesting, thanks! So if I would want to grind an Architect I could go with a B or even BB?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Absolutely!

[@JuceePeachz67]

Great video, Doug! Thank you for taking the time out to share these nibs. I like the architect nibs as I am favoring more speciality nibs. I enjoy the 1.1 stub nibs as well.

[@InkquiringMinds]

My pleasure! Thank you, Marianne. Back on Fountain Pen Day in November, I bought a Waterman Carene Black Seas with gold trim and a 1.1 stub on sale at Appelboom. I thought that pen would be awesome with a stub! Well, that held up my order for months. Just last week I had Joost change it to a broad and I just got in in my hands 30 minutes ago! I'm going to have Jack make it into an architect. Specialty nibs are awesome!

[@JuceePeachz67]

@@InkquiringMinds Sweet!!! Looking forward to the that video! Be well and stay safe.

[@pen_journal]

Penbbs is definitely moving up the ladder... I'm very impressed with the quality of nibs they are producing!

[@chrisrap52]

Good comparison. I have the 8 steel calligraphy nibs & have written with a gold calligraphy nib. One characteristic they all have is "VERY" wet. The gold nib was the wettest. Would have been interesting to compare yours to a standard F steel nib. It appears to be a much wetter & thicker line. For lazy line variation, a 1.1-1.5 stub works well in my hand. For flair, I prefer a vintage Waterman's No. 2 nib. Some of mine go from an XXF to a 3B with a little pressure and they are VERY wet. They require a well-controlled slow hand to extract maximum flair. That's where the stubs are better for most writing. Stay safe & healthy.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks, Chris! YES! My 14k Calligraphy #8 is almost TOO wet. How would you characterize the difference between a vintage Waterman's No. 2 and a vintage Wahl Eversharp gold nib?

[@chrisrap52]

@@InkquiringMinds Wahl Eversharp made a large range of nibs. Their Flexible nib is not half as soft as the Watermans. I showed one in my last Eversharp video.

[@Mrrizzzzin-vc6np]

Im excited for that t5 review!

[@stefanwood2182]

Picked up a 3 and a 7 of the PenBBS Nibs over the holidays, and just received them when I saw your well done and comprehensive review. As I am accumulating pens and nibs, I am discovering that I prefer the architect nib for certain things, the broad for others. As I am an artist I am intrigued by the 7 calligraphy nib and plan to do some drawings with it. Have been pleased with the Kaigelu long knife nibs which are excellent, as well as the Fountain Pen Revolution flex and standard medium nibs.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I'd be interested to know how you like #7 for sketching!

[@stefanwood2182]

@@InkquiringMinds I'll put it on my new penbbs galaxy which came on with the nibs.

[@xychen0404]

Thank you for the video! I've been looking for someone to show me a variation of architect nibs!

[@MrCabimero]

You had me at calligraphy! Thanks for doing this. Just wonderful content. I have some of the #1 and some long blades and love them. But, after seeing the Bobby nib, I ordered immediately. I am hoping before the end of the year to get a higher end pen and get a custom architect grind too.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@johndevault9030]

Doug, thanks for the review of some of the specialty nibs available. I have just started trying some of these nibs. I have acquired a Hongdian 1861 with a long blade nib, 2 of the Kaigelu long blade nibs (which I have not used yet), a TWSBI ECO with a stub nib, a Osprey Pens Madison with a left oblique nib, and an Osprey Pens, broad architect nib in a Bock compatible nib unit which I installed in an Asvine P50 pen. So far my favorite is the Osprey Pens broad architect nib. If you have not tried the Osprey Pens specialty ground nibs, you should try them.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for the 411!

[@BC7Bill]

Oh my... another fork in the rabbit hole! Thanks for the review. I feel confident that my collection of nibs will be increasing this year! :-)

[@InkquiringMinds]

Happy to help! LOL

[@ichirofakename]

1. Thanks for this extensive information. 2. Which of these nibs do you use the most? Which do you "like" the most? 3. The #7 does in fact appeal to me for drawing. Does it write in reverse?

[@InkquiringMinds]

I like the steel #1 Calligraphy the best of all of them. #7 does write in reverse but very scratchy and ultra thin. You could smooth it a bit with micromesh and get an XXXF (0.1mm) line to a B line (0.7mm with pen almost flush with page).

[@ferrypen4952]

Many thanks for a great overview of these nibs. One of the things I really like about our hobby/obsession is the myriad of ways a writing experience can be altered by changing either the nib or the ink it certainly keeps my interest. I have a couple of the Kaigelu nibs but haven't got round to trying them out as yet and I am going to have a good look through Daniel's spreadsheet to decide on which PenBBS nib to look out for.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for sharing!

[@santauxia]

Very nice and informative review. Those hand carved-decorated nibs look really good.

[@InkquiringMinds]

They are! But WAY too expensive for me!

[@santauxia]

@@InkquiringMinds Same here, LOL

[@theglitchedstitchery8741]

I want one of those goldfish engraved nibs so bad, but hopefully when I see the official price I can talk myself out of it! They are gorgeous though.

[@InkquiringMinds]

When I first saw them, I needed one bad. Then I saw the price. Noooope!

[@martinlebl631]

@@InkquiringMinds They look gorgeous, but the price isn't really palatable. Will resist I am sure.

[@MrCabimero]

Doug- I just had an epiphany. I discovered that Osprey pens has B and BB architect #6 nibs they sell. $14 US. Just got a BB and pulled the nib and swapped it on a moonman I have. GOSH! What a great nib if you like Architects. I had to do minimal smoothing on ultra mesh and VOILA. I have no financial or personal ties with Osprey BTW. They are based in California and I got it in 3 days.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for the tip! I’ll have a look.

[@MrCabimero]

@@InkquiringMinds Tip- they can send you the nib and feed in a JOWO collar if you have the need. Otherwise I would suggest you have them send them loose as I had a pretty good workout wrestling them out of the collar to put in my Moonman and a Kaigelu.

[@Inazarab]

The link to the nib comparison document isn’t working, any chance you have another link to it? Also great informative video as usual.

[@InkquiringMinds]

www.richardspens.com/pdf/strokewidths.pdf

[@seanmarshall2559]

PPS in my world means pens, paper and supplies. FwP definitely has some nice inks. Great video as always

[@InkquiringMinds]

So St. Penbbs is the patron saint of pens and paper? ;)

[@crouserm]

Absolutely absorbing. I am awaiting a restoration of a vintage pen I found in Zanesville, by Main Street Pens -- in the mail -- so I'm not quite ready to say what I love writing with best. Vintage is amazing.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Best of luck!

[@deanandreoli1975]

Excellent review, Doug! I've been leaning toward a #7 calligraphy nib but wan't quite sure yet. Your demo clenched it for me. 🔥👑

[@InkquiringMinds]

Excellent! I thought about you when I mentioned “sketch artist “!

[@deanandreoli1975]

@@InkquiringMinds Cheers, brother!

[@StephenBlake]

This is a fantastic resource, Doug!! Thanks!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Very welcome, Stephen!

[@oscarmedina1597]

Excellent overview on affordable specialty nibs… Since you asked, I prefer stub and architect nibs when I want flair in my writing, but for every day writing, I prefer medium nibs. I don’t like slow writing, so using flex nibs is completely out of the question.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yeah. Same. If I go slow, my writing looks like I'm 100 years old.

[@manuelsalazar3938]

Hi Doug, watching this video for the first time now 😅 This is why I follow you, you always show things I don't like, you always help me to decide what I don't like and what I should get (from your list of pens you didn't like in 2021 I got some that I really love like the Moonman M1000) 😉 I have small handwriting and therefore I don't like broad lines when writing, when the loops of my letters are non-existent then a nib doesn't work for me, which happens with most Ms or broader out there, and most of your writing samples are just like that. Recently I ground myself an architect nib out of a Jinhao #6 M and I discovered I totally hate architects, however, I loooooove stubs. Probably I'll give a try to some of the nibs you presented (except the long blades) to give them an opportunity, then I'll probably re-grind them 😆 Happy holidays for you and your family, keep on your great channel 😁

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you so much, Manuel Salazar!

[@archivist17]

Thanks Doug. Interesting options available 🤔

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, archivist17!

[@peterharris5387]

Lots of things to consider in this video :-) I bought a couple of Kaigelu nibs after one of your previous reviews. I've put one in a Jinhao X750 and I'm finding it does add something extra to my handwriting. Very smooth ... I get a medium vertical and broad cross stroke. I much prefer it to the stub nibs I've got.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thanks for sharing! I like the instant character the nib provides.

[@s4r34l]

Hey Doug, thanks for your videos. I've been watching for a while but haven't commented before. I have a few of the Kaigelu nibs now, but I'm finding they write unusually dry. I have tried running a brass shim through them. I'm wondering if there is a sweet spot or some kind of trick to aligning them with the feed? Cheers

[@InkquiringMinds]

Try wetter inks like Iroshizuku.

[@s4r34l]

@@InkquiringMinds thanks Doug, I'll give it a crack. Thanks also for tolerating my awful spelling (aka my fat fingers on a touch screen) ☺️

[@s4r34l]

@@InkquiringMinds good sir, I discovered the issue. I had one in a pen inked with Iroshizuku Yu Yake and wasn't satisfied still. So I inspected the 3 nibs I have more closely with a loupe, once they were cleaned. I remembered the brass shim really struggled to pass the tines near the tip of the nib. Sure enough they were touching closely. I used your patented stroke method while checking regularly and then used the brass shim again. Boy. Wow. These write amazing now. I also write in languages that use Arabic script and can confirm the grind is much better than western stubs for that purpose. That's actually what motivated me to give them a go after learning of them from your videos Thanks so much for your videos and your efforts to make our hobby accessible, interesting, and for keeping us informed ☺️ Also gotta say I do very much enjoy your sense of humour Thanks again mate!

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@s4r34lAwesome!🎉

[@wessimpkins4401]

TY so much for the heads up and Daniel's link! Big time help:>) So can anyone here recommend one of the Penbbs models that would be a good fit for one of their calligraphy nibs? I don't want to come off ignorant and know one can just yank the nib from the feed in the unit, however not all of Penbbs pens look to accept nib unit, but are friction fit. I have an older 456 I believe it is where I swapped out the nib for a Sheaffer 14k some years ago. Just looking for a little direction and thanks for tuning us in on these wonderful nibs:>)

[@InkquiringMinds]

The Penbbs #6 size nibs are all the same size and are in unscrewable nib unit that fit all models of #6 size Penbbs pens. The nibs can be pulled to put into other #6 size pens but they are slightly smaller than standard so it all depends on the pen. Standard #6 size nibs CAN be friction fit into a Penbbs nib unit but you have to look carefully at nib clearance because on some models the cap will not go on without damaging the nib.

[@wessimpkins4401]

@@InkquiringMinds TY

[@mrN3w7]

PenBBS has some nice nibs, but the gold nibs are out of this world... cheaper to buy Jovo gold nibs with your own customized engraving :| - they also come in a flex-ish/soft version. Thanks for showing the Ferris Wheel Press inks... had no clue the guys are so close to my home... like literally 17 - 20 minutes drive O.O. Can't wait to see the review on those pens! EDIT: I'm more of a flex nib person :). Not that my flex writing is that great... but I like the range of line thickness a flex nib gives you

[@InkquiringMinds]

I doubt my engraving skill would rival Jialong Su (head of Penbbs). LOL

[@mrN3w7]

@@InkquiringMinds Not with that attitude lol :). Come on, be brave :).

[@lucm6476]

Wow so many choices , thanks for the review.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Thank you, Luc!

[@wendyholiday2021]

They're all beautiful. Another rabbit hole to fall into. Been looking at FWP pens but waiting to splurge.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I should have the FWP Carousel by Friday.

[@wendyholiday2021]

Looking forward to your FWP review

[@GaryCalder]

Very interesting comparison. The PenBBS nibs are quite pricey and in limited supply. have got a couple of Majohn T5s, so I will try out the Bobby $10 grinding. I did give one of those Kaigelus a test drive but found it very scratchy and unpleasant to write with. It seems yours was pretty smooth, so I may try it again after some quick treatment with Micromesh.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yes. They do need a little polishing to take some of the edge off.

[@Oliver81_OliverOliverovsky]

So, any idea if these Kaigelu nibs (nib units?) will fit into a Moonman 600s? I use nibs for drawing, but Moonman nibs suck and so they must be replaced with something...

[@InkquiringMinds]

I haven't tried, but they are pretty standard #6 size nibs. So, I expect the answer is yes.

[@Oliver81_OliverOliverovsky]

@@InkquiringMinds Thanks, sir. I asked since the regular Kangaroo nibs just slide off of the Moonman 600s feed...

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@Oliver81_OliverOliverovsky I just tried one in both the Moonman M600S and the Moonman M600 (came with a Schmidt nib and feed) and the Kaigelu Long Blade fits both. I haven't tried it with ink, but they fit just fine.

[@Oliver81_OliverOliverovsky]

@@InkquiringMinds Thank you, sir!

[@dashsunil]

At 13:30, it seems the feed is misaligned. Correct me if I am wrong. Thanks for showing the range of options, Doug! Would love to try some of the steel nibs.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Yeah. I had that nib in and out a couple of times to get photos of the base of it.

[@tiantuatara]

I love stub nibs and want to try architect nibs. These PenBBS nibs sound like a good way to try them.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Indeed! $20 isn't much to try!

[@wessimpkins4401]

What other Chinese, etc pens will accept a penbbs nib unit or is it a jowo or bock nib unit? I have learned quite a bit from your video and have purchased acouple based on your reviews👍

[@InkquiringMinds]

PenBBS nibs are slightly smaller than standard #6. They don’t fit many other pens. Lorelei is one.

[@gristlevonraben]

Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@knifenoob5411]

Thx for vid . Awnsers to a lot of questions I have about these nibs.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Glad to help!

[@knifenoob5411]

So these kagalu instead of double the price of the penbbs nib?

[@InkquiringMinds]

@@knifenoob5411 The Kaigelu nibs are basically architect grinds whereas the Penbbs are calligraphy nibs. So, they are apples and oranges.

[@johnsomers8269]

PG Tips? Good tea, but have you tried Barry's Gold Label? Blended in County Cork, Ireland, truly a lovely blend.

[@InkquiringMinds]

Not yet! It is very difficult to get even the PGTips. I have to go downtown to get it from the "Scottish Shop" of all places.

[@jeancarlostashima8629]

Beautiful things

[@singhprabhjot235]

Wow great knowledge

[@MrAndrew1953]

Generally speaking I favour stubs but I've also experimented with Indian Kanwrite flex nibs and pens.

[@InkquiringMinds]

I don't get on with stubs as much as architects. Interesting huh?

[@MrAndrew1953]

@@InkquiringMinds indeed - different styles of writing and also drawing. Interesting to watch a guy like Peter Draws who mainly uses different nibs,pens for drawing with. I like the Stub (1.1 and 1.5) for giving my writing extra flair and neatness. I've tended to drop off the flex side of things recently.

[@rjjone2]

Who is the nib meister you mentioned?

[@InkquiringMinds]

Jack Hernandez. jackokun on Instagram.

[@Shanghai_Knife_Dude]

4:54 zhu que 朱雀，that's kinds of chicken you will find in Ma Jeong (a chest game, not pen maker MaJohn)

[@davemcclure9685]

Doug unfortunately I got scammed with a Montblanc and not a very good fake either. You did a review a little while ago on a fake montblanc. Now my dilemma what to do with them. I bought them sight unseen I know I know dumb… when I opened the package I knew I had been scammed.

[@InkquiringMinds]

It depends on your vendor. If you purchased through Etsy, Aliexpress or eBay, complain to the vendor and then to the service. If it was a private sale, you're probably hooped I think.

[@amyr.862]

Boy oh boy, this makes me want to go off my pen diet. I lost too much sleep prowling for deals last year. #7 would be nice to have. Then I'd need a stylish pen body to go with...oh the slippery slope. Then I'd need to find an excuse to write checks and sign things. I have some soft nibs that are easy on the hand but another weapon in the arsenal wouldn't be bad. Something less ink hungry than a full sized fude nib.

[@InkquiringMinds]

But a new nib is less of a splurge than a whole new pen!

[@tomshult3044]

Architect over stubs. Nice hat!

[@InkquiringMinds]

Me too! Thanks, Tom!

[@Javi_C]

😊

[@InkquiringMinds]

😃

[@martinlebl631]

Love the gratuitous nibage.

[@sushanart]

Hmmm...all these nib variations almost makes me a little dizzy. 😁 I still not sure about the difference between an architect and a stubb. Maybe you have a video on this that I haven't discovered yet. 😇🩵🙏🙌

[@InkquiringMinds]

I have, somewhere. Basically, an architect and stub are opposites. An architect write a thick line horizontally and a thin line vertically. A stub is the opposite; thin line horizontally and thick vertically.

[@sushanart]

❤️🙏🙌