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

Brian Goulet is here to pull back the curtain on fountain pen nibs! What are the major differences, and how do they affect the way a pen writes? Brian's going to cover all that, and more. If you have any more questions, email us at [e-mail] or check out some of our other videos! We're here to help!
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RO Blue Water Ice: www.gouletpens.com/products/r...
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction
01:02 How Nibs Work
02:30 Nib Parts
05:29 Extra Fine
05:49 Fine Nibs
06:11 Medium Nibs
06:50 Broad Nibs
07:18 Stub/Italic Nibs
08:39 Extra Fine Variance Explained
10:05 Gold vs Steel Nibs
12:45 Terminology
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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[@pacamanca]

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

[@DodonaWind]

I lost it over that! 😂 Brilliant!

[@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.

[@christopherridge3900]

Just buy low-end pilot pens, A+ consistency

[@hemkeshyeole4630]

​@@christopherridge3900 I felt the same , can you recommend me other brand sir

[@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 😊

[@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!

[@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.

[@felixcolon3843]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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... ;)

[@nickklett]

Nice Rick roll in the video 😂

[@belle.irina.]

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

[@jamesbell8730]

Very good addition to the 101 videos, excellent job!

[@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)

[@kathleenschmidt1489]

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

[@NicholasPaulFranks]

Pen therapy 🙏

[@dancinswords]

Sometimes you just need to listen to someone talk about nibs

[@NicholasPaulFranks]

@@dancinswords preach

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@archivist17]

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

[@megancrumley3797]

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

[@nandakumar-qs5sr]

Pen-tastic 👍👍👍👍👍

[@adams1030]

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

[@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!

[@kat_koe]

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

[@ravkesef]

Fine work, Brian, it really covers the field well

[@s.n.11]

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

[@sharlenezuhlke1561]

Great job Brian, well done!

[@michaelmedlinger6399]

Always something to learn! Thank you!

[@laurabryan2556]

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

[@salvatoreIII]

Very informative and really well put together video.

[@krys6461]

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

[@dcreinken]

Thank you for Fountain Pen 101!

[@signalrambo]

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

[@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.

[@leicaman]

Storing horizontally is good? So glad I watched.

[@boblossie3192]

All wonderful information ! ! !

[@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!

[@highnoon9333]

I love hooded and inlaid nibs and the way they look

[@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?

[@FarhadSalami]

thank u so much i learned a lot

[@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

[@warpingaily]

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

[@jillleonard3212]

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

[@95SLE]

Thank you

[@streampunksheep]

omg i love this so much

[@stanloona000]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@latinachicana1989]

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

[@goldencalf5144]

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

[@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

[@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?

[@jehan60188]

Can nibs be replaced when they wear out?

[@drnimish333]

Nice video

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@PeterPancreas-bt8zc]

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

[@user-pw3tj5nr2c]

TWSBI ECO

[@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.

[@richarded22]

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

[@stickoutofthemud]

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.

[@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!

[@maxlebow7373]

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

[@karigori6415]

7:56 Oh boy.

[@theduck7940]

Did you just rick roll us?😂

[@piergiorgiotomassetti2630]

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

[@RubensMateusPadovezeArquimago]

☺

[@BradenBest]

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

[@williammaccarthey3089]

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

[@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.

[@palashchoudhury5565]

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

[@DijaVlogsGames]

Goddamn rickroll out of nowhere…

[@azamatbezhan1653]

Name please smoothest nib of pen

[@cooker4000]

Whats that ink!?

[@maximiliangerboc]

Did I just get rickrolled by Goulet?

[@atropos_thefate]

Did I just get ever so subtly Rick rolled?

[@JSwift-jq3wn]

By a rollerball

[@yrknutzreek]

We literally got Rick rolled.

[@tall_n8788]

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

[@flyfloat31]

Why Americans prefers finest nimbs than in EU ??

[@masterims6419]

Nice rickroll 7:56 😂👍

[@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

[@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.