The Fountain Pen Guide for Lefties: Do I need a lefty nib?

[@Dantick09]

4:57 is when the information starts

[@tomask2138]

thank's

[@multidevice1540]

I am a lefty and just getting into fountain pens, thanks for the video. Lefties have to learn early on to adapt to a right handed world.

[@Scrivelynotes]

happy you also found the joy of fountain pens! :-)

[@Saucyakld]

Yes, we find a way. Might look ungainly but mostly works. My sewing machine was the hardest hahaha

[@deusimperator]

Write sideways... in university and schools, the writing surface is on the right side. Learn to write sideways or upside down and you will solve all the problems. By sideways I mean have the east edge of the paper at the bottom.

[@cam2351]

​@@deusimperatorI write upside down. Upside down gang.

[@Simpledays-j3d]

Im a lefty too

[@kevinu.k.7042]

Another superb video. Agreeing with what you are saying and adding... I am a leftie and years ago my big sister made me learn to underwrite. That is my elbow was 45 degrees or a little less to the paper. Huge improvement of my eight year old script. Six months ago I got a book by someone who is a professional hand writing 'coach' . She is a big voice in education here on the subject of handwriting. I applied some of her instructions and such a change in my writing! This is what I did: Do some shoulder rolls, arm stretching and finger stretching to get the tension out. Make sure my chair was high enough that my forearm was naturally parallel to the desk top. Not reaching up to it as it were. Place my body square to the desk and the paper square to the desk too. Keep my elbow roughly near to my side. Not 45 degrees out. Place the paper slightly off to the left so that it is in front of my forearm, which is square to the paper. Then to do some circles loop figure of eights etc to get the movement going. - Bin the paper. Place the notebook or paper in the same place and start. Apparently underwriting like this allows the best use of fine muscle movement. Underwriting with angled paper means that the forearm is crossing the body and it restricts the use of the forearm and hand. (She explains). My writing is so much more legible and I don't need leftie nibs. The other thing I do with a new nib is, if it is at all scratchy, is just to give it a quick polish with some 1.0 and 0.5 mylar paper. Sometimes just the 0.5. Just ten figure of eights on each grade if using both. I have tamed many nibs doing this and I can choose just how much feedback to keep. This works a treat with Lamy nibs BTW. The left hand part of the grind for Lamy LH people is, apparently, for side writers specifically. Using a loop I found that the Lamy LH nibs are ground a little less steeply front to back to allow for the side writer's increased pushing. Overwriting is a form of self abuse IMO 😖 I do hope this is helpful to someone out there. Thanks for yet another great video. Lefties can struggle for years, like I did, so it's great you are addressing this. Sorry for the essay. Cheers

[@Scrivelynotes]

thanks so much for the elaborate and helpful sharing of your experience. just as you, I too do hope that this is a useful piece that many will read!

[@jannieschluter9670]

The benefit of using a B nib is that it runs so incredibly smoothly for a lefty. I am a underwriter. The fountain pen usage made me that way so smudging is no problem to me.

[@johan0234523]

Thanks for the video! As a kid, I wrote with a hook, and since we had to use fountain pens, I always had a piece of blotter paper under my hand. But when I was in my 20s, I taught myself to write with my hand under the line, and that is how I have written ever since. Much less cramped, and it allows me to use even the wettest pen & ink combinations.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Yes, I also wrote with the blotter paper as a kid. And can also "underwrite" today. Not very hard to learn - just a little weird in the beginning perhaps (at least for me).

[@JosephDickson]

Left handed underwriter and former sidewriter here: Took me about four months to learn and become comfortable as an underwriter. I don't tilt the page but I do hold it at my left and inline with my shoulder. I find having my arm at a 90 degree angle made the process easier.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Yeah, we all need to find what works for us personally. Happy you found a way! My handwriting still looks a little different, depending on which style I am using.

[@gammawolf2000]

being retired ive decided to try my hand (left hand lol) at fountain pen writing. im so happy to have found a fellow south paw that is experianced with fountain pens. subscribed. thanks for the vids :)

[@Scrivelynotes]

Very happy to hear this! Glad to have you around and enjoy the wonderful dive into fountain pens. It is a fantastic journey! Enjoy it!

[@Dr_JK]

@6:25 actually uses the pen. Thank me later.

[@CarthagoMike]

funny thing: at my university I know more fountain pen users that are left-handed than that are right-handed.

[@Scrivelynotes]

ha! well, that really is a fun-fact! awesome though! lefties unite :-)

[@jamesjacocks6221]

I've been using fountain pens all my life and as a lefty I have not found any types of pens impossible but don't use flex type pens. I generally side write and use an architect nib to simulate an italic nib writing from the bottom of the page. I can over and under write but side writing is the only way I am truly comfortable and can write all day. Scrively, I too grew up under a system where you used fountain or dip pens and that is why I side write. It was as far as the teacher would let me go. I have practiced writing right handed but I'm not good enough yet. Great video.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thank you very much for your comment. Yeah, I can also sort of write with my right hand, but sure enough, my left hand is a lot stronger - and also side writing is the most comfortable and natural feel for me.

[@erictimewell8850]

I’m very interested in the way you simulate an italic nib. Do you have your architect nibs specially made? Or is there a workable combination of a commercial fountain pen and an architect nib that you can recommend? I have exactly the same problem; maybe I can find the same solution.

[@jamesjacocks6221]

@@erictimewell8850 Eric, there are few architect nib pens that are sold as such. I have a Hongdian Rabbit Moon with a "long sword" nib that almost qualifies as an architect nib. I also have a Sailor Cross Nib which performs like an architect nib (but it's no longer made and is $$$). I recommend you grind your own. To do this, start with 600 or greater grit carborundum quality paper and lay the nib on its side and remove (slowly) some tipping from each side of the tipping ball, testing as you go to obtain a thin vertical without affecting the horizontal line. Later, when the lines look okay, smooth the nib very gently (so as not to undo your work). This process is iterative, and wants you to test as you go and use your trial grind for awhile before going further. I apologize for not being able to give you video (it would be easier to show the process). Good luck.

[@erictimewell8850]

@@jamesjacocks6221 Thanks for so much good advice. At first I'm going to try the Hongdian long sword nib. It looks as if it has the right sort of NW to SE emphasis I'm looking for. If that doesn't work, sandpaper time.

[@RayCornett]

In school I was a hook/overwriter. Now I am an underwriter and use a very severe slant of the paper. About 45+ degrees to the right. I don't need a special nib and don't have smear problems. However, I did start note taking and such at the back of the notebook on the right page and working my way to the left page and toward the front page.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Interesting strategy with the backside-to-front writing! I think it is the same approach that the Field Notes lefties edition utilises...

[@pauliedoodle1939]

I work from the back to the front with my art sketchbooks and now my class notebooks too. I figured since it was only me using them then it didn’t really matter if I started from the ‘front’ or not. I can just do what is more comfortable for me. 👍🙂

[@brassen]

Gonna start writing from right to left, end of story.

[@drbonsai8839]

Hahahahahaa wouldnt we all

[@owenlatchford1758]

WOOO! fellow Lefty here just getting into fountain pens. Id like to thank you so much for making this video. it was very informative

[@Scrivelynotes]

yayaay! :-) thanks much for your comment. Glad the vid was useful!

[@ceres090]

As a lefty over-writer, I have found that oblique dip pens work well for me. They give me enough space that my hand never thouches the ink. That said, I'm also having fun learning to write under-hand so that I can enjoy more fountain pens. Either way, its about learning to love the process for me.

[@jamesjacocks6221]

Hi Scrively. This is very useful for left handed folk considering fountain pens. I have been writing with fountain pens for sixty-six years, at first because I had to and later because I preferred to. The solution to the problem of restrictions comes with choice of ink and paper. I wanted to write beautifully because, as a lefty, I am attracted to art, so no compromise with slant of writing and look of the piece. I wanted high speed calligraphy. I write fast and neatly and am always experimenting with writing styles, nibs, papers and inks. Fascinating really! I hope other lefties come aboard this magical ride of self expression and with your encouragement many will, no doubt. You are a pertinent resource for me. Thank you.

[@Scrivelynotes]

HI James! Thank you for your kind feedback! Yes, you are right. Ink, paper, and nib width is the magic trinity that it all stands and falls with. I intend to do a video on that since a very long time - I just don't really get around to it those days. Hopefully soon! Thanks again!!

[@o_o231]

YAY!!! I use the hook shape!!! Go Lefties!

[@Scrivelynotes]

:-) yay

[@santiagoamillano2125]

Thanks for the video! I'm a left handed person and a fountain Pen's lover. Thanks for the information!

[@craftblock-cubing-randomst6108]

I am a lefty AND I use a stub nib. I have no problems using it even when pushing. I use the Rotring ArtPen 1,5mm stub nib.

[@jamesjacocks6221]

Really informative and your props were cool! I'm a lefty and I agree with all you said. For those of us who are interested, breaking in a righty nib on polishing film using an inked pen and the same strokes that show roughness on paper, as well as writing pen-grams, works well. Do check your work on paper frequently. It is an iterative process. I have been doing this for many years on black (jewelers') Arkansas stones (using ink for lubrication) to taylor my nib's qualities. Might try a cheap nib on film for starters. Lefties of the world unite! We are ten percent of the market (and a higher percent of the talent). Do German schools still have penmanship classes?

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks for your thoughtful comment, James. Yeah I agree, the nib smoothening as you've described works very well. I wouldn't even call that "penmanship classes". That was just the default way of how we learn to write from class 1. Fountain pen and cursive. There's nothing else (- or so it was in my times, and I have heard of nothing different those days).

[@martynsnan]

I'm not a leftie but I found this information fascinating. It's good to understand how other people have to manage their fountain pen use. Thank you.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks for your kind feedback! Glad the info was of value to you :-)

[@vanezcha]

I am just another leftie who use fountain pen

[@Scrivelynotes]

awesome!

[@Saucyakld]

I already got them 20 years ago! The only trouble I had was my three year old found my pen. I was answering the front door and when I came back she was trying to write with it and it would not work as she is right handed. Hahaha! So now trying to source a new pen. In the meantime it is pen and ink

[@susanscott1240]

As a lifelong lefty, I gave up writing with fountain pens early in my life. No matter what writing instruments I used, I would always drag my hand through my writing. Even pencils. Consequently, I always have a black mark on the outside of my left pinky. This is a great video, however there is way too much talking.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Susan Scott thanks for your comment

[@iamfilipinas]

“Embrace the Smear” 😆 lefty here and this phrase comes to mind!

[@Encryptedte]

Im having issues using Rhodia and Clairfontaine paper. Its good paper just doesn't dry fast enough for a lefty. I also feel side writing is natural for a lefty. I have check my right hand and Im a natural under writer. I wonder how long if at all I can learn how to write with my right hand. Both in cursive and normal/simple writing.

[@Scrivelynotes]

I can see your issue with the papers mentioned. Also that many lefties are side writers, is true. I am a side writer myself, but I can also underwrite. I would not recommend you to retrain to your right hand. I think this is the most inconvenient to do, was I would never alter 'what I am' just in order to write with a fountain pen. If the tools does not suit me, I would change the tool, not myself. But I think you neither have to write with a ballpoint nor do you have to retrain to your right hand. What I would do first is to reconsider if it really has to be the papers you mentioned. Leuchtturm for instance also is great for ink/fountain pens, shows a lot of the inks properties such as shading and so on, and has fairly good drying times. I have no problems with that paper, even when I sidewrite. You could also use more absorbent paper generally = less shading, but much faster drying = much less smudging issues. Next, shall it really be Clairfontaine, Tomoe River, and the like, try using a Fine or EF nib and/or a faster drying ink (see the ink reviews on my blog www.scrively.org). If all that does not already help, practicing to underwrite with your natural left hand should also be a lot less hustle than switching to the right hand. It may never feel as comfortable as to sider write (as switching you hand also never will), but it will work and will not take you longer than a couple of days. With underwriting, you can use anything a righty can use as well - another reason for no need of switching you hands. Hope this helps.

[@kuya5000]

@@Scrivelynotes 'I think this is the most inconvenient to do, was I would never alter 'what I am' just in order to write with a fountain pen. If the tools does not suit me, I would change the tool, not myself.' exactly this. i've been researching and the people saying to write sideways, write upside down, write backwards, just to write with a fountain pen seem so absurd to me. i'd rather just continue to use my ballpoint which allows me to write how i like to

[@Scrivelynotes]

@@kuya5000 practicing a little to write differently with your main hand can be a way, if one wants to. I went from sidewriting to underwriting quite effortlessly, for instance. But of course, one does not have to.

[@jannieschluter9670]

As a lefty, I had a Lamy Safaris and some Parker in same price range. I however used my friend's "Lamy abc" which was considered to be for children's fountain pen. I was so positively surprised about how well I could write with it as a lefty! I think that maybe a "Lamy abc with its original nib, a B- or LH-nib" might be perfect. Consider that one can buy Lamy nibs individually...

[@Scrivelynotes]

as a lefty, you can still write with literally any pen out there. give it a try!

[@j0zeft]

Thank you so much for making your very helpful videos in English... I really appreciate this. Not many people have this knowledge or welling to give it out like you do, so sharing your knowledge in a language that everyone gets is really helpful

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks a lot for saying this. This was exactly my intention. Happy to hear it gets valued. I aim for doing more of these.

[@ajsnell6256]

As a leftie that desperately struggles with trying to figure out a pen that works for me I absolutely love the amount if thought and experience put i to this issue. Writing works best with pull motions, and if I use a "proper" grip that means Im pushing into the paper where a normal pen catches the paper and literally rips paper sometimes.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Good you found something that works for you

[@ajsnell6256]

@@Scrivelynotes the part that I struggle with the most is I work a job that I go through pens really fast. I want to use a comfortable natural grip and I love pens. But it's extremely uncomfortable for me to use normal pens with a natural grip that doesn't cause my joints fatigue. Ive been trying for years to find an affordable (not necessarily cheap but disposable) pen for lefties to write normally. So far I love the pilot v7 variants the most because they give me enough ink flow and the ball is exposed enough that it generally won't tear paper if I am careful. But I want to find a nice affordable pen that I know Im going to lose eventually that is just comfortable for me as a leftie to write with.

[@andrewtongue7084]

Thank you for a most enlightening video, Scrively. I must be a contradiction in terms, then, for I write with my left hand (underwriter) as a right handed person writes, ergo, I pull the nib across the page, & have no difficulty in using oblique &/or broad nibs - in fact, there's not a nib invented that I cannot use, & in that respect, count myself extremely fortunate. Admittedly, as a child, I was an 'over-writer', so an attitude of writing almost upside down - & for which, my teachers would punish me for same. Over the years, I have experienced an anti-clockwise rotation in this positioning of (any) pen, but now I write exclusively with a fountain pen. I consider it as much in training your brain to adopt a similar writing stance to the right handed - but decidedly not because of external influences - tutors, peer group et al. Simply put, I have taken on the right handed application, & adapted that technique for my own purposes. Of course, I completely agree with you - any pen is a suitable implement - it is merely a question of perseverance - to want to use these instruments...demonstrate (to yourself) that you can achieve this - you've nothing whatsoever to prove to the rest of the world :)

[@Scrivelynotes]

Andrew Tongue thanks for sharing this. Very enlightening and encouraging, indeed!

[@SD-gr3yv]

I'm a lefty who just 'discovered' fountain pens and this video was extremely helpful. Going to your website now

[@Scrivelynotes]

Sean Dillon great, thank you! I sincerely hope you will find as much pleasure in fountain pens as I do. It’s really such an enriching experience to most things I do in the meanwhile - and to me so much more in life than ‚just a writing tool‘

[@willemgroenewegen5934]

Have only just discovered your work, through the Appelboom podcasts. I'm a Dutch leftie and have been trying to use a fountain pen for 3 years now and got discouraged because of exactly the things you describe, the hand angle to paper (it gives me cramps) and the smudging of the slow-drying ink. So big thanks to you for these instructions! (I love Clairefontaine paper though and have stacks of it still, so that's perhaps still a hurdle)

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks! Hope it will work for you. Welcome to let me know if not. Can try to give tips then.

[@2b45]

I just bought my first foundation pen,I always wanted to try a foundation pen. I feel like I’m learning to write again.

[@fuzzypiglet]

Great info, thanks. I’m a lefty and I now know I’m an ‘underwriter’ thanks to your video 😀. I must have been taught to write by a lefty because I don’t push a nib at all, the way I write I always pull. There are a few exceptions with the letters MNVW - I push (or move the nib upwards) the 1st & 3rd part of the M and N, the 2nd part of the V and the 2nd & 4th part of the W. I hold and use a mouse oddly and I’ve never met anyone else that uses it the same way. I hold it in my left hand and I use my index finger to use both the left-click and right-click buttons, I also use the same finger if the is a middle button and/or wheel.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Super interesting. Also, I am glad that you found value in the video :-)

[@AkiraKatz]

EXTREMELY helpful video- and here I thought I would always have to deal with smearing!

[@Scrivelynotes]

Glad to hear it helped somehow :-)

[@Moniek20061987]

Thank you so much for you're information. I'm a lefty who uses the third hand position and bought a Lemy fountain pen, glad that it's working perfect since i use it for drawing. You're information made it much more clear for me, thank you. Do u use a self fill cartridge for you're Lemys and do you recommend it. I use a lot of ink for my artwork and it makes it easier to flush the tip.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks for your comment. I use mostly converters for my Lamys. At times the cartridges. and at times I do also refill those with a syringe.

[@stefangidlund7933]

Jättebra video! Jag ser fram emot fler videor för oss vänsterhänta.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Tack så jätte mycket. Flera ska kommer! 😀

[@burnylowe-miller4012]

I am 73 and I consider myself very lucky. When Isas in second grade and really learning to write, my teacher told us lefties to do everything just the opposite from what she was teaching the class. Thus, I am an under writer. Plus, I fell in love with fountain pens when I was about 12 years old. So I have bought them off and on my entire life. Now i only use fountain pens and love them. With our children living on PC's and tablets, I am very concerned that writing and penmanship is becoming a lost art!!

[@Scrivelynotes]

I also do love my little collection and very much enjoy using them. Passing on the hobby to my own kids, and they also like it! Thanks for your comment

[@calvinrhodes8996]

In reference to fountain pens most people always say left-handed people push the pain instead of pulling it I have no problem whatsoever and using a fountain pen and I am left-handed I took the paper to my right and I use a downward stroke and writing therefore I am pulling the pan instead of pushing it no problem whatsoever thank you

[@Scrivelynotes]

This is the way! :)

[@laurasmith3777]

Great information! I'm new to fountain pens and have been using a Jinhau 450. I don't know if it's me or the pen, but I have to clean the nib every single time I use it. Just a dip in water will get it flowing again usually, but I'm not sure that I should be doing this or should need to!

[@Scrivelynotes]

Hi Laura! Welome to the wonderful world of fountain pens! I hope you enjoy the journey! Jinhao pens are Chinese pens - some of them are good, some not so good; often it is a little hit or miss. Your issue sounds like ink drying into the nib, which is a common issue with some of those cheaper Chinese pens and caused by the cap not sealing really airtight. So in the case of the pen there is nothing much you can do against it and you are doing the right thing to get the ink flowing again. Surely annoying, I can imagine, and not the way it ought to be for you to have an enjoyable writing experience. I would recommend you to get a 'better' quality starter fountain pen, if you are still new to the hobby, still about to find out what you like and/or if you don't want to commit to much money into a pen for that reason. As great starter pens under 25 bucks that won't disappoint you, I normally recommend the Lamy Safari or Al-Star or the Pilot MR/Metropolitan or Prera. You may also wanna check my video on that: scrively.org/essential-fountain-pen-guide-pt-2-scrivelys-top-5-1-entry-level-fountain-pens/

[@GavinEmmanuel268]

A very nice video. I'm a lefty just getting into fountain pens, and found it to be quite informative. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us. I've subscribed to your channel.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thank you very much for your comment! I am glad the video helped. All the best on your fountain pen journey - hope you'll enjoy! :-)

[@flabbybum9562]

Great video. I'm a leftie underwriter, and I like fine and medium fine nibs the most. I use a Lamy 2000 EF, a lot, and I love that pen. I also use two Platinum 3776s, one F, and the other an older vintage one that's MF, which they don't make any more. My other favorite is a Sailor pen with a MF nib.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thank you ver much! I do also have some of the pens that you mention, and I enjoy writing with them a lot, too. The Lamy 2000 (I have one in F and one in EF) is my all time favourite fountain pen. I have two Sailors with Fine nibs that I like a lot as well. Lefties rock! :-)

[@shrlnzam9570]

I'm leftie underwriter too. How do you hold your pen? In what angle? Where does the nib face to? What about the paper's position?

[@rosemaryladinsky533]

Wow thanks for your explanations abt lefty writing styles. Im an under writer and love fountain pens. Hate reg ball points. Will follow your instructions.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks for your comment, Rose! Hope it all works out for you. Let me know, if not! Lets enjoy the lefty-fountain-pen-journey all together! Whoop! :-)

[@1timoasif]

Lefty too!! Just ordered my Lamy Safari yesterday, but was wondering if my writing style (mix of side and over writing) would cause any huge issues but you've answered all my questions! Thanks a lot!!

[@Scrivelynotes]

Hey! Great to hear the video helped! Guess you should be all fine!

[@MordeKaiser29]

I’m a lefty over writer…. I’ve been using fountain pens for a year now. I don’t think a lefty nib will make a difference. Currently I’m using a pilot vanishing point and majohn a1. I love writing and sketching with those !

[@Scrivelynotes]

Yeah, those nibs make indeed no difference

[@alexandrevaliquette3883]

I did write from right to left, like Leonardo Da Vinci for a while. Most people can't read my notes without looking it with a mirror. I'm an inventor, it makes my inventions a little more secrets!

[@Scrivelynotes]

Tricked them all 😊

[@erlc12]

Which nibs do you recommend with the least flex, bit are still smooth on the paper?

[@Scrivelynotes]

Lamy or Faber Castell steel nibbed pens

[@jannieschluter9670]

It was a pain to write with Fountain Pens in school as a lefty. We were forced to do it in Germany where pencils and ballpoint pens were forbidden to us. Back then the education about it for lefties was missing, too. I want to use fountain pens and enjoy it but...

[@Scrivelynotes]

but?

[@TugboatBillSimpson]

Hello! I am very new to fountain pens. I have noticed that I always have ink on my nib after writing just a few words. Do any other lefties have this problem? I clean off the nib after filling, but the ink appears again quickly.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Billy Freniere could you specify the problem a little? Ink on the nib is nothing uncommon and also nothing problematic really. As long as it is just a little and not large drops.

[@DivVisFacts]

Which fountain pen ✒️is that ?? Is it available in India??

[@RonakBhagat]

It's a Lamy Safari for left handed people. Available on Amazon or check with your local book store.

[@1q2653]

Why can a nib only be ground for either left- or right handed people?

[@sizzleweet]

Skip to the answer: 18:12

[@iamfilipinas]

I thought it was me- I didn’t like fountain pens scratching paper. I’m a side writer too so that’s another issue LOL! Looking into trying left handed fountain pens for the first time!

[@Scrivelynotes]

Mhhhh....you honestly don't need lefty pens! Guess the 'scratchy' experiences were just shitty nibs. Just go with whatever pen you like, and take a Medium nib to start with.

[@carlaeskelsen]

I've tried writing with fountain pens for over fifty years. Smudging isn't the problem; the problem is that every item I try to use writes beautifully for about a week and then doesn't ever work again. Ink just stops flowing and the pens seem to be ruined. After hundreds of dollars down the drain, plus a ruined heirloom pen, I've just given up. 💔

[@carlaeskelsen]

I've been told that lefties push the nib rather than pulling it, and it clogs up with paper fibers. I have no idea. But I'm heartsick over all the pens I've ruined, no matter how careful I was.

[@Scrivelynotes]

hmmm. this is rather strange. should not be like that. guess on needs to look a bit deeper into what the issues is. But I never had that - even with literally having used hundreds of pens over the years. Generally, ink does not just stop flowing. And even if it would, it would not mean that the pen is ruined...

[@yuklimka7251]

I bought an AL-Star with an LH nib years ago. Total waste of money for me! I don't get along the triangular grip section and prefer round sections by far. I reach for Japanese EF to MF/FM nibs predominantly, but Pilot's WA nib is possibly the most forgiving nib I've ever used. Ink and paper also play a role. I stay away from heavily coated paper.

[@Scrivelynotes]

Makes sense

[@CaptainWumbo]

I would think lefty is advantageous for flex writing, as the letters go from upper right to bottom left at a slant. Oblique nib holder is actually the way right hand have to solve that, or rotate page. Too bad there's no such thing as an oblique fountain pen. Nice video anyway.

[@lydiabreuer4804]

Exactly what I thought. I am a lefty and love my calligraphy. I don't need an oblique penholder as I am an underwriter and so I have the perfect angle for Copperplate w riting.

[@ykken]

Hi, do you write with a dip pen?

[@Scrivelynotes]

Not normally, no.

[@mrpilotsapien7705]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! VEEEERY INFORMATIVE!!!!!

[@Scrivelynotes]

Abraham Sapien glad it helped. Thank you!

[@hrnekbezucha]

You really want to learn to write the proper way. I used to write in the hook way and it's just horrible. Underwritting is _the_ way to go. Because learning that you can pick up a quill and use it just fine. Any other way you'll just rip the paper apart and the feeling of grinding sends chills down my spine. _Then_ you can start worrying about the nib, ink and paper.

[@sandrakohlstedt8583]

Kool video, thank you!

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thanks

[@felixaviseyii8878]

Answer: no bit if your a middle writer yes get one but if a under writer you will be fine

[@Lee0568]

I was told at an early age to write with a biro,so avoided fountain pens for the last 45 years.

[@Scrivelynotes]

a pity!

[@Lee0568]

@@Scrivelynotes as my comment to you explained,we were taught in a regimented way,it's only recently I've come back to fountain pens,and I adore it.

[@thedirtygot9570]

I was called backwards O John put in a corner with a dunce cap by the teacher! Next day my mother got that teacher fired! I’m a lefty and when writing cursive, I intentionally write my O’s backwards in spite😂 this was 55 years ago and I’m still scarred😂

[@Scrivelynotes]

Beating the odds ;)

[@lockedon8953]

I wanted to get a fountain pen, but their so many people out there that say fountains and roller ball pens aren't for lefties. I may give it another glance

[@dnlgrmn7169]

As a lefty I strongly disagree with those people. I have several of them, from really cheap to premium brands. And as an artist I’m drawing with a dip pen. It’s about practice, and being aware of the hand movement, (not over the fresh ink)

[@Scrivelynotes]

Do it! Did you already? As you may know from my video, this is wrong. There are so many lefties out there using fountain pens

[@mysticwolf11]

This was a very informative video for me. Thank you!

[@Scrivelynotes]

Thank you for your kind feedback!

[@luludesjardins]

Very helpful!

[@Scrivelynotes]

Floranne St.Amand McLaughlin thank you 😊

[@felixaviseyii8878]

ALSO IM A LEFTIE FOUNTAIN PEN USER :)

[@lewis7607]

Wait, why did I watch this I'm right handed ? Anyway, great video !

[@Scrivelynotes]

Haha! Thank you!

[@orlandolucena4014]

I'm a leftie and never felt the need for a leftie nib.

[@kellyfranca7355]

Orlando Lucena I do need a lot for writing upside down 😕

[@Saucyakld]

Because we adjust to a right handed world. My iron cord is on the wrong side, so is my sewing machine. Lock on my front door, dials on the washing machine,vthe list goes on but we adjust. That is why we are smarter!

[@jamesaritchie1]

Lousy technique is why lefties smear the ink. I haven't even seen a rightie use a fountain pen properly in at least thirty years. The weird thing is that many out there do use a dip pen properly, particularly if it has a flex nib. If you hold the pen properly, and write straight up and down, it makes no difference at all whether you're a leftie or a rightie, or how wet or dry the pen is. Apparently this style of writing died out a long time ago, and is no longer taught to fountain pen users, which is sad, because many dip pen users are experts at it.

[@Scrivelynotes]

James Ritchie great! Why don’t you make a video on that proper style and share with all of us? Would be so valuable!!

[@umeshparmar1460]

Confused

[@jade4r4]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Lee0568]

Simply,left handed people push the pen,right handed pull the pen.

[@Scrivelynotes]

not necessarily. depends very much on how you hold the pen.

[@Lee0568]

@@Scrivelynotes the problem I had being left handed,was when at school we were taught (showing my age now) to write with the same school issued fountain pens,we were taught in a regimented way,how to hold the pen,how the paper should be aligned,no individualism was allowed,my left index finger would smudge the paper,the nib would catch and then dig into the paper.It wasn't until secondary school and having a left handed teacher did my writing improve,and that was only because I was allowed to use a biro,now I love my fountain pen with left handed nib,to the point,my 2yo grand daughter is showing left hand dominance,both myself and her grandma are lefties,I'm going to buy her a Mon blanc fountain 🖋 pen,with her name engraved on it for when she goes to uni.

[@dlee1363]

You need to get to the point sooner

[@Scrivelynotes]

I do not need to, no. I could. But I don't need to.

[@sergioreinert]

You talk too much. Get to the point

[@uzairhamid11]

Just write in Arabic

[@markmccreesh8420]

Jeez, get on with it, taking far too long to say so little.

[@Scrivelynotes]

mark mc creesh you in a rush?

[@markmccreesh8420]

@@Scrivelynotes Lol, yes, I was. Sorry for being so impatient. I will try watching it again when I have more time.