The Truth About Gold Nibs: Are They REALLY Better Than Steel?

[@SamuelNaldi]

Discover my new eBook „A Guide To Fountain Pen Nibs.“ here: samuelnaldi.com/products/a-comprehensive-guide-to-fountain-pen-nibs

[@muallaemine]

Let's just call a spade a spade: we love gold nibs because we're pen snobs 😁 But to be honest, I have steel nibs that are amazingly smooth and fantastic writers. İt's all about the tuning in the end. I've had 18k and 14k nibs that were just not writing, horribly scratchy and with severe baby's bottoms issues as well. Thank God for all the great nib meisters out there who can tune almost any nib to an amazingly smooth writer. On another note a gold nib doesn't always equal to a soft writer; the Platinum/Nakaya nibs are stiff but somehow doodling and writing with them is a joy as much as a Pelikan m1000's beautifully bouncy nib. Still the tuning of the nib is key to all of this. And btw the writing part of the nib is the tip so it's neither gold nor steel. The nib itself is more about the 'expressiveness' of the writing maybe. We should also consider the fact that more often than not gold is used in higher end pens that aren't just about the nib experience or the nib material itself. I'm not getting a LE raden Pelikan or more recently a Visconti Carbon Moire just for it's nib for instance. But I might not consider buying it if it wasn't a gold nib as well. So it's a package really

[@SamuelNaldi]

😂😂😂🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@jpa1214]

Great insight

[@frankv7068]

I’m a snob, gold nibs on fountain pens and gold on my time pieces, eat me!

[@SamuelNaldi]

Me tooo 😂❤

[@lizdelisle1912]

Yes please,more information on nibs; grinds,size, etc. I love my gold nibs but I need my steel nibs(TWSBI and Kaweco) for shimmer ink.

[@lizdelisle1912]

Yes please,more information on nibs; grinds,size, etc. I love my gold nibs but I need my steel nibs(TWSBI and Kaweco) for shimmer ink.

[@yobanyhernandez125]

Idk for me I am a rough person on my pens, having a pen with the nib that’s basically a nail makes me happy. Probably why I love Lamy so much.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Great to know!

[@leodqv]

Great video as usual, dear Samuel. I must say that while I appreciate gold nibs, steel nibs are my preferred ones. I like precisely their stiffness, and that's the beauty of writing instruments: regardless of taste, you can always find a suitable one and make it your own.

[@macmovieman1]

As a higher end collector I will always buy a gold nib when available. Sometimes I enjoy a carry pen that only comes in steel.

[@herrkeks8509]

I tried a Graf von Faber-Castell steel nib (on one of their Bentley models), and it was a great steel nib! It wrote very well! But sadly not all manufacturers put that much care into their steel nibs as Graf von Faber-Castell does. It was a great and highly pleasant writing experience …because they put the necessary care and effort into it. But a gold nib is still something special.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thanks for your feedback

[@FGBFGB-vt7tc]

Hello Forumites! Nibs are a fantastic topic. One less explored would be ergonomics, since sometimes we take that for granted. I have a Faber-Castell Ambition that is hard to love due to ergonomics, even if its nib is borderline addictive. Have pens with gold nibs I don't use for a variety of reasons, have steel nibs I love. At this moment the pens in my rotation are: A Parker 25 (F - Steel), an old Sheaffer Cartridge pen with a Triumph nib (M - Steel), the aforementioned F-C Ambition (F - Steel) and two Aurora Hastil (both M - 14kt gold nibs). All of them inked with Parker Washable Blue. You could say they all have a place. Even if I love very much the two Auroras with gold nibs, the one I use the most is the Parker 25. I also swear by a humble Elysee Model 70 (M -Steel) which is excellent in both nib and ergonomics. My 2 cents

[@SamuelNaldi]

@@FGBFGB-vt7tc thank you much for sharing this

[@FGBFGB-vt7tc]

@@SamuelNaldi It is a pleasure to share with fellow fountain pen lovers, Mr. Naldi. Guess that could be a topic, maybe a whole series!

[@Ludwig1954]

I would like to back a step in the history of pens and consider the enormous variety of nibs and nob points for dip-pens. These did not have an Iridium Point and were mainly made if steel (stainless or not). Differences in the feel of writing were mainly due to the overall shape, thickness and tempering of the nibs in combination with the respective nib shapes. These were mostly designed with a specific purpose in mind. Shape determined the respective flexibility of the pen. This could be incredibly varied - some nibs would show a slightly hollowed shape, increasing the stiffbess of the nib from a certain point. Others would be similar to todays fountain pen nibs, cut out of cylindrical or slightly tapering metal stock. Dome would have a very long and and fine point, while others would employ a larger angle. The length of the the middle slit would have a large influence on the pens performance. With the mentioned "cylindrical" nibs the diameter of the chosen stock metal would equally influence flexibility, behaviour and control. There were sharp but thin and stiff crowquill nibs, there were soft and springy nibs for stenographers, there were rounded school nibs for beginners in nany variations etc. etc., even nibs shaped like little hands with a tretched index finger. In my opinion, the overall shape and design of a nib will have a far greater influence on it's performance and behaviour than the material. Particularly considering the - basically standardised - iridium points that leave little choice in point design. I would like to see some fountain pen companies put more effort in the actual shaping of their nibs and not pnly their points! An expensive undertaking, I know, especially for large production lines. But - as our forebears have shown - entirely possible. On the side: A fair experimental test of the differences between gold and steel nibs would reqire identical dimensions of the respective nibs and points.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Very valuable comment and absolutely true!

[@lizdelisle1912]

Hi Samuel , Please do more videos on nibs, the more the better. I would to know more about stub and oblique nibs! Thank you for your wonderful videos!

[@SamuelNaldi]

@@lizdelisle1912 thank you so much Liz!

[@nccastro653]

AHAHAHAH I LITERALLY JUST SEARCH FOR THIS TYPE OF VIDEO! what a timing! You are always on point man !

[@SamuelNaldi]

😂😂😂🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@KennethEveleigh-t1t]

What was the brand of notebook you used? I did not catch the name.

[@SamuelNaldi]

It was Hahnemühle Manuscript

[@jmbaug1229]

In my opinion, both are fantastic. My Faber Castell Ondoro writes as smoothly as my GVFB. There is a place and time for both steel and gold nibs. Maybe you want to sketch for a long time outdoors, I think steel nib definitely would be my choice. Depends always of the context and how to use your fountain pen. Gold nibs are magical ✨️ and probably the reason why I got into the hobby 💛 J.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thank you so much for this feedback!

[@jpa1214]

Yes! Would love more nib videos!

[@SamuelNaldi]

Wonderful!

[@chriscoffey9793]

Really enjoy the nib talk. I am a huge gold nib snob. The best steel nib I have used is a Gravitas extruded carbon pocket pen with ebonite feed; it is a top nib in my opinion but most of the steel nibs I have used are inferior to gold nibs with the above exception.

[@CJBradley]

I just bought my first gold nib pen the Pilot E95S, it's very well made and I lke it a lot but I also have some much cheaper pens from China that cost less than five bucks and they also write very well, there just not that well made and fall apart. I guess you get what you pay for and obviously I prefer my Pilot more than the cheap stuff.

[@FountainPenWorld-z4i]

Aside from attracting people to gold because of its value and shine, it is softer than steel. You made it clear when you talked about the iridium tip, and that is the same material with a gold or steel nib. The same hard material gets the ink onto the paper whether it covers a gold or steel nib. And let's not forget the feeder. The best 21k gold nib can't deliver more than the feeder can give. And I prefer steel as I have no inhibitions at all about doing my own polishing, even regrinding. Something I wouldn't do with a gold nib.

[@gky7170]

I agree, pen snob or not - gold nibs rule! I have noticed that the higher karat gold nibs are softer and have more "buttery" feel when writing. it is especially noticeable when writing quick flourishes....also there are aesthetics involved - gold is eternal, steel corrodes lol! given my personal writing style, my steel nibs tend to cut into the paper surface while the gold glides more easily - this may be a function of the tipping material and true, gold nibs tend to have more care lavished on the tip finishing process.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Absolutely ❤️

[@FredBall]

I am enjoying my Sailor KOP with the interesting Naginata Togi nib. You may be able to do a whole video just on the more popular versions of the Naginata nibs. After watching some of your collector series I convinced myself to add the Sailor Mouko KOP with the Naginata Togi nib to my modest collection. I'm happy with it.

[@Sarwesh003]

Of course would love to know much more about nibs.... different types, different makers- the 3 main ones..... different nib sizes.... and different nib grinds...... also nib feeds and nib housings and units ....... it's a vast subject, may require a series of videos.....but very important one

[@davebrown5440]

Yes please do a segment on nibs

[@SamuelNaldi]

Check out my new eBook on Fountain Pen Nibs if you want ❤️ samuelnaldi.com/products/a-comprehensive-guide-to-fountain-pen-nibs

[@omeryehezkely3096]

Gold nibs are excellent for inflating the price of the pen. Very few manufacturers pay the needed attention to the quality and consistency of the nibs.

[@LivingArmor196]

Never used a gold nib. Most reviewers say that gold nibs are only as good as their craftsmanship and you can have amazing steel nibs.

[@Art_culture_livin]

Waiting for a another collectors talk 🖤

[@SamuelNaldi]

Sure 🙏🏼

[@sammiches6859]

Craftsmanship is the prime factor in a good nib. Some of the best nib makers out there can possibly make a steel nib write better than the standard factory gold nib. However, the apex of a steel nib will not be as nice as the best gold nibs. Why? Because gold allows for a smoother transition of the tines spreading relative to the pressure on them. Gold is also more corrosion resistant than stainless steel, especially when rhodium plated. I think gold is better, but the real question is for how much more? I think it's crazy when a pen over $250 doesn't come with a gold nib, but even if it did, I'm still going to grade it against my best steel choices before I buy another.

[@theronwolf3296]

Depends on what you are looking for. Smoothness and constant line width is important to me, but flex is not. So SST is fine. If you want flex, though, gold is the choice.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@cortesimerci35]

pretty much all specialty nibs are made for gold nibs.

[@miahoover9225]

I like gold nibs and you can find them more affordable in vintage pens.

[@Jesseskyer]

Oh man well alot of people say no some even say the tip on all nibs are there same but man the best feeling while I write has been on gold nibs. Bouncy, cushiony these things I've never gotten from steel.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Totally agree and thanks for sharing that!

[@kemmylove]

What ink is that?

[@herrkeks8509]

5:27 Graf von Faber-Castell Cobalt Blue (label visible) I like this ink a lot.

[@allanwiener230]

Can a better question be are there more poor quality steel nibs compared to gold nibs. If yes, it means that there is a greater risk in buying a fountain pen with a poor steel nib than a poor quality gold nib. For that uncertainty, I prefer purchasing gold nib pens even though more expensive.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Interesting PoV, thanks for sharing this!

[@astropolitik]

Hi, which gold nib do You think was the best You ever wrote?

[@hriveran]

In general gold nibs give me a better writing experience, but I have several steel nibs that give a similar experience than some gold ones. I have two entry level Viscontis and their nibs are so bouncy. And also have a Platinum Pocket Pen with a 18k gold nibs that is very stiff. I have also some very smooth steel nibs with an excellent ink flow. I value that very much.

[@wolfyyy0071]

Love what you do

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thank you so much!

[@Stereophile11]

Any chance for a showcase of some chopard pens? Thank you for the fine videos. You have really peaked my interest in pens. Cheers.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thank you so much. I‘m so so happy to hear. Unfortunately i doubt we will be showcasing Chopard Pens on this channel. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@sercheese]

Is it normal that a good nib doesn’t write constantly at the beginning? I mean I.ex. when writing a letter “k” there is an ink flow inconsistency and I have to repeat the stroke.

[@CamelNLD]

I would like to see a video of line comparison with the OH nibs. Is that possible?

[@KenCunkle]

Yes, for absolute sure. I would lo have more info about nibs, maintenance tips, etc.

[@jhockey99]

What would be the correct way to take care of them ?

[@SamuelNaldi]

Watch out this channel, something is coming out soon that will answer this question.

[@Megadad60]

I'd like to learn more about nibs, @Samuel!

[@SamuelNaldi]

I‘m very happy to know. stay tuned in the next weeks!

[@Megadad60]

@@SamuelNaldi Always online when it comes to fountain pens and stationary!

[@aikinel]

Greetings from Panama... Yes I want th Know more. All my fountain pen are Steel but I know that the MontBlanc are in gold

[@SamuelNaldi]

Very happy to hear. Thank you so much!

[@aikinel]

@@SamuelNaldi Thanks, In fact, I want to know more about the different type of Nib (EF, F, M, Flex, B) what are the principal qualities of each one. advantage and disadvantage. Specially for someone who initiate in the wonderful world of fountain pen

[@moreshwarpanchal2861]

Please make a video on companies which manufacture their nibs in-house vis a vis companies which buy from other nib manufacturers like bock

[@cortesimerci35]

that would be very short video,

[@moreshwarpanchal2861]

@ will help if you can share the list of companies which manufacture the nibs in-house here in the chat. Thank you.

[@cortesimerci35]

@@moreshwarpanchal2861 Pilot-platinum-sailor - aka japanese holy trinity. Aurora- Santini from Italy. Montblanc-Pelikan from Germany.

[@moreshwarpanchal2861]

@ what about: 1. Lamy 2. Nahvalur 3. Scribo 4. Leonardo Officina Italiana 5. Magna Carta 6. Parker 7. Staedtler Premium 8. Waterman 9. Visconti

[@cortesimerci35]

@@moreshwarpanchal2861 Yes, though these are not important brands. Even if they produce their own nibs it wont gonna be better than Jowo.

[@donaldgoerig6171]

I like that notebook...

[@SamuelNaldi]

Yes it‘s a great one Don!

[@salvadorluquegarcia2159]

Buenas tardes desde España. Aunque tengo estilográficas con plumín de acero, prefiero los plumines de oro. En mi modesta impresión, no son tan rígidos y pueden llegar a ser más suaves (tiene menos retroalimentación). Gracias por el vídeo

[@SamuelNaldi]

Muchas Gracias Salvador!

[@thomasmorrison675]

So far all of my pens have steel nibs, most are plenty smooth enough, but one is a bit scratchy, it may be because it is a fine nib I am discovering. At some point I will get a pen with a gold nib.

[@cortesimerci35]

You need to polish it, take a nail polishing paper its really 5min.

[@nh3.14]

Gold nibs for the win.

[@kb62147]

Very interesting.

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thank you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@stargazer1359]

Hey Fellas..?

[@stargazer1359]

Only for men is how "Hey Fellas" comes across.

[@Skymningsland]

Nice and informative! But please cut out the music, it is so irritating and also makes it harder to focus on the voice!

[@zuerstinformieren]

Because i draw and sketch much I collect more for the different behavior of the Nib and i also write much. For me steel is better for draw and sketch and Gold is better for write (draw: Faber Castell, Super5, Marksman and much others/ write: Pelikan M800, Montblanc 144, Faber Castell and much others.

[@ClaudioAdrianFuentesAlem-on8iw]

!!! Yes really better steel !!!!

[@SamuelNaldi]

Thank you so much for your feedback!

[@ClaudioAdrianFuentesAlem-on8iw]

@SamuelNaldi Health money and love for you and family.

[@markcotter2931]

Interesting. My 14k gold nib on my Parker Vacumatic and Duofold Maxima are bullets. No flex, none of the characteristics you suggest of gold. And I have steel nibs that seem to have a bit of bounce about them. And, of course, you haven’t mentioned titanium nibs and their properties that, in some cases, I prefer to gold or steel.

[@salahalselene4957]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@SamuelNaldi]

❤️❤️❤️

[@lennyeiger4097]

Gold nibs are better. Larger ones, even better. I like the bounce of gold nibs. When it comes to steel nibs, they can be made to be as smooth as gold nibs. PROVIDED that they are made with quality steel. There is a major difference between the endless cheap steel nibs and a steel nib one gets from Montegrappa, for example. Those are amazing. I hasten to add that I tune all my nibs. As a result, I don't have pens that hard start, or skip, I happen to like nibs that are perfectly smooth, like butter. I am not a fan of feedback. (If I want a pencil I can get one.) We're all different, and everyone should have what they like. No one should expect a pen to work right out of the box. Everyone should have some basic tuning skills. They are easy.

[@cortesimerci35]

All japanese pens were perfectly tuned. I would be shocked to buy a japanese fountain pen with unfinished nib-

[@lennyeiger4097]

@@cortesimerci35 ​ Then you will be shocked. Namiki tunes their nibs. I imagine King of Pen nibs are tuned as well. I would be surprised if any of the less expensive pens are. It takes a human to physically look at the nib and, from a manufacturing perspective, that is very expensive. It's just reality. My Pilots were terribly scratchy, Saliors, too. What they have done instead is to tell everyone that pencil-like feedback is cool. Just like what was done with the failures of digital cameras - they told everyone that lack of depth of field (bokeh) was cool. Marketing.

[@cortesimerci35]

@@lennyeiger4097 Well I dont have KOP, or Namiki. Yes, japanese steel nibs will not be tuned lol. Nah japanese nibs are just finer in size, and even their flex nibs are designed for short strokes. Its for writing Kanji, Its totally be design. You cant expect an EF nib to be smooth, especially if you are not using tomoe river or any high end papers lol. But yeah I guess i get your point, I have 845 and its 18k 15* nib and it has practically no feedback in comparison to lower end gold nibs in pilot line.

[@lennyeiger4097]

@@cortesimerci35 I have an 8445 as well. I really love the way it fits in my hand. I had its bigger brother, and I sold it.... I agree with you that they are designed for Kanji. This is why I mostly buy European pens these days. (Except for Namiki and my Dorsal Fin.) I'm loving my Montegrappas and Auroras.....

[@cortesimerci35]

@@lennyeiger4097 Why you didnt liked CustomUrushi30* ? its literally the flagship, I imagine it should be super smooth with such massive nib... Also the prices are increasing xD. Auroras are smooth ?, I only have Goccia-extrafine and its kinda sailorish xD. What paper do you use ?,