Titanium Nibs X 3

[@kinslowrainer3982]

I have two quick questions about the size of the Bock nibs, particularly the ones in the Namisu and Stipula. I'm assuming they're #5 nibs. Do you know if they are the Bock 180 or 076 models? Second question: Do you think they'd fit in a Noodler's Boston Safety pen?

[@bryanmarsh9886]

No, they are both #6 size. I do have #5 titanium nibs from Karas Pen Co, and Acriv. I haven't tried to fit a titanium nib to a Boston Safety, but I have fitted an FPR ultra flex nib to one. It isn't a great fit, it rubs a little as I extend the nib.

[@kinslowrainer3982]

@@bryanmarsh9886 Thanks. Do you mean the shoulders rub, or is it down the tail-end of the nib where it rubs? I'm specifically honing in on the Bock 060 and 180 because I *believe* they are narrower in the shoulders than other #5 nibs, but I'm really not sure.

[@roderickfemm8799]

I have that exact same Stipula, it is my only titanium nib. It wouldn't write, it seemed to have a flow problem, and I ended up sending it to a nibmeister to be tuned. It writes quite well now, but it has kind of put me off of titanium nibs. I guess I may have to re-think that, although there aren't that many pens available with titanium nibs. By the way, both the Namisu titanium pens and titanium nibs are sold out at present.

[@colinmartin9797]

My three titanium nibs are a #6 levenger M, a #6 Karas EF and a #5 karas EF, All write great, but the levenger one had a tad of babys bottom. My only Karas is the starliner XL apollo 11 version with the titanium EF and it's freaking great. I have an ensso Italia with a F titanium on the way too. They don't flex, really. They behave a lot more like an 18k nib, just soft, not flexible. They are also inert like gold, so they're safe for iron gall. Only bock makes em. You're not correct about the toothy feeling being related to the material. They have the same osmium/iridium tipping as other bock nibs, they're just polished very roughly. I redid two of mine and they are hot buttered glass. But you can't just hit them with some 12k micro mesh, you have to go way more aggressive, down to 5 or 6k first, and go up from there. If you never get out the deepest scratches, it'll never feel like it got properly polished.

[@bryanmarsh9886]

Hey Colin. I have an Ensso Italia on the way too! I ordered the titanium body and nib. I also have a Conid Bulkfiller on the way. Can't wait to try the #8 titanium nib (and the 18k nib I ordered with it). Thanks for letting be know about the smoothing of the titanium nibs. I have been reluctant to try grinding or smoothing them.