Which Nib Grind is Best for You?

[@FigbootonPens]

Okay...it's been a long week. I totally spaced in regard to the pen I identified as the Mythic Kraken. It is actually from Pennsler and is called the Mystic. I think my brain thought Mystic, but my mouth said Mythic. Here is a link to the review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJulo5eZjteKedk

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Lots of us have those moments... Simon Whistler has some arguable popularity and a fair following on YT... AND he's been known to call those "Verbal Typo's". ;o)

[@AnshShah1]

This type of video would have been fantastic when I just started in this hobby. Props for making beginner friendly content that most of us would have wanted to see.

[@ragnorak56]

I just started this hobby and I found this video very helpful. Got a Lamy and I bought a few nibs to get a feel of the different nibs.

[@therealjenso]

Thanks for sharing. If I could give some constructive feedback, it would be nice if you had written the type of nib grind being used so that the viewer doesn't have to try and remember each of them as you go through your review. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the topic.

[@Kalmaro4152]

I used this video to learn how to grind my own nibs and how nib grinding works. Before hand I just couldn't get the left oblique grind to work, but after watching the video and seeing the nib under the macro lens, I was able to fix the left oblique on my pen. It now has a large amount of line variation, and writes really smoothly. It still grabs a bit, but it's good right now.

[@ahmetemirakbulut]

I liked the way you speak about every tiny detail. :)

[@patriciamcgreivy3774]

So authentic and informative.

[@richardsimms251]

You are so knowledgeable. Thank you. I learn so much. RS. Canada

[@kikim7873]

Just rewatched this to get some info for a nib, and had to use auto closed captioning because noise. Love the part where it reads, "Gina put a curse of Italic nib on my Leonardo"... HAHA. Can't stop picturing her in a Harry Potter tie with a wand now. :)

[@TwoMiceOnMyBookshelf]

I saw Gina at the Tokyo International Pen Show 2023 but totally missed the opportunity to have one of nibs worked on by her because it was my first pen show and I was a bit overwhelmed. Hopefully I will see her again in next year's show. Thank you so much for this!

[@reneecooperman1160]

I've read about nib grinds, but your very good review finally helped me understand what a left oblique is. That might just be perfect for me. Thanks!

[@CMX4]

I really appreciate you making this video. I’ve only been into fountain pens for about a year and nib grinds have always been a little overwhelming for me. This was great.

[@FigbootonPens]

I agree...they can be overwhelming.

[@randyattwood]

As a novice this was all new to me. Thanks again for adding to my pen education.

[@Shak-MD]

I love the left oblique. I notice right tines lift up on my pens, so I ground a left oblique. It works like a charm!

[@MeteCanKarahasan]

Sir, this was most entertaining. The amusing nibs' writing samples made this list really special.

[@jpa1214]

Gena just did some architects for me. Superb! Superb!

[@michellestephenson1680]

I wish you’d written the nib grind next to the pen and ink! Not part of your usual routine, I know, but it would have been a nice reference,

[@archivist17]

That's what I thought, if only just for a reminder. But it was an excellent overview nonetheless, and the macro shits really showed not only the different styles, but also the nibmeister's fantastic work.

[@kikim7873]

This is one of my favorite videos so far! I'd like to see one on flex nibs vs. soft nibs as well. The different styles are so interesting.

[@oscarmedina1597]

This is an excellent resource. Thanks for sharing.

[@thomasnickel8808]

That handwriting😮. So nice.

[@jacobus57]

Not all architect nibs are ground to work for reverse writing. Further, they are very sensitive to the angle of the nib against the paper. Most nibmeisters want to see how their customer writes, or absent that want a picture taken from the side. They are not really meant to be used for script, as block text shows the line difference to best avail. I discerned very little distinction between vertical and horizontal strokes on the nib you used here. Finally, they are not glassy smooth, especially when used for script. It's not a grind I would recommend for a beginner or anyone who doesn't really know what they are getting into.

[@apocalypse_frau]

That Earth Magic is phenomenal! Please let us know which grind is the keeper.

[@FigbootonPens]

I am leaning toward the left oblique...

[@ericpmoss]

That Carolina Pen Company body is gorgeous!

[@FigbootonPens]

It is!

[@kruthikarshankar]

What’s the name of the turquoise copper blank? That’s just stunning.

[@pmccord9]

Cursive italic. Trust me. The one to grow with. Thank me after a month. Try a sheening ink. Diamine Skull and Roses, October Rain?

[@SirianaEvera]

Just got me a custom grind cursive italic from a Spain nibmeister, and after watching the video I can't wait to try it out. But it has to wait until the architect nib has been tested out fully. Though I got some fountain pens that have #6 nibs just one is willing to have them easily swapped. Will try the sheening inks, as well as the chromatic ones... have been searching for nibs that will support the line variations that make the colors shine... without resorting to stub nibs as the default "I need some big line nib" go-to.

[@sajjadhusain4146]

I’ve always loved broads best. And stubs, are usually great, too. Obliques don’t suit me much. I don’t know if that’s because I rarely if ever rotate and change my writing angle with a pen. My newest love are cursive italics. They are very fun to use and suit me to the tee. I wish I had discovered the CI nib grind much earlier.

[@stepheninks]

As a fountain pen artist, I was mesmerized my the architect, reverse architect, and perspective grinds. Now I want to try something new for my channel. Thanks for the video!

[@bikkies]

I'd never heard of the perspective, or anything remotely like it, until now. Seems to be the Swiss army knife of nibs, with so much nuance. I can feel my jealousy rising and my credit card is calling to me. Argh!

[@stepheninks]

@@bikkies I just looked it up, and it’s not impossibly expensive... would need a decent nib on a pen in order to get one done, but the price didn’t put me off!

[@bikkies]

@@stepheninks Thanks. My most premium pen is the Lamy 2000 in medium and I wouldn't be looking to put that one through any tuning as it's spot on for me. The next most expensive are a ridiculous amount of Preras which have great nibs, but even the CM wouldn't really have a ton of tipping for a nib meister to get stuck into. I think getting a fairly premium pen with a premium nib would be the way forward but I'd want to be talking with the intended nib meister first, to ensure I gave them the best starting point. Afraid I'm nowhere near that place so far in my FP journey, but the future looks interesting to see how my tastes change.

[@qvisionstudios]

On the Legend 16, is the nib slit purposely cut off center or just an illusion? If so, is there a reason for it? Also, is it possible to buy replacement nibs with particular grinds (architect, music, cursive, etc) or does one need a nib meister to get it done? I'd like some replacement in #5 or #6 sizes.

[@rebeccawhite2582]

I won a FP, a Leonardo Momento Zero Bougainvillia with a fine nib. On Gold spot, I saw that they have replacement nibs with stubs as a choice. I will be purchasing that nib soon.

[@breitensundra179]

Music, stubs, and obliques are fairly normal offerings from companies, but i’ve never seen a pen that comes standard with an architect. You’ll need a nibmeister for most of these.

[@marilyngardner4269]

Gena Solerno, who did these grinds, sells replacement nibs on her website. They are Jowo replacement nib units and you can choose the type of grind you want from her offerings.. That way you don't have to send a pen you own to her to get the grind. I've purchased a medium cursive italic and an architect nib from her this way. A few other nibmeisters do this as well.

[@qvisionstudios]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Yes, I've seen stubs offered as a choice with some pens but not the other types. I'll look into Gena Solerno and see what she has. I like the subtle line variations of the architect or music nibs.

[@urirubinstein4397]

it was very helpful because i write in hebrow and I was looking for the pen for it

[@dtaggartofRTD]

I've got a Lamy 2000 with an Oblique Double Broad nib on it. Definitely one of my favourites. Smooth writing and lays down a LOT of ink. One of those pens that pretty much has to be paired with a good paper. Has a very pronounced sweet spot. The 2000 has a reputation for being picky on rotation and the grind doesn't really help it there. I do wish more companies offered such nibs as a regular option.

[@13noman1]

very useful! Thank you! A lot of my pens are EF or F since I write small but I went with the cursive italic and stub on a few for fun. I do like the CI! The "perspective" looks very tempting

[@13noman1]

A follow up! I did finally get a "perspective" grind on my Namiki Impressions (courtesy of Gina). Pretty cool!

[@WritingDelight]

That's one thing I like about writing with fountain pens. The variety. Not only which fountain pen you want, but also which nib. Which nib material. Which grinding... All this is what makes fountain pens so fascinating to me. For me, I have already found the stub nib as a favorite for some time and have a few very nice pens with such nibs. But it's also nice just to vary.

[@HankEvans312]

Great video! love the architect nib. Would love to see your sailor zoom nib in a video for that grind since it changes line weight in both directions depending on your angle. Btw, it is because of your videos I have learned so much and started on my fountain pen journey.

[@UARELOVE1010]

Wonderful video. I had my first grind from Gena and it is amazing (journaler grind)

[@Crazytesseract]

No o neask ed yo ur open ion.

[@RBartsy]

I’ve been trying to figure out a few different nibs for my art & writing! It would be interesting to show how a few other folks write using these same nibs-get some volunteers and just patch a couple other writers in just writing same sentence or phrase-just curious! Thanks

[@ellaniwalker6155]

Cool! I am sending a pen to her to do a cursive italic on my new mini twsbi white/gold with a broad nib. Of course, there is ice all over my car so I am not going anywhere until next week unless it is extended . This weather was a surprise to us because it has been a very long time since we have had this kind of weather ❄️snow and ice. Thanks for doing this video. I enjoy your shows. Have a great day🤗

[@sharkt96]

Have you seen the Naginata Tobi nib from sailor. It resembles the perspective nib you have shown, but in my opinion the line variation seems greater

[@edwardwiper1323]

I have a few nib grinds but its always intresting to watch & hear somebody else's views & thoughts.Never heard of the reverse architect nib.Very nicely done.

[@peterandre8398]

Super informative, one of your best videos, Thanks

[@ameliabuns4058]

Mini stubs with light line variation should be more common. I love my preppu I self ground. The left and right is maybe twice and big as the average stub, while the downstroke is at least still 5x as large but also 0.6mm~. it feels incredible to write with too!

[@MetroidMann]

I like your handwriting.

[@curtism5333]

Nice video. My favourite specialty grind is a medium stub. I rarely use a 1.1 or 1.5mm stub nib but I use a medium nib stub grind all the time with 4 of my pens having it. I do have an architect grind and am not a fan. The italic grind is lovely but the scratchiness when holding it even a bit off makes it a nib I use on occasion. I’ve avoided oblique grinds since they expect you to hold the pen and nib at an angle. Even if I tend to do so, all my other nibs aren’t oblique. My OCD side would have me use one or the other only.

[@eileengoldenberg270]

Great review. I had Gena do a few grinds for me. We trade my ceramics for the grinding.. I can’t wait to see everyone at a pen show.

[@Volkmannx]

Interesting, thanks!

[@JannyHaak]

Very interesting, thanks for showing these different grinds!

[@bikkies]

I recently acquired my first couple of architects, one #6 and one Lamy style. Just from Bobby via eBay so there was no discussion with me about handedness, angle, flow, pressure etc. I had low expectations and they were cheap. I just wanted to give them a shot out of curiosity. I've not tried the Lamy style one yet but the #6 is a little fussy. Interest sated :) what I really want is a decent music nib because I write music notation quite a bit. Keeping my ear to the ground on that one.

[@FigbootonPens]

Pilot's music nib is outstanding. I have an entire video on my channel dedicated to music nibs...you might want to check that out.

[@bikkies]

@@FigbootonPens Thanks, yes it's Pilot that I have my eye on. My tastes are not too exotic but I'm wavering on whether my next grail pen (now I have the beloved Lamy 2000) is either a Custom 74 or an 823. Both have their advantages but if (more likely when) I get one of these or something similar, I'll be looking to see if it can take a music nib. Many in this hobby seem to fall into Team Vintage Parker, Team Lamy or Team Pilot. I have such shocking lack of self control that I'm in all three groups. A couple of my vintage Parkers (a 17 Lady and a 17 Super) have really interesting nibs. I can't decide - and can't clarify with a loupe - whether they are broads, stubs, obliques or something else. All I know is that they are glorious and unexpected finds for a pair of cheap and well-used hooded nibs.

[@carolannefisher1516]

Thank you, than you, thank you!!!

[@SirianaEvera]

Nice video, not just for the grinds but for the indy pen company models, too. Now I want to have the Pennsler pen, but (un)fortunately it is sold out... and even more unfortunate they do not ship internationally. Ah well, just my kharma.

[@pollylarracas]

Thank you for this video, it is very helpful and timely since I have recently acquired a broad nib pen and I'm thinking if I would have it ground to an architect nib. Just a quick comment that I hope you also wrote the name of the grind under the samples, but still a very useful reference video!

[@FigbootonPens]

Yah...I agree. I thought about that about half-way through the writing sample.

[@alirezasaeidi8699]

Good day Mr. Parker! Would you pls advise me what FP brands write thicker than the average? Thanks indeed.

[@wiliambanquiter8039]

Thanks for the vid! Been getting into new sizes (I'm a fine guy) and have been falling in love with 1.5 stub. I want to try architect, but don't own anything worth getting customized. Keep the oblique, the impression I got from goulet's video was that if it works for you it was meant to be, but most people just don't get it.

[@ericstang6049]

Excellent!!!

[@marilyngardner4269]

Informative video. Thanks!

[@MrAndrew1953]

Very interesting- I have a Lamy 2000 I bought at a good price that nobody wanted as it had a Broad nib. I’m getting into calligraphy a lot more and I like Stub nibs a lot. Is it possible to get a Cursive Italic grind out of a Broad nib.

[@benallgeier5932]

yep, a broad nib would be a really good base for a CI grind

[@MrAndrew1953]

@@benallgeier5932 Thanks , I’ll take that up with my regular pen retailer who can probably get that done for me.

[@willk4599]

A great review. Thanks

[@TheNightowl001]

Mr. Parker. I looked and could not find a review of the Mythic Pen Company Kraken. The only Mythic Pen review I found was for the Aeschylus. The Mythic website also does not show the Mythic as a model they offer; all their offerings are named for Greek writers of antiquity that I saw. Are you sure there isn't a mistake here? I'm only asking because I like the looks of the material the pen is made of very much and would like to find if it is still for sale. Thanks.

[@FigbootonPens]

Geez. Thanks for pointing that out. I totally spaced on the name of that pen. It is actually from Pennsler. It is called the Mystic. You can find the review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJulo5eZjteKedk

[@TheNightowl001]

@@FigbootonPens Thank you SO much for clearing that up! I believe that's going to end up on my want list (but they're currently out of stock!). I have just fallen in love with the chatoyance and depth of that white material! It IS gorgeous!

[@EastWind123]

Great, informative video. I'm VERY much a stub girl, but now I really want to branch out a bit. An architect nib would be super-cool to have in my collection. Thank you, Figboot!

[@badrinathrs]

Which magnification device/microscope did you use? Please instruct me as I am attempting to grind some nibs.

[@FigbootonPens]

It's a usb microscope which connects to a computer. There are many available on Amazon.

[@badrinathrs]

@@FigbootonPens thank you

[@talcual2138]

Could you tell me what is best for me, a left-handed writer in a right to left language with no ligatures? I am having a hard time understanding what is best for me... Thanks for your excellent videos!

[@dimitridiakovasiliou2453]

I’m guessing the opposite of a right handed person; you would need a right oblique nib grind if you rotate your pen to the right. I think he mentioned it in the video. I need to watch this again ;)

[@jorgejames5254]

Hello I have been writing with fountain pens for many years and recently I purchased a montblanc 149 pen with calligraphic nib. My problem is that I am left-handed and it was impossible to write with that nib. Everything was for me the opposite of the tutorials and I could not get any benefit from it. In the end I changed it for another with an M nib. My question in this group is which Montblanc nib is recommended for a left-handed person: M, B, BB, OB, OBB. I like writing with wide lines, therefore, an EF or F nib is uncomfortable for me and, at the same time, because of my firm writing style, a torture to my ears. I would appreciate a council. Postscript; I am from Santiago, Chile and my written English is a bit difficult so I apologize if I made any spelling or writing mistakes.

[@nameissturdy1390]

Help a girl out. Is this like that feeling you get when you’re using your mechanical pencil and the one side gets worn down a a bit so turn it *just so*.And then for a bit you have that sweet spot when you’re writing where it feels good going onto the paper and has that aesthetic that you wish you could achieve all of the time? I’d be so appreciative for feedback because if this is the case-well fellow pen nerds-you understand.

[@alistairbarrow5642]

What measurement was that stub? I find a lot of stubs are too wide for me, I’d love to try a stub similar to a FC SIG medium nib

[@penrealm8345]

For an stub comparable to a sig medium, you'd be looking at a fine stub with european nibs, medium stub with Japanese nibs, generally speaking.

[@Crazytesseract]

The "S" is strange!

[@pixiepaws99]

What paper are you using?

[@FigbootonPens]

I typically am using Rhodia 80gm.

[@urirubinstein4397]

figboot is my senpi

[@metangas5]

Oof the off-center slit on the cursive italic made me cringe. Those throw some fits before you get a grind right!

[@leejonesFTW]

4:21-4:23 Where are my Mayday Parade fans at?

[@mjcossel6136]

I thought you’d like this story: My husband and I were watching this video, and as soon as I saw the purple ink, I said, “That looks like Murasaki-shikibu.” He replied, “I don’t think so.” Before you wrote out and said the ink color, I got him to bet on it-winner gets to buy a fountain pen. 😁🖋️🏆

[@FigbootonPens]

Well...I hope you make him buy you something fun!

[@mjcossel6136]

⁠@@FigbootonPens I think it needs to be a Pilot! 😂

[@FigbootonPens]

@@mjcossel6136 You're at least worth a Custom 823!

[@mjcossel6136]

@@FigbootonPens 😂 Well, I’m new to the hobby and currently have a self-imposed restriction of $30 max per pen. I don’t think he wouldn’t made the bet otherwise! I found a vintage Pilot on eBay for under $20, so he’s getting off easy! 😂

[@LordWaterBottle]

While this video is definitely useful as a newcomer, it could have been just that little bit better if you had written what nib grind was on each pen, since the video is about comparing nib grinds and not pen models.

[@nrs6956]

Had not realized how lousy my writing has become as I looked at clips on KZbin.

[@aliakber2k10]

There is a lot of feedback on these nibs which is annoying for me.. I feel they are scratchy not smoot enough. Is it so or it's just my misunderstanding? Please reply

[@montebanc]

Any pens that take pilot v7 retractable cartridge.

[@randomstuff625]

Can you hear anything?

[@Will-jd2br]

Why would someone get an oblique nib and not just hold the pen the right way? I could understand if you had an Omas360 or vanishing point, but with a round section why use an oblique?

[@replaygeorge]

Very informative, but your handwritting does't help showing the particularities of each nib. I was especially interested in the italic nibs, and some calligraphy samples would have helped a lot. Thanks for the info though!