Reviews of Specialty Nibs and Custom Nib Grinds
One of my favorite aspects of this hobby is the ability to customize your writing by incorporating specialty nibs, either via “stock” stubs or flexible nibs available directly from pen companies and retailers, or by having your own nibs customized/modified by a specialist. Here I’ve compiled various posts from the site discussing specialty nibs and customization, which I will periodically update.
Posts Discussing Specialty Nibs
Stock Stubs: Exploring Specialty Nibs. This post looks at stock stub nib options from Pilot, TWSBI, Conklin, and Lamy.
Exploring Stock Stub Nibs, Part II: Higher-End Options. A review of stock stub nibs from Aurora, Leonardo, Franklin-Christoph, and Pilot.
Standard Nibs That Offer Line Variation. Sometimes you don’t need to visit a nib grinder or pay extra for a specialty or custom nib that has line variation reminiscent of a stub (or even an architect). Specific nibs discussed include nibs from Lamy, Platinum, and Montblanc.
Pilot Custom 912 with Pilot PO (Posting) Nib. Pilot’s PO (Posting) Nib is a firm nib originally developed for addressing postcards and envelopes, which allows you to write really small.
Pilot Custom 912 with FA Nib. The “FA” nib is Pilot’s “flexible” nib option.
Everyday Writing with a Modern Flex Pen. Featuring Montegrappa 14k and Franklin-Christoph stainless steel flex nibs.
A First Look at the Aurora Vintage-Style Flex Nib. Though probably more accurately described as “semi-flex,” many people enjoy this soft-writing 14k nib.
Posts Discussing Nib Customization and Nib Grinds
An Introduction to Nib Customization. My first post on custom nibs, where I discuss everything from cursive italics to needlepoints to stubs to architects, and why I like each one.
Exploring Stock Custom Nibs: The Esterbrook Needlepoint by Kirk Speer.
Exploring Stock Custom Nibs: Nagahara Needlepoints from Franklin-Christoph.
The Nib Tailor, Featuring Architect + Inverted Architect Nib Grinds.
Exploring Custom Nibs: Predator Hybrid by Mark Bacas. The “Predator” nib features an ultra-extra-fine point on the “normal” writing side, with an architect or brush-like point on the reverse. Two writing experiences in one!
Custom Nib Studio “Perspective” Nib. The “Perspective” nib by Gena Salorino at Custom Nib Studio combines the horizontal/vertical line variation of an architect with the Naginata’s ability to modify line width as you raise or lower the writing angle. This incredibly versatile nib grind also writes a smooth XXF point on the reverse.