A little underwhelmed by first nib

[Squid FC]

After about 3-5 days of reviewing this forum and a couple other websites I decided I should try a fountain pen.

I don't have any prior experience so I went with was a popular recommendation by numerous people on several websites.

I chose a Lamy Safari fine, converter, and Noodlers bulletproof black ink.

Figuring out how to load and install the converter and ink was simple enough and I actually didn't spill any ink or get any on my fingers.

What disappointed me was the actual performance. I don't know if maybe my expectations were set too high but I definitely don't see this pen replacing any of my ballpoints or rollerballs at work any time soon.

I expected it to be a little rough in the beginning due to it being new. I figure like most things it will have to be broken in a little. And also I was writing on an old Skilcraft Steno notepad from my last ship. I know paper plays a huge role.

My opinion is that the pen writes on the dry side, especially when signing my name (writing faster). I filled about two pages of the pad trying to run some ink through it.

Any tips? I plan on seeing what other paper I can scrounge from around my house and give it another go tomorrow.

 

[Mr5x5]

I've never used a Lami, but welcome to The Nib. The old pros around here say some inks are on the dry side and some nibs are as well. Maybe you got a dry/dry combination going on?

 

[luvmysuper]

I don't have a Lamy as I use only vintage pens, but a properly working pen / ink combo shouldn't really be "scritchy" or dry.
Whether that's a characteristic of a Lamy I can't say.
I've tried some of the inexpensive Chinese knock off pens, and it's hit or miss with writing quality. Mostly it is NOT a pleasure writing with them as it is similar to writing on very fine grit sandpaper.
The pens I have and use all flow very well and are smooth as butter.
Perhaps you have a feed issue with this pen which may be corrected.

 

[BigFoot]

A fine Nib can feel scritchy. I have very few fines as I don't like the way they write. I am a bit heavy handed so a medium is better for me. Try a soft touch on the paper ie. no pressure. Also try some different angles some pens flow better depending on how the nib is positioned on the paper.


Good Luck.

 

[Squid FC]

I guess the one good thing is if I try some different papers and styles and still don't like the results there are different nibs available for the Safari that can be swapped out if needed.

I prefer a fine line though when I'm writing.

 

[Rockminer]

I guess the one good thing is if I try some different papers and styles and still don't like the results there are different nibs available for the Safari that can be swapped out if needed.

And different pens

 

[Squid FC]

And different pens

I'm not so sure I'm willing to invest a whole lot more money into something I'm not hooked on. I like writing with my cheapy Uniball Jet Stream roller ball pens that cost $6.99 for a three pack.

I do really wish to like fountain pens though.

 

[celestino]

I have two Lamy F nibs and they can seem 'scratchy' when used with some paper. You may want to try flushing the nib to see if that helps.
Are you using too much pressure when you right, possibly?
Lamy's are fine starter pens, but I seem to prefer the Pilot 78g B nib as it has to be one of the smoothest nibs I have tried.
Good luck.

 

[u56rh]

I don't really get on with fine nibs. I find them a little scratchy and prefer a wider nib where I can see the effects of the ink better.

I understand that lamy nibs are pretty cheap, so there's no real loss by getting another. Maybe give that a try before giving up and going back.

Seriously, a juicy nib and a few interesting inks will blow your mind!

Rob

 

[Squid FC]

To flush the nib I just need to hold it in the ink bottle while screwing and unscrewing the plunger on the converter?

 

[Slivovitz]

I'm assuming that you're trying the usual advice on how to write with a fountain pen. Shallower angle to the paper than you use with a ballpoint, and experiment a bit until you get it just right. Very light touch, not pressing the nib down into the page.

There are fairly easy things you can try with a scratchy nib, and we could get into those later. Before you do anything yourself, though, have you contacted the place that you bought if from? Some of the better dealers may fix the problem for you, replace the pen, or give you your money back. You bought your pen to write with, not to fiddle with, although tinkering with them can be fun. If you already own a loupe, though, you might try to inspect the tines for any obvious misalignment, just so you can tell the dealer.

Although I don't use fine nibs as much as I did a year ago, they can be quite smooth. They may have fairly narrow sweet spots, but picking a fine or even extra fine nib shouldn't be a problem as such.

 

[Slivovitz]

To flush the nib I just need to hold it in the ink bottle while screwing and unscrewing the plunger on the converter?

Flush with room temperature or cool water, not ink. You can do it by cycling the converter, but here's an easier method if you happen to have a bulb syringe around, or don't mind picking one up.

 

[purerockfury]

Nibs might not be something for everyone. I have a Safari with a medium nib and love it. I do not compare it to roller or ball point pens. The pen writes smooth enough for me with just a slight bit of "feel" to it, using Diamine ink. I believe most new nibs need a cleaning before you start using it (should be a how-to in these forums). This could be part of the problem you are having with it feeling scratchy.

Good luck hope you don't give up too easily on nibs.

 

[Squid FC]

I don't think there's anything wrong with the nib. I tried it today on some copier paper and it wrote much more wet. I am treating it like a ball point and need to use a shallower angle as suggested above. I bought a writing guide for Spencerian style online and will try to work on my technique.

 

[Rockminer]

Handling a fountain pen, with regards to pressure, is almost identical to coming from carts and trying a DE or straight. even if we try to not press hard, sometimes our subconscious can take over without our knowledge. Keep at it and i think you'll be rewarded

 

[syngent]

Number one reason a new guy finds a nib scratchy,... to much pressure, specially if you are going back to a ball point throughout the day. and if you are pressing to hard you can un-align a nib,... try a light touch and see what happens... Btw did you flush the pen when you first got it, sometimes leftover gunk from manufacturing ends up clogging the feed and it needs to be flushed away to really get it flowing properly. the Lamys can also swap nibs, you can buy spare nibs from places like gouletpens, and you can swap out with a medium nib if the fine doesn't suit you without replacing the whole pen

 

[Squid FC]

I didn't flush it out when I first got it but managed to go through enough ink at work today to have to refill the converter once.

It did better on the copier paper then on the steno pad. During my lunch break I ran to Office max and bought a "Red n Black" notepad. All I can say is wow, big difference. It was very smooth and held the ink very nicely. Not dry at all.

I would like to try out a medium nib though, out of pure curiosity.


Now that the pen is performing like I believe it should I need to work on the jerk holding its penmanship. My cursive isn't horrible but nothing to be proud of.

Any tips for better handwriting? Any online sites to maybe print out work sheets?

 

[syngent]

Iampeth
Palmermethod

Both good places to start looking

 

[ChefJohnBoy-ardee]

Lots of great points in a lot of points above! Keep at it and welcome to the nib!

 

[Ru4scuba?]

Welcome to the NIb! You could also try a medium point or something a little thicker.

I'm a huge fan of stub italics...opposite end of the spectrum from a fine point.