Flex Nib Pens?

[Barbash]

I was placing an order for some inks last night and couldn't help but pickup one of Noodler's Ahab flex pens in one of the new colors(Huron). I understand that they are not normally every day writters, but I thought one would be fun for my jounral.

I just wanted to check in and see who uses them and what other flex nib pens are out there besides Nooder's 3 versions?

 

[txinsk]

Why would it not be an everyday writer? I use my Konrad as an everyday writer. The nib is stiff enough that you will not get significant flex without trying, but enough flex to give your writing character. As for other nibs usually that amounts to dip pen nibs, some vintage pens or a custom order. I am not aware of another flex pen in regular production (of course I am just a man). You can get a custom grind done.

Rick

 

[maxman]

I've got a Montblanc 320 (a vintage pen nowadays) that has a flexible nib (or at least a semi flexible nib)
It's a little tricky to get used to. It's easy to press too hard and have a messy page.
Having said that, if you write with a bit of a flourish it can be fun.

I'd take an italic nib for everyday writing with flair over a flexible nib.

 

[Nenugal]

I have an Indian Servex 162 upgraded with a flexible nib, from fountainpenrevolution.com. After a bit of adjustment of the feed to increase the ink flow to avoid railroading, it flexes quite nicely from F to BB.

 

[SmoovD]

IMHO, all Noodler Flex pens are closer to a semi-flex than to a wet noodle. I use my Creapers, Ahabs and Konrads as EDC pens without issue. Can't help you with other flex pens as I am not a great user of flex pens.

 

[Slivovitz]

I would have no problem with either my Noodler's Ahab, or Noodler's Piston flex as an everyday writers except that they don't have ink in them at the moment. I'm using other pens. The only thing about the Ahab is that a lot of people find that they need to do some serious tweaking of the nib and feed to get it working the way they like it. From my limited experience with other flex and semi-flex nibs, I'd think that they are fine for normal writing if you have a light touch. My other flex pens are vintage, and I use them almost entirely at home just because they'd be harder to replace. None are really what they call a wet noodle, I'd think.

 

[Dave258]

I have been tempted to pick up a new Konrad, but replace the flex nib with a nib from Xfountainpens.com. Just to see how it goes.
Another modern flex, or semi flex pen is a Namiki Falcon. I have never used one, but find many good reviews on them.

 

[andrew98]

I have been tempted to pick up a new Konrad, but replace the flex nib with a nib from Xfountainpens.com. Just to see how it goes.
Another modern flex, or semi flex pen is a Namiki Falcon. I have never used one, but find many good reviews on them.

The Namiki Falcon is definitely on my "to buy" list, and folks like Richard Binder can add even more flex to it. That would probably more closely approximate a vintage flexible nib.

-Andy

 

[strop]

I'm not aware of anything in current production that equals the vintage flexible nibs, outside of customization. Stipula makes a titanium nib, the Model T, that has some flex to it and is a nice writer.

 

[nemo]

If you are truly interested in flex nibs then vintage is the only way to go. Modern is not nearly as flexible and terribly expensive compared to say, a user-grade Waterman. I've found 14K Warranted nibs in $15 pens that blow my mind, going from extra fine to triple broad with very little pressure. When I say modern I mean Falcons or highly modified Pelikan nibs set up for flex by a nibmeister; Ahabs aren't really "flexy" to me. Remember, flex is a always a bit subjective, the terms gets thrown around loosely on the boards so one person's "flex" may be another's "springy".

I have been tempted to pick up a new Konrad, but replace the flex nib with a nib from Xfountainpens.com. Just to see how it goes.

Been there, done that, didn't go well. The nib is great, but the Konrad leaves much to be desired (for me, YMMV).

 

[andrew98]

...the Konrad leaves much to be desired (for me, YMMV).

I'm wondering if the Konrad is any better. I know the nib is the same, but the Konrad looks like a nicer pen, imo. The piston mechanism is certainly more advanced.

-Andy

 

[Dave258]

I'm wondering if the Konrad is any better. I know the nib is the same, but the Konrad looks like a nicer pen, imo. The piston mechanism is certainly more advanced.

-Andy

That is why I was thinking of picking one up. If I put on a regular nib, I thought it would be a good pen to build some outside peoples interest, without handing them one of my good pens. But, don't mean to hijack the thread.

 

[nemo]

That is why I was thinking of picking one up. If I put on a regular nib, I thought it would be a good pen to build some outside peoples interest, without handing them one of my good pens. But, don't mean to hijack the thread.

Konrad: more tinkering time than writing time ... inky fingers, smudges, dried tips -- good filling system. Let them try the new Pilot Metropolitan so newbs don't hate FPs.

Now let's get back to flex nibs. Have you gents seen Mauricio's site? http://www.vintagepen.net/grading-flex-nibs.html

 

[Barbash]

Konrad: more tinkering time than writing time ... inky fingers, smudges, dried tips -- good filling system. Let them try the new Pilot Metropolitan so newbs don't hate FPs.

Now let's get back to flex nibs. Have you gents seen Mauricio's site? http://www.vintagepen.net/grading-flex-nibs.html

Thanks for the link and there are a lot of really nice pens on Mauricio's site. Time to start saving!

 

[oc_in_fw]

Konrad: more tinkering time than writing time ... inky fingers, smudges, dried tips --

Same goes for the Ahabs

 

[Barbash]

Now I am wondering if the $20 was worth it. I guess I will find out tomorrow when my order arrives.

 

[Slivovitz]

Konrad: more tinkering time than writing time ... inky fingers, smudges, dried tips -- good filling system. Let them try the new Pilot Metropolitan so newbs don't hate FPs...

Same goes for the Ahabs

Now I am wondering if the $20 was worth it. I guess I will find out tomorrow when my order arrives.

Best case, you'll get a pen that writes great out of the box. As others have indicated, the flex is not to be compared with a quality vintage flex nib, but you can use it to add a little extra flair to your writing, or just ignore it and write normally.

Second best, you'll have to adjust it. This post from another forum may be useful. That adjustment may leave you with an excellent pen, as above.

Worst case, you won't be able to adjust it satisfactorily, but at least you'll get some practice with trying.

Personally, I got my Ahab working fine with only a little adjustment and cleaning. If I don't use it at the moment, it's only because there are others I'd rather be using.

 

[oc_in_fw]

I can adjust the two Ahabs I have and get great flow, but the exposed part of the feed is always very wet. They are my only FPs that exhibit this annoying trait. Get that part dry, and ink doesn't flow. It is vexing, because I love the size and feel of them.

 

[Barbash]

Got my pen in this morning. i see why people said you spend more time messing with it then writing. I only get a line or 2 of writing down before it stops on me. I have been messing with it for an hour(my stained fingers show it) and I still can't get it to write well. Oh well, the 3 inks I received are really nice.

 

[Barbash]

I spent last night cleaning and playing with the nib placement and the pen seems to be working well today. I was able to write 3+ pages without any problems. I capped the pen and let it sit over night on its side and it started up right away this morning. I am just hoping that I don't have to adjust the nib everytime I refill it, but from videos and threads I read on another forum it looks like I might.
Side note, Black Swan in Australian Rose is a beautiful ink.