Going flexy

[Nightshade18]

Hi Chaps,

Having played with FP's for a while, I've a hankering to try a flexible nib. Least I think that's what I fancy - I really like the style of Superblue's writing below (Superblue hope you don't mind me linking your pic here!)
I think it's line variation I'm after. I'm just not getting it from my current line up of pens

Doing a little research, I gather that for a fountain pen I'll be looking at something vintage and that the general consensus is to try with a dip pen first - to check it is actually what I want. So fellow nibbers, if you're in agreement, do you have any tips for
a) a first dip pen (are the all much the same)
b) suitable ink
c) any general tips to make gorgeous writing like this:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=274139&d=1348358668



Thanks!

 

[oc_in_fw]

Hi Chaps,

Having played with FP's for a while, I've a hankering to try a flexible nib. Least I think that's what I fancy - I really like the style of Superblue's writing below (Superblue hope you don't mind me linking your pic here!)
I think it's line variation I'm after. I'm just not getting it from my current line up of pens

Doing a little research, I gather that for a fountain pen I'll be looking at something vintage and that the general consensus is to try with a dip pen first - to check it is actually what I want. So fellow nibbers, if you're in agreement, do you have any tips for
a) a first dip pen (are the all much the same)
b) suitable ink
c) any general tips to make gorgeous writing like this:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=274139&d=1348358668



Thanks!

Welcome, someone who knows should be along soon. I will be watching, as I would like a good flex nib. I had a couple Ahabs which had flex nibs, and when they worked I really liked the character that it gives to your writing. Italics are nice, too. The difference is the line variation comes from the angle of the stroke, not the pressure.

 

[Nightshade18]

I did see the Ahab, but I'd be relying on an import (I'm in the UK) and I've heard mixed things about them.

I did think about italic too, as I have a Lamy Safari sat here which I could order an italic nib for very cheaply, then it wouldn't matter if I didn't like it. However the Safari has been very dry since it had a small incident with the dog (long story), so I'm a little reluctant to try with a pen that's not 100%...

 

[oc_in_fw]

However the Safari has been very dry since it had a small incident with the dog (long story), so I'm a little reluctant to try with a pen that's not 100%...

Ah, come on- you can't keep us hanging like that

 

[nemo]

Not too up on the dip pens but I enjoy flexible fountain pen nibs. Vintage is the only way to go -- Waterman, Wahl-Eversharp, Conklin, Mabie-Todd, and of course Pelikan, and Montblanc. Stay away from the Ahab, their definition of flex isn't what most folks agree with.

Some reading can be found here --> http://www.paperpenalia.com/flex1.html

Remember, they're harder to use -- I almost always have one inked in rotation but prefer a semi-flex for daily use.

 

[oc_in_fw]

Not too up on the dip pens but I enjoy flexible fountain pen nibs. Vintage is the only way to go -- Waterman, Wahl-Eversharp, Conklin, Mabie-Todd, and of course Pelikan, and Montblanc. Stay away from the Ahab, their definition of flex isn't what most folks agree with.

Some reading can be found here --> http://www.paperpenalia.com/flex1.html

Remember, they're harder to use -- I almost always have one inked in rotation but prefer a semi-flex for daily use.

Thanks for that link, Doug.

 

[syngent]

far from an expert, and i havent even gone through all my nibs yet, this is by far not the flexiest one i have, if you want huge flex, dip pens can very much give them to you



the control needed on them is a lot more then an FP though, as i still want to hunt down a nice vintage flex FP for myself as well, but these are a great place for me to start

 

[Nightshade18]

Thanks nemo, I'll check that out!

Whilst noodling that enticing auction site I've just ended up ordering my first Esterbrook - with a super stiff nib. No doubt as far away from flex as possible. A flexible pen will have to wait till the morning, as I have a house rule of not buying more than 1 pen a day...

OC, this is the damage that resulted from Max the dog:

Then after a phone call to cult pens:

But still, she's just not quite right...

 

[Loganpass]

Max looks to me like a credible witness. Damn cats! Say... do you umm HAVE a cat?

 

[oc_in_fw]

"It was the cat". Yeah, I ain't believing that