Left handed FP use Question

[rickcharles606]

Okay gents, I've been using my fountain pens for some time now, and I LOVE them. Per the title of the thread, I have a question about being a lefty, using "non" lefty pens/nibs.

I have several relatively nice pens that write very smoothly, especially since I've "learned" how to use them as a left handed writer. Also, I tend to steer toward broad nibs because they seem to be more forgiving for me, as I push the pen, rather than pull it. I'm assuming they skip less because they just put down more ink.

Now to my question, am I missing something by not purchasing a nib ground for left handed use? Whenever I get a new pen, it's always hit or miss until I learn how to use the thing, and even then...sometimes there's no writing with it. Using a fine nib is pretty much out of the question for me, I've tried, and tried, but cannot. I'd love to have and use one, if for not other reason than writing in my daily planner. The broad is a bit much for the smallish lines in my Franklin Covey planner.

Just wondering if any of you lefty nibers have any experiences to share in this regard....thanks in advance

 

[RichieRich3902]

I've never tried a lefty nib and I've been fortunate to have good luck with all but one pen I've tried. I'm an under writer so I push the nib across the page instead of pulling it. The only nib I've had trouble with is the esterbrook falcon stub I installed on my desk pen, it is an oblique ground for a right handed person, the left foot is long. If you're having trouble with skipping on a fine point try a preppy with a fine point. I've found they are a wetter writer when loaded with noodlers ink.

 

[mikeschu]

I don't have any problems writing with fine, extra-fine or even a needlepoint nib as a southpaw. I am an underwriter and am attempting to write more effectively by tilting the paper down and to the right. I just wish my cursive was a little faster!

Left-handed nibs are typically medium width. I have the Lamy Safari in LH and it's a nice writer but I'm not sure it's necessary to own one. I bet you can have a fine nib ground left-handed; I haven't had to do that yet.

 

[Alacrity59]

I think most nibs are neutral. No extra help to anybody.

 

[rickcharles606]

I'm an over-writer, so I'm not even sure I can use a LH nib. Guess I should just pull the trigger on one and see how it goes. If I choose to have one ground, who can I get to do the work on one of my existing pens?

 

[syngent]

most mass production made nibs are neutral anyway, some smaller people do a little something to the tip but that is to improve for right handed not take away from lefties, I do remember a member posting that they got a left handed grind and not liking it over the regular nibs they had but can not recall who it was,

The only nibs i would be over cautious with, with regards to being a lefty is an oblique nib, although i do not know if a left hander would have problems or not, i just know they have a funky slanted grind to them that may be an issue

if its within your budget and its on something like a lamy where nibs are fairly cheap and swappable id say give it a chance you never know

 

[andrew98]

Mike Masuyama can probably grind whatever nib you want. mikeitwork.com

-Andy

 

[Suzuki]

Never used anything other than a regular nib.

The standard ball-tipped nibs work well regardless of the orientation - an oblique might be useful if you hold the pen in a particular way that gives you problems with ink flow, scratchiness, etc. The other reason to try an oblique is you want some line variation - the only nibs I've had issues with are broader nibs (broad stubs or italics in particular), as they can be balky since the way I hold the pen means I'm pushing the nib across the paper in many cases where a right-handed writer would be pulling it - which can result in the nib getting starved since feeds work better on the pull than the push.

 

[Mike H]

No, I don't think you are missing anything. I have a Sailor LH F nib on my full size 1911. It writes great, but no better than Pilot VP in fine. The only time I have serious problem is with flex nibs.

Rick, if you want to try it out, shoot me a PM.

 

[rickcharles606]

No, I don't think you are missing anything. I have a Sailor LH F nib on my full size 1911. It writes great, but no better than Pilot VP in fine. The only time I have serious problem is with flex nibs.

Rick, if you want to try it out, shoot me a PM.

Mike, that's crazy generous. I see that you live in KY, where at? I'm in Eastern KY, but I will be in Louisville pretty soon. Maybe we can get coffee and I can give that pen a test drive? Let me know dude, and thanks again for the offer!