Nice comparison. Owning tons of steel nibs along with 14K, 18K, 21K gold, 23K Paladium and titanium, I've found that it just depends on the pen. The feed and quality of nib grind really determine the writing experience, although you are certainly correct about the esthetics being a big influence also. I have inexpensive Kaweco Perkeo pens that are more pleasant to use than some of my gold nib models. There is great satisfaction in finding a lower end pen that writes exceptionally well, whether right out of the box or with a bit of tweaking. And that's a big part of the fun with this hobby.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

It can make it fun or frustrating depending on ones perspective. I personally like the hunt and to tinker. But yes, a nib has to be tuned properly. You can have an amazing engine made to spec, but it all has to be tuned and adjusted properly to get the max performance. A low cost, well made, great writing pen is a great find... when found 😅

@meshzzizk

Жыл бұрын

You are right about the Kaweco Perkeo - the fine nibs on those are just 👌. Honestly, my Perkeos and Kakunos have performed far more reliably and pleasantly than like 50% of the $80-$200 pens I’ve owned 🤷‍♂️

I use both and I believe that the better feel of a gold nib has more to do with the amount of care and work, what are put in to the gold nib, than the materials.

This has to be one of the best pen reviews I have ever seen. You take an iconic pen and point out what nobody sees. Great stuff. It will make my recap next week.

Interesting and very well done video. I own around 20 pens, some gold nibs, some steel, but have always gravitated to my Pilot Metropolitan for most writing tasks. It just always works consistently and well. I finally broke down and got a Custom 823, after hearing for years that this is the heavenly emperor of nibs. Regarding smoothness, I can barely tell the difference between my 823's F gold nib and a Metropolitan F steel nib. If I had to assign it a value, I'd say the gold 823 nib is maybe 5 percent smoother than the Metropolitan, and the identical flow and wetness, for 20 times the price. The 823 holds more ink, so as long as I have it, I'm happy using it. I'd love to believe that gold is generally better, to justify buying a few more fancy pens, but I remain sadly skeptical.

@insaniquarium92

10 ай бұрын

I concur! Similar experience with the Pilot Metropolitan, compared to many others eg Mont Blanc, Pilot VP, Platinum Kanazawa Leaf Sakura Fubuki, Parker Rialto, Pelikan tortoise etc

@MitchellJBridges

3 ай бұрын

Pilot metro is the worst pen ever made,the only one worse is the Lamy 2000 which is even worse because of its price. Your average Jinhao writes way better. I just picked up a sailor pen, I can't put it down because it was soo good. Yes gold nibs are better than steel nibs. I went to a pen store and tested most of them. The best steel nib does not compare to the worst gold nib. My sailor outwrites all other pens.

Great job, nailed it. I've had this debate in my head for months, and you've really brought a lot of clarity to the discussion/argument.

Sir, you truly are a Canadian Treasure! Thank you for your amazing videos and content. Greetings from Ontario.

Nice and pretty thorough run down on all the possibilities. This evaluation is a reference keeper.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Hopefully comes in handy down the road

Dude, that was an outstanding breakdown!

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Dude, thanks buddy 👍

Well i can certainly agree with the lamy gold nibs writing way smoother than the steel ones. And i feel the gold nibs get a little more care and slightly better treatment as compared to the steel nibs. I've still had poor writing experience with a gold nib out of the box which needed a bit of tuning.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I've had sub par gold nibs too. Even with the higher prices, its no 100% guarantee at writing bliss.

3 seconds in and I'm cracking up- but first I gotta eat this candy" hahaha! 😂🤣😂🤣

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Had to eat it... so soft & cheeeeeeewy

Great video. I have a Visconti with the palladium nib and I find it absolutely dreamy.

Another killer video you have made, really enjoyed it and I couldn't have have expressed better than you. Especially calculating the math. Congratulations

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

If there's math somewhere to do, I cant help myself LOL

Well researched and well presented. Couldn't agree more. Regards, Dr Basu

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed 😀

A super informative video... as always!

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for checking it out buddy

I love these videos, they are just great!

@Doodlebud

Жыл бұрын

This was probably my favorite technical video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/ha6Nzauhpaeqk8Y.html

Wow I love pens and feel like I have pretty fleshed out thoughts on this topic already. But gotta say I LOVED your treatment of this. Hands down the best I’ve ever seen when it came to this. I feel like it will help out so many people who are tempted to take the plunge into gold nibs and wondering if it’s worth it. For my money yes, I almost exclusively use gold, but steel has its place too and that’s part of the great thing about fountain pens it’s completely able to be tailored to the specific person and their preferences. Great video thanks!

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy, after I did the video I didn't even want to post it as I thought it was garbage lol. The customization is my favorite part with pens. They are very individual

Thanks for the video! I like your videos and how you go at it, especially your engineering point of view. I just subscribed, looking forward to more.

@Doodlebud

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoy my vids & thanks for the sub 👍

Nice explanation. Thanks. Wonderful

That was a great review and I agree that in fact, the way the nib is tuned and the way it is designed play a strong part in the writing experience. I also would like to add that the ink type and the paper that you write on, both make a substantial difference too.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah, paper & ink can & do make a huge difference. A pen that seems scratchy & dry can be way better with a different ink & paper combo

Great video, it's interesting how it makes sense and i am sure others will disagree. Keep up the great work.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

I never expect everyone to agree with what I say by any means. After all, I'm just some random dude online who likes fountain pens 😝

Great video, thank you!

@Doodlebud I once read that gold was used “in the old days” as it was more corrosion resistant. Perhaps inks have changed and this is not as relevant now, but at one time durability may have been a priority criteria. I envision pre keyboard use the pens were a critical part of daily life and high priority properties were different.

@Doodlebud

Жыл бұрын

Gold absolutely has an advantage with corrosion resistance. The nib on my 1930's Parker Duofold I just redid looks perfect! Can easily bring back the shine

@mikafoxx2717

11 ай бұрын

It was extra important back then as not only did they use iron gall and alkaline formulas, stainless steel alloys we have now were yet to be invented.

@MitchellJBridges

3 ай бұрын

​@@mikafoxx2717 Gold nibs will never deteriorate while steel will over time. Gold nib pens are likely going to last a lifetime while steel nibs will not. I mean steel nibs can be great too but gold has far higher standards and expectations compared to steel nibs aswell.

Thanks for the video. FYI, FPR also make gold extra flex nibs on occasion. However stocks are often very low.

Great video, thank you. It's just like you say, it's not that little detail that makes the difference. It's never just one thing. In addition, it is a question of one's own expectations, I have fountain pens with steel nibs in very cheap and quite expensive ones, I have pens with gold nibs in expensive ones and older ones very cheaply bought. Depending on my mood, my everyday life is different and so is the choice of my everyday fauntain pen. And in more contemplative moments, I like to write with one type of pen just as much as with the other. It's just many, many more the great composition of all the components of writing: the fountain pen, the ink and the paper (and of course the writers mood 🙂). Keep your joy in inspecting and reviewing the fountain pens and please let us continue to enjoy it.

Hi, Doodlebud. A very informative and interesting video. With limited experience in using a variety of pens, mostly vintage, I find each pen very different. It seems a very personal thing, a combination of nib, pen, ink and paper. FWIW my favourites are an Aurora 98, and most Conway Stewarts and Onotos. Cheers from Oz.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching buddy. There are a lot of variables for sure, even style of writing plays a role

You have a great pen collection I’d love to see a video on inks that you trust putting in those pens!

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

I've only done a couple ink vids, recently one on Sheening inks which was fun. But will be doing more.

Great video! You are truly becoming a KZread Reference point for analysis of all of the many factors that are involved in the fountain pen writing experience! Thanks! Like you, I have a variety of expensive pens and less expensive ones. Your collection, at least what I can see of it, is very similar to mine. Despite the differences in the writing, of the really expensive gold nibs, there is a place where I prefer a good firm, but smooth steel nib. And that is in the office, when things are hectic and moving at a face pace. I want to be able to bear down harder and scratch a quick note, or take a quick note while on the telephone, and not worry about springing a fine expensive nib. I find the medium nib Viscontis, and the fine Faber Castell (EMotion Croco) to be wet enough, and tough enough for the task; while still being attractive pens. Lately, I have been in search of other steel nib pens, that are lightweight, tough, with plenty of ink capacity, that are high quality & beautiful (not demonstrators like TWSBIs), and can be used as bangers in a fast paced office. Essentially, I want a really quality nice pen, that has been “dumbed down” with a steel nib! Have you tried the Pilot Namiki Custom NS? Nice & takes a Con 70, slightly less expensive than a gold nib pen. Looks like it might also fit the bill.

@Doodlebud

Жыл бұрын

Haven't tried a Custom NS before. I have a 823 and 912 which are great pens. I do seem to like vintage Pilot over modern ones currently

Interesting video. Subjective feeling experience is also a decided factor.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. The human factor is a greater effect than we realize. The expensive pretty pen can make us feel its amazing. The cheap $5 pen can also make us feel its so amazing since its such a good deal and writes pretty good (for the price). At the end of the day, as long as its a pen you feel performs well and gives a great writing experience and its a joy to use.... gold, steel, filling system, material, etc doesnt matter.

I don’t have as many gold nibbed pens, but I have to agree with your overall assessment. My absolute smoothest nibs are gold; yet, I have a few steel nibs that come within a frog hair’s width of the same level of smoothness.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that watermans is so smooth! At first I wondered if it was gold. But that's a bit of conditioning thinking gold is always better. A great steel nib is wonderful writing tool.

@jamesaritchie1

3 жыл бұрын

Gold or steel has nothing to do with smoothness. Often, in fact, the tipping on a cheap steel nip is easier to make butter smooth. Cheap stainless steel is EASY to make so smooth that it often measures smoother than a gold nib. But it's nowhere near as durable.

@MitchellJBridges

3 ай бұрын

​@@jamesaritchie1Gold nibs are typically better made due to the cost of gold. They will outlast steel nibs because they won't deteriorate while steel will.

I like the video. I agree for the most part about the video. My favorite pen is a $20 Chinese brass pocket pen with a steel nib because it writes well. PS. finally bought a Girologio pen case, pretty awesome.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

The brand, size, nib material is always 2nd. If it writes well, is reliable, & comfortable to use that's the most important. That Girologio case is awesome!

Yes restraint with the pen hobby is hard but essential. I'm going to organise a "12 step"programme to follow to stop buying pens/inks/stationery etc. First step is to stop going on eBay!!. Again great video & thought provoking. Thank you

@MitchellJBridges

3 ай бұрын

Just do some research, and if possible only buy a pen based on writing quality rather than anything else. Ive tried several "grail" pens but I found my sailor pen, now I feel truly contempt. As far as inks are concerned, just buy ink samples. Only buy a bottle when you truly enjoy it. Also when it comes to paper don't be afraid to experiment to see how to make it cheaper. Because I find it to be the most expensive part of the hobby and you go through it very quickly.

Excellent commentary. My three best writers are Hongdian 885, Platinum Maki-e, and Skrikss 419. Gold, gold, and steel. The Scrikss gives magnificent flex with its steel nib.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

My Appelboom pens Top 3 is coming Monday. Gold, gold, steel as well. Thanks for watching 👍

I haven't had any super high end pens, but I feel it all comes down to preference, and I agree with your conclusion about gold feeling better in general. I will say though, my TWSBI F nib on my Diamond 580ALR is one if my absolute favorite nibs, but my Pilot Vanishing Point M is the smoothest and just a joy to write with. Thanks for the comparison!!

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

A well done steel nib is great! I've mistaken some for gold when I've first used them. But that's evidence of the power of marketing driving us to believe gold is always best. But.... A properly tuned gold nib does outshine a steely

@ameliabuns4058

Жыл бұрын

Oh you're tempting me to try one but I know it's a lot of times luck with twsbi

I use habitually a PILOT 74 "SM", 14Karat gold nib and an aluminium MUJI "F", steel nib. Both writing without scratching.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Love my Muji FP as well :)

thank you very enjoyable video!and yes go for gold!!!

Very well explained. I agree with you on the nibs and the thought on the asthetics and build quality. Certainly, you can write with a preppy, but the feeling of holding a 149 or homosapiens or M805 is something different afterall. 😁

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

When its done right, its really really nice! I think thats why I usually go for the whole pen with a gold nib instead of just getting a gold nib for one of my existing pens.

@nommh

Жыл бұрын

I started writing with my 32 Montblanc when the hype about expensive fountain pens did not exist. I preferred writing with it, because it had line variation and a smoothness my Pelikano pens could never achieve. I did feel a little special for having it, but then the feel of polished resin is subtly different to mere plastic and the nib is softer. This is of course a matter of the alloy used and the amount of iridium used

Steel nib on Pelikan M205 is excellent and it has little bit of softness. Some users even were happy to swap M400 gold nib, which is very stiff (shown on 0:39), with steel nib from M205

My general observation with gold nibs is that they write wetter than their steel counterparts. So if you like a wet flow, you’ll gravitate towards gold nibs.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

In general they do seem wetter. But I do have a couple gold nibs I've needed to open up as they were just far too dry.

@arisainaramorsolo9673

3 жыл бұрын

@@Doodlebud I did the same with my Platinum #3776. This is what makes this hobby worth while; those subtle nuances in the writing experience. And when I say experience, I mean ideas seamlessly flowing into paper.

I'd argue there is no practical difference. It's an avoidance of buyer's remorse and strictly aesthetic. Like most gold things, they're functionally on par with objects made with less expensive materials. Loved the gummy worm. Low key jab towards flash pens? It was warranted.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Practical difference no, they achieve the same goal: Ink on paper. But with everything, there are economical solutions that do a fantastic job. And then there are more expensive ones that do the same job, but maybe only slightly better. Consumer gets to do the cost/benefit analysis..... Or decides "MUST BUY THE SHINNY THING!"😍

@jamesaritchie1

3 жыл бұрын

That just isn't true. Either you haven little experience with gold nibs, or you were never taught how to properly use one. Gold, even a gold alloy, can easily be made to do things that is simply not possible for steel to do, at least nearly as well.

@Cortesevasive

2 жыл бұрын

@@jamesaritchie1 like what ? gold is soft yes , so is alluminum

@jayemery

2 жыл бұрын

I have to disagree with you here, gold nibs are not strictly aesthetic. Even if the aim of gold nibs was solely to be better looking than steel, that’s a subjective opinion given there are some steel nibs which I think look better than some gold nibs. As far as function is concerned, gold nibs are softer and provide a different writing experience. Whether the difference is enough to warrant the cost increase from steel to gold is only a question each person can answer for themselves. But there is a difference. For example, my 14k #6 Bock nib has more flex (the tines separate more with pressure) than my steel #6 Bock nib given the same amount of pressure. What this means in practice is that I can get more line variation out of the gold nib. It also means that the gold nib allows more ink to flow onto the paper at the lowest part of a down-stroke, which means increased shading depending on the ink you’re using. Another difference for me, this time in favour of steel nibs, is that because they’re typically more stiff (not always, but typically) they’re better for architect grinds. Or at least in the way I prefer architect grinds, which is crisp - as thin a vertical stroke as possible. With a soft gold nib, you can’t get as crisp of a vertical stroke with the same amount of pressure. So to me, there are practical differences between gold and steel nibs, and people’s preferences play into what’s better for them. Feel free to disagree, I’d love to hear more from your side - having conversations about this stuff makes it a better community :)

@Cortesevasive

2 жыл бұрын

@@jayemery Yeah there are tons of gold nibs which are plated in chrome

This is a very compelling (& controversial) topic, Db. Personally, I don't care what the nib material is on the pen I've purchased - be it new or pre-owned; the two key issues as far as I am concerned are both at the business end, ergo, the nib & the feed. In terms of the nib, well that should be absolutely spot on ~ no over-tipping, perfect alignment. Second, the feed: given that when you buy a gold nib, I believe there should be a consortium amongst the world's pen manufacturers to install a mandatory ebonite feed with every gold blade; it is well known within the fountain pen community that ebonite outclasses plastic significantly - & when you're laying out moneys for a high-end scribe, that ebonite (for obviious flow reasons) makes all the difference. When I bought my Pilot 823, I also went to an American feed manufacturer who supplies a wide range of ink delivery units for a variety of well known pens. I not only replaced the 823's, but my 742 model - the results were instantaneous. On a related matter, there are some beautiful materials from which barrels & caps are made - & Visconti is (almost) unparalleled in that regard; however, their nibs (on the whole) are S**t - I've lost count of the number of pen afficianodos that I personally know who have had to return their respective models to the factory - not once, but in some instances, several times. I've come to the conclusion that their indifference, & outright arrogance in relation to their products' nibs is appalling, & in spite of the 'prettiness' of the pen itself, if it ain't writing, then it's of no use to me - I wouldn't touch one with a barge pole (or another pen); the cost of these writing instruments therin, is unjustified. For a family-run business, they need to cop onto themselves - it's no coincidence that their returns rate is at least 44% - that's got to ring a few alarm bells, surely ? There was similarly a quality control issue with Kaweco's nibs a couple of years ago - they outsourced the job to Bock, but quickly realised that they too were rubbish, so they switched to Jovo - overnight transition (I even spoke with a Kaweco representative who noted that Bock were a pain in the rear at the best of times)... Stephen Brown (also) has a fantastic video on the subject of why pen manufacturers are failing their consumer base - definitely worth a watch if you haven't already seen it. Excellent as always - thank you !! Andrew.

I’ll add my .0002 cents only because I can… . Great video DB, by the way. I would add that the brand and makeup of whatever ink you are using can have an effect on how the pen “feels” on what paper you’re using (another variable?). Not having the quantity of fountain pens and the variety of different ones as some, I’d still like to agree with DB. A fountain pen that normally comes with a gold nib, you might also be getting a more refined, better detailed (higher quality?) fountain pen. That of course is a WAG {wild arse guess} on my part. Quality can quantified in some realms, but it also but subjective to the the user. One man’s ceiling is another man’s floor. When I pay more, I’m expecting … more I think. Sometimes you do get more, and other tines (times 😉 …) you don’t. Love my Pilot 823, 742, 74 with gold nibs. Still, my Kaweco AL sport with its cheapo steel fine nib is my regular [go to] fountain pen simply because it works so well for me in 99% of my writing situations. I think I’m going to get a Lamy 2K, just to try one 🤔… . Thanks DB, sorry I went on and on… .

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment, you didn't go on and on. Every video I post is just me going on & on about something & expressing my $0.00046 high atop my soapbox. Thanks for watching 👍

If the iridium nib is the only thing touching the paper, it doesn't matter whether the rest of the nib is steel or gold, except for the flexibility of the pen. I prefer a stiff pen anyway. So the writing quality seems to me to depend primarily on the quality of the iridium or its composition, not on the gold or the steel...Very good video, thank you. Greetings from Belgium.

I think you have to add the feed into the equation, too. I have a Wancher Tamenuri with a steel nib that writes like a dream. I chose the steel because the gold didn't come with an ebonite feed. I love the wetness an ebonite feed provides. I could be mistaken, but I think most Indian pens have ebonite feeds. Couple my wonderful experience with an abysmal first gold nib experience with my 3776, and I'm hooked on the steel/ebonite combo.

I have a couple of Bock steel nibs that man oh man! Better than most of my gold nibs, and the same as my best gold ones.

I absolutely will get a 14k gold nib for the LAMY system at some point, because I have a lot of their pens, my small collection probably will grow over the next few years and I will be able to put it on every single one of those pens within seconds. And I'm looking forward to transforming my beloved 50 € Studio into a 150 € daily writing power house

@Doodlebud

2 жыл бұрын

I put a new black XF 14K on my dialog 3 to replace the stock medium. I then gave it an architect grind, love it! kzread.info/dash/bejne/hZ9-3Mdulq2Znqg.html

@queenbuzybee4074

Жыл бұрын

I love my Lamy Studio as well. It’s very underrated imho. I currently have a 1.1 steel stub nib on it and it’s super smooth. I love writing with it just as much as with my Pelikan and Aurora pens with gold nibs.

Very good break down of the nibs Now I’m curious about the lamy all star with a gold nib 😅

Wow another great video and very informative. Quite a different take on steel v gold than what I was expecting. Some of my steel nibs are great writers and I like them a lot for example the Lamy 1.9 stub. Nothing beats a vintage gold flex nib in my opinion although that Pilot FA nib is awesome and akin to a vintage semi flex. I suppose to some extent where flex is not required stainless steel becomes a good bet. Although would you want a stainless steel nib on a high class pen? Probably not. Titanium nibs kind of hold the middle ground but very unusual to find. One expensive stainless steel nibbed brand wanted more than double for the gold nib as did Ranga on that special deal- unappealing for me. Thought provoking video. Thank you but for now I have to tie my pen buying hand behind my back. See you on the next video

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Restrain is key with pen hobby

Great evaluation! I’d only add that personally I expect the gold nibs to work beautifully, and when they don’t it’s a bit of a disappointment, whereas if a steel nibs is out of the box amazing, then it’s a very happy surprise! I wonder too whether a steel nib is more reliant on paper and ink? (Part2 test…?)

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the extra cost you'd think ensure better QC, but super pissed when a new gold nib pen isnt up to par. I think the "feeling" from a gold nib has more to do with the "typically" high level of finishing and inspection that goes into the gold nibs. Might also have something to do with the physical difference in materials between gold & steel. Might do a follow up vid if I have time.

@BC21beats

2 жыл бұрын

From my personal experience I find gold nibs to be worse on bad paper. I think due to the softness and how much the pen drags more on cheaper rougher paper makes it feel like your dragging ur pen through mud

Thanks for doing the work to compare these nibs. I teach “Sketching with Fountain Pen” and I get this question allot. You might want to call them “Gals” too. Not everything in the world is male.. thanks.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Point taken. I don't actually mean to assign a gender to my pens as they can't have one . Similar use as when people say "whats up guys". Will keep it in mind though

@jamesaritchie1

3 жыл бұрын

@@Doodlebud I disagree. I think such things as pens do have a gender. Boats and ships are always "she", and rightfully so. To me, the pens I like most are definitely male.

@jamesaritchie1

3 жыл бұрын

But it does no harm to anyone to call something "guys", or "he", You're free to call everything "Her", "she", etc. It won't bother me a bit, even though not everything in the world is female.

@jamesjacocks6221

2 жыл бұрын

Ultimately, we "genderfy" as a signal of affection or at least attachment, I think. @@jamesaritchie1

I often find among monied FP collectors, only pens with gold nibs are considered worthwhile. There is not only aesthetic & nib quality involved, but status; and status can prove important. A Lamy Dialogue 3 with that gold nib cost $324. Pilot Namiki Falcon - $161 - $249. Pelikan 800 Series: $599 (for that money there better be some craft quality involved~) Visconti Homo Sapien - $716. With these prices I would always expect the best nibs. I own a Picasso Avignon with a gold tone steel nib, and it is a smoother writer than my Platinum 3776s with gold nibs. Still trying to figure that out.

my first ever gold nib is Sailor 1911 14k M pen. the nib was dry as a Sahara desert. Eventually I had to return the pen and promised myself no gold nibs for me ever again.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't blame the gold for that, that was a quality control error at sailor. It is very frustrating when a premium price doesn't guarantee that the pen isn't properly checked. You did the right thing to send back. But try again sometime if you're up for it. A good vintage gold nib is PHENOMENAL! 😍

Lamy 14K gold nibs are classified as Lamy Imporium nibs, and they come in two varieties: The one shown in the video---the silver=colored nib with the gold border down the slit---is called the Z-55. There is also a Z-57 model. That nib is black with a gold border surrounding the slit. In October 2017 I paid $90 for a Z-57.

Great video. I agree that the gold is more ornate and perhaps a tad softer. The thing with the gold in my mind is that I am a bit more paranoid on flexing the gold nibs as if you spring a steel nib vs a gold, the replacement isn't quite as painful.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

My tip with that is, unless it's specifically a flex or semi flex nib, don't try to give it any flex & you'll be safe.

I have a wonderful steel nib on my Momento Zero and I do wonder how much better a gold one could be, if it would be worth it. I agree with most points you made - however, there is no material difference between for example m400 or m600, it's just the size of the pen that influences the price in the Pelikan case. A lot of pricy pens are made with simple plastics ("precious resins" lol), for example Sailor.

@yuklimka7251

3 жыл бұрын

I think that the M2xx comes with many attractive finishes, like the marbled ones or the colored demonstrators. And since the nib units are interchangeable, it would be an option to buy a M4xx one to swap into a M2xx body. For EDC I'm perfectly alright with steel nibs at the moment. I prefer to use my gold nib pens at home. They only leave the house for pen meetups where I know everyone. This attitude may change over time.

@jamesaritchie1

3 жыл бұрын

It's how they make the resin look that makes it worth the coast. There\s a real hands on difference between how the resin on a cheap Chinese pen is made, and how the resin on some very expensive pens is made. Hands on costs money. And some of it is EXTREMELY costly on its own. There='s nothing simple or common about it. Some of it is so rare that there's barely enough in the world to make a few pens each year. Just the "simple plastic" can cost several hundred dollars. But it's usually the art, the talent, the dedication it takes to turn a resin into something that can't be cookie cutter reproduced by a machine in China that makes some lower end gold nibs cost as much as they do. We, may, of course, have a different view of what "pricey" means, but none of the pricey pens I buy are made of plastic, simple or otherwise. Is a gold nib worth it? Yes, of course it is, to the person who buys one. But with low cost gold pens, it depends on whether you know how to use the gold nib, or want to learn how, and know enough to buy something other than a pen with a nail hard nib. Sometimes there is no choice. Expensive pens don't come with steel nibs.

@Cortesevasive

2 жыл бұрын

Sailor uses PMMA plastic and Lamy safari uses ABS plastic, there is nothing simple about plastics, if you ever used twsbi it cracked while sailor is undestructable

Excellent perspective. At the end of the day, buy what you like best and you can afford. Beauty, well made and with a nib that fits your writing style or are able to switch. Before we marry, we may always be attracted to beauty first.

I have two 14k nib pens, but I honestly love writing my books with a steel nib. Goulet, Anderson and FPR. I do like the 3776 in SF, it writes like butter but tuned steel aftermarket #6 steel nib feels the same. I also write on laser copy paper, so I really don't want to wear the gold nib too much. Did you receive the books?

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Got your books, sent you an email today 👍

@Cortesevasive

2 жыл бұрын

wear the gold nib - dude thats impossible

80% of the appeal of gold nibs is the tuning. Expensive gold nib means the company puts more care into its production, and likewise less for the steel nibs. The other 20% is the bit of springiness, design, and wetness. You’re not really paying for the material, you’re paying for the care, effort, and craftsmanship.

@wizard7314

2 жыл бұрын

Except there is a weak correlation between quality control and nib material.

I’m of the opinion that the gold nibs write better, because manufacturers spend bit time on them. I don’t think a stiff gold nib has an innate writing advantage over an equally stiff steel nib though.

@jamesaritchie1

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, but a soft gold nib, not a flex nib, but a soft one, is infinitely better for long writing sessions, as long as you learn how to use one.

@gabemadorma2933

3 жыл бұрын

@@jamesaritchie1 my favorite nibs are soft as well, but imo it depends on what you’re doing. If I’m printing at high speeds for classes I prefer a stiff nib. For leisurely writing in script I enjoy a nib with a bit of give like a soft, elastic, or flex.

@redmoonvenus7327

3 жыл бұрын

@Gabe Madorma My favourite gold nibs are Sailor, and they are notoriously on the stiffer side. I like a soft nib, and even a flex nib sometimes, but I also love a good stiff gold nib. And to me it is almost always better than a steel nib - with some rare exceptions. It's the quality of the feedback that counts, more than the stiffness/softness. To me, Sailor gold nibs are superior to any other nib I have, and they are not soft, quite the contrary.

@gabemadorma2933

3 жыл бұрын

@@redmoonvenus7327 I’ve heard good things about sailor. My current favorites (stiff or bounce) are my old Sheaffers

@redmoonvenus7327

3 жыл бұрын

@@gabemadorma2933 I like Sheaffer too, both their gold and steel nibs !

I do agree, while I have had some stellar steel nibs, a well tuned gold nib makes it feel just that more nicer. The first time I picked up my Bronze Age and put it to paper I was like "okay, I get it. Now I understand". Plus, I gravitate more towards vintage pens, and those usually have 14K nibs that feel better than any modern pen in my collection

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

The oldies are definitely goodies!

Given that gold prices are in the stratosphere, companies like Faber-Castell, Leonardo & Diplomat have elevated the quality of their S/S nibs. There might be a point where acquiring pens with less substantial gold content won't be made, as the nib performance is unrecognizable to their premium S/S nib counterparts.

Hi, i was recently messing around also with my fountain pens... I would like to ask if there are any inexpensive pens that the nib can be swapped easily. The goal is to have the pen bodies and try out many nibs and sizes on them such as #6 and #5 nibs with little hasle. I have tried out some penBBS pens 308 (i didn't like the logo on the band so i ripped it off :P) and 491 which doesn't have a logo and it leaked! Those pens would be ideal because of the o rings for the eydropper conversion but i had some trouble. The ideal filling system would be something like the con 70 converter on my pilot custom 74 or the cartridges on the noodler's triple tail, they hold very much ink and are very easy to clean. I would like to try out that FPR flex nib as well, any suggestions?

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

There's a lot going on there on your list of features. The Con 70 is a pilot only converter, so wont work elsewhere. Sounds like you want a custom pen. Ranga pens might be an option for you. Lots of choices and customization. Also, can order extra nibs for your pen too. So can have one pen with several different nib types and grinds to try out (stubs, flex, steel, gold, titanium, etc). Don't know if that helps.

@robx.6525

3 жыл бұрын

I would recommend getting an ebonite feed for like a #5 or #6 nib (Noodler's and a few others like FPR will sell just the feed). Then find a body you like that fits it. Then you can swap nibs to your heart's content and just heat set it if it isn't perfect and it will adjust to fit the nib so long as the nib is somewhat standard (Obviously, you're not likely to get it to work with Lamy nibs or other proprietary designs). I've done this with anywhere from Jinhao X450s to Parker Sonnets. Lots of options once you get the hang of it. Honestly though, I've never found anything that compares to my old vintage flex pens. They are cheaper than modern premium pens and perform better than even my 1990s Montblanc 149. The trick is finding working ones or learning how to refurbish them.

@strshooter7399

3 жыл бұрын

@@Doodlebud I have a "Churchman's Prescriptor" from Mr. Pen's Italix line. My Prescriptor's std international converter started to get loose where it plugs into the back of the feed area. I tried a new (old style) Pilot con-70 converter. It fit pretty good, but didn't have a perfect seal. I wrapped some white plumbers thread tape around the converter part and plugged it back into the pen feed. Works great with no air/ink leak. This particular fountain pen from Mr. Pen has a longish barrel, so there was enough room for the Con-70 to fit inside. I can't speak to other fountain pens whether a Con-70 will work/fit, but if you've got an extra Con-70 and some plumbers tape, it's easy enough to try. Of course, you might get your fingers and pen a little inky, but if you use fountain pens, you're bound to get ink on your fingers and pens at some point... . :-)

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

@@strshooter7399 Thanks for sharing the tip with everyone

I recently bought into the lamy2000 hype. Long story short the gold nib was no better the the steel nibs on my safari and Al star. It wasn’t until I dropped the L2k and it landed square on the nib rendering it a 14k piece of trash. In my pursuit of a new nib I found someone on line who sold them and offered a free tuning and polishing service. The difference was like night and day. After this experience I can’t really generalize what constitutes the better material but I will say, in my very limited experience, if you’re going to shell out some big $$$ for a gold nib pen be prepared to do some adjusting or find someone who can.

Lamb gold nib you showed is 2 tone. Is it good or gold plated stainless steel? I'm going to guess gold plated, since gold number 6 nibs (larger, I know) cost in excess of $400 USD, compared to $57 ~ $77 for the Lamy.

@Doodlebud

2 жыл бұрын

It's 14K gold. Perhaps a whole pen is $400 but not just a nib. the Lamy z56/57 14k can be bought for around $100

since comuter price gone down near 1,000 usd, people write less than it before. for a gold pen, what we know is pure gold is more soft than steel. Pen factory said that "soft feeling" is unique on gold pen instead of steel one. and for asuming, gold pen commonly has expensive price than steal pen, so factory has the "responsibility" to make it "better".

A comment on your cost analysis: That is the price of materials in the FINISHED good alone. That does not factor in costs for working with those materials nor does that factor in QA loss costs. Part of why the steel nib isn't so much less than the gold nib is that all of those nibs and materials are moved from point to point, the shipping costs are not that much different. "Worth" and "value" are subjective terms that only the person buying the product can determine, but I can't wait to graduate to a gold nib.

Is your Waterman Expert III gold nib? If not, have you ever try one? I can't find any review of this pen with gold nib.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

No mine is just a steel nib, but it's a fantastic steel nib!

Pens used to use iron gall inks. Gold nibs don’t corrode as quickly as steel. That is likely the origin of using gold over steel. I find that my gold nibs are toothier. They have a bit more bounce and that causes feedback. That being said, I use that feedback to apply lighter pressure on the nib. I prefer gold, but beginners should start with steel and they are more forgiving IMO.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment on the corrosion resistance. I made a clip about that but somehow I forgot to add it in the edit & realized I missed it but vid was already up & running. Using the same pressure that someone is used to using on ballpoints, then switching to a foutnian pen can be bad. You're right, a steel nib is a good starting point until they get used to it

i loved my 823 but after 20min of using it to document, it starts to skip and then goes dry. i spend a few minutes trying to get to write. in that time, my colleagues are looking at me and offering me a cheap ball point pen. it has happened multiple times before. now it has since been retired and neglected. it writes so smoothly but with the feed issue causing problems at work made it less desirable. i use a 3776 uef for work but it keeps poking holes on printing papers. i might get the fine or ef

@Doodlebud

Жыл бұрын

It goes dry because you have to open up the filler knob at the back of the pen. It has 2 ink chambers. The main reservoir in the pen body, and the secondary ink chamber in the section. If you leave the knob closed, it seals off the ink from getting from the main body into the section.

@Zeron18

Жыл бұрын

@@Doodlebud that’s not my problem. I always open that tail cap all the way and screw out in 1/2 turn to get it onto the threads. It goes well for a bit and then runs dry. After all the pushing, light taps to push the ink out, it works. Shortly after using it, things go back to skipping and then completely dry. It’s gotten so bad so work that I left it out of my work rotation. It’s cleaned every two weeks and I run only pilot shinkai ink on it. I just use it for my log book once a day in the evening. I’ll stick with my platinum as it doesn’t bleed out run dry during work.

@Doodlebud

Жыл бұрын

@@Zeron18 that's extremely strange. It sounds to me like something is blocking the air/ink exchange. Like the air isn't coming in to take up the volume left by the ink that has come out the nib. If the air don't come in, there will be a slight vacuum in the chamber which won't allow for more ink to flow out.

Do you sell the pens you don't use anymore or perhaps do you keep them as comparison for future videos or even maybe do you fill up your basement with boxes full of pens? Besides I don't have money for high level fountain pens but I am a fan of Waterman. I love the Allure/graduate & the Expert 3. Please do reviews on them and tell us if any tweaks are needed.

What is the model of your Visconti gold nib pen? It’s astonishing!

@Doodlebud

10 ай бұрын

That is the Visconti Homo Sapiens Bronze Age. Mine is an older model with a palladium nib. The new ones are gold

Some “gold” nibs are plated and made with thinner steel to accommodate the plating, especially noticeable when the plating is only on one side. I believe I still have one or 2 Tombows from the mid 90’s that had “gold” nibs and do have some flex but I would lay odds they are more on the order of 10K & ultra thin, but have box folded sides for stiffness. My thoughts are that pens are tools. Ink holders. The nib is where the magic is at. If you want a fancy resin pen, knock yourself out. That is what you want. I’ll have a cheap ink holder with a modded nib or a vintage Waterman nib. No pen person will want to accidentally appropriate (steal) a $2 Chinese fountain pen from you when they see your cheap pen, they want to be seen with a “good” pen. I had to rescue from clients Namiki VP’s I used to carry, just about on a daily basis, eventually I stopped carrying them altogether.

@jamesaritchie1

3 жыл бұрын

Steel is often inlaid with gold, but steel actually plated with gold is rare, and the companies never, ever, ever call them "gold nibs". Neither should you. I know very few people who can tell stainless steel from Palladium, which is actually a better material for nibs than is gold. Many nibs have gold plated with Palladium, and others have Palladium nibs plated with gold. I do know that every pen company I've dealt with is one hundred percent honest about the gold content of their nibs because they have to be. Nibs get tested every day, just as nearly all items made of precious metals are. Get caught lying, and your company is in big trouble. Can you tell the difference between steel and palladium just by looking at it? As for stealing, that's a really odd view. In sixty years of experience with pens, pen people, and high end business people, I've never once known a fountain pen person to steal a pen. Not even when a Montblanc or Namiki was left unattended. People whop steal pens are just people who need a pen, and they couldn't tell a Namiki from a cheap Chinese pen if their lives depended on it. A cheap Chinese pen, which is a piece of junk, is probably ten thousand times more likely to be stolen that any very expensive pen. Almost anyone will steal a cheap pen, simply because they need to write something down, and it's just a pen. I don't know. Thinking the magic is all in the nib makes it hard to believe you've ever used an expensive pen. The best nib in the world on a two dollar pen with a ten cent feed in it is a piece of junk. The magic is in the nib AND a feed that matches it perfectly, and a ten cent, injection mold feed simply can be as good as an ebonite, hand made feed, or even a nib injection molded with that one nib in mind, and then tuned to make certain they match. And other things matter, too, but if you like your two dollar Chinese pen, feel free. But don't leave it unattended for a minute or someone is likely to steal it. Nor do I understand why you had to rescue your pens, unless you were silly enough to hand them over, or laid them down. Do that and the average person will likely keep a BIC Stik.

@wizard7314

2 жыл бұрын

@@jamesaritchie1 I guess you're a Visconti shill then. Ironic considering their quality control is worse than even the cheapest pen brands.

What was that cheap steel nib pen that had that great line variation?

If Seinfeld ever decides to do another season, they really need to do an episode called "The Nibmeister"

@Doodlebud

Жыл бұрын

I can hear Jerry saying "Whats the deeeaaaal with gold nibs?"

1. Superb video, thanks. 2. Personally, I try to keep strictly focussed on results, rather than experience. Does a gold nib make a mark that you can't make with a steel nib, or make it easier or faster? But of course there is an unquantifiable affect: at some point, one will produce a better mark because the pen feels better. I only assume this, I have not experienced it. 3. On the other hand, due to acquisitiveness, curiosity, and since I can afford the best, now I want a Lamy gold nib. Again. There goes another $100.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

I do find that a great nib somehow influences me to do a better job when writing with it, especially if its a special nib (flex, custom grind, etc). But regardless of the nib material, they both put ink to paper

@jamesaritchie1

3 жыл бұрын

Experience is the only teacher. Period. It doesn't have to be your own experience, but it has to be someone's. Without some sort of experience, there are no results. It's not just about the mark, it's about how easy and comfortable it is to make that mark, and this most certainly is quantifiable, at least to a large enough degree that there is no doubt a serious difference exists. Just as science can measure the smoothness of tip[ping material, as can anyone with a pretty small amount of money, science also measure the effort, and the results, of people using steel, and then gold. But experience pops up again. You have to know how to properly use a gold nib, a soft or flex gold nib, properly before real, discernible differences show up, and this takes experience.

@ichirofakename

3 жыл бұрын

@@jamesaritchie1 I draw with my pens, and my focus is always on the results, rather than the experience. So far I am unconvinced that a better experience results in a better drawing. However, I remain open to that possibility. I just hope it doesn't lead to me having to replace all my steel nibs with gold.

Only if you have a light touch.

The fact that there is any difference between the gold v steel of the Lamy nibs is most surprising. Compared with the size of a #6 nib, the Lamy nibs are so small there doesn't look to be enough material to offer any difference in feel. I don't have experience of many gold nibs but my own preference is for titanium nibs which are less rigid without trying to be a flex. Of course, you need to be content with grey and minimum decoration.

@jamesaritchie1

3 жыл бұрын

Titanium is less rigid than steel only because it takes stress better than steel in thinner sheets. But gold flexes far, far better than titanium, and Palladium flexes a little better than gold. As for Lamy, the Lamy 2000 has the stiffest, hardest gold nib I've ever encountered. Might as well use a good steel nib and save some money.

I agree , a good steel nib is great, but a good gold nib is just another step towards bliss. A mediocre gold nib can be very disapointing thought ! More so than a mediocre steel nib ! There is expectations that go with gold, and therefore if the nib is meh, you'll feel the let down ! In the end, the ultimate test is which pen you'll end up reaching for more : I have steel nibs and gold nibs, and I find myself using my gold nibs MUCH more.

Thought that was a Benu in the beginning 😅

A good steel nib will be better than a bad gold nib. Companies like Lamy and Faber Castell use the latest high tech machines to produce steel nibs of such quality and write as well as many overpriced pens that sell on bling.

Haven't even watched it, but I'm going to call it right now - no difference between a well-tuned steel nib and a gold nib. I still prefer gold nibs though, because they won't corrode if you use iron-gall inks, and they're also easier to modify for flex.

@recht181

3 жыл бұрын

Alright so I find your view actually interesting, maybe there's something I'm missing about gold nibs that I've just missed. Your point on the "if a pen can come in gold or in steel (the Ranga, or the Leonardo)" is perhaps because the nibs are treated and ground the exact same? But your point on the Lamy gold/steel one is interesting. I heard that the gold ones are hand-ground while the steels are machined. Perhaps the human touch is the contributing factor to this one.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Having the option for the upgrade is just that, an option. Nib manufactures like JoWo and Bock make them in both steel and gold. So they are easy to swap out. If its a thread in unit (nib & feed together) they will use the same threads as well so its an easy way to swap or upgrade a pen. But for me personally, unless its a reasonable price increase for the gold nib, I just get the steel. When I get a gold nib pen, I just kinda expect some more refinement or something else with pen. But again, thats all personal preference and expectations as a consumer/user.

Gold nibs are usually wetter and smoother (broader line) which makes them easier for rough paper. What you spend on the nibs you save on the paper. Can even use el cheapo copier paper. But man what a rip off. The gold in the nib costs like $10, but they charge like $150 for a nib (post 40% taxes, where I am at). I am shook.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Keep in mind the extra cost isn't just in the material. Most nib manufacturers make fewer gold nibs than they do steel, so economies of scale aren't as good. Usually there are more steps in the production and inspection process, which requires more hours paid to workers. I "think" most gold nibs are finished by hand which greatly increases cost as well. Some gold nibs are very reasonable (Lamy one I showed for example), but others do "seem" to be exceptionally more expensive.

@nitin6616

3 жыл бұрын

@@Doodlebud That Lamy nib costs $150 at my place. That's after 40% taxes and the dealers margin. So even at a $100, isn't it too high.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

@@nitin6616 Regional pricing can be brutal. I know with buying Pelikan pens. Soooo much cheaper to buy from the UK vs Canada. 40% tax hit is tough, Lamy can't do anything about that, that's out of their hands & in to the government's

@nitin6616

3 жыл бұрын

@@Doodlebud Gotta admit, I've tried a Lamy Au nib, and it's amazing. The difference between their steel and gold nibs is like light and day.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

@@nitin6616 Their steel nibs I don't care for much, but yeah.... The gold Z55/56/57 type is really good 🤤

Could there be some molecular level reason that gold nibs tend to flow wetter than steel?

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

It is possible... would have to look into that some how, but I think the effect (if any) would be very small. Usually the extra flow can be attributed to a good feed and proper gap tuning and tine alignment. I'm doing so thinking and research on the material property differences between steel & gold to come up with a hypothesis in nib performance difference (if any).

I've tried hundreds of pens and own over 100. I have two nibs for my Pelikan M805. I have a couple dozen gold nibs. My favorite nibs, by far, are JoWo, Bock and Schmidt steel nibs. I am particularly fond of JoWo stubs rebranded by a well-known US online retailer. Their 1.1 and 1.5 mm stubs are exquisite. My favorite gold nibs are by Sailor. I love the 21k one on my Realo. But it's a stiff, crisp and toothy nib with ample feedback. To each his own: there's no single correct answer in my books.

I own three steel nib pens (one Lamy Safary and two Jinhao 992) and I think all of them are great writers. I want to buy a golden nib pen someday, but I cannot imagine how they can be better, and I fear I will be disappointed. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone else who likes fountain pens to lend me a golden nib for me to try.

My Pelikan M205 gives me more pleasure than Mont Blanc 145.

@Doodlebud

7 ай бұрын

I've heard the M200 nibs are really nice

I voted for UFO's to be honest as it's kind of topical. Anyway, putting aside my deep disappointment, it seems steel has virtually no value when compared to gold. I guess most people would expect gold nibs to be better than steel and, by and large, they probably are. But, as you hinted, this may actually be attributed to more care being taken in the manufacturing process of more expensive pens.

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Well I can do a UFO vid. Had to go with majority of the votes. Steel nibs are great, most of my nibs are. Attention to detail & extra care can definitely attribute to the improved writing experience. But I'm also wondering on the material science too. Being gold has a higher density it may help to "absorb" some of the feedback. Might have to do some further analysis on steel vs gold & look into their properties to see if I see something there.

What ink is this?

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Not sure which ink you're referring too. Lots of pens with lots of ink in the video 🤔. If you tell me the pen I might be able to help you out.

@TheDavid19HD

3 жыл бұрын

@@Doodlebud In the Pelikan M1000 (I'm not sure about the correct model)

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheDavid19HD Ahhh, my Pelikan M805. I'm not 100% sure, but I just checked & am 90%+ sure it's Diamine Sargasso Sea

Lamy gold nibs are just tuned difrently bc the nib has just a strip of gold and no bennefits

A $4 Made in India pen I bought last week is the best writer among all the pens I’ve ( including a few entry level 14K/18K Gold nib pens that I own ). Gold nibs are way too overrated in my opinion as an Average Joe and for my kind of writing ! But I’ll still own affordable Gold nib pens just for that ‘Ownership pride’ !

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

Damn, please post a link to the $4 pen, sounds outstanding

@sathishrao7926

3 жыл бұрын

@@Doodlebud It’s “Click Aristocrat fountain pen”. I got it from “Fountain Pen India” website..

@Doodlebud

3 жыл бұрын

@@sathishrao7926 Never even heard of that site, thanks for sharing buddy 👍😁

I wish twsbi had a medium Italian their 1.1 is too big!

@Doodlebud

Жыл бұрын

I actually find the twsbi 1.1 to be a bit narrow LOL. Think it measures in around 0.9mm

@ameliabuns4058

Жыл бұрын

@@Doodlebud huh lol. I was tempted to get a cm pilot nib! I ground my own 0.5 preppy to sub tho. I prefer rounded stubs. I'm saving for either a penider avatar or elite 95s from pilot. I figured instead of buying so many cheap pens, I'll get my first 60$+ pen. I almost got the vac700r but they didn't have any and the 580 nib wasn't bad but was a bit dissapointing. So I figured I get either . I can't decide between them, the elite 95s f nib was an absolute delight yo write with. The penider was a bit confusing because it was smooth as hell at first, but got a bit rough, but it was only dipped, I figured style gets boring fast and I'll get tired of it, but a great writing experience will last forever right?

Wasn't that 2 hundreths and not 2 tenths?

@Doodlebud

2 жыл бұрын

Very possible.... I had a little drinky poo going ;)

Grab some micro mesh and learn to tune yourself. I have avoided a lot of frustration. I was getting really upset at getting pens that would barely write, Or that would write horribly. Happy writing friends!

@Doodlebud

2 жыл бұрын

I have a whole playlist of videos with nib alignment, tuning, smoothing, and grinding. I had the same frustration so learned to tweak & grind nibs so they write the way I like. Makes it fun too!

@grantsypants4743

2 жыл бұрын

@@Doodlebud Yes! We have a common ground in that respect. We're tinkerers! Btw anyone reading this if you decide to start tuning...start out on the cheaper pens first. Doodle has probably covered that already but just a quick fyi!

Short answer: No. There, I saved 17 minutes of your time. You are welcome.

Are Gold Nibs Better Than Steel? Answer No.

@Doodlebud

Жыл бұрын

I have a video coming up with Josh Lax who is a top nibmeister from the US. This is a question I'll be asking him.

@gregandark8571

Жыл бұрын

@@Doodlebud Wooow,thanks !!!

@gregandark8571

Жыл бұрын

@@Doodlebud Anyway,for a long life nib pen a high quality stainless steel is better,because the gold is a soft metal.

@Doodlebud

Жыл бұрын

There are other things to consider. Keep in mind a 14K nib is only 58% gold. It also has the advantage of corrosion resistance if a pen is neglected and left inked & sitting for a long time.