Originally Posted by
Jon Szanto
I was able to test this pen on two separate occasions at the show. I was guardedly optimistic, but I feel that there is going to be a case of... overselling what the nib really is.
Upsides: nib is nice to look at, feels comfortable to write with (no catches, etc), and most notably had very good snap-back. For the most part, the feed kept up, and railroading was an issue only if you tried to race with the thing.
Downsides: flex is such a loose term, but this nib feels more like a step beyond a soft nib, with just a bit more splaying of the tines. Unless you get a grind, there is no needle line, just a European fine, maybe XF. The range is not dramatic, and I felt the nib was definitely saying "Don't push me too far." I think John's Spencerian treatments, especially on the Falcon nibs, go further.
However, this may be a harbinger of things to come, and be the potential beginning of new entries of nib making with more flexible characteristics. In this, I think it is a very positive move. I found the colors, even the ones beyond the initial two offerings, to be very underwhelming, certainly on a pen of this price point. There were also two metal-bodied pens, (possibly) silver- and gold-plated, that added a little heft and certainly a step up in looks. Again, I'm assuming these first iterations are a sensible way for the company to test a new area of development, and that is a very good thing.
BTW: at the show, I heard talk (can't remember who) of JoWo actually making a flexible nib now. This was news to me, can anyone shed any light?
Bookmarks