FP_GaF
October 29th, 2012, 07:23 AM
Having enquired about this quest(ion) in a rant I recently posted on the forums (http://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread.php/1356-The-tipping-point) in which I lamented the decline of quality control in high-profile brands I would like to turn it into a separate post. The question and the quest is about the perception of smoothness when we reviewe and rate a pen or more specifically a nib.
One of the most important criteria in any fountain pen review is the performance of the nib. This includes size, flow, spring and SMOOTHNESS. But how does a smooth nib feel like? Of course, the perceived smoothness of a nib depends on point size, paper, ink (specifically lubrication) and not least the mood of the reviewer (oh yes, lets not fool ourselves and assume absolute objectivity).
But assuming that we have a standard setup (same paper, same ink) and account for the point size (fine nibs have more feedback than broader ones) when do we call a nib smooth. And when does smoothness turn into a negative characteristic of a nib?
I confess I am obsessed with smoothness. I get upset by the tiniest bit of feedback. I also realized that this depends heavily on my mood: if I am in a bad mood there is no such thing as a smooth nib. But even when I am relaxed I tend to think about feedback from the nib quite a lot.
I think it is because I have no real reference point to compare to that I become preoccupied with smoothness. So I just go for 100% smooth. But as has been pointed out before too much smoothing can actually be harmful. It makes a nib “uncontrollable”, a bit like the aquaplaning experienced with cars in heavy rain.
I think it was Greg Minuskin who said that he would go for 7/10 on smoothing avoiding “oversmoothing” the nib.
So, what is your opinion? Can you describe the experience of a perfectly smooth nib which has just the right amount of feedback for you? I am really interested in this question because I do not want to spend the rest of my fountain pens days worrying about the smoothness of my nibs.
Feedback highly welcome...
One of the most important criteria in any fountain pen review is the performance of the nib. This includes size, flow, spring and SMOOTHNESS. But how does a smooth nib feel like? Of course, the perceived smoothness of a nib depends on point size, paper, ink (specifically lubrication) and not least the mood of the reviewer (oh yes, lets not fool ourselves and assume absolute objectivity).
But assuming that we have a standard setup (same paper, same ink) and account for the point size (fine nibs have more feedback than broader ones) when do we call a nib smooth. And when does smoothness turn into a negative characteristic of a nib?
I confess I am obsessed with smoothness. I get upset by the tiniest bit of feedback. I also realized that this depends heavily on my mood: if I am in a bad mood there is no such thing as a smooth nib. But even when I am relaxed I tend to think about feedback from the nib quite a lot.
I think it is because I have no real reference point to compare to that I become preoccupied with smoothness. So I just go for 100% smooth. But as has been pointed out before too much smoothing can actually be harmful. It makes a nib “uncontrollable”, a bit like the aquaplaning experienced with cars in heavy rain.
I think it was Greg Minuskin who said that he would go for 7/10 on smoothing avoiding “oversmoothing” the nib.
So, what is your opinion? Can you describe the experience of a perfectly smooth nib which has just the right amount of feedback for you? I am really interested in this question because I do not want to spend the rest of my fountain pens days worrying about the smoothness of my nibs.
Feedback highly welcome...