Calligraphy fountain pen with wide nib for written work?

[GWR]

Had gotten really frustrated looking for what I want on the inter-web before I was lucky and ran across this forum. I'm older than dirt, former army medic, Registered Nurse, university in TEXAS, interested in Guns and Roses. Favorite pen in the past was a Shaffer Snorkel but left it behind somewhere. Now want to be able to sign my JOHN HANCOCK like he did, so looking for a wide calligraphy fountain pen in the less than $50 - $100 range on which I can change nibs, (hopefully).

Any suggestions for me? If I can't find a good refillable fountain pen on which nibs can be changed at will, I'll probably go for one around 1.5 -- Think that'd be good? Thanks for any help!

Carry On!
Garry

[Jaguarish]

Best actual calligraphy pen is Pilot Parallel which comes in 4 widths. If you prefer normal fountain pens then I recommend TWSBI but it only comes in one size of italic stub,1.1mm. If you like changing nibs a lot then a vintage Osmiroid set would be a nice inexpensive option.

[Chrissy]

I already replied to this on your welcome thread but I will repost it here:

The Lamy Joy comes with a calligraphy nib in 1.1mm, 1.5mm or 1.9mm and all of the Lamy Safari, Al-Star and Nexx pens use the same steel nib so they are all interchangeable. Ensuring you get the calligraphy nib first means you can use it in any of those pens. :)

If you go and search on Amazon for "Lamy 1.5 nib" it may come up with that nib availability in several different Lamy pens. Just in case you don't like the long desk type barrel of the Joy.

Western made pens generally tend to have nibs that run wider than those made in Japan.

You could also look at Sheaffer No Nonsense calligraphy pens.

[amk]

For calligraphy. Lamy Joy and Rotring Artpen are cheapish, enjoyable and high quality pens. You can buy swappable nibs and nib units for them. Of as Chrissy says you can just use Lamy Safaris if you want something that looks more like a typical fountain pen rather than a desk pen.

The main difference is the grip. A triangular grip on the Joy/Safari and a round, ribbed grip on the Artpen. The triangular grip can help you with good pen holding, but some people don't like it.

Add a Pilot Parallel in one of the larger sizes like 3.8mm or 6mm and you can do some fantastic capitals. I also find that if my calligraphy is looking a bit sxcratchy, practising with the big size nibs always shows up exactly where the problems are - it's like using a microscope on my handwriting for diagnosis!

[Chrissy]

I went and looked at the Pilot Parallell and from the image I saw I considered it looked more like a paintbrush than a nib. ;)

[Kaputnik]

I went and looked at the Pilot Parallell and from the image I saw I considered it looked more like a paintbrush than a nib. ;)

I have what I think is the complete set of Pilot Parallels, bought because...because...well, anyway, I bought them. They are interesting pens, but I haven't used them in a long time. I could write with the 1.5 mm one if I wanted to, almost normally, but with a bit of flair. The 6.0 mm one isn't practical for anything that I'd do at the moment, although you never know.

Not really into calligraphy, though, although some of my coworkers refer to my garden variety cursive as "fancy writing".:)

[Deb]

I went and looked at the Pilot Parallell and from the image I saw I considered it looked more like a paintbrush than a nib. ;)

I had one of those for a while. I had no practical use for it but it was a lot of fun. Got through much ink!

[Yazeh]

It depends what type of calligraphy we're talking about.

If this is what you're looking for:

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.americanweaponscomponents.com% 2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F06%2FJohn-Hancock-signature-Declaration-of-Independence.jpg&f=1&nofb=1

You need a flex nib. Ideally you would go for a quill or a dip pen :D
I love writing with dip pens, it's meditative. But that's not what you're asking for.
I have not used them, but Desiderata (https://www.desideratapens.com/pens) makes fountain pens with dip pen nibs and personally I don't think it'll be practical for everyday writing. A dip pen, forces you to slow down, if you know what I mean ;)
The second option is a cheap modern flex nib:
Ahab is cheap, and love writing with them but they are not dependable....mine leaks. Still I used it quite a lot.
Indian flex nibs are another option. My Kanwrite desire is a very agreeable pen. Though the convertor wasn't airtight. So, I use a cartridge....
Vintage flex are soft and are enjoyable for long writing sessions......but if you're handwriting is iffy, in my experience, you're better off using a dip pen to gain control..... and they are hit or miss, and pricey....
Calligraphy/ stub nibs, I've used quite a bit, but you gain the line variation by turning the pen instead of flexing the nib......
I'll post later a sample of each so you can get an idea.......

[Yazeh]

Here is the copy I promised... Hope it helps..

55235

[tde44]

You could try a fountain pen revolutions ultraflex nib. Have one on their Himalaya v2 that I enjoy. Well under your budget.

[Pterodactylus]

The 1,5 mm Parallel pen is imo for sure suitable for everyday writing (for me pens <= 1,5 Mm are no problem at all)
The 2,4 mm Parallel maybe depending on your handwriting.
The Parallel Pens are awesome italic nibs, the line quality is great, the line definition razor sharp (using good inks).


https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/259fb5e6-8a21-42f5-a528-43fbc5b86e8d/ddsaven-be680676-9cab-491a-ae70-6489ddf0f255.jpg/v1/fill/w_1249,h_640,q_70,strp/quote_thomas_a__edison_by_ptero_pterodactylus_ddsa ven-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9 .eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZ DQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTg yMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7Imhla WdodCI6Ijw9MTk4MCIsInBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzI1OWZiNWU2LTh hMjEtNDJmNS1hNTI4LTQzZmJjNWI4NmU4ZFwvZGRzYXZlbi1iZ TY4MDY3Ni05Y2FiLTQ5MWEtYWU3MC02NDg5ZGRmMGYyNTUuanB nIiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTM4NjIifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlc nZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.emfZ_F5ExqSQle1-X2BipusmSkHNhJCzw9pXyUJlp-c (https://www.deviantart.com/ptero-pterodactylus/art/Quote-Thomas-A-Edison-833596799)
Quote+Thomas+A.+Edison+by+https://www.deviantart.com/ptero-pterodactylus+on+@DeviantArt (https://www.deviantart.com/ptero-pterodactylus/art/Quote-Thomas-A-Edison-833596799) by Ptero Pterodactylus (https://www.deviantart.com/ptero-pterodactylus) on DeviantArt

(Pilot Parallel Pen 1.5 ..... Rohrer & Klingner Marlene)

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/259fb5e6-8a21-42f5-a528-43fbc5b86e8d/ddf3ijb-694e6cd4-5cd3-404f-8218-8b1d14bd19eb.jpg/v1/fill/w_1212,h_659,q_70,strp/quote_orson_welles_by_ptero_pterodactylus_ddf3ijb-pre.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9 .eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZ DQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTg yMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7Imhla WdodCI6Ijw9MTA3OCIsInBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzI1OWZiNWU2LTh hMjEtNDJmNS1hNTI4LTQzZmJjNWI4NmU4ZFwvZGRmM2lqYi02O TRlNmNkNC01Y2QzLTQwNGYtODIxOC04YjFkMTRiZDE5ZWIuanB nIiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTE5ODAifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlc nZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.w_7JSsNeXYCcVQeb-W2omxpexv3QINsVbqEx-1YtA_E (https://www.deviantart.com/ptero-pterodactylus/art/Quote-Orson-Welles-811418519)
Quote Orson Welles by https://www.deviantart.com/ptero-pterodactylus (https://www.deviantart.com/ptero-pterodactylus/art/Quote-Orson-Welles-811418519) on @DeviantArt by Ptero Pterodactylus (https://www.deviantart.com/ptero-pterodactylus) on DeviantArt

(TWSBI Mini 1.5 italic ..... Diamine Smoke on the Water)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/895/40734585334_67a3a8eddf_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/254zp3N)
Quote 022 (https://flic.kr/p/254zp3N) by Ptero Pterodactylus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/117783735@N07/), auf Flickr





https://farm1.staticflickr.com/810/41406319742_01b78ff1d0_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/265Wdhw)
Quote 023 (https://flic.kr/p/265Wdhw) by Ptero Pterodactylus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/117783735@N07/), auf Flickr

(Pelikan M205 Blue-Marbled - B EMF ..... Mystery ink #16 provided by Scooby 921)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4278/35464662366_cc4a1a8507_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/W2TExY)
Quote 005 (https://flic.kr/p/W2TExY) by Ptero Pterodactylus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/117783735@N07/), auf Flickr

(Pilot Parallel 2.4 mm ..... KWZ Azure #4)

[Cyril]

:)Depending on what and how to write on your your Calligraphy styles there are so many classic and traditional pens to choose.
This is a sample of my penmanship done with an oblique pen.

[Cyril]

Some of my favourite pens I use for writing

[Yazeh]

Always intrigued by these oblique nib holders. I was about the get one, when I realized that being a lefty they are completely useless for me ;)

[Cyril]

@Yazeh
Well being left-handed won't disrupt to be a Calligrapher.
Have a look at what John - Master penman got to say to any left hander.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOjh0SkwyCM
And again this video taught me something although I am a right handed...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Gyb3r22n5k
Have a try and there's nothing to loose. But to learn something. :)

[Yazeh]

[QUOTE=Cyril;318627]@Yazeh
Well being left-handed won't disrupt to be a Calligrapher.

Thanks for the link.
What I meant was that the oblique pens are not suitable for left handed writers :)

[Cyril]

Have you ever tried left handed oblique pen ?
In Calligraphy Masters " In YouTube series videos lot off them write very flawless writing with obliques holders , if I am not mistaken.
There.s a technique and the angle of paper makes a big different.

[Yazeh]

Have you ever tried left handed oblique pen ?
In Calligraphy Masters " In YouTube series videos lot off them write very flawless writing with obliques holders , if I am not mistaken.
There.s a technique and the angle of paper makes a big different.

I didn't know there were left handed oblique pens, I'll check them out. My first vintage pen had an oblique nib, which was extremely comfortable to write with. I'll check the videos. I'm mostly self taught :)

[Cyril]

If you look at my holders in the above photo. They are all right-handed holders. and notice what side the nib is mounted.

So your left handed one, the Flange for the nib should be on the other side.
So get the grip of the pen so pen-nib is opposite side. So you write as usually but you have to turn the page for slanting of the letter 51- 55 degree for cursive hand.
And in this picture I have 4 Zanarian type holders. Their Flanges can be slide out to replace with a left hand brass Flange. left flange is cut the other opposite way to fit the holders.
Most of the time when you buy a holder you have an option select it is for left handed or Right-handed. Or you always can ask how you want your holder.
It that simple. Self taught is the best way. It gives lot of opportunity to think to teach yourself by correcting the mistakes you do which is called learning.
YOU ALWAY LEARN BY TEACHING YOURSELF BY CORRECTING YOUR SELF. that is what I do too.:)

[Yazeh]

Thanks Cyril. I wasn't aware that I needed an oblique holder to writer cursive.
I can do it more or less with a normal pen holder. I admit it's nothing as elaborate as yours but, I'm happy with it ;)
I know the tool is important but if one has the gift and perseverance one can write with anything :)

Btw what type of paper you use?

[Cyril]

@Yazeh , I agree completely . The tools give more opportunity to tune up your skill to a next level.
After using an oblique holder many gave up using the Non oblique straight holder.
And then many gave up the classic oblique Holder after using the ERGONOMIC OBLIQUE HOLDER. ( I have one custom made to my hand, but I am still looking for a better one )
That is how it about holders. amazingly your writing style improves and it is like working with paint brush. But all this is if you are aiming some high skills in writing ( drawing you say in ) calligraphy.
I am using Rodia ,Oxford Campus refill, and Fabriano 80gsm. ( easy to find ) paper pads, and fountain pen inks for practicing.
Most of the other low quality for pencil drillings only. I am just into Spencerian writing not to a big calligrapher but I am aiming for a goal.

[Yazeh]

Thanks Cyril, much appreciated :)

[Cyril]

One of my favourite Simple pen to do simple calligraphy writing.
Sheaffer No-Nonsense Calligraphy pen. With broad Italic nib.

[Cyril]

@ Lil Smit you are right. Your favourite pen/pens would gives you more energy to get going with your writing . If all three components are correct ( Pen: Paper: Ink: ) it gives the writing more pleasure. Whether it is dip pen calligraphy or F.Pen on a note book it is a great way to get your brain-mussels motivated.
JOURNALING IS A GREAT WAY TO CULTIVATE YOUR MUSSELS MEMORY AND every word you put into the pages will comes from your mind/ or from your thinking process to the paper!!!

[noahenholm]

Brause Rose 76 Nib is an excellent low-cost nib. I'm just getting started with calligraphy (https://artltdmag.com/best-calligraphy-nibs/), and these nibs are definitely a step up than the ones that came with the basic kit I purchased. It provides me with much finer control and more constant ink flow. Because the nibs are both flexible and forgiving, they are suitable with flexible calligraphy pens. It's difficult to get softer nibs, so if you're seeking for one, have a look at them.

[Yazeh]

I find that Brause nibs are in general difficult to use, with non viscous inks. The only inks they seems to like are Sumi inks....

[Chrissy]

@junglejim I believe that the sneaky spammer has now been deleted and you might wish to also delete your post in order to not give the link any more free advertising. :)

[Herry]

When you have narrowed down your selection, test out the refrigerator in the store. Make sure the doors open and close smoothly, and check out the shelves and drawers. It’s also a good idea to test the water and ice dispensers to make sure they work properly. https://bestsidebysiderefrigerators.com/best-side-by-side-refrigerator-with-ice-maker/
(https://bestsidebysiderefrigerators.com/best-side-by-side-refrigerator-with-ice-maker/)

[joolstacho]

Fabulous work Cyril.

[joolstacho]

Some of my favourite pens I use for writing

This I'm referring to.

[BlkWhiteFilmPix]

@junglejim I believe that the sneaky spammer has now been deleted and you might wish to also delete your post in order to not give the link any more free advertising. :)

one has struck again.
let's all give this person negative feedback.

[Herry]

When you have narrowed down your selection, test out the refrigerator in the store. Make sure the doors open and close smoothly, and check out the shelves and drawers. It’s also a good idea to test the water and ice dispensers to make sure they work properly. https://bestsidebysiderefrigerators.com/best-side-by-side-refrigerator-with-ice-maker/

[Cyril]

Sheers Joolstacho ;)

[Mık Joger]

Interesting discussion. Discovering the world of writing cultures has been fascinating, especially delving into japanese calligraphy art (https://different-level.com/japanese-calligraphy/) Using a calligraphy fountain pen with a wide nib adds a unique touch to written expressions. Exploring this cultural aspect has become an interesting experience for self-discovery and personal growth.