Any other FP users that print instead of writing in cursive? Is this a rarity among fountain pen users? Would a flex nib make any sense at all for one who prints?
Any other FP users that print instead of writing in cursive? Is this a rarity among fountain pen users? Would a flex nib make any sense at all for one who prints?
Sometimes. No. Sure.
Gourmet Pens has a nice video on flex writing that shows flex printing.
I write in Italian Cursive Italic (similar to the Dubay cursive book) which definitely is closer to printing than it is to USA cursive, IMO. I like using flex pens, but my favorite nib has an edge or stub.
I can tell where I'm not wanted.
Someday that'll be on my tombstone.
naimitsu (August 29th, 2017)
I've primarily printed since middle school. many many years ago. In fact, I almost forgot/lost the ability to write cursive, though I've re-trained myself just to have it. I like all manner of nibs, but while my flex pens are fun, I find the best way to add character to my writing - print or cursive - is to use an italic or stub nib (I'm left-handed, btw). It gives interest to the character shapes without quite the control issues of flex nibs.
"When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."
~ Benjamin Franklin
fountainpenkid (August 29th, 2017)
Most often I write in a lazy, inconsistent hybrid of cursive and print, which is visually and rhythmically improved with a flex nib, particularly with the strokes that verge on being actual cursive. Jon's advice to use an stub/italic instead of a flex nib to add character to print writing is excellent--stub/italic writing requires considerably less effort and control, both of which are needed in larger amounts with the separated nature of printing.
I appreciate the responses and discussion on this, thank you.
I tried a Noodler's Konrad and the flex didn't do much for my chicken scratch printing. I watched a video from Nathan himself stating that you can sort of convert the flex nib into a regular fine/medium by sliding the nib down to almost meeting with the feed end and jamming a toothpick into the feed's breather hole. I did this and it's pretty good.
I do have a stub for my TWSBI Eco that I love. It makes my printing look almost "interesting!" - Eric
I like to mix things up
And flex nibs are always fun to write with.
Peli (August 29th, 2017)
Great replies, thank you all.
In addition to stubs and italic cursive nibs, already mentioned, there are times when I enjoy the teeny printing possible with my EF nib on a wet writer like a Kaweco Brass Sport. It's sort of entertaining to see how tiny I can make the letters. Used mainly for note taking.
OP: I DO print, it is not at all rare, and I never employ a flex nib.
"Nolo esse salus sine vobis ...” —St. Augustine
fountainpenkid (August 29th, 2017)
Most of my writing is in Print. I rarely do Cursive because it takes too much effort for me, and tends to slow me down when I need to jot something quickly.
I have a few flex pens that don't see as much use, but every so often I like to fiddle around, so I don't think I'll ever get rid of them.
Though more often than not, I tend to pull either my Cursive Italics or my EF/UEF/Needlepoints for my day-to-day use.
And like VertOlive, I do sometimes try to see how small I can go with my Masuyama Needlepoint
I use cursive, mostly, but I do print in my journals for emphasis. Quoted titles are printed. Capitalized acronyms are printed in an otherwise cursive text. (Can you imagine SNAFU in cursive capitals?) I also use printing for writing a backstory or a short sidebar, although a different colored ink is a fun alternative.
I can only use a flex nib when I am in a certain mood. That mood rarely occurs and even more rarely while I am writing.
"Nothing is enough for the man to whom enough is too little." -Epicurus-
fountainpenkid (August 31st, 2017)
I use both cursive and print. Usually print when I am making simple lists or need to make really quick notes. I keep a bullet journal, and my index and to do's are always in print. For anything else beyond a quick note (which I do a lot of) I am always wanting to work on my penmanship, so I write in cursive for just about everything else.
I learned Palmer Method in grade school and I wrote so poorly the good sisters had me use a fountain pen. In my late teens & younger adult years I switched to more printing than writing, but came back to writing...and fountain pens as I got older and a new job required more writing. Gel pens led me back to fountain pens. For longer writing sessions I tend use a manual typewriter (A Royal KMM or an Underwood Standard Champion). Over the past year I've decided to play around with different types of fountain& dip pens and focus on improving my writing (cursive). When I was younger printing wasn't refereed to as writing, it was just printing and "cursive" was writing. So these days I primarily use good old Palmer Method. I am going to try my hand at Spencerian soon.
I work with mostly younger people and they are all awed by my handwriting, which isn't actually anything special, but they nearly all print and do it poorly. Sadly, I don't think there is any focus on writing/printing is schools these days.
Pax,
John
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