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Thread: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

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    Question What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    OK, so obviously I'm new to this stuff, and if this has already been answered, please refer me to the correct thread.

    I'm failing to understand what a stub or italic nib is exactly. I was under the impression that it was broader than a broad nib, but I've seen some people say things like, "ground to a fine stub nib. I only have a couple of fountain pens thus far, and I lean toward fine nibs (as I am an accountant), but understand that the real "art" of writing happens with broader nibs, and shading and such. Just need some definition/clarification. Thanks.

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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    A stub nib is a (usually) broad nib that has a flat end but smoothly rounded corners.

    Note the flay tip to the upper nib and the rounded tip on the lower nib.






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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    Not neccessarily broad! I have several fine stubs. The stub nib gives line variation without the need for flex.
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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    Quote Originally Posted by Nomdeplume View Post
    Not neccessarily broad! I have several fine stubs. The stub nib gives line variation without the need for flex.
    Generally what you have would be called a Cursive Italic.

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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    Nibs can come as specially produced stubs (flared tip); alternatively, and nib with a bit of tipping can be reasonably stubbed by grinding the tipping from ball-shaped to more spatula shaped. The broader the nib, the more line variation you will see with a stubbed nib. But even a fine nib can show some line variation when stubbed. Some of my absolutely favourite pens are pens whose medium nibs I have stubbed. You might consider getting someone to stub a cheap pen fro you so you can try it out - if the stub is done well, it can be incredibly addictive.

    Ken

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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    Or you could go ahead and try one yourself. I've done two, with varying success, using....manicure tools.
    My other pen is a Montblanc.

    And my other blog is a tumblr!


    And my latest ebook, for spooky wintery reading:

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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sailor Kenshin View Post
    Or you could go ahead and try one yourself. I've done two, with varying success, using....manicure tools.
    I'll '+' this idea. Get a few cheapies, read a few tips on how to do it, go for it. A lot of fun!

    Ken

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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    And if you're brave, I have done a couple myself with power tools.


    I have never ground a nib this fast. 5 mins flat. Writing sample next. by IvanRomero, on Flickr
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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sailor Kenshin View Post
    Or you could go ahead and try one yourself. I've done two, with varying success, using....manicure tools.
    I've done one. And it was reasonably successful, actually. Not an enormous amount of variation, and still a little bit of catchiness on the corners, but pleasing, none the less.
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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    I have some images and writing samples of the various nib shapes you'll run into on my site where I offer restoration services and nib grinding: Examples of Nib Grinds.

    In general, a stub makes a thin horizontal line and a thicker vertical line to give your writing some line thickness variation. Stubs can come in different sizes, i.e., fine, medium, broad, or you may see specific widths designated: 1.1mm stub, 1.3mm, etc.

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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    Thank you all so much for your explanations, ideas and pics. This is a lot clearer to me now.

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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    Quote Originally Posted by KrazyIvan View Post
    And if you're brave, I have done a couple myself with power tools.


    I have never ground a nib this fast. 5 mins flat. Writing sample next. by IvanRomero, on Flickr
    Power tools are the way forward though a bit nerve racking at first.
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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    I may add that Annie has stubbed a number of nibs for different people and does a fine job!

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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    Quote Originally Posted by Annie View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by KrazyIvan View Post
    And if you're brave, I have done a couple myself with power tools.


    I have never ground a nib this fast. 5 mins flat. Writing sample next. by IvanRomero, on Flickr
    Power tools are the way forward though a bit nerve racking at first.
    When it's with low cost practice nibs, not so much. I will work my way up slowly and I know the nerve racking nib will be that gold nib. I may still just do those by hand.
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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    How tough is it to do a Hebrew nib like on Dan's site? I think the 'opposite' thick-and-thin intrigues me.
    My other pen is a Montblanc.

    And my other blog is a tumblr!


    And my latest ebook, for spooky wintery reading:

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CM2NGSSD

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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    It's a bit trickier grinding a Hebrew nib than a stub since the angle at which the user holds the pen is a significant factor.

    ••• Sent from my mobile. Please excuse my brevity. •••

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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    Quote Originally Posted by dannzeman View Post
    I have some images and writing samples of the various nib shapes you'll run into on my site where I offer restoration services and nib grinding: Examples of Nib Grinds.

    In general, a stub makes a thin horizontal line and a thicker vertical line to give your writing some line thickness variation. Stubs can come in different sizes, i.e., fine, medium, broad, or you may see specific widths designated: 1.1mm stub, 1.3mm, etc.
    Dan, thanks for the great information.

    Interesting, my Lamy EF 14K is like a Hebrew nib.


    Richard Binder also has some useful information and diagrams to further explain basic nib terminology such as round, stub, italic and oblique.
    http://www.richardspens.com/?page=ref/00_refp.htm
    scroll down to see links to:
    Nibs and Feeds
    Last edited by Bogon07; May 28th, 2013 at 05:27 PM.
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    The Nibsmith dannzeman's Avatar
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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bogon07 View Post
    Spoiler: 
    Quote Originally Posted by dannzeman View Post
    I have some images and writing samples of the various nib shapes you'll run into on my site where I offer restoration services and nib grinding: Examples of Nib Grinds.

    In general, a stub makes a thin horizontal line and a thicker vertical line to give your writing some line thickness variation. Stubs can come in different sizes, i.e., fine, medium, broad, or you may see specific widths designated: 1.1mm stub, 1.3mm, etc.


    Dan, thanks for the great information.

    Interesting, my Lamy EF 14K is like a Hebrew nib.
    You're welcome. I've noticed the same thing on my Lamy 14k F nib in my Dialog 3, although it's very subtle.

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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    Ah. It seems (looking at Dan's nib page) that what I want is a right oblique stub - fine. Can I get that? And how much is it?

    :-)

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    Default Re: What is a "stub" nib, exactly?

    Like a lot of people I've been caught by the bug. What I would really like though is something finer than the common 1.1 stub. Something more towards a medium. Would I see much line variation?

    I see Richard Binder sells them for certain pens. Is he the only retailer or are there other online sellers?

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