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Thread: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

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    Default Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    I purchased a small container of Diamine Earl Grey ink not long ago. I had high hopes for it, as I don't have any grey inks yet, and I love Diamine! Well I've been fiddling around with it in various M nib pens to no avail. It was so wet it almost felt like it was just pouring out as I wrote, unevenly at that. Today, I put it into an F nib pen, and it's perfect! To someone experienced with pens, I know I'm probably stating the obvious... but as a true novice I was happy to figure this one out. I was getting ready to return the ink, but now it's a definite keeper.

    Similarly, I have Montblanc Bordeaux in my "I" nib on my Pelikan. It's such a smooth writer with so much flair. However, I can definitely tell that it will do better with a dryer ink. Though I'm having too much fun with my new nib to care right now

    So is it too much of a generalization to say that broader nibs do better with dryer ink, and vice versa?
    Interested in everyone's experiences/trial and errors.

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    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    The ink flow is affected by how the nib, feed, and the ink itself work *together*.

    Meaning any of these components can influence the flow in a good or bad way.

    So it's difficult to generalize based solely on the size of the nib.

    In practice, I have seen B nibs that are super dry no matter what ink I use on it, and I have XF nibs with generous ink flow.

    But one thing can be said (in my case), *after* I tune the nib/feed/section in my vintage pens, they will have good ink flow, otherwise I am not finished restoring them.
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Quote Originally Posted by penwash View Post
    The ink flow is affected by how the nib, feed, and the ink itself work *together*.

    Meaning any of these components can influence the flow in a good or bad way.

    So it's difficult to generalize based solely on the size of the nib.

    In practice, I have seen B nibs that are super dry no matter what ink I use on it, and I have XF nibs with generous ink flow.

    But one thing can be said (in my case), *after* I tune the nib/feed/section in my vintage pens, they will have good ink flow, otherwise I am not finished restoring them.
    Thanks for the info!

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Quote Originally Posted by penwash View Post
    The ink flow is affected by how the nib, feed, and the ink itself work *together*. Meaning any of these components can influence the flow in a good or bad way. So it's difficult to generalize based solely on the size of the nib....
    That’s it.

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Also, don't forget the paper! The trilogy is nib, ink, and paper. What doesn't work on Rhodia or Clairfontaine (both coated paper) might work really well on Midori.

    All the Best.
    Bucket list - walk the Camino de Santiago again

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Jim is right on. I have certain ink/ pen combinations that I can only use on Midori or TR 68gr. Try it on Stalogy and my stomach turns in the wrong way

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Ohh I need to try some other paper! I love my Rhodia, but I'll look for other kinds and see what results I get. Thanks everyone.

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Yep, it’s too broad a generalization ;-) Though you’re on the right track. It’s the combo of the individual nib and ink. I have one EF nib that is always a gusher, even with super dry ink, that it’s been a challenge to find something that didn’t turn it into a M line width. Then I have a B nib that barely qualifies as F even with wet inks. The experimentation to find the right mix is part of the fun! And, thank goodness, there are tons of great inks out there to experiment with!

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Quote Originally Posted by Turquoise View Post
    Yep, it’s too broad a generalization ;-) Though you’re on the right track. It’s the combo of the individual nib and ink. I have one EF nib that is always a gusher, even with super dry ink, that it’s been a challenge to find something that didn’t turn it into a M line width. Then I have a B nib that barely qualifies as F even with wet inks. The experimentation to find the right mix is part of the fun! And, thank goodness, there are tons of great inks out there to experiment with!
    Wow! Yes, there is plenty to experiment with.. it gets addicting.

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    And feeds. You can swap out the feed and get very different results, for example going from plastic to ebonite.

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Quote Originally Posted by guyy View Post
    And feeds. You can swap out the feed and get very different results, for example going from plastic to ebonite.
    There's something else I didn't know

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Quote Originally Posted by guyy View Post
    And feeds. You can swap out the feed and get very different results, for example going from plastic to ebonite.
    World changer right there....whoowee!
    "I can only improve my self, not the world."

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Quote Originally Posted by guyy View Post
    And feeds. You can swap out the feed and get very different results, for example going from plastic to ebonite.
    Pardon my ignorance, what will be the difference? Better flow, meaning wetter?

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    This guy knows what he is talking about: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/f...omment=2304442
    Vintage. Cursive italic. Iron gall.

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Quote Originally Posted by silverlifter View Post
    This guy knows what he is talking about: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/f...omment=2304442
    I wasn’t that impressed.

    People responding to that post point out that he’s wrong about heat setting feeds and, more importantly, that he’s writing from the perspective of a pen manufacturer and not pen users.

    But yes, there are decent plastic feeds if that’s your point. There are a lot of crappy ones, too.

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Quote Originally Posted by guyy View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by silverlifter View Post
    This guy knows what he is talking about: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/f...omment=2304442
    I wasn’t that impressed.

    People responding to that post point out that he’s wrong about heat setting feeds and, more importantly, that he’s writing from the perspective of a pen manufacturer and not pen users.

    But yes, there are decent plastic feeds if that’s your point. There are a lot of crappy ones, too.
    Pretty sure he is a long time pen user as well. Yes, his perspective is from the manufacturing side, but it doesn't invalidate his points, which are mostly sound.
    You could equally say that there are lots of crappy feeds, both ebonite and plastic. While I like ebonite feeds, modern engineering is not to be discounted wrt plastic ones.
    Vintage. Cursive italic. Iron gall.

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    So what is the perspective of using an equally good ebonite feed vs plastic feed?

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Quote Originally Posted by Yazeh View Post
    So what is the perspective of using an equally good ebonite feed vs plastic feed?
    That begs the question, but if they're equally good, I'd leave it be.

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    All things being equal, the ebonite feed will deliver more ink to the writing surface.

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    Default Re: Ink flow in regards to different nibs

    Quote Originally Posted by guyy View Post
    All things being equal, the ebonite feed will deliver more ink to the writing surface.
    But then, they're not equal.

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