How to Write with a Flex Nib Fountain Pen

In the realm of fountain pens, the standing majority of nibs are round-tipped, producing a monoline. Flexible fountain pen nibs provide line variation in the tradition of steel-nibbed calligraphy dip pens. Add calligraphic flair to your handwriting using a variety of flex nib fountain pens. In this video, we go over the various options of flex nib fountain pens in all price ranges, summarizing the pros and cons of each. Then, we show you how to get started with your new pen, what types of ink to use, and how to practice safe flex.

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[TheRetroHippieGirl]

Great advice! I learned some valuable tips on how to use a flex pen properly 🙂
I might be the only one here, but I think Noodler's flex pens are not a good introduction into flex writing. I know that they are a cheap flex but they only teach you to press hard on a flex nib to get the line variation. If you then go on to use a soft gold nib with the same pressure you are accustomed to with a Noodler's you can easily damage it. One option to practice the amount of pressure you would need for a flex could be to get a dip pen and a nib, I know that the experience is scratchy and you need to keep dipping it but it can help teach you the correct amount of pressure on the paper for a flex nib and still be relatively cheap.
I also have tip that I was told my Mike Masuyama, if my memory serves me correctly, he mentioned to hold the fountain pen at a low angle( not too low as to drag the feed ) this will help lessen the strain on the nib while flexing compared to a high angle.

[DollyTheLlama]

Sometimes if you think the railroading is an ink issue, try putting a piece of clear tape over the tines. It will still allow you to flex, but it helps maintain the inks surface tension.
It's not an ideal fix and is not aesthetically pleasing, but if you have a problem with a favorite ink railroading, tape is often a quick fix.

[derekdickson]

Tom does a great job here ... just the facts Ma’am! Having a realistic and flexible attitude about modern flex nibs is key. Technology and a “heavy hand” writing style hasn’t replaced the golden age days. To think otherwise is to get bent out of shape ... nib speaking!

[MrDidaxi]

Tom, you have a smashing sense of humour. Cheers. 😄👌🏻👋🏻

[Snick]

Very helpful, demystifying review, Tom—thanks!

[LisaRSArt]

Thanks for this video. ❤ I really have been wanting to get into flex nibs after coming to fountain pens usage again. ❤

[stargazer]

I used 'White Lightning' from Vanness Pens in the inks used in my Flex helps to get the ink flow at the optimum.

[johnkarhu]

Hi,
thanks for this nice review...
I started with a noodler's ahab, and it's not the top, really. after for my birthday, I have a pilot namiki flacon, not easy at first but another world than noodler's .... now it's happiness!

[MarkoMarkolovic]

This is great! Thanks I just got my first flex nib and this video was helpful.

[AhumadaMauricio]

The analogy is so on point. I see flex videos and imagine how cool it should feel. I tried flexing on my own but it wasn't satisfactory... I decided to flex the right way and bought an Ahab... I even bought Apache sunset ink and quality paper... I was ready to go and try flex yet the experience was (and continue to be) underwhelming.

Flex is way cooler on video than in real life.

[dorianeng]

Thanks, I like that you included Desiderata Zebra G.

[kitttee]

Thank U. clear concise thorough information . nice video, not wasting my time. more videos with this actor/yt host. good stank 👍👍👍

[LetsKickScoot]

My objective in researching pen nibs is to find an instrument that can provide interesting image outlining when doing pen sketching. I am looking for videos or information on this subject and your video is the closest I've come.

[peterhess]

I was considering swapping out the stock #6m nib that came with my new Conklin Duragraph with a Conklin omniflex nib. After watching this vid I was restored to sanity. This nib is the last thing I need to go with my lousy handwringing. Glad Dina at Goldspot Pens sent me this vid before I went out and blew $30 on something I’ll have no use for.

[muditsood]

Thanks Tom! To the point and easy to understand for new fountain pen users. Looking fwd to either 912 or 743 for my first flex nib!

[schopenhauer]

I pass on the flex-nib mania. If I want some variation I just use a smaller stub-nib. Looks fine to me.

[Ken-wzvy]

Choose your ink wisely. hahaha Don't know why but the way you said that brought to mind the line "choose wisely grasshopper". No wonder I'm not good with a flex nib, dogs are more fun to play with than petty cats. lol Tom, I will keep those words of wisdom (like you're petting a cat) in mind the next time I try a flex nib. Also, one probably needs to slow down and take their time when writing with a flex nib.

[ve]

Fantastic video. Thank you for sharing

[lukasz]

Great video :) Btw. What inks were used at 5:10 and 7:50?

[markhutton]

What fabulous ink was used @2:13 when demonstrating the zebra nib..I’ve seen it your other vids as well..many thanks..your vids are excellent by the way, and very helpful..keep up the great work