Choosing a nib size

In this video I discuss, by request, different nib sizes. Clearly, a fine nib will give finer lines than a broad nib, but there's a little more to it than that. Hopefully, the writing examples with EF, F, M, B, and BB nibs will give you an idea of what nib to choose!

[graceMASTER]

Even after 12 years this video rocks. Such a thoughtful presentation that people fail to cover even today. Can be ready reckoner for anyone getting into Penmanship. Hats off to the creator.

[Wosie]

For anybody else wondering in the future, the turquoise blue ink sbrebrown used (with the medium nib) is called "Bleu Pervenche" from J. Herbin! I went down the whole comment section to find it, as it's so pretty. :D

[MrPleers]

I changed in nib size recently. I used to write with a medium. But when I started to write in cursive again(after 30 years of writing block letters)I found out that a medium is way too wide for me. So after trying different nib sizes, I ended up with an extra fine. Too bad a lot of fountain pens don't have a extra fine nib option. But I found a nice Pelikan M200 that suits me very wel.

[christianj]

"a medium is neither broad nore fine, so I think you will be fine." That one made me laugh ;)

[thoperSought]

I apologize if I'm duplicating information someone else has already given, but I just wanted to include that Lamy steel nib pens (like nexx, logo, safari, and al-star) are a really good choice for a first pen.

it's particularly easy to change the nibs, even without de-inking the pen, and the nibs are easy to get (unless you want a calligraphy nib in Japan).

they may not be the end-all be-all, but they are good for a first pen (or 5)

[yvesbajulaz]

Nothing more satisfying than a fat stubby nib gushing out gorgeous ink on some heavy ultra smooth paper :-)

[GlennHigley]

As always, your videos are most useful and informative.  Thank you and keep up the good work. 

[paul]

VERY informative and helpful to me as I am unable to attend pen shows to SEE how different size nibs 'write.'
Thank you for taking the time to ILLUSTRATE different nib size writing samples.
Your videos and explanations are first rate -- - interesting, informative, and enjoyable.
Kind regards,
Paul

[Longshanks]

Always, very informatively produced videos. Thank you.

[mnyshp]

I bought a Meisterstück 146 with an M nib. I went to the Mont Blanc store and tried out all the nibs and i thought medium would be great. But my handwriting is extremely small and the M nib was too much. Now iI'm letting them put on an EF which is also more suitable for sketches.

[kanabapuka]

Although I am not new to Calligraphy I still find your videos insightful and honest. Your advice is sound and

[sam]

I adore your videos, even though I am coming late to the party.  If someone else has not already pointed it out, the Namiki SF nib indicates Soft Fine.

[silkspinner]

I think your handwriting looks good whatever size nib you use. I guess in the end it just comes down to personal preference. I've started using Jinhao pens for every day and find their medium nib a bit more on the fine side but not too fine so makes my handwriting more legible. I find your videos very informative and interesting so please keep making them

[BingCherry]

Thank you very much for your prompt response. I really appreciate it. I will buy that ink and try it out.

[veedubya]

Very much a newbie to fountain pens since I've recently acquired a few vintage ones and I've found your videos extremely useful and informative thank you

[mariospantouvanos]

Still have a Parker Vector with a medium nib from a 3 piece set from the 1980's that my dad has given to me but I am trying to persuade him to search for the rollerball and the ballpoint that are not present in the set.

[gammondog]

I know what size is right because in fourth grade(circa 1968) the nun gave most of the class medium nibs, based on her familiarity with our handwriting.When I came up to receive my first fountain pen, she looked up at me and said, "and for YOU, fine." And believe you me, it wasn't a compliment on my penmanship!

[cmw]

I have large handwriting, yet found myself eventually with a Pelikan EF nib on an M805 - a surprise to me. It is, I suppose, a somewhat 'wet' nib. Finding the right nib size does not necessarily follow rules about script size. Outside of the office or home, I prefer to use an inexpensive but bright Red Lamy Safari - not the perfect size for me but I write. I don't make works of art, so I can live with it. The bright Red Lamy gets a lot of smiles from people which was another surprise - the nib size isn't everything. What our pen says to the world about us can be important. Children in particular love the bright red and it's not such an expensive pen that I mind letting them try it. Many (most?) have never seen a fountain pen. Messing around with ink on their fingers is not something that many children worry too much about.

[Vegetablefather]

You've come a long way in your videos that's for sure.

[Coasterdude]

This is a great video Stephen! Started out with a Lamy M...and like it. Two Visconti's later, Fine Rembrandt and EF Saturno...I like the extra fine very much. Learning Spencerian, it is the easiest. Overall I love my Rembrandt the best but I fear I need to go with a broad nib to use shading ink and my hand is too small for a broad I think. Will have to learn to write bigger, I'm really itching to try a nice shading ink. I must be odd as an American I always loved narrow ruled paper, when I discovered the French rule...I was in heaven.