Fountain pen nib anatomy

A simple diagram showing the anatomy of a fountain pen nib 

Fountain pen nibs

When you are into fountain pens, it becomes utterly important to have knowledge about the pen nibs. The nib, is the heart and soul of a fountain pen and is responsible for the flow, line variation, and overall writing experience.

The Anatomy of a Fountain Pen Nib: 

A fountain pen nib is a delicate instrument, typically made of metals such as stainless steel, gold, or even specialized alloys. It consists of three key components: the tines, the breather hole, and the tipping material. 

• The tines, which form the split point of the nib, control the ink flow. 
• The breather hole allows air to enter the pen barrel, ensuring smooth and consistent ink flow. 
• The tipping material, often made of iridium or other hard-wearing materials, provides a smooth writing surface

Nib Characteristics:

Fountain pen nibs come in various sizes and tips range from extra-fine to tripple broad, and even specialty nibs like stubs, italics and music. The size determines the width of the line produced while writing. Additionally, nibs can exhibit different characteristics, such as flexibility, springiness, and feedback.

Flexibility: Some nibs are known for their flexibility, meaning they can bend and provide line variation based on pressure applied during writing. Flexible nibs or commonly known as Flex nibs create distinct thick and thin lines, adding a touch of personality to one's handwriting.

Springiness: Springiness refers to a nib's ability to bounce back after being pressed against the paper. Nibs with more springiness enhance the writing experience, providing a responsive feel to the writer's hand.

Feedback: Feedback is the tactile sensation felt while writing, which can range from smoothness to a slight "toothiness." Some writers prefer a smooth gliding experience, while others appreciate the feedback for better control and precision.

Nib Materials and Manufacturing Techniques:

Gold and stainless steel are the most commonly used materials for nibs, each offering distinct characteristics. Gold nibs are known for their flexibility, responsiveness, and ability to adapt to a writer's hand over time. Stainless steel nibs, on the other hand, provide durability, affordability, and a consistent writing experience. Gold nibs are softer than the stainless steel nibs and are resistant to corrosion

The manufacturing process of fountain pen nibs is a meticulous craft. Skilled artisans, often referred to as nibmeisters, carefully shape and polish the nibs to ensure optimal ink flow, alignment, and smoothness. Handmade nibs require a high level of expertise and attention to detail, resulting in a truly unique writing instrument.

Nib size and numbers

Nib Tip Size

The standard fountain pen nibs come in various sizes. The size of the nib mean the tip of the nib that touches the paper and the line with the nib will generate. Nib sizes vary from Extra Fine(EF) to Triple Broad(3B). Below are some letters that represent the size of the nib and you will see them on the nib.

• EF - Extra Fine
• F - Fine
• M - Medium
• B - Broad
• BB - Double Broad
• BBB or 3B- Triple Broad

There are also some specialty nibs like oblique nibs, stub nibs, architect nibs and music nibs. Also nib tip can be round or flat. Depending on the nib tip the line created by the nib varies.

Nib Numbers

Nib numbers refer to the number that tells how big the nibs physicaly. The nib number is usually the width of the base of the nib in mm.  

Indian Nib Numbers

Some of the common Indian nib numbers are

• Number 0 - Camlin 47
• Number 5.5 - Click Century, Click Neo
• Number 35 - Kanwrite Heritage, Legacy, Click Aristocrat, Click Falcon, Vazir
• Number 8 - Airmail 71JT, Airmail 69, Click Bamboo, Bril Signature
• Number 9 - Kanwrite Mammoth

Indian number 8 nib is totally different from the international number 8 nib

International Nib Numbers

Some of the common International nib numbers are

• Number 5 
• Number 6
• Number 8
• Number 9

Many famous pen makers have their in-house nib numbers, that make them unique.

Customization and Nib Tuning:

One of the fascinating aspects of fountain pen nibs is the possibility of customization and tuning. Nib tuning, performed by nibmeisters or enthusiasts, involves fine adjustments to optimize the nib's performance. This process can include smoothing rough edges, aligning tines, adjusting ink flow, and even modifying nib shapes to suit individual writing preferences.

Once you are acquainted with the knowledge of fountain pen nibs, fountain pens become more interesting.  You can experiment with different nibs, interchange nibs create the best writing experience.

Anatomy of a fountain pen

I have been talking about fountain pens for long. However, I have never talked about the basic parts of a fountain pen. A fountain pen is made up of many parts and typically consists of :

Cap: The cap is the top part of the pen that covers the nib when it is not in use. It often screws onto the body of the pen to keep the ink from drying out. There are a number of cap closing mechanisms most common being pop on/off and screw on/off.

Barrel: The barrel is the main body of the pen that holds the ink reservoir. It can be made of various materials such as plastic, metal, or resin.

Section: A section or grip section is the part of fountain pen into which the nib fits in. Also section is the part from where the pen is held while writing.

Nib: The nib is the metal tip of the pen that comes into contact with the paper. It is typically made of stainless steel or gold and is designed to be flexible enough to provide varying line widths. Nibs come in different sizes and nib tip widths. e.g. Most common size for nibs is International No 6. The bin widths range from Extra fine(EF) to Trippel Broad(BBB). Most renowned pen making companies have proprietary nib sizes. 

Feed: The feed is a small plastic or ebonite piece that sits underneath the nib and regulates the flow of ink. It has a series of channels and fins that help distribute the ink to the nib.

Ink reservoir: The ink reservoir is the part of the pen that holds the ink. It can be a piston reservoir, a converter, cartridge, or built-in ink reservoir.

Filling mechanism: The filling mechanism is the way the pen is filled with ink. There ae many types of filling mechanisms. Most common are piston, removable converter, cartridge and eyedropper.  

Clip: The clip is a small metal or plastic piece that attaches to the cap and allows the pen to be clipped onto a pocket or notebook for easy carrying.

A fountain pen is a complex instrument that requires precise engineering to create a smooth and enjoyable writing experience.

 

How a pen was destroyed and reincarted.

 

Anything first is always special. So was this Gama Forever fountain pen for me. Fountain pens have fascinated me since my childhood mostly Parkers and Chinese Hero pens, However, in 2013, I found the Gama fountain pens. The Gama Forever was my first made in India Fountain pen, so ever more special.

The pen is made of ebonite, with eyedropper filling mechanism, came with a stock fine nib and an eyedropper to fill the ink. I had chosen brown rippled design for the pen. The filling system and the ebonite feed was new to me. I had no prior experience with eyedropper fountain pens.

I was too happy to receive the pen so much so that I did not use the pen for a couple of months. Daily I used to look at the pen, pretend to write with it and put it back. Finally, one fine day I decided to fill up the pen with ink and use. I filled the pen with Parker Quink Blue ink. This was the time when I was not introduced to fountain pen inks yet. The nob being 'fine' was okay, not very smooth, gave some feedback but was not scratchy. I started to use the pen daily. The ink capacity was huge and I was enjoying writing. The pen was fantastic.

Then came the dreadful day. I was enjoying writing, when suddenly a blob of ink came out of the nib without any warning ruining the paper. I was clueless on what has happened. I though may be I shook the pen and the ink came out. So, I cleaned the nib and continued writing. However, after some time another blob of ink cam out of the nib. I was worried now and it was time to find out the problem.

I searched on internet for the problem. And for the first time in my life I came across the term "burping" in fountain pen context. A problem specific to eyedropper fountain pens. I read about the causes of burping and mostly it as stated that it happens when the ink levels are low in the reservoir, the heat from the hand expands the air in the reservoir, pushing the ink out of the nib. The simple solution was to not let the ink levels drop to half the barrel and if so fill the pen again. But, my naivety with the fountain pens and especially with the eyedropper fountain pens prevented me to implement the simple solution by just refilling the pen with ink. I had to find another way to fix the issue.

I was determined to fix the burping issue. First I tried to pull out the nib in a hope that the cleaning of the nib and the feed may fix the burping issue. Due to the lack of proper tools and experience with fountain pen maintenance, I failed to pull out the nib. Gama nibs in general are quite tightly fitted and will need proper equipment to pull out the nib. Still, the burping issue persisted, so I next took a drastic step. I don't know why, tried to seal the nib and the feed with fevicol(Face palm moment when I look back now). Of course this too did not help. Frustrated me, I again tried to pull out the nib, this time with the help of a plier. I grabbed the pen with plier from its section. I quickly realized my mistake but it was to late. I had already rotated the pen in the grip of pliers. This left a unrepairable awful deep scratch on the grip section. Now I grabbed the nib and the feed with plier and pulled. Instead of the nib coming out the feed broke into two. I was devastated. Within a couple of months of acquiring I was successfully able to destroy a perfect pen. With broken heart the pen went into storage.

A valuable lesson was learnt that day. Years went by and slowly but steadily I learnt more about all kinds fountain pens, the filling mechanisms, nibs, feeds and most importantly the maintenance of pens. It is 2023 now and it is time to fix my first fountain pen. I had bought a number of nibs and feeds from Kanwrite and the Gama forever takes the No 35 nib. I was now able to pull out the broken feed and the nib with a make shift peg tool. I replaced the nib and he feed. Filled the pen with ink and it worked flawlessly. Now atleast after a decade of fountain pen usage I have better experience in managing the eyedropper pens and use them without allowing them to burp.

All in all it took me over a decade to build my understanding of different types of fountain pens, their repair and maintenance. One thing that I have learnt from my experience is never rush things with fountain pens. If you don't now anything don't try on expensive pens, you will definitely destroy the pen. Sharpen your skills on cheaper pens. I still daily learn new things If there is even a slight doubt consult an expert and get the pen repaired from the professionals. Many thanks to the fountain pen community worldwide for enhancing my knowledge on fountain pens.

 

Why to write with a fountain pen.

Writing with a fountain pen can be a unique and enjoyable experience that many people find to be both practical and pleasurable. Here are some reasons why people choose to write with fountain pens:

1. Comfort: Fountain pens are designed to be comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time. They are often weighted evenly, making them less tiring to write with than ballpoint pens.

2. Aesthetics: Fountain pens are often seen as a symbol of elegance and sophistication. They come in a variety of styles and materials, such as gold, silver, and precious woods, and can be personalized to suit your preferences.

3. Writing Quality: Fountain pens produce a smooth, consistent line that is difficult to achieve with other types of pens. The ink flows freely from the nib, creating a unique writing experience that many people find to be more pleasurable than writing with a ballpoint or roller-ball pen.

4. Environmentally Friendly: Fountain pens are refillable, which means they can be used for a long time and create less waste than disposable pens. Most fountain pens last for years even decades thus causing less plastic damage to the environment.

5. Creativity: Writing with a fountain pen can inspire creativity and self-expression. Different types of nibs and variety of inks can encourage you to experiment with different writing styles, such as calligraphy or hand lettering.

6. Live the Legacy: Fountain pens have a long and rich history, and using one you can live the legacy. They were once the preferred writing tool of many famous authors and thinkers, and can give a sense of nostalgia or romance to your writing. 

Overall, writing with a fountain pen can be a rewarding experience that offers many benefits beyond simply putting pen to paper. Whether you're looking for a more comfortable writing instrument, a stylish accessory, or a new outlet for your creativity, a fountain pen may be worth exploring. 

A list of Indian fountain pen manufacturers

India has a rich tradition of fountain pen manufacturing, with several well-known brands that have been in business for decades. Some of the most popular Indian fountain pen brands include:

Camlin: Camlin is one of the oldest and most popular fountain pen brands in India. They offer a range of pens in different colors, designs, and materials. Camlin Elegante, Trinity, Camlin 47 are some noted models.

Lotus - Lotus pens are one of the best Indian fountain pen. Based out of Mumbai, they make world class fountain pens in different colors and patterns. Popular pens are like Lotus Shikhar, Everest

Ranga - Ranga Pens has been making fountain pens since 1970, when the company was started by M.S. Pandurangan. Ranga was founded in Thiruvallur, in southern India, near the east coast, close to the city of Chennai. Ranga Model 8, Samurai are some popular models

Vazir - A relatively new fountain pen brand founded in 2020. They have a variety of India made fountain pens at a relatively competitive price. Vazir 1.0, Vazir Black

ASA - Another fountain pen brand from South India. They have a wide range of  premium fountain pen models that are affordable. Popular models are ASA Nauka, ASA Maya, ASA Durga

Kanwrite - Kanpur Writers Probably the only fountain pen brand from North India, located in the city of Kanpur. Mostly famous for their nibs and feeds, they do offer affordable fountain pens also. Popular pens include Kanwrite Desire and Kanwrite Heritage

Click - Click India, another popular Indian fountain pen brand that makes affordable fountain pens like Click Aristocrat and Click Falcon

Airmail Wality - Mumbai based pen manufacturing company offers a number of eyedropper filled fountain pen models. Airmail 71JT and Airmail 69JT are the most popular models

Ratnam sons - Another old fountain pen makers from South India. This brand has been endorsed by Mahatma Gandhi.

Deccan - Hyderabad based pen manufacturers. Deccan Masterpiece and Deccan Advocate are the popular models.

Other notable Indian fountain pens worth mentioning are Gama fountain pens, Mohi Pens, Beena, Guider  All in all India has a diverse fountain pen manufacturing catering to needs of all fountain pen lovers.