How to select the nib, writing thickness and filling?
Nib
The nib is probably the most important part of the pen. It’s the factor that puts your efforts on paper. That’s why we offer nibs from quality German manufacturers for our pens. Schmidt nibs are high standard nibs that will satisfy the vast majority of pen users. However, for the more demanding, we may also offer JoWo tips, which are generally considered to be even a bit better.
Regarding the nib material, the difference between steel and gold-plated steel is rather aesthetic, as the mechanical properties of the tip are the same. The solid gold nibs should offer a smoother, more consistent writing feel and greater flexibility.
But as it happens, everything is a matter of personal opinion and feeling, and there has been no consensus in the 150 years that this debate has been going on. Titanium nibs are between steel and gold in terms of properties and price.
Writing thickness
The basic writing thicknesses are indicated by letters on fountain pens:
EF – Extra Fine
F – Fine
M – Medium
B – Broad
Extra fine nibs have a thickness of around 0.4 mm, fine 0.5 mm, medium 0.6 mm and broad 0.7 mm, but again, each manufacturer has its own special recipe and it is impossible to measure this accurately. The speed of the handwriting, the absorbency of the paper and other details also matter a lot.
In general, however, I recommend the following tip:
The faster and/or larger you write, the wider the nib.
The smaller your handwriting and/or the slower your typing speed, the better you’ll appreciate fine nibs.
Filling
There are a number of ways of filling pens, which could be divided into four groups:
Dropper, balloon, piston and cartridge.
With Kayu pens you can choose between piston filling and rcartridges.
However, there is one catch, we offer the piston filling by means of the so-called converter, which is a mechanism that is removable from the pen. Its mouth is also compatible with the mouth of the bomb and therefore it is possible to switch between cartridges and converter to a reasonable extent.
Filling with a converter is more stylish, healthier for the pen, and you can make it a beautiful ritual. However, it is not so practical, because you need an inkwell and a cloth.
Cartridges are very practical, easy to use and our pens always fit one spare so you’ll never run out. It’s just, like so many things today, so rushed and a bit non-ecological.
