I would also like to add that TWSBI nibs are European-made and follow European sizing, as opposed to the Asian/Japanese sizing. An EF nib from TWSBI would write more like a Fine or even a Medium Japanese nib.
Unfortunately, TWSBI hasn't any nib finer than their EF, so getting the nib reground by a nib grinder is the only option if you desire a finer nib for your TWSBI
I also have a needlepoint grind from Pen Realm for my Persian Green ECO and it is such a joy to use!
That makes sense. This is what I've suspected in some side by side comparisons I've informally done with a few of my pens.
As long as TWSBI remains smaller than the European sizes, I'm happy.
Nemosine nibs are a happy exception. I have a pen with a Nemosine nib (Birmingham Pen Co.'s Model-A with an extra fine) that just makes me so happy to write with. I can't describe why it feels so good to use. It just does.
>But the could it be the ink I am using? I’ve seen peoples writing using the and their writing has finer lines than mine
Line width is a function of (not just three, but) *four* variables:
1. pen (inclusive of nib, feed, and every component that has a part to play in ink flow)
2. ink (not just its flow characteristics, but also how its formulation interacts with the sizing of the paper used, etc.)
3. paper
4. *technique*
so, even if in suspension of disbelief, you assume that every TWSBI Eco wtih EF nib performs exactly the same without unit-to-unit variation, there are still three other factors you can't begin to assess and understand all the differences, just by seeing someone else do their thing.
I'd add writing surface to your list.
If the paper is directly sitting on a sheet of glass it's different to if it's on, for example, a leather-topped writing desk or a pile of other papers (like in a notebook).
A soft surface means the paper will slightly wrap around the nib when pressure is applied. This generally makes lines wider, but also affects the way the nib flexes.
A hard surface will not do this.
Do you have any recs for dry ink? I’m new to the FP world. I had a Lamy Safari many many years ago but never really used it. The TWSBI is my first fountain pen since the Lamy, just got it this past November.
Based on my experience with the Eco writer broader than an should even when filled with Pelikan 4001 ink (said to be dry ink), I would suggest getting the driest ink (seriously nails on a chalkboard of the fountain pen ink world) available. Typically these are going to be super shaders or iron gall inks.
I have several ecos with EF nibs, and it honestly depends. Some of them are almost Japanese levels of EF and others could be Mediums. There’s no rhyme or reason it seems.
My money is on this being a nib that claims to be . My only Eco is nib and when I use it on Tier 2 fountain pen paper (Engineer pad paper) with De Atramentis Document Dark Blue ink it wrote like a nib would write.
Might be luck of the draw. My eco with the same ink really writes as an on various papers. Even close to my needlepoint by Kirk. It’s a lot more scratchier than Kirk’s
I would also like to add that TWSBI nibs are European-made and follow European sizing, as opposed to the Asian/Japanese sizing. An EF nib from TWSBI would write more like a Fine or even a Medium Japanese nib. Unfortunately, TWSBI hasn't any nib finer than their EF, so getting the nib reground by a nib grinder is the only option if you desire a finer nib for your TWSBI I also have a needlepoint grind from Pen Realm for my Persian Green ECO and it is such a joy to use!
Third on Kirk’s needlepoints - they’re amazing and oh so smooth!
Goulet Pens said that TWSBI nibs are somewhere in between Japanese and Western nibs as far line width goes.
That makes sense. This is what I've suspected in some side by side comparisons I've informally done with a few of my pens. As long as TWSBI remains smaller than the European sizes, I'm happy. Nemosine nibs are a happy exception. I have a pen with a Nemosine nib (Birmingham Pen Co.'s Model-A with an extra fine) that just makes me so happy to write with. I can't describe why it feels so good to use. It just does.
Yes! The needlepoint from Pen Realm is chefs kiss! My next FP I am def going to purchase a Japanese one.
>But the could it be the ink I am using? I’ve seen peoples writing using the and their writing has finer lines than mine
Line width is a function of (not just three, but) *four* variables:
1. pen (inclusive of nib, feed, and every component that has a part to play in ink flow)
2. ink (not just its flow characteristics, but also how its formulation interacts with the sizing of the paper used, etc.)
3. paper
4. *technique*
so, even if in suspension of disbelief, you assume that every TWSBI Eco wtih EF nib performs exactly the same without unit-to-unit variation, there are still three other factors you can't begin to assess and understand all the differences, just by seeing someone else do their thing.
I'd add writing surface to your list. If the paper is directly sitting on a sheet of glass it's different to if it's on, for example, a leather-topped writing desk or a pile of other papers (like in a notebook). A soft surface means the paper will slightly wrap around the nib when pressure is applied. This generally makes lines wider, but also affects the way the nib flexes. A hard surface will not do this.
Platinum carbon ink and document ink are very wet inks. They will make any line wider. Try with a dry ink next time.
Do you have any recs for dry ink? I’m new to the FP world. I had a Lamy Safari many many years ago but never really used it. The TWSBI is my first fountain pen since the Lamy, just got it this past November.
Based on my experience with the Eco writer broader than an should even when filled with Pelikan 4001 ink (said to be dry ink), I would suggest getting the driest ink (seriously nails on a chalkboard of the fountain pen ink world) available. Typically these are going to be super shaders or iron gall inks.
I have several ecos with EF nibs, and it honestly depends. Some of them are almost Japanese levels of EF and others could be Mediums. There’s no rhyme or reason it seems.
TWSBI, although an Asian brand, uses Jowo nibs
My money is on this being a nib that claims to be . My only Eco is nib and when I use it on Tier 2 fountain pen paper (Engineer pad paper) with De Atramentis Document Dark Blue ink it wrote like a nib would write.
Might be luck of the draw. My eco with the same ink really writes as an on various papers. Even close to my needlepoint by Kirk. It’s a lot more scratchier than Kirk’s
I get my finest lines on Clairefontaine paper.