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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Pierre makes it work! He does a great job making a pen and feed that can keep up with that Zebra G-Nib. Now, if only they can make a version that won't corrode from constant exposure to fountain pen ink.
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.
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.
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
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.
I have a couple of cheaper flex nibs. That is probably why my experience has not been great. This video explained why I may have failed. Can you tell me the blue ink you used? It has great shading. Now I have to try and use better ink, paper and pressure. Thanks Tom....
Noodler's pens are meant to be tinkered with. You could try heat-setting the feed or adjusting the placement of the nib with the feed to see if the leaking can be stopped.
@@GoldspotPens I tried heat-setting the feed and adjusted nib position with feed hut still lots of ink is coming from nib unsuitable for calligraphy. Can using thicker calligraphic ink solve the problem?
Lamy Safari, Parker quink.... Lamy safari is very reliable plus you can try it out in any mall... If you want cheaper options then asa pens are quite nice but they require a bit of experience as they are eyedroppers with ebonite feed. Personally I don't like the metropolitan, but kakuno feels really nice.
And what I mean by that is just make it work for you. If your default writing posture is not conducive to being able to pull the nib like you see in the demonstration, then you'll have to change your writing angle.
No wonder you joined with a certain reviewer with acting experience! I am tempted to tell you to keep your day job; however, I actually thought your humor was a good touch! K, the old retired, not-ever-humorous prof! :)
I'm no actor. That's for sure. I'm hardly much of a public speaker or "youtube" personality, but I'm trying. Each and every video, I'm trying. Glad to you know you enjoyed it!
The Ahab is nowhere near $150, it's under $50. The Konrad is less than the Ahab, I think. So I don't know where you were getting your numbers, or maybe I misheard you. And FPR is $35, plus the cost of the flex nib.
Disparaging and dismissing statements against people who buy budget pens and young people in a failed attempt to get laughs. Instead of making fun at young folks, you missed the opportunity to educate them and get them interested in fountain pens.
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.
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.
The intro is really creepy tbh
True and It's actually not necessary. Any video about flex writing is already exciting.
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!
Flexible attitude about flex - I dig it!
I used 'White Lightning' from Vanness Pens in the inks used in my Flex pens.....really helps to get the ink flow at the optimum.
Tom, you have a smashing sense of humour. Cheers. 😄👌🏻👋🏻
Very helpful, demystifying review, Tom-thanks!
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!
This is great! Thanks I just got my first flex nib and this video was helpful.
Thanks for this video. ❤ I really have been wanting to get into flex nibs after coming to fountain pens usage again. ❤
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.
I hope you find a flex that works for you! An affordable one.
I would recommend a vintage flex. They are softer and the feed is great unlike the new ones
Fantastic video. Thank you for sharing
Thanks, I like that you included Desiderata Zebra G.
Pierre makes it work! He does a great job making a pen and feed that can keep up with that Zebra G-Nib. Now, if only they can make a version that won't corrode from constant exposure to fountain pen ink.
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.
Very helpful video! I was hoping you would mention the Conklin Duragraph with Omniflex. Do you have a video where you do?
We did an unboxing of the Conklin Duraflex with the Omniflex nib here - ua-cam.com/video/yx1rwo-JJiU/v-deo.html
Not bad at all. Much enjoyment!
Excellent
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.
Thank U. clear concise thorough information . nice video, not wasting my time. more videos with this actor/yt host. good stank 👍👍👍
Great video
Hey!can waterman pens be used for flexing?
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!
06:39 I know this is an older video but what inks are these? Beautiful colors.
I pass on the flex-nib mania. If I want some variation I just use a smaller stub-nib. Looks fine to me.
What ink is used for this video? Which brand and name, especially blue colour
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
Thanks, Mark. It's been a while since we shot this video, but I believe it might have been Akkerman Treves Turquoise ink.
@@GoldspotPens to previous one you said Robert oster soda pop blue was used, to this person you are saying Akkerman
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.
I have a couple of cheaper flex nibs. That is probably why my experience has not been great. This video explained why I may have failed. Can you tell me the blue ink you used? It has great shading. Now I have to try and use better ink, paper and pressure. Thanks Tom....
Bro did you find that blue ink brand? I too want it
@@draedeen no he never told me…
Great video :) Btw. What inks were used at 5:10 and 7:50?
I had Robert Oster Soda Pop Blue in the Esterbrook Estie with the 14kt gold flex modification.
You can also put Conklin duraflex or omniflex pen on the list
I have noodlers ahab flex nib fountain pen but it spills lots of ink. Is there any solution?
Noodler's pens are meant to be tinkered with. You could try heat-setting the feed or adjusting the placement of the nib with the feed to see if the leaking can be stopped.
@@GoldspotPens I tried heat-setting the feed and adjusted nib position with feed hut still lots of ink is coming from nib unsuitable for calligraphy. Can using thicker calligraphic ink solve the problem?
Please make a video about best Pen and Inka specially for Indian Student under 10 Dollar
Lamy Safari, Parker quink.... Lamy safari is very reliable plus you can try it out in any mall... If you want cheaper options then asa pens are quite nice but they require a bit of experience as they are eyedroppers with ebonite feed. Personally I don't like the metropolitan, but kakuno feels really nice.
i'm facing issue of Railroading while writing... how to rectify it?
Watch the video here for some tips on resolving railroading - ua-cam.com/video/LbqAAygxtnw/v-deo.html
@@GoldspotPens Thanks a Lot 😊
Flexible nib factory has ebonite feeds that help with that for some of the pens.
Any special advice for lefties? Enjoyed this demo.
Pretty much the same thing but do it with your left hand. lol.
And what I mean by that is just make it work for you. If your default writing posture is not conducive to being able to pull the nib like you see in the demonstration, then you'll have to change your writing angle.
How much cost ?
You can also go vintage and you will be able to get really good flex and pen quality even at a much lower price.
What I really want is: "How to Write with a Flex Nib for Left Handed Overwriters".
Try kanwrite nibs
Should have shown the angle of the pen for noobs like me. :)
No wonder you joined with a certain reviewer with acting experience! I am tempted to tell you to keep your day job; however, I actually thought your humor was a good touch! K, the old retired, not-ever-humorous prof! :)
I'm no actor. That's for sure. I'm hardly much of a public speaker or "youtube" personality, but I'm trying. Each and every video, I'm trying. Glad to you know you enjoyed it!
The Ahab is nowhere near $150, it's under $50. The Konrad is less than the Ahab, I think. So I don't know where you were getting your numbers, or maybe I misheard you. And FPR is $35, plus the cost of the flex nib.
LOL!
Two words: twsbi swipe, It IS have almost you need
Why goldspot, you're so naughty. I should report this video for pornographic material🤣🤣
I am a Rebel I didnt ask permission ha ha
Pulled a Trudeau moment..... 🤮
The early comments which allude to a sexual theme are unnecessary. You need to use better judgment in content.
Unnecessary, but fun. ;-)
@@GoldspotPens If that is the kind of company Goldspot Pens is, then I won't be a customer. Very Bad Judgment.
@@wallymorris686 I respect your opinion but do not agree on the assessment that the content is in poor taste.
@@wallymorris686 Well said, Sir
I agree, in very poor taste.
Disparaging and dismissing statements against people who buy budget pens and young people in a failed attempt to get laughs.
Instead of making fun at young folks, you missed the opportunity to educate them and get them interested in fountain pens.