Your calligraphy is beautiful! I find learning a skill, to the very best level you can, makes it fun. Like drawing, I *love* drawing, but I'm not great at it. I love attending drawing classes and learning the rules of tone and texture to help my drawings become the best they possibly can be. But then... I just love learning.
Thank you for your kind words. :) Learning is fun, I agree! When I first took up calligraphy a few years ago, I wasn't interested in forming perfect letters. I was more interested in learning *how* to form different letters. My ever-improving calligraphy and handwriting is just a bonus. :)
Being fairly new to dip pens and fountain pens i found this video especially helpful! Thank you! I liked it because i was thinking of purchasing a Brause beginners box set thingy and now i understand what each nib is capable of. Thank you!
I like that you called it nibbology. It was pretty informative on various styles of dip nibs. I don't think I have the same brands, but similar styles of nibs. Thank you so much for all of this information. Well done, and there were even some funny bits in there too, which made it a bit easier. Didn't actually seem as long. Thanks again, keep on keepin' on!
I found this one particularly helpful because I will be starting with my dip pens soon, and now I understand them a lot more. Especially in regards to flex, ease of flexing, width, and how you do the thin and thicker lines just by using a certain amount of pressure. It was all very great information. Also the part about the glass pens. :) I really liked the second glass pen :)
Thank you, a fun introduction to a variety of dip nibs The giant 10 mm nib (plakat?) in the US is often called a Steel Brush and was often used for sign making, especially for signs on paper for stores. I have a few and they're a lot of fun.
I love your sense of humor. I found this video both entertaining and hilarious. I've just ordered my first fountain pen, in hopes that learning some calligraphy will redeem my worse-than-bad handwriting. Wish me luck :-O
Thanks for the review! I've got a few dip pen,s but have to admit I haven't tried most of them; your review, however, has spurred me to give them another chance!
There are some really nice dipping nibs. My favorite at the moment are flexible italic nibs. They allow some interesting writing. If I only had more time. ^^
Just as an aside.. most dip nibs will not come with the resovoir, but there are easily attachable ones that will hold enough for at least a quarter page of italic practice with a size 2.5 nib
Great video! I think it important to note that with proper ink the nibs without reservoirs can run for much longer. I can get usually more than a full sentence of full flexible Copperplate script with Higgins Eternal or Sumi ink that's been doped with a bit of gum arabic. But with fountain pen ink, which is much thinner and lacking any pigment (i.e., it gets its color from dyes) I can only get several letters (or sometimes just one!).
Stephen, you commented that the pen makes you think about the implement the Rabbis use to read the Torah. Does that include the nib? I've seen that nib sold on eBay, called a finger, By the way, the pointing implement is known as a "Yad". I would not like to copy a 500 page manuscript using a quill. You may have said, but what was the nib made of on the last glass pen?
Another video I'd overlooked. Edged pens aren't my thing, but I have a good stockpile of vintage pointed nibs in the "flexible but not ridiculous" category - the kind which will do fine hairlines and 3mm shades comfortably. If you'd like a modest selection (and a couple of original Cameron Waverleys) I'd be delighted to oblige ... :-)
You have a very nice collection of dip nibs! I think I may get the set of 6 Brause nibs... Have you considered making your own reservoir with a piece of coiled wire? If you search for "dip nib coil reservoir", you should be able to find some images and perhaps some instructions. :)
Do you dip the nib in the ink bottle, or do you use an inkwell? I'm afraid of knocking the bottle over or contaminating the ink, so I thought about cutting a sample vial in half and securing it in a bowl. Is there a better solution? I find your videos very helpful - thank you for making them.
I know... I speak German remember! ;o) Your Calligraphy doesn't suck, you just hold the nib at an angle that you would get told off for if you did a calligraphy class LOL! My calligraphy teacher says self taught calligraphers have bad habits that its hard to get out of, dunno if its true...
Hey Stephen! I remember seeing once online a pen that looked like a fountain pen, except you put a dip pen nib inside. You could change the nib easily as with any penholder. The kicker was a really cool ink filling system: you would fill the pen as if it had a converter, but there was no feed: you could press a button on the top, and a small burst of ink would come out (as if you dipped the nib). Do you know about this?
Was wondering what you thought about how cursive writing is starting to wane and being thought less and less and is even out of the curriculum in many US schools. Sad sad state I say
Stephen, Thanks so much for your helpful video. I recently inherited 2 dip pens with about 50+ nubs I really wanted to use them but was just overwhelmed with the number and variety. Most of them have reservoirs on them. I also have several nibs with out reservoirs and I have some reservoirs on their own. Is their a way to put these on and remove them to clean when necessary?
Hey Stephen, really cool video and good to see some other FP-related but not necessarily FP stuff on your channel. I recently got a bunch of Brause nibs and I was having a bit of trouble getting Pfannenfeder to write. Pen to paper, and nothing. Not sure if you've heard of or experienced a similar issue? Thanks so much!
hi Stephen, after watching this video, i was inspired to go out and buy some dip pen.. Ended up with Speedball Set No20 (General Use). And OMG.. i need serious help.. How is it possible for your to stroke up without scratching the paper and ended up either damaging the paper, or create a splatter everywhere when one of the flex tip dug into the paper and snap! (ink everywhere)... I am using Montblanc Inks (Mystery Black), and also i tried washing the new nibs with warm water, hot water, soap, even tried burning the nibs lightly, and even tried to "blue" the nib.. nothing works... Oh! I also use Rhodia Dot Pad :) In the end of the day, after bluing the nib, i finally got some inkflows, however it only works on downstroke.. up stroke? hell break loose hahaha It would be really much appreciated if you could kindly shed some light, as i am very curious with dip pen nib now... Many thanks!
Felix Chiang I would start by using dip nib inks as opposed to thinner fountain pen inks, perhaps that will help. In general, dip nibs are sharper than fountain pen nibs.
Felix Chiang use a very light touch on the upstroke. Depending on the paper and nib combination, your nib may snag occasionally. But a lighter touch and slower writing may solve your problem
Isn't there a special kind of procedure you have to follow before using the nibs? From what I've read, you have to do things that vary from sucking the nib to covering it with toothpaste to make the ink adhere better.
I've noticed during your writing samples, you rest your hands on a transparent (plastic?) sheet. What does this do for you? Perhaps it's smoother than the paper to glide you hand across?
PhunkDumpOfficial Ich rede ein bisschen Französisch (sechs Jahre in der Schule), aber diese Sprache und ick sind nicht so kompatibel. Selbstverständlich rede ich acuh Holländisch, meine Muttersprache.
sbrebrown Wow, dann ist das natürlich verständlich, ich glaube diese sprachen beinhalten schon so gut wie alle europäischen akzente oder zumindest teile davon. Dafür, dass Holländisch deine Muttersprache ist sprichst du die deutschen und englischen wörter sehr gut aus, respekt :D
Hahaha... I'm self-taught as well, and I do think that I have some very bad habits. For me, calligraphy is fun, and I'm almost afraid that rules would take the fun out of it... just kidding... maybe ;)
Hello and congratulations for your video!I want to start writing with a dip nib so I wanted to ask you which type of nib is most appropriate for everyday regular writing.Thank you!
That depends strongly on the type of writing you do. www.jherbin.com offers a large selection of Brause nibs and gives descriptions of which types of calligraphy they are suited for.
problem is ur pushing and pulling iwth your fingers, where the pressure should be with the wrist, the fingers should hold and rotate the pen only, too much hand tension there..
..sounds like he had a screw loose to me!! :o) Perhaps he needed someone to teach him that washing makes you *clean* and smell nice... and that if he locked the bathroom door...attack abated! lol! I think there are a lot of truths in some myths... and a lot of rubbish in some too!
I love flex appeal! (Sorry!) I'm looking for a dip pen to test ink mixes. Is there a set which includes a pen and suitable nib (with reservoir) which you could recommend for the purpose? Thanks. (I know you're busy but would appreciate a reply please, I think I've used up too much goodwill from FPN with all my enquiries.)
Interesting story... is this the same man who never took a bath? I guess no-one taught him to wash ;o) And before he taught himself poetry, who taught him to read and write? Was it not Tasumi that educated him in Buddhism, writing and reading? I would hope you have the greatest respect for teachers... professor. ;o)
which nib would you give to a beginner who wants to write(beautiful) stories with, but that does not use too much ink ? and wich writing style whoud go well whit that nib? (sorry for my bad English I'm Dutch)
Misschien een niet al te brede Bandzug. Zo'n punt werkt goed voor Gotisch of bijvoorbeeld Foundational: m.n. dat laatste script is mooi en makkelijk te leren.
I came across a fairly old dip pen, almost certainly made before 1900, the other day. It doesn't seem to write well. All the fountain pen inks I've tried it with are either so wet they immediately literally make a pool on the paper or behave such that they will not actually write at all. Frustrating.
Your calligraphy is beautiful! I find learning a skill, to the very best level you can, makes it fun. Like drawing, I *love* drawing, but I'm not great at it. I love attending drawing classes and learning the rules of tone and texture to help my drawings become the best they possibly can be. But then... I just love learning.
Thank you for your kind words. :) Learning is fun, I agree! When I first took up calligraphy a few years ago, I wasn't interested in forming perfect letters. I was more interested in learning *how* to form different letters. My ever-improving calligraphy and handwriting is just a bonus. :)
Being fairly new to dip pens and fountain pens i found this video especially helpful! Thank you! I liked it because i was thinking of purchasing a Brause beginners box set thingy and now i understand what each nib is capable of. Thank you!
I like that you called it nibbology. It was pretty informative on various styles of dip nibs. I don't think I have the same brands, but similar styles of nibs. Thank you so much for all of this information. Well done, and there were even some funny bits in there too, which made it a bit easier. Didn't actually seem as long. Thanks again, keep on keepin' on!
I'm glad you're enjoying my videos.
I found this one particularly helpful because I will be starting with my dip pens soon, and now I understand them a lot more. Especially in regards to flex, ease of flexing, width, and how you do the thin and thicker lines just by using a certain amount of pressure. It was all very great information. Also the part about the glass pens. :) I really liked the second glass pen :)
You are hilarious, and I really enjoyed this. Nice one.
Thank you, a fun introduction to a variety of dip nibs
The giant 10 mm nib (plakat?) in the US is often called a Steel Brush and was often used for sign making, especially for signs on paper for stores. I have a few and they're a lot of fun.
They definitely are a lot of fun.
I love your sense of humor. I found this video both entertaining and hilarious. I've just ordered my first fountain pen, in hopes that learning some calligraphy will redeem my worse-than-bad handwriting. Wish me luck :-O
Thanks for the review! I've got a few dip pen,s but have to admit I haven't tried most of them; your review, however, has spurred me to give them another chance!
Exactly, we all learrn for different reasons. A beautiful handwriting is a skill itself! More videos please! ;o)
There are some really nice dipping nibs. My favorite at the moment are flexible italic nibs. They allow some interesting writing. If I only had more time. ^^
Just as an aside.. most dip nibs will not come with the resovoir, but there are easily attachable ones that will hold enough for at least a quarter page of italic practice with a size 2.5 nib
Very helpful video. Thank you very much Stephen!
Thank you!
Hello Stephen. This video is so helpful I download it to make sure I retain all the information passed. Thank you so much.
Glad you found it useful.
Great video! I think it important to note that with proper ink the nibs without reservoirs can run for much longer. I can get usually more than a full sentence of full flexible Copperplate script with Higgins Eternal or Sumi ink that's been doped with a bit of gum arabic. But with fountain pen ink, which is much thinner and lacking any pigment (i.e., it gets its color from dyes) I can only get several letters (or sometimes just one!).
PF Campos It depends on the nibs, on some you can remove the ink reservoir. There are online tutorials on how to make ink reservoirs too.
Stephen, you commented that the pen makes you think about the implement the Rabbis use to read the Torah. Does that include the nib? I've seen that nib sold on eBay, called a finger,
By the way, the pointing implement is known as a "Yad".
I would not like to copy a 500 page manuscript using a quill.
You may have said, but what was the nib made of on the last glass pen?
Another video I'd overlooked. Edged pens aren't my thing, but I have a good stockpile of vintage pointed nibs in the "flexible but not ridiculous" category - the kind which will do fine hairlines and 3mm shades comfortably. If you'd like a modest selection (and a couple of original Cameron Waverleys) I'd be delighted to oblige ... :-)
That glass pen with the flex nib, it looks beautiful! Do you have any other information on how and where to get it at all?
You have a very nice collection of dip nibs! I think I may get the set of 6 Brause nibs...
Have you considered making your own reservoir with a piece of coiled wire? If you search for "dip nib coil reservoir", you should be able to find some images and perhaps some instructions. :)
Stephen,
Have you considered an update to this video with the new spring reservoir dip nibs?
Do you dip the nib in the ink bottle, or do you use an inkwell? I'm afraid of knocking the bottle over or contaminating the ink, so I thought about cutting a sample vial in half and securing it in a bowl. Is there a better solution? I find your videos very helpful - thank you for making them.
The pointing device is a yad (rhymes with rod, not lad).
It is also the word for hand.
Thank you for the videos.
I have to look more into dip pens. So far I've been concentrated only in fountain pens !
I know... I speak German remember! ;o) Your Calligraphy doesn't suck, you just hold the nib at an angle that you would get told off for if you did a calligraphy class LOL! My calligraphy teacher says self taught calligraphers have bad habits that its hard to get out of, dunno if its true...
Can you please show us where you keep your pens? :)
I want a dip nib like the one after the J. Herbin pen, the one from the art exhibition. I suppose I should just google "glass pen, flex nib..."
Hey Stephen! I remember seeing once online a pen that looked like a fountain pen, except you put a dip pen nib inside. You could change the nib easily as with any penholder. The kicker was a really cool ink filling system: you would fill the pen as if it had a converter, but there was no feed: you could press a button on the top, and a small burst of ink would come out (as if you dipped the nib). Do you know about this?
Ackerman Pump Pen
That last dip pen writes beautifully. You don't remember who made it by any chance do you?
Was wondering what you thought about how cursive writing is starting to wane and being thought less and less and is even out of the curriculum in many US schools. Sad sad state I say
Stephen, Thanks so much for your helpful video. I recently inherited 2 dip pens with about 50+ nubs I really wanted to use them but was just overwhelmed with the number and variety. Most of them have reservoirs on them. I also have several nibs with out reservoirs and I have some reservoirs on their own. Is their a way to put these on and remove them to clean when necessary?
Hey Stephen, really cool video and good to see some other FP-related but not necessarily FP stuff on your channel. I recently got a bunch of Brause nibs and I was having a bit of trouble getting Pfannenfeder to write. Pen to paper, and nothing. Not sure if you've heard of or experienced a similar issue? Thanks so much!
I'm not too sure. What do you recommend for cleaning? I've rinsed them quite thoroughly with water but I fear that hasn't done much.
Many people use spit.
Thanks for the tip! I will try it out.
You could do a mean Comic-Sans with that Ornament nib. Bahaha.
Sorry, forgot to paste the link for the nib reservoir clip. Here it is : facebook.com/DanielRacineWaterloo
LOL! Do you mean they all are kept in 48 different pen pouches, or pen pouches that each hold 48 pens? :)
hi Stephen, after watching this video, i was inspired to go out and buy some dip pen.. Ended up with Speedball Set No20 (General Use). And OMG.. i need serious help.. How is it possible for your to stroke up without scratching the paper and ended up either damaging the paper, or create a splatter everywhere when one of the flex tip dug into the paper and snap! (ink everywhere)...
I am using Montblanc Inks (Mystery Black), and also i tried washing the new nibs with warm water, hot water, soap, even tried burning the nibs lightly, and even tried to "blue" the nib.. nothing works... Oh! I also use Rhodia Dot Pad :)
In the end of the day, after bluing the nib, i finally got some inkflows, however it only works on downstroke.. up stroke? hell break loose hahaha
It would be really much appreciated if you could kindly shed some light, as i am very curious with dip pen nib now...
Many thanks!
Felix Chiang I would start by using dip nib inks as opposed to thinner fountain pen inks, perhaps that will help. In general, dip nibs are sharper than fountain pen nibs.
sbrebrown Thanks for your advice, i'll try to buy calligraphy ink, fingers crossed hahaha
Felix Chiang use a very light touch on the upstroke. Depending on the paper and nib combination, your nib may snag occasionally. But a lighter touch and slower writing may solve your problem
Isn't there a special kind of procedure you have to follow before using the nibs? From what I've read, you have to do things that vary from sucking the nib to covering it with toothpaste to make the ink adhere better.
Yes, that's right.
sbrebrown Which one of them do you use?
Flávio Alves I try to scrub the nib with ammonia and water prior to use.
nibbology sounds like a cult i'd be interested in..
I've noticed during your writing samples, you rest your hands on a transparent (plastic?) sheet. What does this do for you? Perhaps it's smoother than the paper to glide you hand across?
I like the zebra G-nib it is very flexible nib and the speedball for my italic .... Ps. If I ever said something wrong before forgive me please.
did the beginning kind of sound like Hank Hill?
Thank you!! :)
The Torah pointer thing you are referring to is called a "Yod" I believe.
Yes, I believe you are correct.
Your german is awesome :) Did you learn it in school or college or are you from germany?
Danke sehr! Fünf Jahre deutsch in der Schule und eine Österreichische Taufpatin.
sbrebrown Cool :D man merkt allgemein dass du mit Akzenten gut umgehen kannst, sprichst du sonst noch mehr Sprachen oder woher kommt das?
PhunkDumpOfficial Ich rede ein bisschen Französisch (sechs Jahre in der Schule), aber diese Sprache und ick sind nicht so kompatibel. Selbstverständlich rede ich acuh Holländisch, meine Muttersprache.
sbrebrown Wow, dann ist das natürlich verständlich, ich glaube diese sprachen beinhalten schon so gut wie alle europäischen akzente oder zumindest teile davon. Dafür, dass Holländisch deine Muttersprache ist sprichst du die deutschen und englischen wörter sehr gut aus, respekt :D
Hahaha... I'm self-taught as well, and I do think that I have some very bad habits. For me, calligraphy is fun, and I'm almost afraid that rules would take the fun out of it... just kidding... maybe ;)
Hello and congratulations for your video!I want to start writing with a dip nib so I wanted to ask you which type of nib is most appropriate for everyday regular writing.Thank you!
That depends strongly on the type of writing you do. www.jherbin.com offers a large selection of Brause nibs and gives descriptions of which types of calligraphy they are suited for.
sbrebrown Excellent website!Thanks a lot!
problem is ur pushing and pulling iwth your fingers, where the pressure should be with the wrist, the fingers should hold and rotate the pen only, too much hand tension there..
..sounds like he had a screw loose to me!! :o) Perhaps he needed someone to teach him that washing makes you *clean* and smell nice... and that if he locked the bathroom door...attack abated! lol! I think there are a lot of truths in some myths... and a lot of rubbish in some too!
I love flex appeal! (Sorry!) I'm looking for a dip pen to test ink mixes. Is there a set which includes a pen and suitable nib (with reservoir) which you could recommend for the purpose? Thanks. (I know you're busy but would appreciate a reply please, I think I've used up too much goodwill from FPN with all my enquiries.)
Try the Speedball calligraphy pen set (e.g. Jetpens).
sbrebrown
Thank you.
I'm choosing between a Brause 66EF, Rose, and Steno. Which should I take?
That depends on what you want to use them for.
sbrebrown Copperplate and occasional ornamental penmanship. Which has the most flex and/or the thinnest line?
Rose, finest and flexiest.
Isn't the nib at approx 22 mins supposed to form individual lines, or bars, rather than a solid block? Just wondering.
No, it isn't. This nib is really meant to give one ultra broad line.
sbrebrown
Thanks. I just wondered because of the odd slits in it.
also, your nibs arnt holding ink because they are oil and crud on them, clean them properly and they will hold more ink.
Interesting story... is this the same man who never took a bath? I guess no-one taught him to wash ;o) And before he taught himself poetry, who taught him to read and write? Was it not Tasumi that educated him in Buddhism, writing and reading? I would hope you have the greatest respect for teachers... professor. ;o)
Oh good, I've dropped you a line by way of FPGeeks, presumably it'll reach you one way or another.
which nib would you give to a beginner who wants to write(beautiful) stories with, but that does not use too much ink ? and wich writing style whoud go well whit that nib? (sorry for my bad English I'm Dutch)
Misschien een niet al te brede Bandzug. Zo'n punt werkt goed voor Gotisch of bijvoorbeeld Foundational: m.n. dat laatste script is mooi en makkelijk te leren.
kan u Nederlands?
Micha Joosse Jazeker.
sbrebrown wat voor kroontje zou goed zijn voor hele verhalen schrijven.
Micha Joosse ( dus geen Calligraphyc)
What the most expensive pen you have payed for
ive seen people make a simple tank reservoir with foil
Yes, or with copper wire.
I came across a fairly old dip pen, almost certainly made before 1900, the other day. It doesn't seem to write well. All the fountain pen inks I've tried it with are either so wet they immediately literally make a pool on the paper or behave such that they will not actually write at all. Frustrating.
Fountain pen inks aren't meant to be used with dip nibs; try a dip nib ink.
sbrebrown Yes, I've read this elsewhere too. I just didn't think the effect would be so dramatic.
nibbitude