Thanks for this, Chris. I regularly swap out nibs/feeds/sections especially where I have purchased a cheapo pen with a nib like a nail. Yes, it is about experimenting sometimes … and I am often surprised to find how vintage and modern pens can be greatly improved in regard to their nibs by swapping and interchanging but without forcing! Long ago, I came to see just how important nibs are - how frustrating it is to receive a new pen that writes dry and scratchy. Sometimes adjustment of the tines can help, or some smoothing, but not always. It is always worth doing some research or just plain experimentation! I recently snagged a job lot of nibs and feeds from EB so that I have plenty of scope … keep up the good work. 👍
I'm moderately comfortable swapping nibs because I have sometimes found it difficult to find stock pens with nibs as fine as I would like. I've largely purchased EF nibs from Jinhao or just generic ones from AliExpress, etc. I honestly don't like broad nibs, or even medium nibs because my hand is just so small (not my hand size itself, but the size of my writing). My writing too often looks like a squiggly line with no open letters if I don't get as fine a nib as possible. I wish more manufactures would state their nib sizes in expressions of line width like 0.2 or 0.3 or 0.38 mm, instead of just EF, F or M.
It is the resellers who list pens who show nib size. Unfortunately I've found variations in all nib sizes. Only way to tell actual line is ink it up. Some pen sellers do that but unless they use the pen you buy, there will be variations. Also EF, F, M are not exact sizes. Showing mm is better but not the easiest to measure. The contact area is what determine line width. Then there is ink & paper that can change line width. Many variables.
I getcha about nib swapping. Done very little, so far, but I did put a Chinese generic "iridium point Germany" number 5 into a worn out folded tip Arnold (a lot of vintage seem to be really close to a modern number 5 nib), and a Good Service ringtop I have had a Weidlich nib in, when I got it. Both seem to have improved the pens.
Thanks for this informative video. I've been having trouble with a couple of Bock-nibbed pens, and I'm trying to swap things round to diagnose. But I don't have a Bock nib unit that I know I can trust. If I can now buy an Asvine nib unit which will fit, that would help a lot!
Hi Chris, what a great informative video. This video should get more views, well I think it should have more views as it covers the art of the nib swap. ps, this makes me more determined this year to make it the year of the Asvine and Hongdian but first I'm after a Diplomat Aero in pink or maybe rose colour decisions. Thanks again Chels
Thanks for the support. We'll see how well the video is received. Off to a good start. Enjoying your summer? We've had first snow. Now 2-3" of rain. Happy 2024.
Hi Chris, thank you for another educational video on how to further more enjoy the hobby of fountain pens. I haven’t swapped many nibs yet but I’m definitely attracted to do more in the future. One thing I‘m looking for since I saw your first videos are these broad rubber bands you use to pull out the nibs. How are they called and where can I get them? I haven’t managed to find one yet and I really need these to work on my pens. Can you please help me? Thanks and please keep up the good work! Best regards Andreas
They are Lobster bands, used to secure the claws. You can use any type of rubber like material. Some use rubber liners from drawers. Or the rubber sheets used to open jars.
Hi Chris! I do not have a lot of experience swapping nibs, but I have only been using fountain pens for about 1.5 years. I recently purchased a broad architect nib in a Bock compatible housing from Osprey Pens, and I installed it in an Asvine P50. It could not have been easier since I only had to unscrew the original nib unit, and screw in the new nib unit from Osprey Pens. Now I can have the experience of writing with a nib that has an architect grind. If you get a chance, check out the nibs from Osprey Pens, the have them in both Bock compatible nib units and Jowo compatible nib units.
In my experience ,it is all about you (and the damage I do) Serious advice for vintage pen resurrections, can be solution where applicable on contemporary instruments too: Try different nib depths and positions (50+ years old ebonite sections are rarely round and so on). Some pens came back from hopeless to dependable daily writer by pulling out a bit from the "proper" position to a seemingly adventurous place. Finicky bastards pens are. Don't sweat about breaking feeds, buy no6 ebonite blanks and carve yours. After the 4th one, I promise you, you will be able to carve a fitting replacement to any plastic feed, conveniently they sell those in 5 or 6 piece packs. If you really need those slim tails that fit in the converter nipple (if you have problems there, it is almost always bc of bubble control through the nipple) make that a separate part and drill a hole in the feed to fit it, if it breaks, just drill a new hole, etc. Have fun people! I know I do.
Another nice video Chris. Yes, I've swapped nibs out before, mostly replacing Esterbrook J extra fine nibs. I'm currently on the hunt for a nib to replace the extra fine in a Majohn X1. I got a set of Majohn nibs that fit the Wancai, also got a set for Jinhao 82. The X1 nib & feed seem to be ever so slightly smaller than those. You wouldn't happen to have any experience with the X1, would you?? Any suggestions - I'm open to just about anything at this point.
Not owning an X1 nor a desire to, I restored a Boheme for a friend & didn't like that. Not sure why nib is not a No. 5 as you have those. Good luck. If you find a solution, let us know.
@@chrisrap52 I now have an update on the X1 saga. I got a Dlike Fine nib that fits in the X1 just fine, but the real problem was the feed. In the X1 if the feed is larger than 5 mm, like say 5.1 or 5.3, it won't fit. The better size would be 5 or better yet 4.9 mm. What I ended up doing was sanding down the existing feed to reduce the diameter just enough so both nib & feed would fit. Tonight (3/28/24) I made sure the fins were clean of any residue, and with the 2.6 caliber cartridges (38 mm in length) seated, I now have the pen writing. It's not ideal, but it works & I'll have to smooth out the nib some.
Hi Chris I bought asvine v126 and would like to swap nibs with something very wide like a 1.9 mm calligraphy nib. I can simply remove the nib without removing the feeder. Would you be able to tell me which nibs are compatible with this pen?
Great video! I am tackling my first nib swap attempt today: taking a Moonman F out of a C1 to put in a Kaigelu Long Knife which is indicated also for the C1. The only thing standing in the way are the reluctant Moonman feed and nib which have so far resisted two 60deg C baths, all the strength that I can muster and a profusion of Italian swear words. And I don’t think prayers work anymore! Anybody??
Never mind; I finally used the most essential tool in tool box (patience) and the feed did came out. A first step towards new adventures in the fountain pen world. 🎉
"so much for standards". Amen. I wish there was way less proprietary parts on pens in general. There are roller ball refills I'd love in different bodies for work as well as wishing nib swapping between fountain pen brands was easier. I wish nibs were listed as the line weight size like with rollerballs as well. Much simpler system if we could avoid needing to research Western vs Eastern grinds between companies and manufactures.
PSA, you can use standard international cartridges (2.4 mm) on 2.6 mm pens. All of my current cartridge/converter pens are 2.6 mm. I bought some cartidges locally a while ago, and they fit with a little force, no leaking or anything. But if you plan to re-use them, be carefull not to use them on 2.4 mm pens, naturally they will be loose.
@@chrisrap52 it's also a good hack to clean pens if you want to flush pens on a budget. I use one cartridge pierced on the top (opposite of the lip) with a syringe needle. Then I use a 50 ml syringe and sawn-off blunt syringe needle to suck and eject the water . It's cheaper than bulb syringe (at least in my area) and you can move a lot of water/flush liquid.
My only experience with swapping nibs so far is on a couple of cheap Chinese clones of Lamy Safari. I bought a bunch of genuine Lamy nibs, one of each just to try them all. It was an easy task, they fit perfectly in the clone sections, and I really like the 1.1 stub. My favourite pen at the moment is my Jinhao 82; I'd love to get a gold nib for it (and dream that it's a Sailor PGS 😆 ).
Thanks for this, Chris. I regularly swap out nibs/feeds/sections especially where I have purchased a cheapo pen with a nib like a nail. Yes, it is about experimenting sometimes … and I am often surprised to find how vintage and modern pens can be greatly improved in regard to their nibs by swapping and interchanging but without forcing! Long ago, I came to see just how important nibs are - how frustrating it is to receive a new pen that writes dry and scratchy. Sometimes adjustment of the tines can help, or some smoothing, but not always. It is always worth doing some research or just plain experimentation! I recently snagged a job lot of nibs and feeds from EB so that I have plenty of scope … keep up the good work. 👍
Perfect. Need a supple of nibs/feeds to use. Be creative. Great when a pen becomes a good writer with some TLC.
I'm moderately comfortable swapping nibs because I have sometimes found it difficult to find stock pens with nibs as fine as I would like. I've largely purchased EF nibs from Jinhao or just generic ones from AliExpress, etc. I honestly don't like broad nibs, or even medium nibs because my hand is just so small (not my hand size itself, but the size of my writing). My writing too often looks like a squiggly line with no open letters if I don't get as fine a nib as possible. I wish more manufactures would state their nib sizes in expressions of line width like 0.2 or 0.3 or 0.38 mm, instead of just EF, F or M.
It is the resellers who list pens who show nib size. Unfortunately I've found variations in all nib sizes. Only way to tell actual line is ink it up. Some pen sellers do that but unless they use the pen you buy, there will be variations. Also EF, F, M are not exact sizes. Showing mm is better but not the easiest to measure. The contact area is what determine line width. Then there is ink & paper that can change line width. Many variables.
Great video, thank you! I love Asvine fountain pens!
Me too!
I getcha about nib swapping. Done very little, so far, but I did put a Chinese generic "iridium point Germany" number 5 into a worn out folded tip Arnold (a lot of vintage seem to be really close to a modern number 5 nib), and a Good Service ringtop I have had a Weidlich nib in, when I got it. Both seem to have improved the pens.
Perfect. Figure out how to rejuvenate a pen. Be creative.
Thanks for this informative video. I've been having trouble with a couple of Bock-nibbed pens, and I'm trying to swap things round to diagnose. But I don't have a Bock nib unit that I know I can trust. If I can now buy an Asvine nib unit which will fit, that would help a lot!
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Chris, what a great informative video. This video should get more views, well I think it should have more views as it covers the art of the nib swap. ps, this makes me more determined this year to make it the year of the Asvine and Hongdian but first I'm after a Diplomat Aero in pink or maybe rose colour decisions.
Thanks again
Chels
Thanks for the support. We'll see how well the video is received. Off to a good start. Enjoying your summer? We've had first snow. Now 2-3" of rain. Happy 2024.
Hi Chris, thank you for another educational video on how to further more enjoy the hobby of fountain pens. I haven’t swapped many nibs yet but I’m definitely attracted to do more in the future. One thing I‘m looking for since I saw your first videos are these broad rubber bands you use to pull out the nibs. How are they called and where can I get them? I haven’t managed to find one yet and I really need these to work on my pens. Can you please help me? Thanks and please keep up the good work! Best regards Andreas
They are Lobster bands, used to secure the claws. You can use any type of rubber like material. Some use rubber liners from drawers. Or the rubber sheets used to open jars.
i swap nibs, but I'm little wary of swapping out collars so I appreciate the video.
Glad I could help
Hi Chris! I do not have a lot of experience swapping nibs, but I have only been using fountain pens for about 1.5 years. I recently purchased a broad architect nib in a Bock compatible housing from Osprey Pens, and I installed it in an Asvine P50. It could not have been easier since I only had to unscrew the original nib unit, and screw in the new nib unit from Osprey Pens. Now I can have the experience of writing with a nib that has an architect grind. If you get a chance, check out the nibs from Osprey Pens, the have them in both Bock compatible nib units and Jowo compatible nib units.
I've had a variety from Osprey, did a few videos. They make lots of nibs & easy to use.
In my experience ,it is all about you
(and the damage I do)
Serious advice for vintage pen resurrections, can be solution where applicable on contemporary instruments too:
Try different nib depths and positions (50+ years old ebonite sections are rarely round and so on).
Some pens came back from hopeless to dependable daily writer by pulling out a bit from the "proper" position to a seemingly adventurous place.
Finicky bastards pens are.
Don't sweat about breaking feeds, buy no6 ebonite blanks and carve yours.
After the 4th one, I promise you, you will be able to carve a fitting replacement to any plastic feed, conveniently they sell those in 5 or 6 piece packs. If you really need those slim tails that fit in the converter nipple (if you have problems there, it is almost always bc of bubble control through the nipple) make that a separate part and drill a hole in the feed to fit it, if it breaks, just drill a new hole, etc.
Have fun people!
I know I do.
WOW! So much knowledge & experience. I am a novice.
I have a Bock Titanium nib. Maybe I should try putting it with the P36.
I installed a Bock (Karas) titanium nib on my P36. It looks great and writes wonderfully!
@@joeledman3853 I just did the swap. It was easy. I hope to get the same results writing as you did.
Don't have any Bock nibs, but am curious. Thanks.
Another nice video Chris. Yes, I've swapped nibs out before, mostly replacing Esterbrook J extra fine nibs. I'm currently on the hunt for a nib to replace the extra fine in a Majohn X1. I got a set of Majohn nibs that fit the Wancai, also got a set for Jinhao 82. The X1 nib & feed seem to be ever so slightly smaller than those. You wouldn't happen to have any experience with the X1, would you?? Any suggestions - I'm open to just about anything at this point.
Not owning an X1 nor a desire to, I restored a Boheme for a friend & didn't like that. Not sure why nib is not a No. 5 as you have those. Good luck. If you find a solution, let us know.
@@chrisrap52 I now have an update on the X1 saga. I got a Dlike Fine nib that fits in the X1 just fine, but the real problem was the feed. In the X1 if the feed is larger than 5 mm, like say 5.1 or 5.3, it won't fit. The better size would be 5 or better yet 4.9 mm. What I ended up doing was sanding down the existing feed to reduce the diameter just enough so both nib & feed would fit. Tonight (3/28/24) I made sure the fins were clean of any residue, and with the 2.6 caliber cartridges (38 mm in length) seated, I now have the pen writing. It's not ideal, but it works & I'll have to smooth out the nib some.
Hi Chris I bought asvine v126 and would like to swap nibs with something very wide like a 1.9 mm calligraphy nib. I can simply remove the nib without removing the feeder. Would you be able to tell me which nibs are compatible with this pen?
Jowo & Bock make 1.5mm stubs that will fit. Don't know a 1.9 No. 6 nib.
Great video! I am tackling my first nib swap attempt today: taking a Moonman F out of a C1 to put in a Kaigelu Long Knife which is indicated also for the C1. The only thing standing in the way are the reluctant Moonman feed and nib which have so far resisted two 60deg C baths, all the strength that I can muster and a profusion of Italian swear words.
And I don’t think prayers work anymore! Anybody??
Never mind; I finally used the most essential tool in tool box (patience) and the feed did came out. A first step towards new adventures in the fountain pen world. 🎉
Prayers worked?
Not really, I just revisited your video, carefully followed your instructions, used lots of “patience” and “praise to the Lord” 🙏it worked.
"so much for standards". Amen.
I wish there was way less proprietary parts on pens in general. There are roller ball refills I'd love in different bodies for work as well as wishing nib swapping between fountain pen brands was easier.
I wish nibs were listed as the line weight size like with rollerballs as well. Much simpler system if we could avoid needing to research Western vs Eastern grinds between companies and manufactures.
For me that is part of the adventure. Like a box of chocolates, you don't know what you may get but many times it is great.
PSA, you can use standard international cartridges (2.4 mm) on 2.6 mm pens. All of my current cartridge/converter pens are 2.6 mm. I bought some cartidges locally a while ago, and they fit with a little force, no leaking or anything.
But if you plan to re-use them, be carefull not to use them on 2.4 mm pens, naturally they will be loose.
Yes, you can force them on but not what they are designed to do. I say in video, can be forced.
@@chrisrap52 it's also a good hack to clean pens if you want to flush pens on a budget. I use one cartridge pierced on the top (opposite of the lip) with a syringe needle. Then I use a 50 ml syringe and sawn-off blunt syringe needle to suck and eject the water . It's cheaper than bulb syringe (at least in my area) and you can move a lot of water/flush liquid.
I also use syringe to clean out pens. I also use a bulb syringe more ar it has a much greater water capacity, more efficient flusher.
Wait a minute … I’ve split so many pelikan cartridges in my X750 that it’s not even funny. I guess i just found out why 😂
My only experience with swapping nibs so far is on a couple of cheap Chinese clones of Lamy Safari. I bought a bunch of genuine Lamy nibs, one of each just to try them all. It was an easy task, they fit perfectly in the clone sections, and I really like the 1.1 stub. My favourite pen at the moment is my Jinhao 82; I'd love to get a gold nib for it (and dream that it's a Sailor PGS 😆 ).
A vintage Waterman #2 nib will fit. I put on in a 992, same #5 Jinhao nib. ua-cam.com/video/2qFtdelXrCA/v-deo.html