Slowly working through your backlog, I intentionally do not want to binge as your videos are a source of peace and joy to me. The wonderful long ending on this one truly hit the spot with me. Thank you kindly kind Sir.
What ink do you find works well with Jaipur V2? I saw demos of the writing online and was impressed, but I bought it (the ultra flex nib and ebonite feed) and don't like it at all! Extremely scratchy, takes too much force to separate the tines, and I find it springs back so quickly that it's hard to control the bounce. The ebonite feed does not keep up, seems to need regular attention. Maybe I need to try with a different ink? Or, maybe just the FPR regular flex, not the ultra-fine flex? Will appreciate your thoughts. My favorite thing about writing with fountain pens is line variation, so I had bought that pen with high hopes.
Thanks, HJ. I just received my first flex nib pen yesterday. It's a FPR Jaipur V2 in Mottled Brown Ebonite with the 14K EF Ultra Flex nib with the ebonite feed. I'm not very good with it yet, but I love it! It writes really wet and smooth. I also love the feeling of ebonite in my fingers.
FPR was the one who brought me to flex nibs. I'm grateful that they offer affordable flex nib experience, although I had a bit of bad luck. My Ambassador broke and unfortunately its lacquer started to peel off. But the experience with the flex nib encouraged me and I moved on. The next stop was Gravitas and their titanium fine flex nib. What an upgrade! Even more encouraged, I found another option: The Good Blue. I tried their steel and titanium flex nibs… I was a bit disappointed with the titanium one (I like Gravitas more), but the steel nibs are delightful and my favourite.
I know a number of pen sites talk about "grail pens" (usually expensive and rare) but I think a lot of us pen fans are in pursuit of the "Holy Grail" of a perfect flex nib. Honestly, I think 2/3 of my largish pen collection is due to the hunt for the perfect nib....only to discover latish in my time in the hobby the true value of a good nib meister! I sent off my Pelikan M800 (F) to Mike Masuyama, oh, must be 7-8 years ago now to have it reground to a cursive italic flex and what a wonder! Every so often I think I should let it "rest" (rotate out of use) but I enjoy it so much, it's inked ~ continuously. A recent modern addition as. a terrific flex writer is the FPR Jaipur V2 with flex nib. Wow!
That is a great suggestion. Thank you. I have only recently begun exploring nib grinds. I cannot wait to see where it leads. Pursuit and discovery makes this hobby fun.
I purchased a bluedew on your recommendation... and it is a lot of fun. Thank you Hemingway Jones! I am still tempted by Pilot 912 fa nib... which I might still end up getting. The Bluedew is a bit scratchy though and for me it can spit ink (depending on the ink I use).
I’m very interested in fountain pens with flexible nibs and I’ve love your video. It’s another instance of you deep knowledge of the fountain pen world, but, above all, is a delight the way you express yourself and you tell everything. My most sincere congratulations, once again.
I only have one modern Flex nib and it is the FA nib on the Pilot Custom Heritage 912. It is nice but needs a lot of attention while writing and you can write only very slowly (which sometimes is really nice and contemplating). My favourite flex nibs are on vintage (1940s/1950s) Pelikan pens. Although are not called "flex" they are incredibly soft and flexy and are super easy to write with every day. And then there are the really vintage ones, e.g. my Mabie Todd Swan pens - not for daily use but I love to use them on special occasions (a birthday letter to a precious friend or writing poems on special paper). Hugs from Germany.
I'm not too happy with how hard it is to buy a really flexible but smooth nib, so I started modifying some stainless steel nibs to be super flexible and pretty smooth, finally happy with the levels of flex I'm getting from these nibs!
I have two wonderful vintage flex pens, a Montblanc 642 and a Conklin #50. Two gems that no modern flex pens can come close to imitating. For me, nothing like the vintage flex nibs!
I agree completely! MB made some nice ones. I have a few myself. The modern MB Egyptomania feels like vintage flex but no real line variation. Thanks for the great comment
Hello Hemingway. Found your videos about a month ago. I enjoy your perspective, thank you. I like to think I am practicing Spencerian as well as Copperplate. I have dip pens and nibs as well as fountain pens and I was thrilled to hear you speak well of FPR and Bluedew. With the Himalaya version 2 and the new style converter they resolved any issues I had; larger nib and twist converter. They are great writers and yet I hear people knock them. One of my first pens had a cracked section and Kevin, from FPR, not only diagnosed the problem but also sent replacement. Anyway I enjoy your content and am catching up with older posts.
Hello Robbin! It’s lovely to hear from you. Thank you for the excellent comment and in formation. I would love to see your handwriting, I imagine it’s beautiful. I wish I could write Spencerian or Copperplate. I should take some lessons someday. I do indeed love both FPR and BlueDew. Both are trying to deliver a great pen at an affordable price. Do stop by again and all the best.
Right now, the Blue Dew is my favorite flex pen. It truly lays down a line from a hair's breath to an impressive width. Perhaps I'm overflowing the nib, but it is great to write with. Occasionally catches in the journal page, but my journals are not top-quality paper. I so agree with "Fossil Imprint," that your videos are such a peaceful and relaxing (not to mention tempting) experience.
FPR has a buy one get one free for black Friday on at the moment!!! - great to get the pen you always wanted and a free Christmas present for a loved one :)
I ❤ flex. If you like the FPR steel Ultra-Flex, try their new 14k ultra-flex, it's such a delight. I put mine on a PenBBS while I wait for a Narwhal Nautilus to ship. And Pilot's FA nib is a lot softer than their Falcon -- I have/like both, but the 823 FA gets way more use.
The Noodler's Ahab is excellent value and a good way for newbies to try a flex nib. (Basically, I'm a Waterman fan. Never had a bad nib from three-euro student pens to an Expert II. Cheap enough to carry daily.) Will look into Fountain Pen Revolution.
I have realized that flex nibs are not for me. I write with a very light hand. So I look for pens that are very smooth and just glide across the paper. If I have to add much pressure, it is painful since I have osteoarthritis. Even trying to flex my Pineider Quill on my La Grande Belleza or on my soft Pelikan 140 can be painful. So, for line variation, I focus on very smooth stubs or cursive italic nibs. I do have a wonderful architect nib that is very easy to use. But I will check out the Blue Dew pen as you suggest. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Thank you very much for the kind words and the comment. I appreciate it. I also like smooth and often these pursuits are at cross-currents. All the best.
I too write with an extremely light fast hand. Probably because I hold the pen closer to the top than the bottom, but I love flex nibs. Antique / vintage nibs that is. Older nibs are softer than today's nibs. They are cheaper, softer and smoother. I don't think they can make the nibs as good as in the past because the alloys no longer exist. If you want a great writer by vintage, not modern. Also, today's feeds can't keep up. If someone can figure out how to tip a zebra g the fountain pen nib would be perfect!!!! When at home I still prefer a good ole quill and just dip it.
I am not a fan of flex nibs for similar reasons. I just want a smooth easy writer where the weight of the pen does the work for me. I do however love nibs with a lot of ‘bounce’. I don’t need the the flex, where the tines spread apart, but when you get a bit of up and down bend in that makes any sense whatsoever.😅 The bouncier nibs tend to be the ones I find most comfortable.
Hello, just found your channel and I'm on the same journey. Try the Pilot custom 743 with the FA nib. Technically it is not for the North American market, but it is easy to find. Unlike the custom 912 it comes with the larger #15 FA nib as opposed to the #10 on the 912. Also the plastic feed keeps up, no need to buy an aftermarket nib. But I think it's best feature is it goes from a very thin line to a broadline. It is also stiff enough to be a daily writer without requiring a very light touch.
Again, a very helpful video. My experience with flex nibs has been disappointing. The Noodlers Ahab is an example of a nib that is hard as nails and flexing it feels like I'm going to tear through the paper. But to be fair, others have reported is softens up a bit after some use. I just never got that far. The FPR Ultra Flex is something I've been meaning to try, but the Blue Dew is new to me. So based on your recommendation, I'll try these and see what I think. Thanks very much for doing these videos.
Great video !! While not a true flex, one of my favorite writers is my Pilot Falcon with a soft-medium nib. It’s perfect for my very limited “flexing” ability.
I agree about the Pilot Falcon. I was so seduced by the slo-mo video of the nib at work, I sprung for the metal version. Over the course of month’s I became increasingly despondent about my impulsive acquisition. It was an unrewarding experience in precisely the way you described. I sold it - at quite a loss - and felt better being shut of its aura shame.
Surprisingly, when I try flex nibs it is much harder for me to get a fine line on upstrokes, than a wide line on the down strokes. Great effort is made to use a “light” hand but to no avail. So the quest continues. Thank you the video.
I agree completely. That is the toughest part, I think. The Montblanc 146 Calligraphy nib is great at this, but it is super pricey. A vintage Waterman 52 works well too.. All the best and good luck with your quest.
I've got a few flexers. I am currently using the Noodler's Triple Tail, which I find particularly useful with the Noodler's 308 refillable, screw-in cartridges. Hasn't been railroading at all. I want a Waterman 52.5, which I've heard so many good things about, but I insist on trying before buying. I hope to find one at this year's San Francisco Pen Show, assuming it happens.
@@HemingwayJones The Triple Tail requires quite a bit of pressure to flex somewhat, but it doesn't railroad. To me it was worth the $55. It also works in reverse.
Me too! There are some great ones out there. I just filmed a YT asking, can a pen be too perfect? And is that a bad thing? It's a great pen! Pilot Custom 823.
Hi there from Downunder Hemingway! Thank you for this video. I've been wanting to try a flex nib for sometime now. I've ordered the FPR Himalaya based on your recommendation (and its affordable price point!).
Hola. Para mi flex nib es el máximo interés de los últimos años. Ahora pienso comprar una Pilot 912 FA que dicen los expertos que es la más flexible de las plumas Pilot. Pero esta reseña me ha puesto en el camino una nueva opción. La Blue.... Buscaré. Oportuna reseña
I actually received a box of Zebra G nibs and a nib holder and just dip the nib into ink for flex writing. The Zebra G is a scratchy experience. I use this for searching my inks. I’m saving my pennies for a MB 146 calligraphy pen. I think that will be the way to go for the best modern flex experience.
You must have gotten a special Montblanc Egyptomania pen. I have one and I hated it immediately because the nib on mine is so stiff it feels like a hard steel nib and writes incredibly dry. Definitely will be selling it.
@@HemingwayJones Yeah maybe I should contact Montblanc. I bought it from an authorized and reputable dealer, so it’s not counterfeit. But my Lamy 2000 is softer than this pen.
Nice pens! I have tried the FPR flex nib and have been impressed. The most line variation I have experienced is from a Desiderata pen. Some models are made to accept Zebra G nibs. The pen is rather expensive but works well. Unfortunately the Zebra G is not known for smoothness.
Great vid. as always. You left me with a lot to think about. I just purchase 2 Himalayas during the FPR sale. I think that's a great start on my flex nib journey. I'm still contemplating my next step.
The Falcon soft fine is better, I have both and indeed the extra fine feels much scratchier. I also own the Bluedew and I agree with your assessment, from my point of view this is a quite remarkable pen with a great writing experience.
I have a Conklin durograph flex nib. The nib doesn't really do what it's supposed to do, but I do like using it because it has a nice amount of ink flow. No line variations possible. I'm kind of scared to go on a journey for a flex nib. LOOOOL
Thanks for an interesting show. Now, a question for you: In some of your shows you show the pens against a background of pages written in a Batarde script. Is this your own hand, or a facsimile reproduction of a contemporary document? If it is your own hand, I should be green with envy. Cheers from Australia.
Well... I must have at least a dozen of flex fountain pens. And the best one is definitely my Waterman 52 1/2. And I have to agree, the Bluedew is a great experience. And for the price, it's pretty good. But there is nothing that is comparable with the Waterman 52, even if I have some intersting vintage flex fountain pen, like the Swan. And I regret my Pilot Custom 912. For the price, if I had knew, I would have bought a vintage Conklin Cresent flex fine (I wish I had...)
This is an excellent comment. Thank you. I agree completely. The only modern nib that feels the same that I have found is the MB Egyptomania but it lacks line variation, so the feel is excellent and the performance is different. All the best!
@@HemingwayJones Writing with a good flexible nib is a lot of fun. But the pleasure and the satisfaction is higher when you get the line variation. I don't really calligraphy, but I like to work on my cursive writing. Definitely, the esthetic is the line variation
@@HemingwayJones I don't know the MB fountain pen. There's a store in Montreal and they are very expensive. I'd like to have a vintage one some day. I know Anne Frank was using a Mont Blanc. The passion for flex fountain pens is expensive. So, now I try to be more rational. But I think the next one, in modern fountain pen will be a Franklin Christoph gold nib flex with the cut out...
@@dominiquejacques8181 I didn’t know that about Anne Frank. Interesting. Yes, sincerely, any pen quest seems to be about time, experience, and mostly money! Still, I have made a lot of bad choices. Let me know what you think of the Franklin Christoph. All the best!
@@HemingwayJones I will. But it won't be too soon. Me too I have made a lot of bad choices. And I wish I had known long time ago about flex fountain pen. I bought my first one almost 20 years ago, a Cross that I paid 85$ Canadian. I thought fountain pen were flexible, like the Zebra nib. I hated that pen. But I didn't learn from my mistake, I bought Lamy, Sheaffer, Waterman, etc. A waste of money. After I bought some Noodler's, Pilot, FPR, Faber Castell, Kaweco, TWSBI... I have 30 fonctionnals + others that are small projects restoration... It's ridiculous 🤣 Sky is the limit. Well I learned. But I get to the point that I think I have enough... But still, I need one more, just the Franklin Christoph. It's like my bikes, I need one more... And I need one more sewing machine... Never enough 😁
Hello Hemingway ! Very nice video, I’d love to see a part 2 video on this topic based on the nibs you’ll no doubt find. I’d like to hear your thoughts on the nibs modified to flex from fpnibs, they offer both gold and steel nibs.
Thank you for a beautifully produced video. As for flex - I have a number of nibs. A Montblanc 54(?)1/2(?) - some fractional number anyway - I forget the exact model (I don't have it at hand). Pilot 743 with a falcon nib which is very good - which doesn't really keep up with Western writing - it's obviously designed for Chinese-derived scripts which doesn't need long cursive chains of letters. My favourite is a Nakaya portable writer (any model to be honest - they all have the same nibs) with a soft elastic nib - not as much line variation as the Montblanc but so nice to write with. The wonderful warm urushi coating is a joy to hold too! I am looking forward to finding a Scribo pen with a flex nib which I'm told is very good. (I do have the original company's Omas Milord extra flessible but I am not keen because it's already a Broad). I would also LOVE a Waterman 52 with a pink nib but most I've seen are way out of my price range.
Hola. Pudiera Usted decirme como ha sido la evolución del NIB de la Bluedew, ¿Se ha mantenido sin oxidarse? Un cordial saludo y los mejores deseos para este año 2023. Cordial saludo desde Medellín, Colombia.
¡Hola! No, no se ha oxidado. Lo hice saltar una vez y tuve que reemplazarlo, pero fue mi culpa. Es un plumín bastante bonito. Tal vez consiga uno extra en caso de que tenga un problema. ¡Todo lo mejor y gracias por mirar!
HJ - I have unfortunately passed up on Flexible nibs. It is because I just cannot control and write with a flexible nib. I seem to like stiffer nibs because I can control them.
@@HemingwayJones - I have a Pilot Falcon, the metal bodied one, with a nib adjusted by John Mottishaw. I can send it to you so that you can give the Falcon a second try, since your first experience with the Pilot Falcon FP wasnt so good. Let me know.
I would highly recommend the Montblanc 149 Calligraphy flex pen. I started my flex nib journey with the Pilot Falcon Elabo and found it under perfomed, then got my Waterman's 52V vintage flex pen, and it was my grail flex pen, until the sac disintegrated after running some red ink in it. The 149 Calligraphy flex nib is similar to the vintage Waterman's Ideal flex nib, but more practical for every day writing. It is perfection for me with a superb true EF nib that can flex up to 1.6 mm (double broad). It has a great feed and that keeps up with the flex, and the nib has very decent snap back. I had a Pilot Custom 912 FA which was a big disappointment because of hard starts and skips. I did the aftermarket 3 slot ebonite feed upgrade, but it still hard starts, and the flex is mushy. I think the MB 149 Calligraphy is the best modern flex pen out there. It is now available in the 146 size.
I have had approximately 30 flex pens. Almost every one of them leaked or had a feed that couldnt keep up. I have tried to use them as everyday writers. They are not that!!! If i had to choose a flex pen, it would be a waterman 12. These pens are really flexy, but often leak. I am not trying to me Debbie Downer, but i am just stating the facts of my experiences. I gave almost all of my collection to my daughter and i finally found my GRAIL pen, a boring Pilot 823. I lov it................Richard
The Justus 95 is useless if you’re looking for line variation.
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Hello Hemingway...I tried Tones of flex and semi flex..Bought ev on the market..Always disappointed, raillroads and lots of problems...I got two FPR pen and, in spite of the super flex NIBS, almost unusable.. The best i use almost everyday costs 20 euros 😂😂 the *wality Airmail 55* with a Kanwrite flex NIB..More over, no converter, you put directly your ink inside....Try^^ ! Bests regards ./ JF
Very interesting, thank you- the Blue Duo is new to me, I have to check it out! Do not worry about trying the Zebra nib, it is horrible, at least for me. Mine has stayed sad and abandoned in my pen drawer for years.... For modern flex-y pens I can recommend the Scribo from Bologna . I also have a lovely Namiki Falcon modified to write spencerian script, but I mostly use it for drawing instead where the flexing lines are fantastic, like drawing with a very sensitive brush! And then there are the vintage flex ones, but let us not walk down that lane or I will write for hours ;-) Thank you for letting me have an insight into pens I haven´t seen before!
Hello Charlotta! Oh how I love vintage flex pens! My 52 1/2 is like a paint brush. It’s so enjoyable. I’ll need to seek out some of those other pens you’ve mentioned. Thanks so much!
If flex is your passion many will say go for vintage. I see no reason why modern pen makers shouldn't produce a flex nib. Yes, many of the smaller companies do, but the heavyweights such as Parker, Sheaffer, Waterman don't seem to want to turn the clock back. Personally speaking, I cannot produce beautiful handwriting so a flex nib would be wasted on me. I have some flex pens, a gorgeous vintage Tropen for example, but I prefer a bit of resistance from the nib.
Hello David! I also have mixed feelings about flex. I love them and I love the pursuit of just the right one, but in actually writing with them, I am pretty rubbish. I wish I had the skill and I keep telling myself that I will acquire it, but so far… I haven’t. We know that the big manufacturers could. Montblanc did something very similar with the Egyptomania. All the best.
I know this video is over 1 year old and you might not see this comment but. You should try Mabie Todd Swan with wet noodle nib or Omas Minerva with EF flex nib.
I see most of my comments. I try to pay attention since you were nice enough to write. Thanks for watching and for the excellent suggestions. The Beast right now is the Mag600. Thanks and all the best.
@@HemingwayJones , yes, you do - I just asked because I wanted to be sure; sometimes I like how that ink looks like and sometimes I don't (in videos, I've never seen it in real life, so I guess I'm going to have to buy a bottle). Thanks again for your input (and videos)!
It can look different when filmed depending on lighting. It is quite lovely. I e never been disappointed. I did a whole video on it very early on. Good luck!
I don’t mind that at all. Many of the greatest vintage pens had this. “Waterman’s” and additional lines of information on the amazing flex nibs of the 20s & 30s. We all have our aesthetic though, so I get it. There are certainly things I do not care for. Thanks so much for watching and all the best.
Slowly working through your backlog, I intentionally do not want to binge as your videos are a source of peace and joy to me. The wonderful long ending on this one truly hit the spot with me. Thank you kindly kind Sir.
Thank you very much! I appreciate it. I appreciate the feedback and am alway curious what you think. All the best.
The Leica in the intro! Truly a man of culture. Great video! Can’t wait to keep watching.
Thank you very much! You are kind to say so. Thanks for being here!
I have the FPR Jaipur V2 with the updated ebonite feed. It keeps up fine, and the flex is great. Can't beat it.
That sounds great!
What ink do you find works well with Jaipur V2? I saw demos of the writing online and was impressed, but I bought it (the ultra flex nib and ebonite feed) and don't like it at all! Extremely scratchy, takes too much force to separate the tines, and I find it springs back so quickly that it's hard to control the bounce. The ebonite feed does not keep up, seems to need regular attention. Maybe I need to try with a different ink? Or, maybe just the FPR regular flex, not the ultra-fine flex? Will appreciate your thoughts.
My favorite thing about writing with fountain pens is line variation, so I had bought that pen with high hopes.
@@88Binky88 Mine is writing great. Did you return your pen for a replacement?
Thanks, HJ. I just received my first flex nib pen yesterday. It's a FPR Jaipur V2 in Mottled Brown Ebonite with the 14K EF Ultra Flex nib with the ebonite feed. I'm not very good with it yet, but I love it! It writes really wet and smooth. I also love the feeling of ebonite in my fingers.
That sounds amazing. I love FPR. It’s a great company.
FPR was the one who brought me to flex nibs. I'm grateful that they offer affordable flex nib experience, although I had a bit of bad luck. My Ambassador broke and unfortunately its lacquer started to peel off. But the experience with the flex nib encouraged me and I moved on. The next stop was Gravitas and their titanium fine flex nib. What an upgrade! Even more encouraged, I found another option: The Good Blue. I tried their steel and titanium flex nibs… I was a bit disappointed with the titanium one (I like Gravitas more), but the steel nibs are delightful and my favourite.
I do not believe I had ever heard of BlueDew before this video. Thanks for the heads up! I shall be ordering ASAP.
Thanks! Please let me know your thoughts when it arrives. All the best.
I know a number of pen sites talk about "grail pens" (usually expensive and rare) but I think a lot of us pen fans are in pursuit of the "Holy Grail" of a perfect flex nib. Honestly, I think 2/3 of my largish pen collection is due to the hunt for the perfect nib....only to discover latish in my time in the hobby the true value of a good nib meister! I sent off my Pelikan M800 (F) to Mike Masuyama, oh, must be 7-8 years ago now to have it reground to a cursive italic flex and what a wonder! Every so often I think I should let it "rest" (rotate out of use) but I enjoy it so much, it's inked ~ continuously.
A recent modern addition as. a terrific flex writer is the FPR Jaipur V2 with flex nib. Wow!
That is a great suggestion. Thank you. I have only recently begun exploring nib grinds. I cannot wait to see where it leads. Pursuit and discovery makes this hobby fun.
I also acquired the FPR Jaipur V 2. That plus the Noodler’s Triple Tail are my favorite flex nibs although I haven’t yet tried the Blue Dew
@@cathiescott7382 I need to try the Noodler’s. Thanks!
I purchased a bluedew on your recommendation... and it is a lot of fun. Thank you Hemingway Jones! I am still tempted by Pilot 912 fa nib... which I might still end up getting. The Bluedew is a bit scratchy though and for me it can spit ink (depending on the ink I use).
Hemingway. Thank you for sharing your life with us! You’re incredible!
Thank you for watching! You are entirely too kind. I appreciate your encouraging words.
You inspire me to paste beauty on paper by conveying the art of fountain pens, fountain pens are a dazzling world always full of surprises, thank you!
Thank you so much! I appreciate that!
I’m very interested in fountain pens with flexible nibs and I’ve love your video. It’s another instance of you deep knowledge of the fountain pen world, but, above all, is a delight the way you express yourself and you tell everything. My most sincere congratulations, once again.
Thank you very much. This is very kind and encouraging of you to say. I should update this with some of the ones that I have used since. Thanks!
Thanks for the recommendations. I’m beginning to be convinced that nothing can compare with a vintage Conklin, but enjoy looking.
Thanks for watching!
You are absolutely right about the Blue Dew.
Thank you!
I only have one modern Flex nib and it is the FA nib on the Pilot Custom Heritage 912. It is nice but needs a lot of attention while writing and you can write only very slowly (which sometimes is really nice and contemplating). My favourite flex nibs are on vintage (1940s/1950s) Pelikan pens. Although are not called "flex" they are incredibly soft and flexy and are super easy to write with every day. And then there are the really vintage ones, e.g. my Mabie Todd Swan pens - not for daily use but I love to use them on special occasions (a birthday letter to a precious friend or writing poems on special paper). Hugs from Germany.
Those vintage Pelikans sound amazing! Thanks so much for the great comment. All the best!
I'm not too happy with how hard it is to buy a really flexible but smooth nib, so I started modifying some stainless steel nibs to be super flexible and pretty smooth, finally happy with the levels of flex I'm getting from these nibs!
That sounds absolutely amazing. Nice work!
@@HemingwayJones thank you! If you would like, I can send one to you to have fun with in the next few months!
I have just discovered your program and it looks very interesting.
Thank you! Welcome!
I have two wonderful vintage flex pens, a Montblanc 642 and a Conklin #50. Two gems that no modern flex pens can come close to imitating. For me, nothing like the vintage flex nibs!
I agree completely! MB made some nice ones. I have a few myself. The modern MB Egyptomania feels like vintage flex but no real line variation. Thanks for the great comment
@@HemingwayJones also have to mention the Waterman’s ideals. The 56 and 7 especially. Very rare pens.
Hello Hemingway. Found your videos about a month ago. I enjoy your perspective, thank you. I like to think I am practicing Spencerian as well as Copperplate. I have dip pens and nibs as well as fountain pens and I was thrilled to hear you speak well of FPR and Bluedew. With the Himalaya version 2 and the new style converter they resolved any issues I had; larger nib and twist converter. They are great writers and yet I hear people knock them. One of my first pens had a cracked section and Kevin, from FPR, not only diagnosed the problem but also sent replacement. Anyway I enjoy your content and am catching up with older posts.
Hello Robbin! It’s lovely to hear from you. Thank you for the excellent comment and in formation. I would love to see your handwriting, I imagine it’s beautiful. I wish I could write Spencerian or Copperplate. I should take some lessons someday. I do indeed love both FPR and BlueDew. Both are trying to deliver a great pen at an affordable price. Do stop by again and all the best.
Right now, the Blue Dew is my favorite flex pen. It truly lays down a line from a hair's breath to an impressive width. Perhaps I'm overflowing the nib, but it is great to write with. Occasionally catches in the journal page, but my journals are not top-quality paper. I so agree with "Fossil Imprint," that your videos are such a peaceful and relaxing (not to mention tempting) experience.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it. The Bluedew is pretty amazing and a lot of fun to use. All the best!
Thanks for sharing your journey with flex pens 🙏 there was more wisdom and meaningful questions in your video than I expected to find in a FP video 😉
Thank you so much! I sincerely appreciate that. I am trying to offer a different perspective. All the best and thanks for stopping by.
FPR has a buy one get one free for black Friday on at the moment!!! - great to get the pen you always wanted and a free Christmas present for a loved one :)
That is a fantastic idea! I love FPR.
I ❤ flex. If you like the FPR steel Ultra-Flex, try their new 14k ultra-flex, it's such a delight. I put mine on a PenBBS while I wait for a Narwhal Nautilus to ship.
And Pilot's FA nib is a lot softer than their Falcon -- I have/like both, but the 823 FA gets way more use.
Thank you very much for the kind comment and tip! Thanks!
The Noodler's Ahab is excellent value and a good way for newbies to try a flex nib. (Basically, I'm a Waterman fan. Never had a bad nib from three-euro student pens to an Expert II. Cheap enough to carry daily.) Will look into Fountain Pen Revolution.
I love Waterman. I am right there with you.
I have realized that flex nibs are not for me. I write with a very light hand. So I look for pens that are very smooth and just glide across the paper. If I have to add much pressure, it is painful since I have osteoarthritis. Even trying to flex my Pineider Quill on my La Grande Belleza or on my soft Pelikan 140 can be painful. So, for line variation, I focus on very smooth stubs or cursive italic nibs. I do have a wonderful architect nib that is very easy to use. But I will check out the Blue Dew pen as you suggest. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
Thank you very much for the kind words and the comment. I appreciate it. I also like smooth and often these pursuits are at cross-currents. All the best.
I too write with an extremely light fast hand. Probably because I hold the pen closer to the top than the bottom, but I love flex nibs. Antique / vintage nibs that is. Older nibs are softer than today's nibs. They are cheaper, softer and smoother. I don't think they can make the nibs as good as in the past because the alloys no longer exist. If you want a great writer by vintage, not modern. Also, today's feeds can't keep up.
If someone can figure out how to tip a zebra g the fountain pen nib would be perfect!!!!
When at home I still prefer a good ole quill and just dip it.
I am not a fan of flex nibs for similar reasons. I just want a smooth easy writer where the weight of the pen does the work for me. I do however love nibs with a lot of ‘bounce’. I don’t need the the flex, where the tines spread apart, but when you get a bit of up and down bend in that makes any sense whatsoever.😅 The bouncier nibs tend to be the ones I find most comfortable.
Hello, just found your channel and I'm on the same journey. Try the Pilot custom 743 with the FA nib. Technically it is not for the North American market, but it is easy to find. Unlike the custom 912 it comes with the larger #15 FA nib as opposed to the #10 on the 912. Also the plastic feed keeps up, no need to buy an aftermarket nib. But I think it's best feature is it goes from a very thin line to a broadline. It is also stiff enough to be a daily writer without requiring a very light touch.
Happy to have you here! Thank you. Thanks for the great comment.
This video appeared on my feed, so I watched it. Great video!
Thank you so much!
What notebooks were you writing in with the Himalaya? gorgeous!
I am thinking that was one of my Bottega Obscura journals. Love them.
Again, a very helpful video. My experience with flex nibs has been disappointing. The Noodlers Ahab is an example of a nib that is hard as nails and flexing it feels like I'm going to tear through the paper. But to be fair, others have reported is softens up a bit after some use. I just never got that far. The FPR Ultra Flex is something I've been meaning to try, but the Blue Dew is new to me. So based on your recommendation, I'll try these and see what I think. Thanks very much for doing these videos.
Thanks! I hope you enjoy it! Their newer nibs can be a little finicky, so go gently and with a low attack angel.
You must put a great deal of work into your programs
RS
Canada
Thank you!
Great video !! While not a true flex, one of my favorite writers is my Pilot Falcon with a soft-medium nib. It’s perfect for my very limited “flexing” ability.
Thank you Gino! I appreciate it.
I agree about the Pilot Falcon. I was so seduced by the slo-mo video of the nib at work, I sprung for the metal version. Over the course of month’s I became increasingly despondent about my impulsive acquisition. It was an unrewarding experience in precisely the way you described. I sold it - at quite a loss - and felt better being shut of its aura shame.
I should sell mine! Except I keep it around for content and as a cautionary tale. I hope you found something better.
Not yet. Your video was helpful.
@@nedleonard3440 let me know if you do.
Surprisingly, when I try flex nibs it is much harder for me to get a fine line on upstrokes, than a wide line on the down strokes. Great effort is made to use a “light” hand but to no avail. So the quest continues. Thank you the video.
I agree completely. That is the toughest part, I think. The Montblanc 146 Calligraphy nib is great at this, but it is super pricey. A vintage Waterman 52 works well too.. All the best and good luck with your quest.
My Pineider soft quill fine point is the best flex I have so far. Thinking of trying an Omas one day...
It’s wonderful! Do you get much line variation from it? My medium doesn’t but it is so fantastic to write with.
FA nib with ebonite feed is the chef's kiss
That sounds wonderful! On the list! Thanks for watching.
I've got a few flexers. I am currently using the Noodler's Triple Tail, which I find particularly useful with the Noodler's 308 refillable, screw-in cartridges. Hasn't been railroading at all. I want a Waterman 52.5, which I've heard so many good things about, but I insist on trying before buying. I hope to find one at this year's San Francisco Pen Show, assuming it happens.
How is that Noodler's? I'd like to try that one. Pen Shows are so fun. I will be at the Commonwealth Pen Show in Sept in Somerville, MA.
@@HemingwayJones The Triple Tail requires quite a bit of pressure to flex somewhat, but it doesn't railroad. To me it was worth the $55. It also works in reverse.
Love Flex nibs. Had FPR nibs but a bit messy to use (inks on my hand everywhere). Montblanc calligraphy nib is the way to go.
I need to get my hands on one. Thanks for the tip.
Great thoughts! I definitely am looking for the perfect medium nib, and can’t wait until I find it!
Me too! There are some great ones out there. I just filmed a YT asking, can a pen be too perfect? And is that a bad thing? It's a great pen! Pilot Custom 823.
Hi there from Downunder Hemingway! Thank you for this video. I've been wanting to try a flex nib for sometime now. I've ordered the FPR Himalaya based on your recommendation (and its affordable price point!).
Hello and thank you for watching! Please let me know what you think when it arrives. All the best and thanks again
Hola.
Para mi flex nib es el máximo interés de los últimos años.
Ahora pienso comprar una Pilot 912 FA que dicen los expertos que es la más flexible de las plumas Pilot.
Pero esta reseña me ha puesto en el camino una nueva opción. La Blue.... Buscaré.
Oportuna reseña
I actually received a box of Zebra G nibs and a nib holder and just dip the nib into ink for flex writing. The Zebra G is a scratchy experience. I use this for searching my inks.
I’m saving my pennies for a MB 146 calligraphy pen. I think that will be the way to go for the best modern flex experience.
I have heard similar. That, the 149, and the gold one. MB does a nice job. All the best.
The quick view of the Benchmade lol
Another flex nib possibly worth a look at is the Good Blue Pen, are by a small London based company.
Sounds interesting. I’ll look them up. Thank you!
@@HemingwayJones
I enjoyed this interview the creator of the pen did
th-cam.com/video/ezvx4rRzta4/w-d-xo.html
Loved it !!
Thank you!
You must have gotten a special Montblanc Egyptomania pen. I have one and I hated it immediately because the nib on mine is so stiff it feels like a hard steel nib and writes incredibly dry. Definitely will be selling it.
That’s bizarre. It should be soft as a vintage gold nib. There is definitely something wrong there.
@@HemingwayJones Yeah maybe I should contact Montblanc. I bought it from an authorized and reputable dealer, so it’s not counterfeit. But my Lamy 2000 is softer than this pen.
Have you tried oriandcalli flex pens?
@@SJLamb-te3dt I have not. Not yet!
Nice pens! I have tried the FPR flex nib and have been impressed. The most line variation I have experienced is from a Desiderata pen. Some models are made to accept Zebra G nibs. The pen is rather expensive but works well. Unfortunately the Zebra G is not known for smoothness.
Thanks very much! I’ll seek it out.
Maybe try Leonardt 256
Great vid. as always. You left me with a lot to think about. I just purchase 2 Himalayas during the FPR sale. I think that's a great start on my flex nib journey. I'm still contemplating my next step.
Thank you very much! I am so glad you enjoyed it. Let me know what you decided to get next.
The Falcon soft fine is better, I have both and indeed the extra fine feels much scratchier. I also own the Bluedew and I agree with your assessment, from my point of view this is a quite remarkable pen with a great writing experience.
Thank you for the perspective Chris. I went with fine on the E95S. This is radical for me. All the best.
I got a Falcon F some years ago from John Mottishaw. He tuned it well, but its use remains a work in progress… I’ll get it or croak trying! D. Holmes
I have a Conklin durograph flex nib. The nib doesn't really do what it's supposed to do, but I do like using it because it has a nice amount of ink flow. No line variations possible. I'm kind of scared to go on a journey for a flex nib. LOOOOL
Hello Michelle, this happened to me too. The Pineider doesn't do what it is supposed to, yet I love it. It's odd.
Thanks for an interesting show. Now, a question for you: In some of your shows you show the pens against a background of pages written in a Batarde script. Is this your own hand, or a facsimile reproduction of a contemporary document? If it is your own hand, I should be green with envy. Cheers from Australia.
Hello and thank you very much! Those are not my work. They are facsimiles of Venetian documents. I thought they made a nice backdrop. All the best.
Well... I must have at least a dozen of flex fountain pens. And the best one is definitely my Waterman 52 1/2. And I have to agree, the Bluedew is a great experience. And for the price, it's pretty good. But there is nothing that is comparable with the Waterman 52, even if I have some intersting vintage flex fountain pen, like the Swan. And I regret my Pilot Custom 912. For the price, if I had knew, I would have bought a vintage Conklin Cresent flex fine (I wish I had...)
This is an excellent comment. Thank you. I agree completely. The only modern nib that feels the same that I have found is the MB Egyptomania but it lacks line variation, so the feel is excellent and the performance is different. All the best!
@@HemingwayJones Writing with a good flexible nib is a lot of fun. But the pleasure and the satisfaction is higher when you get the line variation. I don't really calligraphy, but I like to work on my cursive writing. Definitely, the esthetic is the line variation
@@HemingwayJones I don't know the MB fountain pen. There's a store in Montreal and they are very expensive. I'd like to have a vintage one some day. I know Anne Frank was using a Mont Blanc. The passion for flex fountain pens is expensive. So, now I try to be more rational. But I think the next one, in modern fountain pen will be a Franklin Christoph gold nib flex with the cut out...
@@dominiquejacques8181 I didn’t know that about Anne Frank. Interesting. Yes, sincerely, any pen quest seems to be about time, experience, and mostly money! Still, I have made a lot of bad choices. Let me know what you think of the Franklin Christoph. All the best!
@@HemingwayJones I will. But it won't be too soon. Me too I have made a lot of bad choices. And I wish I had known long time ago about flex fountain pen. I bought my first one almost 20 years ago, a Cross that I paid 85$ Canadian. I thought fountain pen were flexible, like the Zebra nib. I hated that pen. But I didn't learn from my mistake, I bought Lamy, Sheaffer, Waterman, etc. A waste of money. After I bought some Noodler's, Pilot, FPR, Faber Castell, Kaweco, TWSBI... I have 30 fonctionnals + others that are small projects restoration... It's ridiculous 🤣 Sky is the limit. Well I learned. But I get to the point that I think I have enough... But still, I need one more, just the Franklin Christoph. It's like my bikes, I need one more... And I need one more sewing machine... Never enough 😁
Hello Hemingway ! Very nice video, I’d love to see a part 2 video on this topic based on the nibs you’ll no doubt find. I’d like to hear your thoughts on the nibs modified to flex from fpnibs, they offer both gold and steel nibs.
Thanks so much! Oh yes, the adventure will continue. I definitely plan on doing more on this topic.
Hemingway, please PLEASE can you review the Montblanc calligraphy nib?
If I can get my hands on one, absolutely.
Thank you for a beautifully produced video. As for flex - I have a number of nibs. A Montblanc 54(?)1/2(?) - some fractional number anyway - I forget the exact model (I don't have it at hand). Pilot 743 with a falcon nib which is very good - which doesn't really keep up with Western writing - it's obviously designed for Chinese-derived scripts which doesn't need long cursive chains of letters. My favourite is a Nakaya portable writer (any model to be honest - they all have the same nibs) with a soft elastic nib - not as much line variation as the Montblanc but so nice to write with. The wonderful warm urushi coating is a joy to hold too!
I am looking forward to finding a Scribo pen with a flex nib which I'm told is very good. (I do have the original company's Omas Milord extra flessible but I am not keen because it's already a Broad). I would also LOVE a Waterman 52 with a pink nib but most I've seen are way out of my price range.
Thanks very much! I am always working on my production quality. I want them to look good on a large screen. I have trouble with the Falcon too.
@@HemingwayJones you’re doing an excellent job - very high production values. 👍👏
@@aag24 Thank you!
Hola. Pudiera Usted decirme como ha sido la evolución del NIB de la Bluedew, ¿Se ha mantenido sin oxidarse? Un cordial saludo y los mejores deseos para este año 2023.
Cordial saludo desde Medellín, Colombia.
¡Hola! No, no se ha oxidado. Lo hice saltar una vez y tuve que reemplazarlo, pero fue mi culpa. Es un plumín bastante bonito. Tal vez consiga uno extra en caso de que tenga un problema. ¡Todo lo mejor y gracias por mirar!
@@HemingwayJones Gracias por su gentileza. Cordial saludo desde Medellín, Colombia.
Dear gentlemen, I'm afraid I am the guy to mention the Noodler's konrad flex pen 🧐🍷
It’s a good call, My Friend! Especially since Noodler’s are from my state, Massachusetts. All the best.
What about the Pilot E95S ???
I love that pen, but it doesn’t have a flex nib.. It’s a touch bouncy and so elegant. I did do a video on it as well.
HJ - I have unfortunately passed up on Flexible nibs. It is because I just cannot control and write with a flexible nib. I seem to like stiffer nibs because I can control them.
That makes perfect sense. I can really write with one either. I do enjoy it and may learn one day. All the best, My Friend.
@@HemingwayJones - I have a Pilot Falcon, the metal bodied one, with a nib adjusted by John Mottishaw. I can send it to you so that you can give the Falcon a second try, since your first experience with the Pilot Falcon FP wasnt so good. Let me know.
Thanks!
Thank you very very much!
Nice video! Can I ask what blue ink you used in the FPR demo? I really like that blue!
Gee, I wish I could remember. Often I write it in what I am writing so that I do. It could be Moonview 2 with showing the shading. So sorry.
If I can figure it out I’ll let you know.
@@HemingwayJones I was guessing Pennonia, from the same video in your ink book...
I would highly recommend the Montblanc 149 Calligraphy flex pen. I started my flex nib journey with the Pilot Falcon Elabo and found it under perfomed, then got my Waterman's 52V vintage flex pen, and it was my grail flex pen, until the sac disintegrated after running some red ink in it. The 149 Calligraphy flex nib is similar to the vintage Waterman's Ideal flex nib, but more practical for every day writing. It is perfection for me with a superb true EF nib that can flex up to 1.6 mm (double broad). It has a great feed and that keeps up with the flex, and the nib has very decent snap back. I had a Pilot Custom 912 FA which was a big disappointment because of hard starts and skips. I did the aftermarket 3 slot ebonite feed upgrade, but it still hard starts, and the flex is mushy. I think the MB 149 Calligraphy is the best modern flex pen out there. It is now available in the 146 size.
Sounds wonderful. Thank you! I am a big fan of MB.
I have the MB calligraphy, and love it. It's my daily journaling pen. But also have the Bluedew in the post.....can't wait!!!!!
@@rodchung173 I just ordered the MB calligraphy. I cannot wait for it to arrive. You know that I will certainly do a video on it soon. All the best!
I have had approximately 30 flex pens. Almost every one of them leaked or had a feed that couldnt keep up. I have tried to use them as everyday writers. They are not that!!! If i had to choose a flex pen, it would be a waterman 12. These pens are really flexy, but often leak. I am not trying to me Debbie Downer, but i am just stating the facts of my experiences. I gave almost all of my collection to my daughter and i finally found my GRAIL pen, a boring Pilot 823. I lov it................Richard
Richard, I think you nailed it! The 823 is perfect! Thanks for watching! My favorite flex now is the Waterman 5.
It’s funny that FPRs which’re made in India aren’t available in India for purchase !
Ever tried Justus 95 ?
I didn’t know that. I haven’t tried the Justus. I will look for it.
The Justus 95 is useless if you’re looking for line variation.
Hello Hemingway...I tried Tones of flex and semi flex..Bought ev on the market..Always
disappointed, raillroads and lots of problems...I got two FPR pen and, in spite of the super flex NIBS, almost unusable..
The best i use almost everyday costs 20 euros 😂😂 the *wality Airmail 55* with a Kanwrite flex NIB..More over, no converter, you put directly your ink inside....Try^^ ! Bests regards ./ JF
Thanks JF! I appreciate the tip. I will seek it out. All the best!
I've seen this title like a hundred times,hope this one is different.
Very interesting, thank you- the Blue Duo is new to me, I have to check it out! Do not worry about trying the Zebra nib, it is horrible, at least for me. Mine has stayed sad and abandoned in my pen drawer for years.... For modern flex-y pens I can recommend the Scribo from Bologna . I also have a lovely Namiki Falcon modified to write spencerian script, but I mostly use it for drawing instead where the flexing lines are fantastic, like drawing with a very sensitive brush! And then there are the vintage flex ones, but let us not walk down that lane or I will write for hours ;-) Thank you for letting me have an insight into pens I haven´t seen before!
Hello Charlotta! Oh how I love vintage flex pens! My 52 1/2 is like a paint brush. It’s so enjoyable. I’ll need to seek out some of those other pens you’ve mentioned. Thanks so much!
If flex is your passion many will say go for vintage. I see no reason why modern pen makers shouldn't produce a flex nib. Yes, many of the smaller companies do, but the heavyweights such as Parker, Sheaffer, Waterman don't seem to want to turn the clock back. Personally speaking, I cannot produce beautiful handwriting so a flex nib would be wasted on me. I have some flex pens, a gorgeous vintage Tropen for example, but I prefer a bit of resistance from the nib.
Hello David! I also have mixed feelings about flex. I love them and I love the pursuit of just the right one, but in actually writing with them, I am pretty rubbish. I wish I had the skill and I keep telling myself that I will acquire it, but so far… I haven’t. We know that the big manufacturers could. Montblanc did something very similar with the Egyptomania. All the best.
Pen name?pls send link
I know this video is over 1 year old and you might not see this comment but. You should try Mabie Todd Swan with wet noodle nib or Omas Minerva with EF flex nib.
I see most of my comments. I try to pay attention since you were nice enough to write. Thanks for watching and for the excellent suggestions. The Beast right now is the Mag600. Thanks and all the best.
try the good blue flex nib
Don’t know that one. Thanks.
Watch this video in 1.25x you will enjoy this more. Sorry but it does.
Try the Mont Blanc calligraphy nib (watch?v=uWNSotzqQXM), it came out around 2019 (?). Thank you for these wonderful videos!🥰
I have a bunch of videos on that one. I have it on the 146. Thanks for watching.
Hello, can you share the name of the ink used in the FPR Himalaya pen (min 7:30)? Thank you! (is it Kon-peki?)
Hello and thanks for watching. I do say it is Kon-Peki, so I am assuming it is. It's been a few years on this one! Thanks!
@@HemingwayJones , yes, you do - I just asked because I wanted to be sure; sometimes I like how that ink looks like and sometimes I don't (in videos, I've never seen it in real life, so I guess I'm going to have to buy a bottle).
Thanks again for your input (and videos)!
It can look different when filmed depending on lighting. It is quite lovely. I e never been disappointed. I did a whole video on it very early on. Good luck!
the bluedew is fine except for that hideous imprint of the name on the body
I don’t mind that at all. Many of the greatest vintage pens had this. “Waterman’s” and additional lines of information on the amazing flex nibs of the 20s & 30s. We all have our aesthetic though, so I get it. There are certainly things I do not care for. Thanks so much for watching and all the best.
2:33 Oops
Did I miss something!? Thanks for watching.
jestem poszukiwaczem flexa. mam kilkaset piór wiecznych . najnoeszym flexem mym jest onoto lever pen de la rue 3st
Wonderful! Seeking flex is an interesting journey. Thanks for watching.