Wow! I am honored to have my work featured in your videos. I am humbled that you would speak so highly of them. So many other amazing artisans and brilliant works of art featured here. Thank you!
No, thank YOU for evolving the tools and pushing the envelopes. I'm inspired to try stacking myself (though I'll try to do the cold welding approach at first) Btw, placed an order for a SoDF, but I have a lot of questions before you start working on it. Shall I wait till January? Don't want to bug you during the holidays.
Well, your nibs are awesome so I had to feature it! I just realized I didn't put your contact info up (was an all nighter getting this video out) but I corrected it--sorry about that!
Thank you, Pen Realm. Thanks to your wonderful talent you now have me as a new and faithful customer. We admire you for your unbelievable craftsmanship and skills. Bless you.
Thanks so much Jacob! Yes, I'm thinking that is the pen that sums me up: dropped it off a table, washed it, had Hiroko urushi it and then stuck a monster nib in there...oh, and used a chromo shader in it!
It really is! Make sure you are careful with it (not because of any defect with the nib, it's because modern flex usually takes so much pressure and it doesn't need it!)
Your voice is so soothing, but the nibs are making me go crazy. You definitely have a good eye for the unique. Please continue to share your treasure with your viewers.
I feel like I would love to take a field trip to visit your office and just play with your pen and nib collection: watching this video had me drooling! Such a gorgeous array of nibs!
hahaha! Drooling. That's a new one! What you would find in my office is a giant mess! The last few videos have had me inking up WAAAY too many pens! Thanks!💕
Thank you very for yet another magnificent video. I'm mostly a vintage fountain pen collector but I have become quite interested in new, upscale fountain pens, especially when they're well presented and explained by someone as gifted as you.
Thanks Steven! I love vintage but it’s hard to do a vid on them as it’s an endless deep rabbit hole. I just came back from the CA pen show and I forgot how much vintage is at US shows. Here in Japan, it’s mostly new items they are introducing.
Thanks so much for this video! I am into beautiful looking nibs that also write well. This video was apropos as I am saving up for an Edison pen-I like the nib detail that shows a nib engraved on it. Those stacked nibs are amazing!
Thank you! If you get a chance (or are inclined to) my EF nib in the Mina was adjusted by Brian (I got it at a show) to be a wet writer. He couldn't understand why I just didn't get an F. But that nib is a dream--especially with saturated inks.
As always, I find your videos to be so peaceful and beautifully done. Loved all the crazy nibs and really hope I get to try the stacked nibs someday when I have the budget.
really loved your video, i had no idea of the amount of odd nibs out there apart from some vintage ones. thanks for the insight and maybe i'll be lucky enough to aquire some of those beautiful gold nibs when the maker decides to start selling them.
@@InkyRocks looks like another reason for me to get back enthralled with the fountain pen hobby having taken a break for a short bit now. but again thanks for the content! Have a good one!
I love weird nibs so much, I have all sizes of monster nibs and some flex nibs and even a stacked nib and I always need more, line width variation is just so fun to draw with
Stacked nib with one of my favorite chromo shading inks is a pen goal for 2022. Thank you for another beautiful and informative video as always! Those monster nibs are something else 😮
These are some amazing nibs. I wish I could get at least one but I know that they are limited and look at the date. Someday, someday... I enjoyed this broadcast. Not the usual one but so much fun seeing all these nibs.. THANKS
Wow, this was almost overload for my senses! So many gorgeous, unique nibs and beautiful writing! I hope to one day get to play with such things. ‘The shovel’ and the flexies stood out to me as one to check into…I know I probably won’t be able to touch any of these for a couple years, but it’s something to look forward to!
I was excited to see the Flex Commander in action! I have been looking for reviews of this nib for quite a while and couldn't find anything. It looks like an amazing nib.
I am a teacher who writes exclusively in fountain pens, Thank you for sharing this pen collection and I am hoping to one day be able to find/afford pens with these nibs, especially the stacked ones.
You are an inspiration to your students. If you are interested in sharing some inexpensive pens and ink with your students, contact me on my IG or the email listed in my about page.
Your pen collection is awe inspiring, i have one Italic nib and I love it. However, the specialty of your collection is like going to a candy store. Wishing you a great New Year!
What a wonderful selection of beautiful, fun and crazy nibs. Also really nice to see you using some of Jose Munuera's nibs, of which I have a stacked nib and one of his architect grinds. Both are fab. Interesting nibs is definitely my jam right now.
I have a pen BBS called Snow w snow flakes on the nib. It writes really well… The stacked nibs are so fabulous… I love your vids and exquisite filming and experience. Thank you.
Always enjoy your unique videos. I love all your sparkly pens! I love all the interesting nibs, too. I still prefer gold nibs over any other material. I marvel at where you find all your unique stuff (and I am a bit jealous, too!) :) Happy holidays and thank you for your videos and all the special information you provide.
Loved your video. Thanks for the quality of the audio and the pictures. Thanks for letting us know more about the different kinds of nibs. I thought that jewels on nibs was something of the fantasy novels, but now that I know they really exist and are functional, oh my! A new grial has born for me.
hahaha! I know! When I first saw a nib with a gemstone, my world axis kind of tilted. I was like "whaaat?!" Now I'm more like "why not?" Glad you enjoyed the vid. Thank you so much!
Oh my goodness! I almost had a heart attack after seeing so many pretty/crazy pens. Thank you, thank you, Alesa, for sharing all those pens/nibs that otherwise we could never see. That beautiful nib by Annabelle, hammered and such a wet writer, I'm in love. I think I need to unpack my soldering tools and start messing with silver sheets, and Jowo nibs. May you have a wonderful New Year! Year of the Tiger!!
Thank you so much Gaby! Anabelle is really talented and for a lack of a better word: "educated". I think her training in goldsmithing allows her to stretch some borders that other may not be able to. She is such an exciting part of the future of fountain pens!
Hey, Alesa! As always, your videos are a HUGE source of sheer happiness for me (and a lil jealousy as well... 😂 of the good kind 🥰 Lol... Love ya, girl 😘 !!!) Those hammered silver/gold nibs are, literally, a piece of art... A one of a kind jewelry, that I - personally - would be afraid to use. It's way too beautiful & precious for a day-to-day use, in my amateur & clumsy hands, at least... 😆 Anyhow, thanks a lot for the outstanding demos & fascinating info. Your hand lettering, btw, is the most gorgeous & relaxing thing to watch ❤ !!! Wishing you & your family A HAPPY N-E-W YEAR! Liat
Liat! You always cheer me up! Thank you so much! I agree, that hammered nib is like jewelry! My lettering is pretty bad compared to all the wonderful calligraphers out there on the internet but I enjoy doing it, so its all good! Enjoy your holidays and have a great new year!
I'm so glad you like my nib but I actually, i have been using the silver jewelled nib every day for a few months now and it's holding up beautifully! I should have sent writing samples of that one too.
Wow! This procession of amazing nibs just kept getting better and better as the video went along. Even to have one of these would be a thrill. Thanks you for sharing so much beauty and innovation. I'm a big Annabelle Hiller fan from afar and am eager to see what she does next. Thank you so much for this amazing video!
Your voice, the music, the amazing photography. All very relaxing and unlike any other pen channel out there. I have never seen such a wide variety of nibs. Oh, I must ask, do you still fly with your pilot's license?
WOW! Just wow! I adore the offbeat, the interesting and the creative. These nibs need the proper ‘home’ where they need to be placed for maximum & most beneficial use… They need to be ‘married’ to the correct fountain pen design… You covered a lot of material very rapidly. Many of these nibs will eventually need an individual video dedicated to them alone. Maybe I’m crazy, but the fountain pen industry needs to still catch up to its fashion potential. They can be fashion accessories. But they must be well thought-out designs from the the very tip to the very top of the pen. All must be in harmony; either all must blend or there must be contrast which is harmonious in its way… I can see it, but I am no designer. I was more of a merchandiser & one who assisted with color choices + sales by traveling 10 months out of 12. Wholesale trade shows were a big part of my life. This was in my previous business which was a specialized segment of the fashion industry. It is exciting to watch all unfold… Thank-you for your always interesting previews… You are a real talent. It’s funny, but I still think about your little dog. I wondered if you brought a new puppy to live with you…
Thank you so much! And thanks for the insight into design--it would be interesting to see if a company can achieve that. I think part of the problem is that cost will be a factor and fountain pens may not be so high up on people's priority lists. We haven't gotten another dog--I'd love to but we want to travel a bit before settling down and her "baby sitting" costs were so high hahaha! Thank you for asking after her--we still miss Truffles.
First and foremost: HAPPY NEW YEAR! May the best of 2019 (we'll leave out 2020 and 2021, shall we?) be the worst of 2022! Holy smokes, Alesa, you've got some pretty crazy nibs in your collection. The stacked nibs in particular blew me away. I had honestly never seen anything like it. I can't wait for your video explaining why gold nibs aren't inherently better than other nibs. I was considering getting a Sailor Pro Gear FIKA Cup but I was still a bit on the fence because Sailor Pro Gears are so much more expensive than Pro Gear Slims here (375€ for the FIKA, 149€ for the Fairy Tale Vega). I think I'll wait for your video to drop before I make up my mind. :) Do you happen to remember which blue ink you've got in the Fuliwen pen (around the 6:00 minute mark)? It's beautiful.
Thank you for another amazing video! This video opens my eyes to the nibs world! I just sent my wingsung lucky 14k nib to a nibmeister for adding flex, I hope it will turn out well. I got the Kakimori brass metal nib from Yoseka. It doesn't handle shimmer inks as great as I thought it would be :(.
@@bravery2047 The shimmer doesn't flow down as much as I hope would be especially with heavy shimmering inks (the shimmers don't clog the nib but they stuck at the grooves so it takes extra time to clean the nib).
That is next level cool--sending that Lucky nib to a nibmeister! I think the problem with that Kakimori nib is that the grooves are not really smooth on the inside and as a result shimmer gets stuck and also the nib is kinda hard to clean. Like anything, there is no one "holy grail" nib that does everything but that doesn't stop me from searching hahaha! Thanks so much Lin!💖
Oh they are all so pretty! I am currently eying one of the new “premium” kaweco steel nibs, because they are just so beautiful, the golden variant reminds me of the sun, the silver/steel one of a star. They will look so good… man I really should order one or two
I have a question. Does the pen matter in terms of using a particular nib to get large ink flow? Example you use the Opus 88 which always lays down lots of ink; but if I were to use a Jinhao would I get the same effect with a triple nib as with an Opus 88? Also until I've seen this presentation on flex nibs I have always hated them because I felt I was in danger of ruining the nib (like the Noodler flex) due to the pressure required. Thank you so much for this episode, I have learned so much. Have a great New Year.
Hi Wendy. I don't know if the pen makes a difference but I have found that eyedroppers work more for me when I need a large inkflow. The Opus is an eyedropper. I don't know what kind of Jinhao you would be talking about. I have also found that if you have a fitting for a CC on your nib and you are using an eyedropper, it slows down the ink just a bit. You do need to be careful with a nib like the Flex Commander as you could spring it if you use too much pressure (that's why I called it an advanced nig). But then, I have had a Noodler's flex pen explode on me (literally came apart in my hands) as I was using so much pressure to flex (those things take ham fists to get them to flex). The way to keep from springing a flex is to see what it is capable of and then keeping your lines thinner than what it can do. For instance, Kirk sends a writing sample of the "safe limits of flex" with your nib. Then you just make sure you flex less than that.
The first stacked nibs I came across were from Sailor back in the early 2000's. There was no market for them in US. I picked up some crazy nibs for very little money. Then mid 2000's Sailor had their 80 some year old nibmeister come to NYC & DC.He explained what the nibs were. His son spoke pretty good English, which was helpful.
I have three of Kirk Speer's Secretary of de Flex nibs including a 1.5 stub. The Flex Commander is definitely on the shopping list for once I've got all the other things...
Last year I just restarted my hobby of collecting fountain pens, and I spent time thinking about how to use them in my current life. However, I only paid attention to the fountain pens themselves, and I dismissed the real heart of them: the nibs. Thanks for sharing your experience with them.
I saw the Instagram post before this video and just WOW! I wanted one of Ralphs nibs in 2019, unavailable by then, but it got me started on a search that has been incredibly satisfying! Somebody in Ireland is going to get a message from me very soon….
hahaha! His IG is just crazy. He is experimenting with so many kinds of nibs--this video was just the tip of the iceberg. I have two Ralph nibs and treasure them. Good luck on your nib adventure!💞
@@InkyRocks Very much! Vey, very interesting examples, very very good close-ups, and explanation. I'm glad that you share your collection here on YT. PS. Imho in the end of a day, THE NIB is what it's all about :)
I’m still a noob when it comes to nibs. I write in a small script so I often went with EF nibs but am starting to experiment with other nibs. I agree with you on the beauty of Annibel hammered nib towards the end. I’ll have to look out for it.
I also started out as an EF person. Now, I'm all over the place. I don't think there is a nib size out there that I don't enjoy. Each has it's place and strengths.
@@InkyRocks I am trying to think of some koan or haiku involving (inky) rock gardens and open minds through nib enlightenment... all leading to sparkly samsara in the ink numa.... (OK maybe I shouldn't quit the day job to become a poet). By the way, I enjoyed your interview/talk on Appelboom. Enjoy TIPS. Don't work/volunteer too hard. Best to CY, Jacob, and Khuê. I've become a big fan of the poadcast and keep learning.
I was a little surprised not to see a Wing Sung 765 or similar pen with its style of folded nib. I particularly love this nib for its sturdiness. And low price. Though both are called folded, it is nothing like the Monster nib you mention. Which I hated and tossed out. To each his own.
I had to look up the Wing Sung 765--I had not seen it before! It does look pretty awesome! I really have no need to lay down a bunch of ink (I don't do swatches etc) except when I'm just playing around and even a letter opening works for that for me.
Oh dear. Should have come with a warning to have a bucket and a mop on hand. I'll have a hard time falling asleep tonight... Ah, important question. I just installed the monster nib on regular #5 Jinhao pens with plastic feeds and is was mostly fine, though it would sometimes draw mostly with the top of the nib and the bottom was more sporadic (so you get a wild uncontrollable random line hight variation. Cool for some art but not calligraphy). Is the ebonite feed really a recommend upgrade?
Bucket and a mop 🤣🤣🤣. An ebonite feed has less ink flow restriction due to its simpler design. This is why most nibs with any kind of heavier flow requirement is supplemented with an ebonite feed.
@@penrealm8345 in our world WAP is Wet Ass Pen, but here I was of course talking about excessive salivation ;) What's a good source for ebonite feeds then? FPR? I don't see myself cutting my own just yet...
Yes, the lady that told me about these monster nibs uses the ebonite feed from the FPR flex nibs. I just used the standard ebonite feed that you can purchase by itself from FNF (flexible nib factory). Glad you enjoyed all the cool nibs!
Penrealm doesnt seem to have flex commander anymore which is such a bummer since I just saved up enough money to buy one of them :( No secretary de flex either alas. I am curious though, how do the nibs compare in regards to each other?
I think you need to order them. Then he makes it. They both safely flex about the same amount but the gold one is softer. Just breathing heavy makes it flex hahaha!
Incredibly thorough overview of all different aspects of nibs, from special engraving all the way to crazy handmade specialist nibs. Your macro photography is so good. Love the details. Only cringed a little with the swapping of vintage nibs into modern pens, and as you explain, if the vintage pens aren't in good shape ... why not, right? Thanks for another fascinating video!
Thank you so much Heidi! Actually my macro shots bug me to no end as they are not as clear as I would like them to be. I don't know if it's my lens (very cheap) or something I'm doing hahaha! Yes, I agree--those pens were pretty shabby and the Todd nib was actually in a Shaeffer body when I bought it. The lady was trying to preserve that great nib. I can totally see not taking apart a vintage pen in great condition!
Still watching the video, but I gasped so loud when you said you're considering selling the Shishikura Moonlit Sakura! If you ever decide to sell it I know where it could go to a good home... 🙋🏽♀️
Omg, that gemstone nib !! I need it like a hole in my head. (It would make a nice pendant). How would one clean it, if by happenstance one doesn't clean pens for months? (Crustation/dried ink) And I do like that flexy one. So that's a music nib. This is another informative video for me. Thank you very much.
Well the music nib I showed is pretty non-standard. It's usually just a three tined two slit nib, but Jose put his own crazy spin on it. Having a gemstone nib is so right up my alley hahaha! I'm only using fairly trustworthy inks that I know don't crust up with it and it should be fine to go into a sonic cleaner. Glad you got something out of the video!
So, what do nib numbers stand for? Like a no 8, no 6, etc...I understand extra fine, fine, medium, broad, extra broad, etc, but there no no explanation of that the numbers mean.
Yes F, M, B etc are a measurement of the width of the line you write. And these are not standardized. There are some general consensus, like a Japanese F writes a thinner line than a western F. The other numbers are for the actual size of the nib. Like a MB 149 nib is far larger than say, a Preppie nib. The problem with that also, is there is no standardization. Each company determines what they call their big nibs down to their smaller ones. The only one that makes real sense is Jowo. Their nib sizes are the diameter of the feed in mm. The most common Jowo sizes are 5 and 6 and the diameter of the feeds that fit those nibs are 5 and 6mm respectively. In general, for other companies, the bigger the number, the bigger the actual size of the nib.
5:54 “… but for some reason, the marking on this nib is ４２０. I’m not really sure why.” (Cut to scene of young metallurgists giggling and high-fiving together in the middle of a bong cloud.)
Know of anyone else that makes interesting dip pen nibs/crow quill? I primarily use dip pen for artistic uses but like to branch out with interesting types of nibs. Most flex pens don't cut it for me so I had a dip pen holder and a crow quill made for me to have consistency.
Sorry, but I've only used this Kakimori steel nib and the standard Zebra G nibs. The Kakimori nib is stiff and will give you a consistent standard line but you have to hold it at the same angle, which may be a problem.
@@rubenbajapantydj The gold stacked ones are from TokyoStationPens and the gold flex one is from PenRealm. The gold hammered one is from @stringsandpedals on IG.
It depends on what you want out of an ink. Best general all around blue inks for me is Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo or Waterman Serenity Blue. Best value and partial waterproofness would be Pilot Blue Black. Best waterproof with good flow is DeAtrementis Document blue.
Corrected subtitles and translations up! IG contacts for the people mentioned in the video is in the description box!
where Justus95?
@@Cortesevasive awesome nib--I don't have one
That hammered one is absolutely stunning. 😁
Isn't it?! I thought so too!
Wow! I am honored to have my work featured in your videos. I am humbled that you would speak so highly of them. So many other amazing artisans and brilliant works of art featured here. Thank you!
No, thank YOU for evolving the tools and pushing the envelopes. I'm inspired to try stacking myself (though I'll try to do the cold welding approach at first)
Btw, placed an order for a SoDF, but I have a lot of questions before you start working on it. Shall I wait till January? Don't want to bug you during the holidays.
@Seefood I'm happy to hear that others are inspired. I hope you can dream up some amazing creations and then make them a reality!
Well, your nibs are awesome so I had to feature it! I just realized I didn't put your contact info up (was an all nighter getting this video out) but I corrected it--sorry about that!
@@penrealm8345 btw, any basic texts to look for (I have basic maker chops), Trial and error, or should I seek a basic jeweller course?
Thank you, Pen Realm. Thanks to your wonderful talent you now have me as a new and faithful customer. We admire you for your unbelievable craftsmanship and skills. Bless you.
This video is an educational work of art, a visual textbook. Thank you.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like it!
Hi Aleas, that presentation is one of my favorites that i will watch over and over again. Cheers Peter...
Thank you so much Peter! I'm so glad you think it's worth watching more than once!🌸💞
Thanks so much for the tour of your exotic nib garden, wow!
Nib garden! What a great visual--thanks!
Thank you for the beautiful video. I never realized there are so many different kinds of nibs out there!
I bit off more than I could chew and this video got too long but I had to leave out so many hahaha! Thank you so much!
Fascinating, I have learnt so much about unique nibs. Your voiceover is so relaxing to listen to. Thank you.
I’m so glad. I get grief for my voice- so lovely comment hahha!
What an epic video! Well worth the wait. That wacky Bokumondoh Kasama with monster architect nib is the perfect Inky Rocks pen...
Thanks so much Jacob! Yes, I'm thinking that is the pen that sums me up: dropped it off a table, washed it, had Hiroko urushi it and then stuck a monster nib in there...oh, and used a chromo shader in it!
So glad you gave Jose a mention. I love talking to him in pen groups
awesome! I've not talked to him--just lots of messages!
Wow! I had no idea such beautiful and creative nibs existed.
Pretty crazy! Have a great new year Jackie!🎉💥
Seriously turned me onto some great flex nibs I've never heard of before like the Pen Realms nibs! That flex commander looks amazing.
It really is! Make sure you are careful with it (not because of any defect with the nib, it's because modern flex usually takes so much pressure and it doesn't need it!)
Your voice is so soothing, but the nibs are making me go crazy. You definitely have a good eye for the unique. Please continue to share your treasure with your viewers.
Thank you so much! I really enjoy unique nibs!💖
Oh, what interesting video! A class on diferent nibs. Fantastic. Thanks.
Thank you Milton! Glad you enjoyed it!
That flex stub is so cool! I didn’t even know these existed
I know! The first time I saw it, I was happily freaked out!
I feel like I would love to take a field trip to visit your office and just play with your pen and nib collection: watching this video had me drooling! Such a gorgeous array of nibs!
hahaha! Drooling. That's a new one! What you would find in my office is a giant mess! The last few videos have had me inking up WAAAY too many pens! Thanks!💕
Wow! Packed with tons of information!!!! Thank you very much!
I'm glad you thought so! Take care!💝
Terrific Video! Thank you for taking the time to share!
Thank you so much--fuel to keep me going!
This is a beautiful tour - thank you!
Thanks so much! I now have about 30 pens I need to clean...
Impressive amount of information, close-ups, displays, etc...Your videos are Unique🏆🥇🎄
Thank you so much! This took a couple of months to put together!
If not the best one of the best nib videos of 2021. Thank you for sharing this content with all of us.
Thank you so much! It was pretty crazy putting this one together!
Fantastic overview; thank you!
Thank you so much!💞
Alesa thank you once again for this lovely overview, so much to choose from.
Thanks so much Peter! Have a great new year!💝
Mahalo Alesa for your efforts in sharing all these "wild" nibs. Have a safe and wonderful 2022! Thomas
Thank you so much Thomas! Enjoy your holidays and have a great 2022!
These are absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you!🌸
Thank you very for yet another magnificent video. I'm mostly a vintage fountain pen collector but I have become quite interested in new, upscale fountain pens, especially when they're well presented and explained by someone as gifted as you.
Thanks Steven! I love vintage but it’s hard to do a vid on them as it’s an endless deep rabbit hole. I just came back from the CA pen show and I forgot how much vintage is at US shows. Here in Japan, it’s mostly new items they are introducing.
That Agatha Christie nib is so great!
isn't it?! I'm so jealous but that pen is a bit too expensive for me!
Wow, I had no idea that any of these existed. (And I want them all) Thanks for a very educational and entertaining video!
thank you so much--glad you found it educational! 💞
wow all these nibs are super impressive! thank you for featuring them will share this in our Fountain Pen Network Philippines page!
Thank you so much! And thanks for the heads-up so I can finally log into Face Book hahaha!💖
Amazing nibs! thanks for sharing all this information.
Thank you so much Kate!💝
Woow this video must have taken you so much effort and time! Thank you so much! Loved the nibs you showcased :)
It really did hahaha ( the clean up is awful...) But I'm so gratified that you enjoyed it--Thank you so much Valentina!💖
That was a great tour some very cool and/or interesting nibs. I absolutely want to order one the Kanwrite titanium nibs now!
Thank you so much--glad you got something out of it! Those nibs are pretty cool and reasonable in price!
Thanks so much for this video! I am into beautiful looking nibs that also write well. This video was apropos as I am saving up for an Edison pen-I like the nib detail that shows a nib engraved on it. Those stacked nibs are amazing!
Thank you! If you get a chance (or are inclined to) my EF nib in the Mina was adjusted by Brian (I got it at a show) to be a wet writer. He couldn't understand why I just didn't get an F. But that nib is a dream--especially with saturated inks.
@@InkyRocks I will definitely check it out. Thanks for your reply!
So much fun in here and beautifully shot as usual. Really enjoyed it. :)
Thank you--glad you enjoyed it!💝
As always, I find your videos to be so peaceful and beautifully done. Loved all the crazy nibs and really hope I get to try the stacked nibs someday when I have the budget.
Thank you so much! It will be good to wait as I bet more different one will come out/get experimented with!💞
This is very informative! I love the section on flex nibs and I think I have a few to check out now! :) Thank you for this wonderful video!
Thanks so much Erick! I really need to do a flex vid but it sounds so-much!
really loved your video, i had no idea of the amount of odd nibs out there apart from some vintage ones. thanks for the insight and maybe i'll be lucky enough to aquire some of those beautiful gold nibs when the maker decides to start selling them.
Thank you so much! It seems like the amount of interesting nibs has exploded recently with a lot of people trying to create new nibs.
@@InkyRocks looks like another reason for me to get back enthralled with the fountain pen hobby having taken a break for a short bit now. but again thanks for the content! Have a good one!
I love weird nibs so much, I have all sizes of monster nibs and some flex nibs and even a stacked nib and I always need more, line width variation is just so fun to draw with
Me too! They are so much fun and add another dimension to fountain pens!
Fabulous! Amazing shots of shiny, hard-to-capture nib details! I’ve been watching the stack experiments and didn’t really get it - until now. 😍
Thank you! I know-stacked nibs are showing up everywhere!
hahaha you never stop learning fountain pen, I get surprised everyday, which I love.
That is so true! I'm always learning something new!
@@InkyRocks my bank account will be suffering for that though haha
Stacked nib with one of my favorite chromo shading inks is a pen goal for 2022. Thank you for another beautiful and informative video as always! Those monster nibs are something else 😮
That would be a fun goal! Chromo shading inks can be fussy and it will help I think! Those monster nibs are scary hahaha!
A LOVELY, LOVELY VIDEO. THANK YOU.
THANK YOU SO MUCH PAUL!!💞
These are some amazing nibs. I wish I could get at least one but I know that they are limited and look at the date. Someday, someday... I enjoyed this broadcast. Not the usual one but so much fun seeing all these nibs.. THANKS
Thank you so much Carl. We don't always have to own what we like, just looking at them is fun too!
27 videos in one !? Thank you for the Xmas gift !! :)
hahah! Thanks Francois!💝
I must admit that I liked that nib that gave a broad line when turned over, Useful for underlining when writing notes.
It really is! I think Ralph was saying it was good for taking notes (like in class.)
My bf walked in while I was watching, and that nib really struck him as well. He immediately said "wow, that's SO cool"
Wow! Just, Wow! Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy New Year ... cheers!
Thank you Dave! Have a great new year!💞
Wow that sailor you're giving away is awesome!
Thank you!
Top notch video as usual. I want all the nibs! I am a fan of all of the weird ones. And, I definitely need to get a stacked nib in 2022.
Thanks so much! I've been messing with so many weird nibs lately that I used a straight up F nib today and really enjoyed it hahaha!
Wow, this was almost overload for my senses! So many gorgeous, unique nibs and beautiful writing! I hope to one day get to play with such things. ‘The shovel’ and the flexies stood out to me as one to check into…I know I probably won’t be able to touch any of these for a couple years, but it’s something to look forward to!
Thank you! I would say most pen people would not use most of these but it’s nice to know what’s out there!
I was excited to see the Flex Commander in action! I have been looking for reviews of this nib for quite a while and couldn't find anything. It looks like an amazing nib.
It really is! Keep in mind the real positive is that it is so soft and requires such little pressure.
I am a teacher who writes exclusively in fountain pens, Thank you for sharing this pen collection and I am hoping to one day be able to find/afford pens with these nibs, especially the stacked ones.
You are an inspiration to your students. If you are interested in sharing some inexpensive pens and ink with your students, contact me on my IG or the email listed in my about page.
@@InkyRocks I will, soon thank you.
Your pen collection is awe inspiring, i have one Italic nib and I love it. However, the specialty of your collection is like going to a candy store. Wishing you a great New Year!
Thank you so much! My collection is not big at all but it IS varied! Happy New Year!🎊
What a wonderful selection of beautiful, fun and crazy nibs. Also really nice to see you using some of Jose Munuera's nibs, of which I have a stacked nib and one of his architect grinds. Both are fab. Interesting nibs is definitely my jam right now.
Wild nibs are so much fun! Glad you are enjoying yours--thanks so much!🌸
I have a pen BBS called Snow w snow flakes on the nib. It writes really well…
The stacked nibs are so fabulous…
I love your vids and exquisite filming and experience. Thank you.
Thank you so much! I love those snowflake nibs--so pretty!
Always enjoy your unique videos. I love all your sparkly pens! I love all the interesting nibs, too. I still prefer gold nibs over any other material. I marvel at where you find all your unique stuff (and I am a bit jealous, too!) :) Happy holidays and thank you for your videos and all the special information you provide.
Thank you so much! I'm very fortunate to live in the land of stationery and thus fountain pens!
Another video of eye candy! Thank you.
Eye Candy! Thank you Laurie!💖
Loved your video. Thanks for the quality of the audio and the pictures. Thanks for letting us know more about the different kinds of nibs. I thought that jewels on nibs was something of the fantasy novels, but now that I know they really exist and are functional, oh my! A new grial has born for me.
hahaha! I know! When I first saw a nib with a gemstone, my world axis kind of tilted. I was like "whaaat?!" Now I'm more like "why not?" Glad you enjoyed the vid. Thank you so much!
Oh my goodness! I almost had a heart attack after seeing so many pretty/crazy pens. Thank you, thank you, Alesa, for sharing all those pens/nibs that otherwise we could never see. That beautiful nib by Annabelle, hammered and such a wet writer, I'm in love. I think I need to unpack my soldering tools and start messing with silver sheets, and Jowo nibs. May you have a wonderful New Year! Year of the Tiger!!
Thank you so much Gaby! Anabelle is really talented and for a lack of a better word: "educated". I think her training in goldsmithing allows her to stretch some borders that other may not be able to. She is such an exciting part of the future of fountain pens!
@@InkyRocks I agree with Gaby. This video ist just - FANTASTIC!
@@bjornmundt5801 Thanks Bjorn! 💕
Hey, Alesa!
As always, your videos are a HUGE source of sheer happiness for me (and a lil jealousy as well... 😂 of the good kind 🥰 Lol... Love ya, girl 😘 !!!)
Those hammered silver/gold nibs are, literally, a piece of art... A one of a kind jewelry, that I - personally - would be afraid to use. It's way too beautiful & precious for a day-to-day use, in my amateur & clumsy hands, at least... 😆 Anyhow, thanks a lot for the outstanding demos & fascinating info. Your hand lettering, btw, is the most gorgeous & relaxing thing to watch ❤ !!!
Wishing you & your family
A HAPPY N-E-W YEAR!
Liat
Liat! You always cheer me up! Thank you so much! I agree, that hammered nib is like jewelry! My lettering is pretty bad compared to all the wonderful calligraphers out there on the internet but I enjoy doing it, so its all good! Enjoy your holidays and have a great new year!
@@InkyRocks 🥰 You're way too modest, my dear... 😍
I'm so glad you like my nib but I actually, i have been using the silver jewelled nib every day for a few months now and it's holding up beautifully! I should have sent writing samples of that one too.
Wow! This procession of amazing nibs just kept getting better and better as the video went along. Even to have one of these would be a thrill. Thanks you for sharing so much beauty and innovation. I'm a big Annabelle Hiller fan from afar and am eager to see what she does next. Thank you so much for this amazing video!
Thank you so much for your continued support Marilyn! I too, really look forward to what she is doing next! Have a great new year!🌈🌸
Wow, those are amazing.
Thank you! I had fun with them!
Your voice, the music, the amazing photography. All very relaxing and unlike any other pen channel out there. I have never seen such a wide variety of nibs. Oh, I must ask, do you still fly with your pilot's license?
Thank you so much David! I’m retired from flying and it’s too expensive to fly privately here in Japan (I could buy a LOT of pens with that kind of $)
WOW! Just wow! I adore the offbeat, the interesting and the creative. These nibs need the proper ‘home’ where they need to be placed for maximum & most beneficial use… They need to be ‘married’ to the correct fountain pen design… You covered a lot of material very rapidly. Many of these nibs will eventually need an individual video dedicated to them alone. Maybe I’m crazy, but the fountain pen industry needs to still catch up to its fashion potential. They can be fashion accessories. But they must be well thought-out designs from the the very tip to the very top of the pen. All must be in harmony; either all must blend or there must be contrast which is harmonious in its way… I can see it, but I am no designer. I was more of a merchandiser & one who assisted with color choices + sales by traveling 10 months out of 12. Wholesale trade shows were a big part of my life. This was in my previous business which was a specialized segment of the fashion industry. It is exciting to watch all unfold… Thank-you for your always interesting previews… You are a real talent. It’s funny, but I still think about your little dog. I wondered if you brought a new puppy to live with you…
Thank you so much! And thanks for the insight into design--it would be interesting to see if a company can achieve that. I think part of the problem is that cost will be a factor and fountain pens may not be so high up on people's priority lists. We haven't gotten another dog--I'd love to but we want to travel a bit before settling down and her "baby sitting" costs were so high hahaha! Thank you for asking after her--we still miss Truffles.
First and foremost: HAPPY NEW YEAR! May the best of 2019 (we'll leave out 2020 and 2021, shall we?) be the worst of 2022!
Holy smokes, Alesa, you've got some pretty crazy nibs in your collection. The stacked nibs in particular blew me away. I had honestly never seen anything like it.
I can't wait for your video explaining why gold nibs aren't inherently better than other nibs. I was considering getting a Sailor Pro Gear FIKA Cup but I was still a bit on the fence because Sailor Pro Gears are so much more expensive than Pro Gear Slims here (375€ for the FIKA, 149€ for the Fairy Tale Vega). I think I'll wait for your video to drop before I make up my mind. :)
Do you happen to remember which blue ink you've got in the Fuliwen pen (around the 6:00 minute mark)? It's beautiful.
Thank you so much! The ink is straight up Iroshizuku Tsukiyo--my favorite. Happy New Year to you!
Awesomeness overloaded
hahaha! Thank you!💖
Thank you for another amazing video! This video opens my eyes to the nibs world! I just sent my wingsung lucky 14k nib to a nibmeister for adding flex, I hope it will turn out well.
I got the Kakimori brass metal nib from Yoseka. It doesn't handle shimmer inks as great as I thought it would be :(.
May I ask how it does with shimmering inks? Does it clog? or the shimmer just doesn't flow down as much as you hope it would be?
@@bravery2047 The shimmer doesn't flow down as much as I hope would be especially with heavy shimmering inks (the shimmers don't clog the nib but they stuck at the grooves so it takes extra time to clean the nib).
@@linpan2855thanks a lot for the reply! I was pondering whether to buy this pen as a glass pen replacement as it doesn't break as easily.
That is next level cool--sending that Lucky nib to a nibmeister! I think the problem with that Kakimori nib is that the grooves are not really smooth on the inside and as a result shimmer gets stuck and also the nib is kinda hard to clean. Like anything, there is no one "holy grail" nib that does everything but that doesn't stop me from searching hahaha! Thanks so much Lin!💖
Oh they are all so pretty! I am currently eying one of the new “premium” kaweco steel nibs, because they are just so beautiful, the golden variant reminds me of the sun, the silver/steel one of a star. They will look so good… man I really should order one or two
hahaha! Don't mean to be an enabler--or maybe not hahaha!💕
I have a question. Does the pen matter in terms of using a particular nib to get large ink flow? Example you use the Opus 88 which always lays down lots of ink; but if I were to use a Jinhao would I get the same effect with a triple nib as with an Opus 88?
Also until I've seen this presentation on flex nibs I have always hated them because I felt I was in danger of ruining the nib (like the Noodler flex) due to the pressure required. Thank you so much for this episode, I have learned so much. Have a great New Year.
Hi Wendy. I don't know if the pen makes a difference but I have found that eyedroppers work more for me when I need a large inkflow. The Opus is an eyedropper. I don't know what kind of Jinhao you would be talking about. I have also found that if you have a fitting for a CC on your nib and you are using an eyedropper, it slows down the ink just a bit. You do need to be careful with a nib like the Flex Commander as you could spring it if you use too much pressure (that's why I called it an advanced nig). But then, I have had a Noodler's flex pen explode on me (literally came apart in my hands) as I was using so much pressure to flex (those things take ham fists to get them to flex). The way to keep from springing a flex is to see what it is capable of and then keeping your lines thinner than what it can do. For instance, Kirk sends a writing sample of the "safe limits of flex" with your nib. Then you just make sure you flex less than that.
The first stacked nibs I came across were from Sailor back in the early 2000's. There was no market for them in US. I picked up some crazy nibs for very little money. Then mid 2000's Sailor had their 80 some year old nibmeister come to NYC & DC.He explained what the nibs were. His son spoke pretty good English, which was helpful.
That’s awesome! His grandson is now following their footsteps. If you have nibs from Nobuyoshi, they are worth a lot more now!
I have three of Kirk Speer's Secretary of de Flex nibs including a 1.5 stub. The Flex Commander is definitely on the shopping list for once I've got all the other things...
hahaha! "Once you've got all the other things..." Story of my life. I have two of his Secretaries. His flex nibs are the best!
Last year I just restarted my hobby of collecting fountain pens, and I spent time thinking about how to use them in my current life. However, I only paid attention to the fountain pens themselves, and I dismissed the real heart of them: the nibs. Thanks for sharing your experience with them.
So glad you got something out of this! Thanks so much!
I saw the Instagram post before this video and just WOW! I wanted one of Ralphs nibs in 2019, unavailable by then, but it got me started on a search that has been incredibly satisfying! Somebody in Ireland is going to get a message from me very soon….
hahaha! His IG is just crazy. He is experimenting with so many kinds of nibs--this video was just the tip of the iceberg. I have two Ralph nibs and treasure them. Good luck on your nib adventure!💞
You are not kidding: "Wild Nibs"! 😀
hahaha! After all this, I ended up using a straight up F nib today!
@@InkyRocks All nibbed out!
What an episode!!! 😍💯💯💯
Thanks so much--glad you liked it!
@@InkyRocks Very much! Vey, very interesting examples, very very good close-ups, and explanation. I'm glad that you share your collection here on YT.
PS. Imho in the end of a day, THE NIB is what it's all about :)
@@Zmiana_Pogody I agree!
Amazing video.
Thank you!🌸
I’m still a noob when it comes to nibs. I write in a small script so I often went with EF nibs but am starting to experiment with other nibs. I agree with you on the beauty of Annibel hammered nib towards the end. I’ll have to look out for it.
I also started out as an EF person. Now, I'm all over the place. I don't think there is a nib size out there that I don't enjoy. Each has it's place and strengths.
@@InkyRocks I am trying to think of some koan or haiku involving (inky) rock gardens and open minds through nib enlightenment... all leading to sparkly samsara in the ink numa.... (OK maybe I shouldn't quit the day job to become a poet). By the way, I enjoyed your interview/talk on Appelboom. Enjoy TIPS. Don't work/volunteer too hard. Best to CY, Jacob, and Khuê. I've become a big fan of the poadcast and keep learning.
I was a little surprised not to see a Wing Sung 765 or similar pen with its style of folded nib. I particularly love this nib for its sturdiness. And low price. Though both are called folded, it is nothing like the Monster nib you mention. Which I hated and tossed out. To each his own.
I had to look up the Wing Sung 765--I had not seen it before! It does look pretty awesome! I really have no need to lay down a bunch of ink (I don't do swatches etc) except when I'm just playing around and even a letter opening works for that for me.
I have the stainless steel version of the Kakimori metal nib. I like it way more than I thought I would, using it for quick swatches.
Yes--it's so handy for that!
Oh dear. Should have come with a warning to have a bucket and a mop on hand. I'll have a hard time falling asleep tonight...
Ah, important question. I just installed the monster nib on regular #5 Jinhao pens with plastic feeds and is was mostly fine, though it would sometimes draw mostly with the top of the nib and the bottom was more sporadic (so you get a wild uncontrollable random line hight variation. Cool for some art but not calligraphy). Is the ebonite feed really a recommend upgrade?
Bucket and a mop 🤣🤣🤣.
An ebonite feed has less ink flow restriction due to its simpler design. This is why most nibs with any kind of heavier flow requirement is supplemented with an ebonite feed.
@@penrealm8345 in our world WAP is Wet Ass Pen, but here I was of course talking about excessive salivation ;)
What's a good source for ebonite feeds then? FPR? I don't see myself cutting my own just yet...
Yes, the lady that told me about these monster nibs uses the ebonite feed from the FPR flex nibs. I just used the standard ebonite feed that you can purchase by itself from FNF (flexible nib factory). Glad you enjoyed all the cool nibs!
@@InkyRocks I figured FNF out after I replied. I could not find #5 in their catalogue though, I'll write them.
Wow so many to add to my research and acquisition list thank you so much! PS: did that nib came from Bonecrusher7 or he did just the body?
Thank you! It is just the body. Kirk Speer from Pen Realm made the nib.
Penrealm doesnt seem to have flex commander anymore which is such a bummer since I just saved up enough money to buy one of them :( No secretary de flex either alas. I am curious though, how do the nibs compare in regards to each other?
I think you need to order them. Then he makes it. They both safely flex about the same amount but the gold one is softer. Just breathing heavy makes it flex hahaha!
Incredibly thorough overview of all different aspects of nibs, from special engraving all the way to crazy handmade specialist nibs. Your macro photography is so good. Love the details. Only cringed a little with the swapping of vintage nibs into modern pens, and as you explain, if the vintage pens aren't in good shape ... why not, right? Thanks for another fascinating video!
Thank you so much Heidi! Actually my macro shots bug me to no end as they are not as clear as I would like them to be. I don't know if it's my lens (very cheap) or something I'm doing hahaha! Yes, I agree--those pens were pretty shabby and the Todd nib was actually in a Shaeffer body when I bought it. The lady was trying to preserve that great nib. I can totally see not taking apart a vintage pen in great condition!
All very very cool!!
Thank you!💞
The nib by Ralph of Regalia is really unique. I never saw anything like it !
He is so talented!
What is the most affordable pen I can buy to use the Flex Commander nib on?
You need a pen that will take a Jowo #6 nib unit. I would check out some of the smaller pen turners (like on IG)
From where to buy this special pens?
Such amazing nibs! I might have to try some. But, how can you get any better than a gem on a nib??? Happy Holidays!!
I know!! I'm not Inky Rocks for nothing hahaha! Having a gemstone on a nib is a luxury I didn't know I needed! Happy Holidays to you too!💝
Oh, that Sailor ... and the inks ...
hahaha! Left you breathless?!
@@InkyRocks I wouldn't say breathless but damn, it's a gorgeous pen
Still watching the video, but I gasped so loud when you said you're considering selling the Shishikura Moonlit Sakura! If you ever decide to sell it I know where it could go to a good home... 🙋🏽♀️
hahaha! I love the nib, but unlike everyone else, it seems, I'm kind of getting sparkled out!
Omg, that gemstone nib !! I need it like a hole in my head. (It would make a nice pendant). How would one clean it, if by happenstance one doesn't clean pens for months? (Crustation/dried ink) And I do like that flexy one. So that's a music nib. This is another informative video for me. Thank you very much.
Well the music nib I showed is pretty non-standard. It's usually just a three tined two slit nib, but Jose put his own crazy spin on it. Having a gemstone nib is so right up my alley hahaha! I'm only using fairly trustworthy inks that I know don't crust up with it and it should be fine to go into a sonic cleaner. Glad you got something out of the video!
So, what do nib numbers stand for? Like a no 8, no 6, etc...I understand extra fine, fine, medium, broad, extra broad, etc, but there no no explanation of that the numbers mean.
Yes F, M, B etc are a measurement of the width of the line you write. And these are not standardized. There are some general consensus, like a Japanese F writes a thinner line than a western F. The other numbers are for the actual size of the nib. Like a MB 149 nib is far larger than say, a Preppie nib. The problem with that also, is there is no standardization. Each company determines what they call their big nibs down to their smaller ones. The only one that makes real sense is Jowo. Their nib sizes are the diameter of the feed in mm. The most common Jowo sizes are 5 and 6 and the diameter of the feeds that fit those nibs are 5 and 6mm respectively. In general, for other companies, the bigger the number, the bigger the actual size of the nib.
5:54 “… but for some reason, the marking on this nib is ４２０. I’m not really sure why.”
(Cut to scene of young metallurgists giggling and high-fiving together in the middle of a bong cloud.)
I died laughing! A bunch of young giggling high metallurgists is such a specific thing hahaha!
Know of anyone else that makes interesting dip pen nibs/crow quill? I primarily use dip pen for artistic uses but like to branch out with interesting types of nibs. Most flex pens don't cut it for me so I had a dip pen holder and a crow quill made for me to have consistency.
Sorry, but I've only used this Kakimori steel nib and the standard Zebra G nibs. The Kakimori nib is stiff and will give you a consistent standard line but you have to hold it at the same angle, which may be a problem.
Sublime!
Thanks! 💖
Awesome 😍
Thank you!💞
Fabulous
Thank you!
Love all the nibs but where can I get the cool gold nibs
Thank you! Which ones? The stacked ones?
Any of them at this point I’m going to make 2022 crazy nib year hopefully I can get a couple or all before I go for my treatment
@@rubenbajapantydj The gold stacked ones are from TokyoStationPens and the gold flex one is from PenRealm. The gold hammered one is from @stringsandpedals on IG.
Thank you I will try to get them
I would love to know where exactly do you post pens for sale
What is the best ink, please? (From a bottle or cartridge?)
It depends on what you want out of an ink. Best general all around blue inks for me is Iroshizuku Tsuki-yo or Waterman Serenity Blue. Best value and partial waterproofness would be Pilot Blue Black. Best waterproof with good flow is DeAtrementis Document blue.
@@InkyRocks THANK YOU for your kind response 💙
@@InkyRocks THANK YOU for your kind response 💙
I have a nib marked "HB" on a Sailor 1911. I guess that is rather rare today.
I think they used to mark them that way but not any more.
Wish I had an insta to join the giveaway 😩 great video. Absolutely beautiful nibs
Thanks so much! The problem with TH-cam is that there is no way to contact by message and I've had too many give-aways go unclaimed!
@@InkyRocks that’s such a shame! Keep up the amazing videos!