Posts filed under Nibs

Esterbrook “The Journaler” Nib Review

It’s rare when I review a stand-alone nib product on The Pen Addict, but in the case of The Journaler, I think that it is more than worthwhile to discuss.

The Journaler is a collaboration between Esterbrook and Gena Salorino, of Custom Nib Studio. The idea behind this product was to create a nib grind that would mimic the experience of a vintage Esterbrook nib. In this case, the 9314M - a classic medium stub grind.

So to get us all on the same page here: A pen company I like is working with a nibmeister I like to create a modern version of a vintage nib style that will work perfectly my handwriting.

You had me at hello.

Before I get into the performance of this nib (Spoiler: It’s great.) I want to discuss the idea of this nib. Pen companies that go out into the community to work with other creators will always get my attention, and support. It’s a sign to me that these companies get it. I love to see it, and I will love seeing this continue, not only with Esterbrook, but with other brands who do the same.

To quote from Esterbrooks product page for The Journaler:

“The idea is that it’s smooth and friendly enough for everyday use, gives your writing some flair, all without being too huge for practical writing.”

I think this description is exactly right. I’ve been able to use The Journaler regularly over the past month, and it gives a perfect medium stub line. Being a steel nib it is firm, and the line variation is moderate. Vertical strokes are wide - I’m guessing somewhere around 1.0 mm - and horizontal strokes cut the line width approximately in half to give your letters a great look.

While this nib grind is tailor-made for my block printing handwriting style, cursive writers will enjoy smooth lines and good variation as well. All in all, it’s a complete joy to write with.

*The Journaler, top, vs. TWSBI 1.5 mm Stub.*

I chose Robert Oster Blue Water Ice to use with this nib to see what shading I could get out of it, and it was a solid choice for that. The way stub nibs work is that the wide part of the nib on the downstroke pulls the ink down, giving the top of the line a lighter color than the bottom, where the nib lifts up and the ink pools. Shading is the best feature of fountain pen inks, in my opinion.

The Journaler has been a great nib for me, and I think many of you would like this as an option if you are looking at picking up a new Esterbrook Pen. This nib isn’t available separately, but is available as a $50 upgraded nib choice (check the dropdown) when buying a Standard or Oversized Esterbrook Estie. That puts it in line with getting a custom grind on your nib at any pen show.

I love this product, and I love this concept even more. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Esterbrook, and from other brands who are looking to work with other makers in our community.

(Kenro Industries provided this product at no charge to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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Posted on June 29, 2020 by Brad Dowdy and filed under Esterbrook, Nibs, Nib Grind, Pen Reviews.

Franklin-Christoph Steel Flex Nib Review

My flex nib writing style will never be confused for the glorious strokes of Azizah at Gourmet Pens, or the frolicking fun of Ana at The Well-Appointed Desk. But my style is my style, and I love the flair that flex nibs add to my block print writing style.

The latest flex nib to cross my path is the Franklin-Christoph #6 Steel Extra Fine, and it’s a good one. Now, you know my stance on nearly all modern flex nibs - they should be classified as soft nibs, not flex, for the most part - and this F-C nib is no different. But, as with other modern flex nibs I’ve tested, that doesn’t mean it isn’t excellent in it’s own right.

The F-C steel flex nib is characterized by the lengthy slit running up almost 90% of the exposed nib, along with slight scallops carved out of the wings. This type of steel nib is not new to the market, but it is the first time one has crossed my desk.

From strictly a flex perspective, there is a good amount of line variation, but not a massive range like you get from vintage flex nibs or dip nibs. Nor should there be. That’s the expectation from those nibs - not this one. And that is the expectation you should have going into any modern flex nib purchase.

For my handwriting style, this nib helps my letters pop off the page. My heavy hand spreads the tines on the downstroke for wide lines, then relaxes for thinner lines from side to side. For a nib marked as EF I would like to see a finer fine line, but that’s a minor complaint for a nib that writes so well.

I compared this nib to two other soft nibs in my collection - the Aurora Optima Flex, and the Pilot Falcon - to get a feel for how similar or different they are. I assumed the Falcon would be an outlier, and it was. It has a much finer fine line, and a narrow wide line, but it might have the widest range if you know how to use it properly.

The other two are shockingly similar. I’ve talked about how much I enjoy writing with the Aurora flex nib due to how cool it makes my handwriting look, and the Franklin-Christoph is similar to that. Shockingly similar I’d say. They both begin with a fine line and expand to a broad line. There is definitely a good amount of variation - you just begin from a wider place than with a nib like the Falcon.

I added a Sailor King of Pen stock medium nib to the comparison to show a baseline of how these soft nibs make my handwriting appear. It’s noticeable to me in person, but may not translate as well in pictures.

So what’s my verdict on the Franklin-Christoph #6 Steel Extra Fine nib, from a non-flex friendly writer? It’s pretty great. I think I’ve already convinced myself to pick up one or two more and have them ground even finer to see what I can really do with the nib. Do I have a flexy future?

(Franklin-Christoph provided this product at a discount to The Pen Addict for review purposes.)

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Posted on January 27, 2020 by Brad Dowdy and filed under Franklin-Christoph, Nibs, Flex Nib, Pen Reviews.

Franklin-Christoph S.I.G. Flex Nib Review

I’ve had my Franklin-Christoph S.I.G. Flex Nib in regular use for a couple of months now, and I find two statements to be true about it’s performance:

It is an awesome feeling nib.
There is little line variation.

When I have talked about this nib in other places I keep saying it is not a flex nib. That’s not exactly true. It does flex in the literal sense, as in the tines spread and the nib bends, but it does not provide what I consider to be flex nib output, meaning noticeable line variation when pushed. Not with light pressure, not with heavy pressure. But that doesn’t keep this nib from being great in my book.

What this nib provides is bounce, not flex. You can push the nib and watch the tines spread. It is a fantastic feel, and a great writing experience. Just don’t expect much line variation. My fine S.I.G. grind goes from a medium width line to a mediumer line. And I’m ok with that because my line looks great and the nib feels great.

S.I.G. stands for Stub Italic Gradient, which is a nib grind done by F-C’s in house nib meister Jim Rouse. It is perfect for someone like me who enjoys a cursive italic grind but without the sharp edges is often comes with. This grind smooths those edges out while keeping the horizontal and vertical line variation that I enjoy so much.

To achieve flex in this nib, Jowo (the nib manufacturer) added cutouts above the shoulders of the nib. In theory, this allows the tip to be pushed when writing for added flex. The output just isn’t as impressive as the look. Nib meisters have added cutouts and slits to nibs for years to provide added flex. Jowo, and other nib manufacturers, are now adding this feature as a stock offering, which is a good sign that they are listening to us consumers. Just don’t be confused about what you are actually purchasing.

If you are looking for line variation as found with a traditional flex nib, this is not the nib for you. If you are looking for a wonderful writing nib with a ton of character and fun, then check out the S.I.G. flex nib. I’m completely enamored with mine and enjoy using it. I may even add a second one to the lineup one day.

(This nib was purchased at full price with my own funds.)

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