Pointed Nibs

Pointed Nibs

Pointed Nibs

How to prepare a new Pointed Nib for writing.

When you dip your pointed nib in ink, you want to see the ink cover the nib in an even film so that the ink will flow off the nib evenly. New nibs can come with a protective coating to help keep them from rusting. This coating can repel ink, and when you dip your nib in ink, it will form blobs on the nib. When you then try to write, the ink quickly empties off your pen. To avoid this you need to prepare your pen. There are several ways to do this. You will find you can write much longer with a prepared nib. (You may find some nibs do not need to be prepared when using certain inks.) After prepping your nib, it is important to dry it to avoid rust.

Take it off with saliva. With a decent amount of saliva between your fingers, rub the nib for at least a minute. Add more saliva if necessary. Wipe dry.

Scrub it off: Wet the bristles of a soft toothbrush, add a small amount of toothpaste, and brush the nib for 30 seconds or so (toothpaste is slightly abrasive). Rinse your nib with water and wipe it dry to avoid rust. This method can also be used on broad edge pens as well.

Stick it in a potato: Push your nib, about halfway, into an ordinary potato. Let it sit there for 10-15 minutes. Then remove the nib and wipe it dry. The method works best on sturdier nibs. And you can do multiple nibs at the same time.

Burn it off: With your nib in your penholder, pass the nib through a match or lighter flame 3-4 times. Let it cool. The goal is to remove the coating and not change the temper of the steel, so avoid getting the nib too hot.


Click here to view Corinna Taylor's Bound & Lettered article "Pointed Nibs: Not Just for Copperplate."

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  • Tachikawa Pen Nib Set Tachikawa Pen Nib Set
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    Tachikawa Pen Nib Set

    Tachikawa

    $24.99
    S1683. Tachikawa Pen Nib Set. This delightful set from Tachikwa is a great starter kit for dip pen calligraphy! Each comes with the following: 5 nibs (3 G nibs of varying stiffness, 1 broad/monoline nib, and 1 maru (crowquill) nib) 5mL bottle of...
    S1683
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  • Nikko Manga Pen Nib Set Nikko Manga Pen Nib Set
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    Nikko Manga Pen Nib Set

    Nikko

    $17.99
    N169. Nikko Manga Pen Nib Set. This delightful set from Nikko is a great starter kit for comic and manga illustration or calligraphy! Each comes with the following: 5 nibs (3 G nibs of varying stiffness, 1 school nib, and 1 maru (crowquill) nib) 5mL...
    N169
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  • Tom's Studio "One Dip Wonder" - Single Tom's Studio "One Dip Wonder" - Single
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    Tom's Studio "One Dip Wonder" - Single

    Tom's Studio

    $4.99
    S1641. Tom's Studio "One Dip Wonder" - Single. Tom's Studio ''One Dip Wonder'' turns any pointed nib into a nib with an ink reservoir! Unlike broad edge nibs, pointed pens don't include a built-in reservoir, making calligraphers have to dip and re-dip...
    S1641
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  • Zebra G Titanium Nib
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    Zebra G Titanium Nib

    Zebra

    $4.25
    N153. Zebra G Titanium Nib. This nib is an upgrade from the Zebra G (steel) nib (N118), which is made of chrome-plated steel. It has a titanium coating, which is said to have four times the endurance of the steel version. It is a bit less flexible. ...
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  • Zebra G Nibs -- 10 pack
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    Zebra G Nibs -- 10 pack

    Zebra

    $18.50
    N118-10PK. Zebra G Nibs -- Pack of 10.Zebra G Nib. Similar to the popular Nikko G Nib, but a little more flexible and sharper. It will produce a finer hairline than the Nikko. Same sturdy quality. Michael Sull still recommends the Nikko G Nib as best for...
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    Zebra G Nib Zebra G Nib
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    Zebra G Nib

    Zebra

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    N118. Zebra G Nib.Similar to the popular Nikko G Nib, but a little more flexible and sharper. It will produce a finer hairline than the Nikko. Same sturdy quality. If you are using the Nikko G but would like to be able to write with thinner hairlines and...
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    Tachikawa G Nib
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    Tachikawa G Nib

    Tachikawa

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    N137. Tachikawa G Nib.A multi-use pen nib capable of drawing thin or thick lines depending on the amount of pressure. It is a great drawing nib. It is good for pointed pen scripts such as Spencerian and Copperplate. (Not as readily available as the Nikko...
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    Suzanne Cunningham's Favorite Pointed Nibs Suzanne Cunningham's Favorite Pointed Nibs
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    Suzanne Cunningham's Favorite Pointed Nibs

    John Neal Books

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    N202. Suzanne Cunningham's Favorite Pointed Nibs.A sampler set of 8 nibs. One each of Suzanne Cunningham's favorite nibs for pointed pen scripts (such as Copperplate Script, Engrosser's Script, Modern Calligraphy): Hunt 101, Hunt 22, Zebra G, Zebra G...
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  • Pointed Nib Sampler Sheet
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    Pointed Nib Sampler Sheet

    John Neal Books

    $2.50
    NIBSHEET. Pointed Nib Sampler Sheet. A color printout that can be used to distinguish some of our pointed nibs. This sheet provides a picture accompanied by the JNB item code of an arrangement of most of our pointed nibs.
    NIBSHEET
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    Pointed Nib Sampler: 2 Each
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    Pointed Nib Sampler:2 Each

    John Neal Books

    Now: $71.72
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    N117-2. Pointed Nib Sampler: 2 each. Copperplate/Spencerian Nib Assortment. This set includes two each of the 28 pointed nibs listed below. These nibs are used for Copperplate and Spencerian writing, as well as for pen & ink drawing. Does not include...
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    Pointed Nib Sampler: 1 Each
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    Pointed Nib Sampler:1 each

    John Neal Books

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    N117-1. Pointed Nib Sampler: 1 each. Copperplate/Spencerian Nib Assortment. One each of the 28 pointed nibs listed below and a Pointed Nib Sampler sheet. These nibs are used for Copperplate and Spencerian writing, as well as for pen & ink drawing...
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    Pointed Nib Favorites Sampler
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    Pointed Nib Favorites Sampler

    John Neal Books

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    N220. Pointed Nib Favorites Sampler. This sampler was created to showcase our most popular pointed nibs. It's a great way to find your new favorite nib! This sampler includes one each of the following nibs: Left Side Right Side Brause Steno Hunt...
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  • Perry's Viaduct 120EF Nib
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    Perry's Viaduct 120EF Nib

    Mitchell

    $2.00
    N163. Perry & Co. Viaduct 120EF NibThis nib, released in 2019, has an exceptionally fine tip, allowing for exquisite hairlines and great cross hatching. One nib tester found that he could draw finer lines with this nib than he could with a Micron 005...
    N163
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    Nikko G Nibs 10 Pack
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    Nikko G Nibs 10 Pack

    Nikko

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    N113-10PK. Nikko G Nib. Pack of 10 These nibs from Japan are hand cut, extremely smooth, and long-lasting. They are chrome plated and have a medium flex. Great for Spencerian. Smooth writing with no burrs or scratchiness. Highly recommended by Michael...
    N113-10PK
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  • Nikko G Nib
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    Nikko G Nib

    Nikko

    $1.55
    N113. Nikko G Nib. These nibs from Japan are hand cut, extremely smooth, and long-lasting. They are chrome plated and have a medium flex. Great for Spencerian. Smooth writing with no burrs or scratchiness. Highly recommended by Michael Sull. Great nib...
    N113
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  • Mitchell Elbow Nib
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    Mitchell Elbow Nib

    Mitchell

    $1.99
    N80. Mitchell Elbow Nib.These offset nibs allows you to write copperplate with a straight (not oblique) holder. These have a larger base than most nibs. Mitchell 0742F.Fits holder H83 (Mitchell #53 Holder).- Made in England- Bronze-finish steel- Stamped...
    N80
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    Leonardt Principal EF Nib
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    Leonardt Principal EF Nib

    Leonardt

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    N120. Leonardt Principal EF Nib. You can now purchase a modern nib that is equal to the best of the vintage nibs. Brian Walker, a respected pointed pen enthusiast, has worked with a pen manufacturer to duplicate the quality and performance of the...
    N120
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    Leonardt G Nib
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    Leonardt G Nib

    Leonardt

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    N143. Leonardt G Nib. A very nice nib. Medium flex, not too sharp. Nib has a nice spring for good shade-hairline transitions. Good for bigger script. Works both on envelopes with a slight texture and smooth paper. Nickel finish. - Good nib for pointed...
    N143
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    Leonardt #30 Drawing Nib
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    Leonardt #30 Drawing Nib

    Leonardt

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    N131. Leonardt #30 Drawing Nib. Similar to Leonardt G, but perhaps not as nice. Reasonably flexible, good fine lines. Works both on envelopes with a slight texture and smooth paper. Nickel Finish.
    N131
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  • Ink Cage Reservoir + Nib
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    Ink Cage Reservoir + Nib

    John Neal Books

    $5.00 - $8.50
    N204. Ink Cage Nib. The revolutionary Ink Cage is a reservoir for pointed pen nibs. It allows you to write or flourish much longer before re-dipping. The Ink Cage is sold permanently attached to the nib of your choice. It is not removable or reusable.-...
    N204
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