Buyers Guide > Nib Guide

The nib is the part of a fountain pen which comes into contact with the writing surface in order to deposit ink. The nib has a slit down the centre to draw ink to the tip, via capillary action. The hole is called the ‘Breather Hole’ which exchanges air for ink in the reservoir, thus creating a constant and free flow of ink. There are different types of nib designed for different purposes that vary in terms of the material they are made from, their purpose, shape and size. A nib improves with age because it adjusts to the users writing style, thus facilitating smoother and more natural writing. The sign of a good quality nib is that it is long lasting, often lasting longer than the lifetime of the owner. Many vintage fountain pens can still be used today.

What are Nibs made from?

Fountain pen nibs are either made from stainless steel, solid gold or gold plated stainless steel. Stainless steel is very hard wearing and is ideal for children or everyday use. Gold nib pens are made from 14 or 18 carat gold and benefit from being more flexible than a standard nib, and more resistant to corrosion. Gold nib pens tend to be quite expensive, whilst stainless steel nib pens start at very reasonable prices.

18 carat gold with two-tone rhodium plate – very flexible and fashionable. Found on high value pens such as Parker Duofold, Parker Sonnet Cisele, Graf von Faber-Castell

Solid 18 carat yellow gold – will adapt to individual style of writing, and identified by an 18k symbol on the nib. Will be found on the Waterman Carene and the Platinum Makie Pen.

18 carat gold with white rhodium plating – purpose is for the nib to match those pens with a silver trim, but still benefit from the properties of a gold nib. Found on Waterman Carene, Waterman Exception, Sheaffer Valor, Lamy 2000, Caran D’Ache Leman.

Gold plated stainless steel nib – still provides a good degree of flexibility, but achieves a lower price point. Also allows the nib to match pens with a gold trim. Found on middle range Waterman pens, Parker Latitude, Sheaffer Prelude, Sheaffer Agio and most Laban fountain pens.

Nib Shapes and Sizes

Fountain Pen Nibs are available in various sizes, ranging from needlepoint/extra extra fine to extra extra broad. Finer nib grades are generally more suited to small handwriting, whilst broader nib grades are more suited to large handwriting.

• Neelepoint – an extremely fine point for precise figure work. Not intended for general writing
• Extra Fine – for line writing with a light touch
• Fine – Excellent for general writing. Moderate pressure produces a fine line.
• Medium – For average writing pressure and average line width. General all round use
• Broad – A heavier, rounded point for wide lines
• Extra Broad – a large rounded point excellent for heavy lines and bold signatures
• Extra Extra Broad – developed for people who like to write boldly and rapidly, and want a special flourish to their signature