LET’S TALK ABOUT NIBS

Maybe one of the most confusing things as a beginner is what tools to use, how to use those tools, and what they're called.  So today we'll be talking about nibs and how to set yourself up for success with your brand new pack!

SO WHAT IS A NIB?

A nib is the tool that calligraphers use to create their art.  It's the metal piece at the end of the holder that allows ink to flow down it to the paper.  The anatomy of the nib is simple enough; there are two tines split in the middle and both connected to the vent, where the ink sits.  Above the vent is the body of the nib and that is what is inserted into your nib holder (or pen holder as some call it) of choice. 

The ink flows down from the vent in-between the two tines, and the flexibility of those tines is what allows you to create the thin and thick lines of calligraphy.  When you put pressure on the tines and they split apart, you are creating a thick line as more ink is allowed to flow.  When you don't put pressure on the tines and they are together, you are creating a thin line as less ink is allowed to flow. 

(anatomy of a nib)

Each nib has different flexibility.  Some are very flexible like the Hunt 101, and some are more stiff like the Nikko G.  Which nib you use all depends on your preference as an artist.  You could take a poll of 100 calligraphers and probably get 100 different answers for which is their go-to nib. 

For example, I like to use specific nibs depending on my projects; If I need clean, crisp thin lines, I'll use the Hunt 22B.  If I'm writing with metallic ink, I'll use the Brause Steno 361 (commonly referred to as the Blue Pumpkin). If I'm writing on handmade paper, I'll use the Nikko G as it's not as sharp and won't get a bunch of paper fiber caught in it as often. 

Long story short - what nib you "should" use is all up to you and what you like as the artist!  There are several beginner sampler packs on the market where you can get one of a few different nibs to try them out and see which ones you like before committing to a full pack of them.  John Neal Books has one, and so does Paper & Ink Arts. 

Brief history of nibs

So where did nibs come from?  Nibs date back a loooong time.  Before there were steel nibs (the ones on the market today), there were nibs made of copper or bronze. Further before that - feather quills! 

There a few different types of nibs including a pointed pen (what traditional calligraphy uses), broad tip nib, and a fountain pen nib. 

Vintage vs Modern

As you start looking into nibs, you may come across the term "Vintage" when used to describe it.  For example, the Hunt 22 Vintage Nib is commonly referred to as the Hunt 22B.  Most of the time the term "Vintage" is describing how it is made, either in the technique, the shape, or the materials.  

While some nibs are actually vintage and old in age; Those are usually quite pricy and rare to come by and more so with fountain pen nibs from my experience, but there are some on the market. Some calligraphers prefer vintage nibs, because like most things in this world nowadays they just don't make them like they used to; Higher quality materials, higher quality manufacturing, etc. 

However, modern nibs are great choices too and provide a lot of ease in accessibility. Again, you'll just have to try them out and see which ones you prefer as the artist!

BEST NIBS FOR BEGINNERS

Like I mentioned, which nib you "should" use is all up to you.  However there are several on the market that are more user friendly for beginners as you're trying to learn to control your pressure and technique and just learning in general.  In no particular order: Nikko G, Hunt 512, Blue Pumpkin, Zebra G, Hunt 101, Hunt 22B.  Give some a try and see which one fits your style and preference!

 (Pro Tip - you can use nibs for more than writing!  Try using a nib for drawing and sketching too!)

(shown in order: Nikko G, Hunt 512, Blue Pumpkin, Zebra G, Hunt 101, Hunt 22B)

How to prep your nib

Nibs come with an oil coating from the factory to prevent them from rusting before you get to use them.  So when you hear someone telling you that you need to "prep the nib" it just means getting rid of the oil that way the ink can stick to the nib while you're writing.  Otherwise the ink doesn't stick and writing becomes challenging. 

This photo shows the difference between a prepped nib and an unprepped nib.  You can see that the prepped nib holds a lot more ink, which means you'll be able to write longer and with more consistency.

(an unprepped nib vs a prepped nib and how much ink each can hold)

So how does one do this exactly?  Have you ever seen the photos of a bunch of nibs sticking out of a potato? That's how you prep your nib!  Don't worry, that's not the only way you can prep your nib so don't run off to the grocery store just yet.  While those photos are cool to look at, I don't recommend this version.  Not only is it a bit of overkill, it takes a while for the potato to do it's thing, wastes a potato, and it can bend the tines on the way into the potato.

Prepping can easily be done without the kitchen pantry.  Grab some Windex or rubbing alcohol on a paper towel, and wipe off the nib. You may have to do this a few times to get all of the oil off.  Once it's been cleaned, you can now dip your nib into the ink and have the ink stick on the nib!  Easy peasy!

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR NIB

As you write, you'll want to make sure that you have a small jar of water next to you to rinse off your nib every now and then.  You don't have to rinse off your nib after each word, but a good general rule of thumb is after a sentence or two.  Rinsing your nib will prevent the ink from drying on it and clogging up the vent.  If the vent is clogged, then the ink can't flow and you won't be able to write anymore.  As you practice you'll be able to feel out how often you should be rinsing.  

Now nibs are made of steel so, just like with any metal, they will rust if they come into contact with liquid and are left there. So be sure that after you rinse off your nib you are drying it off with a paper towel or microfiber cloth. 

We're all human and life can happen at any point.  So if you have to walk away from your practice and your ink ends up drying on your nib, don't throw it out!  Just take some windex or rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and wipe off your nib.  Since the ink is dried this might take some elbow grease, but it'll be worth it once your nib is salvaged.  Ink staining on your nib is perfectly normal as well. 

(old stained nibs)

Another thing to be aware of is that sometimes paper fibers will get caught in your nib.  When this happens you'll notice that it will end up dragging your ink, usually when you're at the end of your piece and then you have to start over…it's very sad.  So just be sure that you're aware if any fibers get stuck in your nib from the paper or paper towels (which is why most calligraphers suggest using a microfiber cloth instead to dry off your tool). 

If fibers do get caught in there, you can just grab the fiber out with your hand or rinse it off in the water again. Easy fix, but it is devastating when you're almost done with your piece and it drags your ink!

When to change your nib out

Like most things, nibs will wear over time with use.  How long they last completely depends on how often you're using them and for what projects.  I can usually get through about 10-20 envelopes before I want to switch out my nib, depending on the texture of the paper.  

This again is one of those scenarios that you could poll calligraphers and get a different answer each time. A general rule of thumb is that one you notice your nib catching on the paper frequently, or the tines splitting apart and staying that way, then it's time to switch it out. This too will take practice and you'll get the feel for this. 

What to do with your nib when it's old

Honestly I'm still figuring out what to do with all of mine!  Technically for steel ones you can just toss them when you're done, but I have a hard time with that as I try to reuse when I can.  So instead I have a container that says "Old Nibs" on it collecting dust waiting for me to figure out what project to create with them.  I also like the way they look with stains on them and frequently use them for flat lay photos or table setups.  

BRIEF INTRO INTO HOLDERS

I'll be going over holders in greater detail in a future blog, but for now let's do a quick introduction to them so you know which one to get so you can start practicing! 

There are two different types of holders: Oblique and Straight. A straight holder is just as it sounds: straight and the nib is inserted into the bottom.  An Oblique holder has a flange on the side that sticks out where the nib goes instead.  A lot of lefties prefer an Oblique holder as it helps them get an angle over their paper and not drag their hand through the ink, however this is another one of those user preference areas.  

(Left: Straight Holder Right: Oblique Holder)

I personally prefer my Oblique holder as a righty, but I think that's just because it was what I first learned on when I didn't know there was another choice on the market. Try out different ones and see which ones you like best!

A word of note, not all nibs fit into all holders.  Nibs are sized differently and so are the holders.  Usually the holders will note which nib can go in it or will ask you at checkout which nib you'll be using.  There are universal holders on the market that you can adjust to fit the nib you're using. If you're looking for a universal holder I suggest Tom Studio - high quality holders! 

TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR NIB

There are a few ways to troubleshoot your nib, but most often issues arise when you don't have the correct angle.  Your nib will start catching on the paper, usually on upstrokes, or the ink won't flow, etc.  So make sure that your angle on the paper is correct.  Your nib should sit at a 45 degree angle to the paper.  If your nib is too high up at a 90 degree then it won't write at all or it'll start catching the paper. If it's too close to the paper at closer to a 20 degree then you're gonna get ink all over your paper and won't have control of it.  So be sure that your angle is correct.  

When I dip my nib into the ink and it doesn't work right away this is usually my sign that my ink is starting to dry on my nib or my vent is clogging up. So you can rinse off your nib and re-dip it back into the ink.  Or sometimes, I'll barely dip the tip of the nib in the water to basically reactivate the ink and then use my scratch piece of paper to just make a few scratches until it flows again.  

Getting ink blobs when you first starting writing?

Usually that just means there's a bit too much ink on your nib.  I suggest you lightly scrape the back side of the nib on the edge of your ink pot (careful not to tip it over!) and then continue on with writing.  

Something what I like to do at home is to have a scrap piece of paper next to me and make my first stroke there to avoid any large ink blobs, especially when I want a nice smooth line, just in case I still have too much ink on my nib.  

This will take practice as well and you'll start to get the feel for how much ink you want on your nib at a time. 

(scrapping excess ink off the side of the ink pot)

So now you know what tool to use as a calligrapher and how to start your practice successfully!

I'm so excited to see what you create!

Happy Lettering!

Stacey, Your Calligraphy BFF