Pen-4u

The modern nib is derived from the iridium-tipped gold nibs used in dip pens in the 1830s. These days, fountain pen nibs are made from either gold or stainless steel, with gold seen as the best material thanks to its inherent flexibility and durability. Gold nibs feature a tip made from an alloy of platinum and similar metals. A steel nib may or may not be equipped with a tip made from hardened metal.

Most nibs have a single slit cut down the centre, from the tip to the breather hole. The slit serves to lead the ink towards the tip by capillary action. The breather hole, which can be round or a different shape, helps draw air in to the ink reservoir. It also relieves the stress that is exerted on the nib when it is flexed repeatedly during use, and prevents it from cracking.

The broader the slit, the greater the quantity of ink delivered to the tip. Most fountain pen users favour a nib with a narrow slit, to produce a neat script. If it is too narrow or too wide, the slit can be adjusted by carefully inserting a razor blade or moving the tines, respectively.

Nibs usually end in a round point of various sizes (fine, medium or broad), although there are other nib shapes such as oblique, reverse oblique, stub and italic. An italic, or calligraphy, pen has a nib with several medium or broad slits and is cut straight across instead of ending in a point.

Modern fountain pen nibs tend to be harder and less flexible than earlier models, to reflect contemporary writing techniques. Many vintage pens with original nibs can still be used today, however. A good-quality nib can last for a long time, even a lifetime, if you take proper care of it.