I think that’s enough about calligraphy, for the moment at least. I want to talk about nib types in all their variety. My usual nib is a firm fine. That’s what enables me to dash across the page in a way that no other nib can do. I don’t restrict myself to fines though. If I’m writing on large paper, A4 or its predecessors, I like to use a larger nib. Not a broad – I can’t use them, but a wet medium or a sharp, medium italic. I wish I could use a flexible nib but I can’t make much of them. They slow me down, for one thing and I am unable to create the elegance that others do with flex.
There are other nibs that have a special purpose: obliques for those who rotate the pen (or just like to use obliques), music nibs, architect-cut nibs and probably a few others. I came very late to dip pens but they have opened a world of nibs to me. Just for writing I like the Esterbrook Relief or William Mitchell Pedigree Round Hand Pen but there are so many other shapes and types to explore.
At one time, when inks were more caustic than they are now, your fountain pen had to have a gold nib if it was to last. I’ve seen the sad ruins of pre-war steel nibs. Better ink and better metal has improved that situation and a quality steel nib is as good as any gold one now. Fine Japanese steel nibs are as good as it gets.
I’m no expert in The Wonderful World of Nibs. I’m sure that many of you will be more informative.
Goodwriterspens's Blog 
Deb. Speaking just this time of dippers….I have nothing but profound respect for the work done by calligraphers of yore ( and even today !) for being able to tame the flow of ink so precisely.
I love dippers, and have many, but I can’t achieve even close to the consistency and precision of a needlepoint superflex gold FP nib .
I find flex of any amount in a dipper uses all the ink on it almost instantly, and also usually floods !? ….
Without flexing too much, and with proper dip pen friendly ink I can get a passable script but it’s hard work getting it beautiful.
I still practice a lot, so there’s hope 🤔
Thanks for bringing up a fascinating subject, Deb.
I have some lovely old flex nibs, especially Onoto, but what works best for me are old run-of-the-mill Conway Stewart semi-flex; they have just the right amount of variation for a bit of flair in my writing. OTOH, the Duro nibs have their own magic, and there’s a #27 that writes like butter despite producing an XF line. Best of all, the old pens each have distinct characteristics.
Best wishes from Decimus.
I enjoyed th topic, nibs are fascinating. So many choices and the results can vary greatly. I prefer obique or italic medium nibs. I press too hard (thanks BIC) and tend to rotate the pen. Steel generally works better for me because of the presure I exert and the softness of gold makes the nib too wet.