A story to illustrate the power of positive thinking: I have been into fountain pens for about a year+. The other day I heard about dip pens, (not for the first time) but it was the first time I thought. Hey that’s interesting. Then for about 2 days I was contemplating getting a dip pen and to try it out. Thinking to get some from Goulet pens, FYI they only carry glass dip pens, which have no flex. Then I met with a client and as we worked on his documents (I’m a notary) he noticed my fountain pen and asked if I like to do calligraphy. I said I’m getting into it. He then mentioned that his mother was into calligraphy and had some boxes full of supplies including papers, and dip pens and nibs. He was thinking of throwing them out. I said I would take it off his hands. Now I have someone’s lifetime supplies of calligraphy tools!!
I just got my first dip pen and after searching and watching many videos this is the best well presented and informative one I found. Thank you for your time and the effort you put into this video! What a help this was! I feel so much more prepared to begin!
Thank you for the great compliment! Beginning can be a little frustrating but keep at it. I have found that the ink you are using and the paper make a big difference in performance.
I remember being scolded for feathering. I had no clue what it meant and thought it sounded quite lovely. Really it does sound lovely when not presented properly and in context - Hey teacher leave them kids alone!
Esterbrook nibs are excellent but you might want to mention that Esterbrook stopped making dip pen nibs in 1947. You can find the more common ones - like the 048 - available on eBay for around a Dollar each. The more specialized nibs - like the Esterbrook 344 double line - can be hard to find inexpensively. Japanese inks by Iroshizuku (made by Parker) or inks by Diamine are excellent too, but more expensive for beginners.
Hello, this is a great and very informative, well structured approach video. I just discovered that I like dip pens very much, although I use fountain pen for quite some time. I just want to thank you for this well designed lecture, you gave me a good idea about these beautiful writing instruments.
Ahmed S. Mansour Thanks Ahmed for taking the time to comment. I am glad you found the video helpful. I sure like using these old pens. I use them or a fountain pen whenever I can instead of a ball point.
Thank you very much for taking the time to present such a compact and concise guide to all things or most things dip pen related. When you are a beginner it is really scary to try to get all this information and apply it properly! 📝🖋👍🏻✉🙏🏻📜
The following advice on the longivity of pens is from Gaskell's Compendium of Forms, published in 1861 (page 23, a section entitled "Self-Instruction in Penmanship.") "No fine-pointed steel pen will bear more than a day or two of constant service. Change whenever the pen seems to be worn at the point." How true is this with today's fountain pens and dip pens?
Hey sir, YOU ARE MY HERO lol. my name is Mesa and I wanted to thank you so very much for taking the time to make your videos and sharing your knowledge. You have no idea how long I have been searching for what the best type of nibs, pens, inks etc.
Thanks for the video. I am an older person and wonder why younger people hold their pens in such odd ways. It seems to have been some kind of generational rebellion. But the way you hold yours is one that some kids used when I was growing up. I would suggest you try to hold it differently, as the way you are holding it now forces you to tense your fingers and grip it rather hard, rather than holding it in the traditional way that allows your hand to relax, holding the pen loosely. Give it a try. Maybe you'll chew up your paper less. And on paper, you didn't mention whether or not your 32 pound paper was coated ink jet paper. If not, have you tried that? It is coated to handle ink and not feather, so it might work. Thanks again for all the information.
Thanks maddog. I am glad you found this useful. My next video is going to be my top three easily available and inexpensive vintage dip nibs for every day writing. Keep your eye out for that one if you are getting into dip pens.
How to you place the bibs in the peb? Mine has metal triangles to hold the nib in place that bend. But I am not sure if I am placing it correctly and do not want to break it. Any help? It would be greatly appreciated.
The holder at the end of your pen is called a ferrule. There are several varieties but the most common is a steel tube with 4 tabs arranged in a circular pattern. The tops of the tabs are generally rounded or triangular. If this is the type of ferrule you have then you would slide the nib between the tabs and the outer steel sleeve. The tabs are designed to move freely and will apply tension to the nib keeping it in place.
+Shelby Rose jet.com/product/detail/f424f75f1b9043878f716b1c4d21fbf8?jcmp=pla:ggl:office_supplies_a3:office_instruments_writing_drawing_instruments_pens_pencils_a3_other:na:na:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&k_clickid=8c7d27c6-c703-4dc5-8428-9d113c81cb34&abkId=403-180936&gclid=CjwKEAiA_ra1BRDV-byb_aDqpQoSJAA-ofB9nKbu0YMN6ANBGLLNskx44A3CQCG3srlh0VuKGDEE7RoCUNzw_wcB
I hope you found the video helpful. you can send me your email address and I will reply with ordering instructions. send your request to ordersn2paper@gmail.com.
Dylan, I believe you are asking about what is called an oblique nib or more commonly an oblique pen. They hold the nib point at an angle to the line of text and are used in some kinds of scripts particularly Spencerian Script. If you look for oblique pen holder or Spencerian script on You Tube I bet you will find all the info you want.
Interesting tutorial, thank you. I can remember getting really bad marks in elementary school for (well everything)"feathering" it started with penmanship. The school I went to required everyone to play the violin and learn classical penmanship - come hell or high water. . . BTW, it was really bad paper, really bad ink, terrible nib, oh, and BTW, I was fucking eight years old!
Sabina Jasmine Sabina, I have seen many sellers on Ebay selling nibs by the piece or in sets of several nibs. Try looking there. Online Calligraphy stores also often have old vintage nibs. If you would like you can send me a private message and I could sell you some nibs with my SN2 paper as well. Good luck and I hope you find the nibs you would like.
Sabina Jasmine If you actually want to write with a dip pen you should look into the Brause Bandzug series. Unlike the ones shown in this video, the Bandzug has a small ink reservoir which enables you to write/draw without having to dip every 5 seconds. I use a Brause Bandzug 1/2 mm and I do pretty much everything with it: lettering, line art, crosshatching. They are not as versatile as the pens featured in this video, meaning you can't go from very thin to broad with it, but I like the lineweight they produce. They are mainly used for calligraphy, but as I said, the 1/2 mm one is perfect for drawing as well. In any case: it produces a line that is more expressive than a fineliner. And you get to use real black indian ink which beats the poor inks found in fineliners which are often rather grey than black. Black indian ink is really black and reproduces perfectly.
Juliana, I don't do any artwork with these pens. I have a hard time drawing a round circle let alone anything you might call art. However, a lot of people do use dip pens for art. It is my understanding Charles Schultz wrote his peanuts comics with an Esterbrook pen. There are a lot of beautiful pen and ink drawings made with dip pens as well
colletteseline@gmail.com This email works great. Thank you so much! I seem to be having a real problem with consistent ink flow, and I'm wondering if this is due to the way I hold the pen. I'm using a straight pen with a thin, flexible nib. I posted a video to instagram demonstrating the issues I'm having. Hopefully you can view instagram.com/p/ublv8kNncx/?modal=true I am extremely new to lettering, and have to say I have been blown away with how supportive and encouraging the community is. Thanks so much for taking the time to reach out!!!
Steven, That is called blotter. It has a highly absorbent paper on the surface called blotting paper. It is generally used to pull wet surface ink from the page before flipping it over or folding it up so it does not smear.
A story to illustrate the power of positive thinking: I have been into fountain pens for about a year+. The other day I heard about dip pens, (not for the first time) but it was the first time I thought. Hey that’s interesting. Then for about 2 days I was contemplating getting a dip pen and to try it out. Thinking to get some from Goulet pens, FYI they only carry glass dip pens, which have no flex. Then I met with a client and as we worked on his documents (I’m a notary) he noticed my fountain pen and asked if I like to do calligraphy. I said I’m getting into it. He then mentioned that his mother was into calligraphy and had some boxes full of supplies including papers, and dip pens and nibs. He was thinking of throwing them out. I said I would take it off his hands. Now I have someone’s lifetime supplies of calligraphy tools!!
I just got my first dip pen and after searching and watching many videos this is the best well presented and informative one I found. Thank you for your time and the effort you put into this video! What a help this was! I feel so much more prepared to begin!
Thank you for the great compliment! Beginning can be a little frustrating but keep at it. I have found that the ink you are using and the paper make a big difference in performance.
at least he had the dignity to try.
you sir,or ma'm,are to ashamed of your actions
DC430, you're a troll...be gone.
Ootrid what ink and paper should I get for drawing purposes? I'll be doing allot of shading with my drawings.
You put a lot of effort and thought into this. Thank you!
I remember being scolded for feathering. I had no clue what it meant and thought it sounded quite lovely. Really it does sound lovely when not presented properly and in context - Hey teacher leave them kids alone!
Thank you for a well organized and presented video. I found it very informative and helpful.
Same complements as I posted on your other video. So clear and informative, thanks for all the hard work!
Thank you for thaking the time to put this together and sharing it with us.
I really like the self-contained Joseph Gillett reversible pen mapping pen. I'm lefty and learned to write properly just to use this dip pen.
Esterbrook nibs are excellent but you might want to mention that Esterbrook stopped making dip pen nibs in 1947. You can find the more common ones - like the 048 - available on eBay for around a Dollar each. The more specialized nibs - like the Esterbrook 344 double line - can be hard to find inexpensively. Japanese inks by Iroshizuku (made by Parker) or inks by Diamine are excellent too, but more expensive for beginners.
Hello, this is a great and very informative, well structured approach video. I just discovered that I like dip pens very much, although I use fountain pen for quite some time.
I just want to thank you for this well designed lecture, you gave me a good idea about these beautiful writing instruments.
Ahmed S. Mansour Thanks Ahmed for taking the time to comment. I am glad you found the video helpful. I sure like using these old pens. I use them or a fountain pen whenever I can instead of a ball point.
Thank you very much for taking the time to present such a compact and concise guide to all things or most things dip pen related. When you are a beginner it is really scary to try to get all this information and apply it properly! 📝🖋👍🏻✉🙏🏻📜
Thanks so much for vid! Help: acrylic ink accrues and accumulates very thick in mere half an hour after cleaning!
The following advice on the longivity of pens is from Gaskell's Compendium of Forms, published in 1861 (page 23, a section entitled "Self-Instruction in Penmanship.")
"No fine-pointed steel pen will bear more than a day or two of constant service. Change whenever the pen seems to be worn at the point."
How true is this with today's fountain pens and dip pens?
Great video and very informative, thank you!
Hi. Great and informative. I already use dip pens where ever I can and a fountain pen otherwise, but your insights into nibs and paper were great.
Thanks John. I am glad you liked the video. I also look for any excuse to use a dip Pen.
Great presentation! I enjoyed this very much! Keep presenting! Semper Fi
Hey sir, YOU ARE MY HERO lol. my name is Mesa and I wanted to thank you so very much for taking the time to make your videos and sharing your knowledge. You have no idea how long I have been searching for what the best type of nibs, pens, inks etc.
Thank you Mesa. I make these because I enjoy these old pens and nibs and want to share with others. I am glad you found the videos helpful.
Thanks for sharing, great video
What nibs that are made today are the ones I should buy ? Most videos have nibs that are not made anymore ?
Thanks for the video. I am an older person and wonder why younger people hold their pens in such odd ways. It seems to have been some kind of generational rebellion. But the way you hold yours is one that some kids used when I was growing up.
I would suggest you try to hold it differently, as the way you are holding it now forces you to tense your fingers and grip it rather hard, rather than holding it in the traditional way that allows your hand to relax, holding the pen loosely.
Give it a try. Maybe you'll chew up your paper less.
And on paper, you didn't mention whether or not your 32 pound paper was coated ink jet paper. If not, have you tried that? It is coated to handle ink and not feather, so it might work.
Thanks again for all the information.
I've always liked thin vintage dip pen holders, how come you don't see them around these days?
Hey thanks for the video. I'm considering dip pens and I am totally new to the art. I need all the advice I can get and this was great info.
Bruce
Thanks maddog. I am glad you found this useful. My next video is going to be my top three easily available and inexpensive vintage dip nibs for every day writing. Keep your eye out for that one if you are getting into dip pens.
My speedball nib stopped working? Any ideas why? I've only been using it for 2 days...
Helpful information, thanks. I have just bought a dip pen and 3 nibs and India Ink. Can you tell me how to clean the nib after each use please?
Thank you so much!
The nibs I bought can't write properly after I've completely cleaned them. I wonder if the need a reservoir.
Where can I buy quality classic pen holders?
What type of ink would you use on parchment?
Very informative thanks
Does the 2nd dip pen you show have sparkles in it. If so, what is brand name , maker or model. I love sparkly pens!
Do you have any advice on how to hold the pen? It seems like the most basic step but is almost impossible to find advice in video form. Thanks!!!!
Collette, send me your email by way of a private message and I will send you a document with an explanation. Thanks for watching.
HEY GREAT VIDEO . WHICH INK LAST LONGER WITHOUT FADING FOR MONTHS. CALLIGRAPHIC USE??????????????
Iron Gall is basically eternal. :)
I've heard you can use acrylic paint with drop pens for drawing , do you recommend this?
How to you place the bibs in the peb? Mine has metal triangles to hold the nib in place that bend. But I am not sure if I am placing it correctly and do not want to break it. Any help? It would be greatly appreciated.
... And that should say nibs. :)
The holder at the end of your pen is called a ferrule. There are several varieties but the most common is a steel tube with 4 tabs arranged in a circular pattern. The tops of the tabs are generally rounded or triangular. If this is the type of ferrule you have then you would slide the nib between the tabs and the outer steel sleeve. The tabs are designed to move freely and will apply tension to the nib keeping it in place.
how should i clean my nibs?? i tried using water and it rusted the part that goes into the holder.
Please help me! i would really appreciate it!
+Shelby Rose jet.com/product/detail/f424f75f1b9043878f716b1c4d21fbf8?jcmp=pla:ggl:office_supplies_a3:office_instruments_writing_drawing_instruments_pens_pencils_a3_other:na:na:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&k_clickid=8c7d27c6-c703-4dc5-8428-9d113c81cb34&abkId=403-180936&gclid=CjwKEAiA_ra1BRDV-byb_aDqpQoSJAA-ofB9nKbu0YMN6ANBGLLNskx44A3CQCG3srlh0VuKGDEE7RoCUNzw_wcB
Ok, I watched the entire video and now I'm ready to try using dip pens. I'd like to order the paper with the nibs but I don't see your email address.
I hope you found the video helpful. you can send me your email address and I will reply with ordering instructions. send your request to ordersn2paper@gmail.com.
Do you still make and sell the sn2 pads?
CANT GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER.! What is the difference between the off set nib pens vs. straight dip pens???? CAN ANYONE TELL ME????? please.
Dylan,
I believe you are asking about what is called an oblique nib or more commonly an oblique pen. They hold the nib point at an angle to the line of text and are used in some kinds of scripts particularly Spencerian Script. If you look for oblique pen holder or Spencerian script on You Tube I bet you will find all the info you want.
Do you have a store to buy the paper from?
Please let me know. Thank you!
What type of nib is he using at 30:49?
Interesting tutorial, thank you. I can remember getting really bad marks in elementary school for (well everything)"feathering" it started with penmanship. The school I went to required everyone to play the violin and learn classical penmanship - come hell or high water. . . BTW, it was really bad paper, really bad ink, terrible nib, oh, and BTW, I was fucking eight years old!
what would you recommend for someone who wants to buy one but doesn't know where to get one. I would like to use a dip pen for journaling
Sabina Jasmine Sabina, I have seen many sellers on Ebay selling nibs by the piece or in sets of several nibs. Try looking there. Online Calligraphy stores also often have old vintage nibs. If you would like you can send me a private message and I could sell you some nibs with my SN2 paper as well. Good luck and I hope you find the nibs you would like.
Sabina Jasmine If you actually want to write with a dip pen you should look into the Brause Bandzug series. Unlike the ones shown in this video, the Bandzug has a small ink reservoir which enables you to write/draw without having to dip every 5 seconds. I use a Brause Bandzug 1/2 mm and I do pretty much everything with it: lettering, line art, crosshatching. They are not as versatile as the pens featured in this video, meaning you can't go from very thin to broad with it, but I like the lineweight they produce. They are mainly used for calligraphy, but as I said, the 1/2 mm one is perfect for drawing as well. In any case: it produces a line that is more expressive than a fineliner. And you get to use real black indian ink which beats the poor inks found in fineliners which are often rather grey than black. Black indian ink is really black and reproduces perfectly.
Is "die based ink," blood, or did you mean "dye?" ;) I kid ...
This might be a stupid question but, have you tried squid ink?
I wan't to order some of that paper you sell, do you have a website?
How do you private message on RUclips?
parker quink is ok for dip pens?
Depends on the individual pen. Fountain pen ink is sometimes too thin to work well with dip pens.
I've learned a lot from your video thankyou! I am interested in your paper pad and nibs,will you ship to Canada?
Blissfulthings,
I have shipped to Canada several times. Send me an email to ordersn2paper@gmail.com and we can discuss privately.
Hi. Do you still sell the dip pen paper?
Add some Gum Arabic to Noodlers blue ink...
I make my self my inks.
Do you do art work with these pens?
Juliana, I don't do any artwork with these pens. I have a hard time drawing a round circle let alone anything you might call art. However, a lot of people do use dip pens for art. It is my understanding Charles Schultz wrote his peanuts comics with an Esterbrook pen. There are a lot of beautiful pen and ink drawings made with dip pens as well
I have a feather dip pen
Bamboo works better,
Holds the ink better,
Writes more per
Dip
I used a chop stick
It works good
colletteseline@gmail.com
This email works great. Thank you so much! I seem to be having a real problem with consistent ink flow, and I'm wondering if this is due to the way I hold the pen. I'm using a straight pen with a thin, flexible nib.
I posted a video to instagram demonstrating the issues I'm having.
Hopefully you can view
instagram.com/p/ublv8kNncx/?modal=true
I am extremely new to lettering, and have to say I have been blown away with how supportive and encouraging the community is. Thanks so much for taking the time to reach out!!!
Use thicker ink
Le mec il ne sait meme pas ecrire!!!! heureusement qu'il voulait faire court !!!
"Just be conscientious of that..." Is this guy for real?
you should write bigger
28:39 What was that you used?
Steven, That is called blotter. It has a highly absorbent paper on the surface called blotting paper. It is generally used to pull wet surface ink from the page before flipping it over or folding it up so it does not smear.
Ah. Thank you VERY much for the information, Ootrid!