We are frequently asked why a person should
spend the extra $50 or more on a gold nib rather than a perfectly
serviceable stainless steel nib. The answer comes in part in
the corrosion resistance to ink. Inks can range in pH from extremely
acid to very alkaline. The images below are of a steel nib that
has been attacked by ink. (Please note that our lighting makes
this nib look much more copper in color than it really is.)
Note the deep pits in the tines and elsewhere
on the body where the ink has been most active in eating away
the steel. Gold nibs do not have this problem.
We have not noticed problems of this kind
on any gold nib from 14K on up to 21K. Gold does have some uses
besides hoarding.