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.