When asked, we make an effort to find out about the writing characteristics and preferences of each customer in order to match them with a pen. We also look at brands, models and nibs of pens for their strengths and weaknesses.
       One person's pen might not suit another. A good example of this can be seen in the ink flow characteristics of the Namiki Vanishing point. Although it does very well as a dry writing point, it can never be used for those who like a really juicy line. Able to write with a good medium ink flow, the feed just will not deliver that maximum ink. Most Omas nibs, on the other hand, especially the ones that have some flexibility cannot be used by those who like to write dryly and use more than average pressure. With pressure they are juicy. (Note how nicely this ink stands on a hard paper.)

The same is true of the Pelikan M1000. If we are told that the writer prefers a light ink line and also that this writer has a firm hand, we recommend against this pen.
       Knowing how much pressure a writer uses can be challenging. Write on a pad of paper to find this out. If no embossing is telegraphed through onto the sheet below the writing paper, the writer has a fairly light touch. If a writer uses only the weight of the pen to write with, they have a very light touch. We need to know about this in order to accommodate extreme lightness. Most people, especially those used to ballpoint pens and pencils will use a fountain pen with more pressure than it needs. This is enough pressure to make a legible carbon copy.
       For those who like massive ink flow, there are a few feeds that will do. By cutting deeper ink channels and opening up the return air supply, Omas can be customized to be really wet. Usually Pelikan feeds need very little customization to get copious flow. (Notice how poorly a juicy nib works on soft absorbent paper.)

Sailor feeds are limited in their capacity, although they are more than adequate in all but the most extreme demand and on broad nibs. As we have said earlier, Namiki Vanishing points are limited in the realm of very heavy ink as are the Yukari feeds. All the Parker and Watermans cartridge / converter feed systems only deliver moderate ink. For more than that, especially on a broader nib, they can be opened up somewhat, but lack the capacity to gush. As a rule of thumb, if the pen takes a cartridge, the prospects for a consistent extremely wet line are limited.
       The following is a list of some of the more exotic tip types, what properties they possess and notes on who they are best suited for.
       Ball tips, smooth and round come in fine, medium and broad especially in the Japanese brands. They are particularly suited to left-handed pusher writers and anyone for whom smoothness is the first priority. They show very little line width variation.
       Stub tips, a specialty of the nib works, can be custom made in any width from fine to triple broad. Those who like some line width variation as well as reasonable smoothness appreciate these tips. Because of their big ink demands, the larger sizes can only be made from Pelikan and Omas nibs. (see writing samples page for a look at these styles)
       Italic tips, which we have been making for more than ten years, can also be custom made in any width, although the finest widths must be used only by those who can manage a very light touch. Because these points are cut to maximize line width variation, they tend to have some tooth. They are more difficult to use than the stub. With a trained hand the italic nib can make wonderful calligraphy. This tip is for those who are keen on their penmanship.
       Oblique tips, can be cut as crisp as italic tips or more like stubs. They are identified by their angle cut. What we call a left oblique is cut at an angle that looks like the angle of your left foot when viewed from the top. In other words, short on the left and long on the right. This is the most commonly used oblique suitable for right-handers and many lefties as well. We can make this point in a range of angles and sharpness. Properly suited and adapted, this nib will give narrow up and down strokes and wide cross lines. Traditionally, this nib is cut to either a 15-degree angle, and more rarely to a 30-degree angle. Also, it can be cut the other way, as a right oblique for those who know what they want. Quite a number of people have trouble with some of these angles, so it is best to have a good discussion with us before ordering the first one. In spite of the trouble many people find this tip their favorite. A variation on this point is the flexible left oblique, a point in regular use for correspondence in Europe especially mid century. Savvy cursive writers prize this tip.
       Sword tips or tips with extreme slope, otherwise known as the architects' point, are currently available on a Sailor pen. This tip produces a wide cross stroke and a narrow down stroke, even when printing. Some vintage Sheaffer's nibs had this configuration. The contact area of the nib is long with the axis of the pen. When this nib is used in a more vertical position, the point becomes a fine. The more it is "laid down" the broader it becomes. Designed for Japanese calligraphy, this nib is also interesting in the hands of a skilled westerner. Sailor also provides a Zoom Nib, which increases in line width as the pen angle is lowered toward the paper. (See Sailor nib page for a sample of the Architect, Zoom and Music Nibs.)
No discussion of writing needs would be complete without mentioning left-handed writers. Over thirty percent of our clients are left-handed, so we have created a page that looks into these special writing needs. Click here for our left-hand writers page.
       A short conversation with one of us here will go some distance toward simplifying this confusing choice.