Guide to nib size and material

Short answer:

• Fine nibs are usually the most suited to everyday handwriting
• Wider nibs show more of the ink character
• Steel nibs are usually firmer
• Gold nibs are more responsive and forgiving

Nib size affects how a fountain pen feels, how your handwriting looks, and how much ink reaches the page. Most fountain pens follow standard sizing, though Japanese nibs usually write one size finer than European brands.

• Extra Fine (EF): Produces a very thin line suited to small handwriting, detailed notes and sketching. Uses less ink and reduces bleed-through.
  
  
• Fine (F): One of the most popular everyday sizes. Fine nibs balance precision and smoothness, working well with most inks, papers and handwriting styles, including left handed writing.
  
  
• Medium Fine (MF): Common on Japanese pens, sitting between Fine and Medium. A popular choice for Western writers using Japanese brands.
  
  
• Medium (M): Smoother and wetter than a Fine nib, with more visible ink shading and colour. Best suited to slightly larger handwriting.
  
  
• Broad (B): Produces a bold, expressive line ideal for signatures, shading inks and shimmer inks. Uses more ink and suits larger handwriting styles.
  
  
• Stub and Italic nibs: These nibs create line variation, with thicker vertical strokes and thinner horizontal strokes. Italics are sharper and crisper, while stubs are smoother and easier to use. A 1.1mm stub is a popular way to add some edge to your writing.
  
  
• Fude nibs: Fude nibs have a bent tip that changes line width depending on writing angle. Held upright they produce a fine line, and at lower angles a much broader stroke. Popular for sketching and expressive drawing.
  
  
• Specialty nibs: Some brands offer more specialised nibs for unique writing styles. Pilot offers the Falcon, FA and Justus nibs, while Sailor produces nibs like the Zoom and Naginata.
  
  
• Left-handed nibs: Most left handers can use standard nibs, but some brands produce dedicated left-handed nibs with smoother polishing or slightly upturned tips to reduce catching on push strokes.

Nib materials

Nib material affects writing feel, responsiveness and price. 

• Stainless steel nibs: Most modern fountain pens use stainless steel nibs. They are durable, reliable and affordable, and many write just as smoothly as far more expensive pens.
  
  
• Gold nibs: Higher end fountain pens often use 14k, 18k or 21k gold nibs. Gold nibs usually feel slightly softer and more responsive on paper, giving a more cushioned writing experience. 
  
  
• Plated steel nibs: Some steel nibs are plated in gold or other finishes to match the trim of the pen. This mainly changes appearance rather than writing feel.

Importantly, all nibs use a hard tipping alloy at the writing point. Without this durable tipping material, the nib would wear down very quickly.

What matters more than the nib material itself is that the nib is well tuned to ensure the tipping is properly aligned for the smoothest possible feel. Learn more about our nib tuning service.

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