Dip Nibs
Dip nibs are the oldest category still in common use and remain the standard for pointed-pen scripts such as Copperplate and Spencerian. The nib attaches to a separate holder and draws ink from a bottle. Because there is no internal reservoir, the writer controls ink volume entirely through how deeply the nib is dipped and how long the stroke is before re-dipping.
Pointed vs Broad-Edge Nibs
Pointed nibs flex under downstroke pressure, spreading the tines and producing a thick stroke, then spring back for hairline upstrokes. Broad-edge (or chisel) nibs produce thick and thin strokes purely through the angle of the pen relative to the writing line — no pressure variation is required. This makes broad-edge work more forgiving for beginners.
Common pointed nibs available in Canada include the Nikko G, Zebra G, and Brause 66EF. Broad-edge options from Brause (2mm, 3mm, 4mm) and Speedball are stocked by Curry's Art Store and Art Supplies Wholesale in Ontario.
Nib Flexibility
A stiffer nib produces more consistent lines but less contrast between thick and thin strokes. Flexible nibs like the Leonardt Principal EF require more pressure control but yield the dramatic hairlines associated with 19th-century penmanship. New practitioners generally find medium-flex nibs (Nikko G, Zebra G) easier to start with because they resist over-pressuring.
Fountain Pens for Calligraphy
Calligraphy fountain pens use an internal ink cartridge or converter and deliver ink automatically through the nib during writing. They are the most practical option for extended writing sessions because re-dipping is eliminated.
Italic Nibs
Most calligraphy fountain pens ship with a stub or italic nib — a broad-edge variant with crisp edges. The Lamy Joy and Pilot Parallel are widely distributed in Canada through retailers such as Bureau en Gros (Staples) and specialty pen shops. The Pilot Parallel in particular is recognised for producing very clean broad strokes due to its parallel plate feed system.
Ink Compatibility
Fountain pens are limited to inks formulated for internal use — heavily pigmented or shellac-based inks will clog the feed. Iron gall inks are compatible with some fountain pens (notably those with gold nibs) but can corrode steel nibs over time. Water-based dye inks from manufacturers such as Diamine and Iroshizuku are safe for all calligraphy fountain pens.
Brush Pens
Brush pens use either a real brush tip or a synthetic fibre tip and produce line variation through the amount of tip surface in contact with the paper. They are the primary tool for contemporary brush lettering and are also used for Japanese and Chinese calligraphy.
Hard-Tip vs Soft-Tip
Hard-tip brush pens (Tombow Fudenosuke, Pentel Fude Touch) have a stiffer tip that responds to lateral pressure more predictably. Soft-tip pens (Pentel Aquash, Kuretake No.22) behave closer to a traditional brush. Hard-tip pens are the more common starting point for brush lettering because the range of motion is smaller and less technique-dependent.
Reed and Bamboo Pens
Reed and bamboo pens predate metal nibs and remain standard for Arabic, Ottoman, and Persian calligraphy. The tip is cut at an angle and can be re-cut as it wears. In Canada, reed pens are available through specialty calligraphy suppliers online, including Scribblers (UK-based, ships internationally) and through import listings on online marketplaces.
Matching Pen to Script
The following pairings reflect established practice rather than hard rules:
- Copperplate / Spencerian — Pointed dip nib (Nikko G or Zebra G for beginners; Leonardt Principal EF for finer hairlines)
- Gothic / Blackletter — Broad-edge dip nib or italic fountain pen (2–4mm nib width)
- Italic — Italic fountain pen or medium broad-edge dip nib
- Uncial — Broad-edge dip nib, 2–3mm width
- Modern brush lettering — Hard-tip brush pen for control; soft-tip for expressive work
- Arabic / Persian — Reed pen (qalam); bamboo pen for practice
External References
- IAMPETH (International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting) — Historical reference and nib guides
- Calligraphy Skills — Nib comparison overviews