Calligraphy Nibs 101: choosing the right nib & holder

Calligraphy is a beautiful and timeless art form that relies heavily on the tools used. One of the most crucial tool in a calligrapher's tool is the nib. The most recommended nibs for beginners includes the Blue Pumpkin Nib, Nikko G Nib and the Leonardt Principle.

What is a nib ?

Nib is the pointed article, mostly made of metal which is dipped into the ink. Pointed nibs are used mainly for copperplate script. It contains a slit in between, which when given pressure broadens during use.

Preparation of nibs :

New nibs often have a waterproof non-sticky coating on them to prevent rusting. This coating has to be removed before use.

Using dish soap and wash the nib gently to dissolve the non-sticky coat and its ready to use!

Storage of nibs :

Avoid washing your nibs after every use as it can lead to rusting , gently wipe the nib with a cloth to remove the ink from the nib.

Leaving nibs on the oblique/straight holder when not in use is not advisable. Store the nibs separately in small tins or boxes. I store each of my nibs separately in tiny plastic boxes.

Storing them separately can prevent the rust from spreading to other nibs, incase one is damaged .

My Personal Recommendations :

BLUE PUMPKIN NIB

Leonardt 40 or most commonly known as blue

pumpkin nib was my first nib I used as a beginner. Its perfect for beginners and easy to use and glides across the paper effortlessly. Its a rounded nib which means it is capable of holding more ink. Works best on watercolor and textured paper, and doesn't create ink splatters on paper when snagged.

Leonardt (40) blue pumpkin @theletteringstudio

LEONARDT PRINCIPLE NIB

My favorite nib I've purchased so far. The strokes give you a neat finish and best for copperplate calligraphy in my opinion. When paired with smooth paper, it glides like butter on the paper, and when used while applying adequate amount of pressure you get thick and even shade strokes. Be mindful of the angle, because there's chances of the tip getting snagged on the paper and leads to ink splatters on the paper.

Leonardt princple @theletteringstudio

NIKKO G NIB

Another popularly used nib used by beginners, also the second nib I purchased. I would not personally recommend this because the nib overall is very stiff and not flexible. Its particularly hard when you attempt the shade/ down stroke, you need to apply a lot of pressure which sometimes may lead to the ink overflowing on the paper. Might be best for people with more experience in the copperplate script .

Oblique Holders :

Oblique holders are different then straight holders as they feature a flange that allows you to write at an angle which cannot be seen in straight holders. The nib slot is angled at the left, which provides comfort at use. There are a lot of oblique holders in market starting from right-angled ones to holders with adjustable flange. Find the links of the products I use at the end of the blog.

Calligraphy Inks:

Inks aren't just about color, they're about texture too. Some inks flow smoothly like silk, perfect for calligraphy scripts, while others have a thicker consistency, ideal for creating bold, expressive strokes.

Incase of metallic inks, watercolors work as perfect substitutes. Add a little water and mix to the right consistency and you are ready to go!

Product Links :

Oblique Holder : https://amzn.in/d/cCbiKQw

Calligraphy Ink (green) : https://amzn.in/d/ct4Chtm

If you are in Chennai, India check out Anandha Stationary Stores( Kilpauk, millers road) they have everything from holders to nibs.

HAPPY SCRIBBLING!!