David Oscarson fountain pens are offered in three nib sizes: Fine, Medium and Broad. Each is the same 18-karat gold nib, engineered in Heidelberg, Germany, plated with rhodium, tipped with iridium and paired with an ebonite feed. The only decision is its width, and that decision shapes how the pen writes rather than how it looks.
What the nib is made of
Gold is used for fine nibs because it is resistant to corrosion from ink and has a gentle springiness under the hand. Rhodium plating gives the nib a bright, silver-white finish that suits the sterling silver of the pen. The iridium tip is the small, hard ball of metal at the very point that actually touches the paper; it resists wear so the nib keeps its shape for many years. The ebonite feed beneath it regulates the flow of ink.
Fine (F)
A narrow line with crisp detail. Fine suits small handwriting, dense notes, diaries and lighter paper where a wetter line might show through. Ink colour reads more subtly, and the line dries quickly, which helps left-handed writers and anyone who writes fast.
Medium (M)
The balanced choice and the most common for everyday writing: letters, journals, cards. Medium is forgiving across paper types, shows enough ink to bring out colour, and is the safest choice when buying as a gift.
Broad (B)
A fuller, wetter line that shows off ink colour and shading. Broad is well suited to larger handwriting, headings and signatures, and to writers who prefer a smooth, cushioned feel on the page. It uses more ink and takes a little longer to dry, so it pairs best with good paper.
The nib you choose shapes how the pen writes; it does not change how the pen looks.
How to decide
- Look at your handwriting. Small, tight letters suit Fine; large, open letters suit Broad.
- Think about the paper. Thin paper and pocket notebooks favour Fine; heavy stationery can take Broad.
- Think about the use. Notes and lists: Fine. Letters and journals: Medium. Signatures and cards: Broad.
- If you are buying for someone else, or still undecided, choose Medium.
Remember too that a gold nib adapts slightly to the angle and pressure of the person who writes with it most. Whatever width you choose, write with a light hand and let the nib do the work.
Ink and filling
Every nib width uses the same filling system, which accepts a cartridge, a converter or an eyedropper fill, sealed by a series of O-rings. Use ink made for fountain pens only. A Broad nib will show the character of a shading ink more strongly; a Fine nib keeps even a dark ink restrained.
How to order
On each David Oscarson fountain pen at El Laguito, select Fine, Medium or Broad from the Nib Size option. The reference number ends in -F, -M or -B accordingly. Whichever width you choose, the nib is the same quality; only the line changes.
If you would rather not choose at all, a roller ball version of each collection is also available, and it counts toward the same numbered edition. Contact us if you would like help matching a nib to your handwriting before you order.