1. NIB TEST — Types of fountain pen nibs: find the right one for you

Fine, broad, smooth, or flexible. Discover how to choose the right nib for your fountain pen based on your handwriting, your preferences, and the feel you're looking for when you write.

Some fountain pens win us over with their design, their materials, or the story behind them. Yet when we put the tip to paper, there's one small element that becomes the real star: the nib.

At first glance, many nibs can look alike. But it only takes a few lines of writing to discover surprising differences. Some glide with remarkable smoothness, while others let you feel a slight texture from the paper. Some draw ultra-fine lines, and others turn every word into a stroke full of personality.

So, how do you know which nib is best for you? The answer doesn't necessarily lie in its price, material, or size. It lies in something much more personal: the way you write.

Types of nibs: what do EF, F, M, and B mean?

If you've ever chosen a fountain pen, you've probably come across these letters. They indicate the approximate line width each nib produces:

• EF (Extra Fine): produces especially fine lines. Ideal for small handwriting, precise notes, or planners with limited space.
• F (Fine): offers a fine line, but slightly more generous. A versatile option for everyday writing.
• M (Medium): strikes a balance between precision, smoothness, and showing off the ink's color.
• B (Broad): creates wider, more expressive lines, perfect for those who enjoy handwriting with more presence.

But there's one important detail: an F nib doesn't necessarily write the same across every brand. Its geometry, polishing, and ink flow can change the result considerably.

That's why these letters are a good reference point, but they never tell the whole story.

Is your handwriting large or small? Line width matters

Imagine writing the word "Iguana" with an extra-fine nib and then with a broad one. The letters are the same, but they look completely different.

With a fine nib, strokes stay crisp even in small handwriting. With a broad one, letters gain more presence and let you better appreciate the nuances of the ink.

If you write small, a nib that's too broad can make your handwriting harder to read. On the other hand, if your handwriting is large, you may enjoy a more generous line.

Smoothness or feedback: two ways to feel the paper

One of the most personal decisions when choosing a nib has to do with how it feels.

Some people want an extremely smooth writing experience, where the nib glides across the paper almost effortlessly. Others prefer to feel a slight texture from the surface as they write.

This second sensation is known as feedback.

It's worth clarifying that feedback doesn't mean a nib is scratchy. While a scratchy nib may need adjusting, feedback is a controlled sense of contact with the paper.

It's similar to the difference between writing with different pencils: some glide smoothly, while others better convey the texture of the page.

Neither experience is necessarily better. It all depends on what you enjoy when you write.

Ink flow also transforms your writing

Two fountain pens with nibs of the same width can offer completely different experiences.

Why? Because the nib doesn't work alone.

The feed regulates the ink supply and, together with the nib's characteristics, influences how much ink reaches the paper.

A wetter writer usually produces bold strokes, more vivid colors, and a very fluid feel. A drier flow can offer more control, especially on certain papers.

In addition, the ink's formulation and the surface we write on also change the result.

Changing any of these elements can transform how it feels.

Gold or steel nibs: which is better?

It's one of the most common questions among fountain pen enthusiasts.

Nibs are usually made of stainless steel or gold alloys, typically 14k or 18k. However, a gold nib isn't automatically smoother, more flexible, or more pleasant than a steel one.

Geometry, polishing, tuning, and design have a huge influence on how it performs.

You can find excellent steel nibs and outstanding gold nibs. The real difference lies in how each one responds to your hand.

Firm, springy, and flexible nibs

Some nibs offer a firm, consistent, precise line. Others have a certain springiness, while flexible nibs are designed to allow line variation through controlled changes in pressure.

This last feature can bring special expressiveness to your writing.

But be careful: not all nibs are designed to flex. Applying too much pressure to a firm nib can damage it.

There are also special nib grinds that can visually change your handwriting:

• Stub: creates vertical strokes that are wider than horizontal ones, adding character to your writing.
• Italic: produces sharper contrast and requires more precision in your writing angle.
• Oblique: has a tip cut at an angle, which can suit certain hand positions and rotations.

These nibs show that your choice doesn't only affect line width. It can also transform the personality of your handwriting.

How you hold your pen matters too

Not all of us write the same way. Some people hold the fountain pen close to the nib; others place their fingers farther back. Some write with the pen fairly upright, while others prefer to tilt it.

Even a slight rotation can change how the nib makes contact with the paper.

That's why a fountain pen that feels incredibly comfortable for one person can feel very different for someone else.

And being left-handed doesn't necessarily mean you need a special nib: hand position and writing angle are far more decisive factors.

So, which nib is best for you?

We could recommend an exceptionally smooth one, but maybe you prefer to feel the paper. A broad one that shows every nuance of an ink, but maybe you write in tiny letters. Or even a flexible one, when what you're really after is speed and precision.

They can all be excellent nibs. But not all of them will be yours.

The key is knowing your preferences and understanding which sensations make you enjoy every word more.

NIB TEST · Discover your ideal nib

At Pen Week 2026 · The Writing Lab, we invite you to discover which nib best suits the way you write.

Through our Nib Test, an online experience designed to explore your preferences, you'll discover which features best suit your handwriting.

Is your handwriting large or small? Do you prefer a fine, precise line or one with more presence? Are you after maximum smoothness, or do you enjoy feeling the paper? Are you drawn to a consistent line, or do you prefer more expressive writing?

You don't need any technical knowledge or calligraphy skills. Just think about how you write and what sensations you enjoy.

Because a fountain pen can have a stunning design, extraordinary materials, and a fascinating filling system. But when the nib touches the paper, the real experience begins.

If you have any questions or need help, don't hesitate to contact our team. We'll be happy to help!