First Nib Holder
- Thread starter Hippie3180
- Start date
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duncsuss
Member
Nice! To my mind, they don't have to be ornate, most important is they should be well balanced so the act of writing involves the minimum amount of effort possible. Too much weight at the front requires the writer to hold the pen in a tighter grip, too much weight at the back means the writer has to hold and press down. My ideal is when the pen can rest in the notch of thumb and first finger and without gripping it I can pull my hand backwards and the pen will draw a line on the paper. No downward pressure, no effort.
BTW ... This takes me all the way back to junior school - we had desks with an inkwell recessed into the right hand corner (no catering for lefties back then!) and learned joined-up-writing with a dip pen. At first the holders were painted wood, a year or two later they were replaced with bright red plastic ones.
BTW ... This takes me all the way back to junior school - we had desks with an inkwell recessed into the right hand corner (no catering for lefties back then!) and learned joined-up-writing with a dip pen. At first the holders were painted wood, a year or two later they were replaced with bright red plastic ones.
darrin1200
Member
Looks good Michele. Wait until you start thining out that tail. unter 1/8" gets real fun. 
Hippie3180
Member
I suspect this one is a bit heavy towards the nib end due to the bead, but great tip that I will keep in mind. Straight nib holders are quite common as well.
Also sir, I love your story about the inkwell in your desk, the days when handwriting and the written word were valued.
Hippie3180
Member
Thank you, of course I've admired the very thin tails, but my skills aren't there yet.Looks good Michele. Wait until you start thining out that tail. unter 1/8" gets real fun.
duncsuss
Member
There are a few makers who specialize in holders - check out https://www.yokepencompany.com/ for ideas. One of his designs was done in collaboration with Dr. Joe Vitolo, who is the historian/webmaster of IAMPETH (sorry, I don't remember what the letters stand for) and a fine penman & calligrapher.
That old-style education system had some faults, for sure, but some things served me well: we had to master writing with pencils before we could move on to (dip) pens, and we had to master cursive with that before we were allowed to use a fountain pen in class. It was a big deal, and I'm certain that's the foundation of my relationship with pens and writing.
Hippie3180
Member
Yes, we are familiar with Chris Yoke and his website,in fact we purchased a nib that he and the Dr.developed together, however I am unable to write with it. I'm sure it's my lack of knowledge with how to use it.
I remember getting in trouble in 7th grade English class because I wanted to use pencil so o could erase my mistakes. The teacher wanted us to use ink, I still prefer pencil, but often use ink.
darrin1200
Member
darrin1200
Member
I love Chris's work. He is the one that inspired me to make holders, and try (unsuccessfuly) to learn copperplate.Yes, we are familiar with Chris Yoke and his website,in fact we purchased a nib that he and the Dr.developed together, however I am unable to write with it. I'm sure it's my lack of knowledge with how to use it.
I remember getting in trouble in 7th grade English class because I wanted to use pencil so o could erase my mistakes. The teacher wanted us to use ink, I still prefer pencil, but often use ink.
I have never heard of a nib that the two of them developed. They did collaborate on an incredible oblique holder.
As a note: in the dip world, the long portion you hold is called the holder while the pointy bit, that goes in the ink, is called the pen.
The brass piece is called the flang. This one is called a zanerian flange. It is adjustable and very versatile, and a real pain to make. I've only made a couple.
Making calligraphy holders can be a rabbit hole of its own.
I haven't made any holders for a while, but I think you are inspiring me to make a few before Scriptus this fall.
Hippie3180
Member
I didn't realize, but I follow you on Instagram.
You should definitely get back to making more holders. I'm primarily a fountain pen maker, but I can feel myself getting sucked into the vortex of holders. Oops!
darrin1200
Member
Now that I look down and see your company name in your signature, I realize I've been watching you as well.
You do some gorgeous work.