Nib Knowledge: The Ultimate Guide to Fountain Pen Nibs

"Understand your pen better because the right nib makes all the difference."

Fountain pens are more than writing tools; they're expressions of individuality. At the heart of every fountain pen lies its nib — the tiny yet powerful component that controls ink flow, line variation, and writing experience. While most people are familiar with common nib sizes like EF, F, M, and B, the world of fountain pen nibs is vast and fascinating.

At Makoba, India’s largest online pen store, we help you discover the perfect nib tailored to your writing style. Whether you seek precision, flair, or artistic strokes, this detailed guide will open up the world of nib options.

🔎 What Is a Fountain Pen Nib?

The nib is the metal tip of the pen that touches paper and delivers ink. It determines line thickness, writing smoothness, and flexibility. While materials and finishes may vary, most nibs are made from steel, gold, or titanium, with specialized coatings like iridium to enhance durability.

✨ How to Choose the Right Nib

Ask yourself:

• Do you have small or large handwriting?

• Do you want crisp lines or expressive strokes?

• Is ink shading or sheening important to you?

• Do you write fast or slowly?

The answers to these will help you select a nib that feels like an extension of your hand.

🔄 Can You Change a Nib?

Yes! Many pens, like those from TWSBI, Lamy, and Kaweco, offer interchangeable nibs. Makoba also provides nib replacement services and expert recommendations tailored to your needs.

🖊 Common and Specialty Fountain Pen Nibs Explained

• EEF - Extra Extra Fine

The finest nib available, EEF creates a hairline stroke. Perfect for intricate details, compact writing, or those with very small handwriting. Popular among artists and precision writers.

• EF - Extra Fine

Offers a very thin line, great for note-taking, planners, and those who prefer clean and minimal ink spread. Best for users with tight handwriting or those who write on absorbent paper.

• EFF - Extra Fine Flex

Combines the slim stroke of EF with the bounce and line variation of a flex nib. Ideal for expressive yet controlled writing and delicate calligraphy.

• F - Fine

One of the most popular choices. Offers a slightly thicker line than EF while maintaining precision. Excellent for everyday use.

• FF - Fine Flex

A responsive nib that gives variation between fine and medium strokes with pressure. Suitable for cursive writing and adding personality to handwriting.

• FM - Fine Medium

Sits between fine and medium. It provides a smooth flow with slightly broader lines than a fine nib. Ideal for those transitioning between writing styles.

• M - Medium

A go-to for many fountain pen users. Smooth, moderate line width. Versatile for note-taking, journaling, and personal correspondence.

• MF - Medium Fine

Closer to medium, but slightly more controlled. A sweet spot for those who find M too broad and F too narrow.

• Medium Flex

Offers expressive line variation with a springy feel. Provides a beautiful bounce when writing with moderate pressure.

• B - Broad

Wider strokes, great for signatures and bold statements. Shows off ink properties like shading and sheen.

• Broad Flex

A rare combination of broad strokes and flex capabilities. Offers dramatic line variation for large, artistic writing.

• Double Broad (BB)

Very wide strokes. A favorite for bold calligraphy and showing off the richness of fountain pen inks.

• Coarse

Broader than BB. Extremely wet line output. Best suited for expressive writing and highlighting ink characteristics.

• Music Nib

Designed for writing musical scores but also used by calligraphers. Two tines and a broad flat tip provide consistent ink flow and dramatic line variation.

• Falcon Nib

Unique to the Pilot Falcon. Soft, springy, and semi-flexible. Allows beautiful natural line variation.

• Fude Nib

An upturned nib used in East Asian calligraphy. Great for creating varied line widths by changing writing angles.

• Italic Nib

Flat-cut nib with sharp edges. Creates thick and thin strokes for calligraphy and formal writing.

• Needle Point

Ultra-precise tip ideal for technical drawing or micro writing. Common among journaling enthusiasts.

• Oblique Broad

A broad nib ground at an angle. Suited for left-handers or writers with a slanted hand position.

• OBB - Oblique Double Broad

An even wider version of OB. Designed for large, expressive writing with character.

• Signature Nib

Custom ground nibs optimized for smooth, bold strokes. Usually tailored for personal signature styles.

• Stub 1.1 & Stub 1.3

Flat-edge nibs that provide line variation without the sharpness of italics. Great for everyday calligraphy.

• Soft Fine, Soft Medium, Soft Broad

These nibs offer a cushioned writing experience with gentle bounce. Provide natural line variation with no aggressive flex.

• Waverly Nib

Upturned tip that glides smoothly on paper. Designed to reduce scratchiness and accommodate different writing angles.

• Ultra Extra Fine (UEF)

Even finer than EEF. Creates delicate, almost invisible lines. Perfect for Japanese scripts or artists.

• Triple Broad (BBB)

Very wide nib for extremely bold writing. Great for artistic expression and decorative signatures.

• Cross Point

Two nibs stacked for dual-line writing. Popular in Japanese nib customization for bold, wet, and expressive output.

• Naginata Togi

Sailor’s famed specialty nib. Hand-ground for variable line width depending on writing angle. Loved by calligraphy and kanji enthusiasts.

• Zoom Nib

Changes line width based on the angle of writing. Write upright for fine lines, and slanted for broader strokes.

🌟 Special Nibs by Popular Brands

• • Aurora

Aurora’s nibs are made in-house in Italy. Known for their feedback and responsiveness. Aurora Flex and Italic nibs are especially admired.

                                 

• • Sailor

Home to specialty nibs like Naginata Togi, Naginata Concord, and Cross Point. Sailor’s 21K gold nibs are revered for consistency, smoothness, and character.

                             

• • Montblanc

Offers precision-ground nibs like Oblique, Stub, and Calligraphy Flex. Montblanc Calligraphy 149 is one of the few modern flex nib pens from a luxury brand.

                                 

• • Pilot Falcon

Features a uniquely designed soft nib with semi-flex capabilities. Produces expressive strokes and elegant line variation.

                             

• • Pilot Custom 912

Available with an incredible range of nibs including FA (Falcon), PO (Posting), SU (Stub), WA (Waverly), and Music nibs. A favorite for customization and specialty writing styles.

                                 

• • Platinum

Offers ultra-fine Japanese nibs. Their UEF (Ultra Extra Fine) and Soft Fine nibs are popular among those who need controlled precision. The "Soft Fine" nib in the Platinum 3776 Century is a cult favorite.

                             

Other Notables

• Leonardo Officina Italiana: Offers #6 and #8 nibs in EF to Stub, including elastic nibs.

• TWSBI & Lamy: Great entry-level pens with interchangeable nibs in various widths.

• Namiki: Premium Japanese artistry with nibs crafted by master nib artisans.

                                                     

🚀 Discover the Right Nib at Makoba

While most people choose from EF, F, M, and B nibs, the world of fountain pens has so much more to offer. Whether you’re looking for precision or personality, Makoba offers the largest online collection of fountain pens in India. Our curated selection includes nib options from classic to exotic, with expert advice to help you find your ideal match.

Explore. Write. Express.

Visit www.makoba.com to explore our exclusive collection and experience the joy of the perfect nib.

💡 Final Thoughts

The right nib transforms your fountain pen from a simple tool to a joyful experience. At Makoba, we help you find that perfect fit—whether it’s a buttery-smooth gold nib or a crisp, fine steel tip.

Visit www.makoba.com or drop by our store to explore a world of writing possibilities. Your perfect nib awaits.