---
title: "Nibs — materials and widths"
description: "Gold nibs, steel nibs, nib widths EF/F/M/B/BB, oblique grinds, flex nibs."
language: en
date_modified: 2026-05-19
date_published: 2026-05-19
license: CC BY 4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source_url: https://www.fountainpen.de/faq-chunks-en/07_federn.md
landing_url: https://www.fountainpen.de/faq-llm-en.htm
publisher: fountainpen.de
author: Michael Steiner
keywords: ['nib', 'nib width', 'gold nib', 'steel nib', 'EF', 'OB', 'OBB', 'flex']
entries: 74
---

# Nibs — materials and widths

> Gold nibs, steel nibs, nib widths EF/F/M/B/BB, oblique grinds, flex nibs.

Knowledge base from the former fountainpen.de forum (anonymised, AI-curated). **74 entries** in this topic block. Full index: <https://www.fountainpen.de/faq-llm-en.htm>.

## Fountain-pen nibs

### Do nibs really break in to one's individual writing style?

The majority of forum members deny any genuine break-in: the iridium pellet at the nib tip is so hard that practically no measurable wear occurs in normal use — not even after decades, so used pens can be bought without concern. What is felt as "breaking in" is in practice mostly the writer's own adaptation to the instrument. Only when the iridium pellet is broken off does the softer gold wear quickly. Targeted nib customisation is possible at the Montblanc service in Hamburg, where the writing style is observed and the nib individually ground. Since gold nibs are made by hand and vary even within one nib width, switching to a different nib of the same width can bring noticeable improvements.

### Which nibs are suitable for a light calligraphy effect in everyday use?

Today's nibs produce only a limited calligraphic effect, since stiffer nibs have been made since the introduction of the ballpoint in the 1950s to tolerate the typical writing pressure of users. Anyone who wants a real, clearly varying line should sensibly turn to an old, broken-in fountain pen with an OM or OB nib, or to pre-war models such as Watermans from 1900–1910 with flexible EF nibs. Current options for a light effect are Aurora Italic or Stub, the music nib of the OMAS Filarmonica, or the Calligraphique nib of the Cartier Louis Cartier. With Montblanc, an OB or O3B nib on the 149 produces a discreet line-width difference. Writing with flexible or oblique-ground nibs requires practice and the right grip on the pen.

### Are there even finer nibs than the Lamy EF, e.g. for writing on squared paper?

True third-party nibs do not exist, but Japanese makers like Pilot, Namiki or Nakaya supply nibs that are clearly thinner than European brands; a Japanese F is roughly equivalent to a European EF and there are even XF nibs. For the Lamy system the Lamy gold EF nib (from the Studio or Accent) can be fitted to the Logo 06; if needed, a nibmeister can grind it finer still. Paper has a very large influence: on absorbent or rough paper even an EF appears thicker, while satin-finished sized paper (e.g. from Clairefontaine) shows the line noticeably finer. Ink also plays a role — Montblanc Blue-Black / Midnight Blue writes a touch thinner than other water-based inks.

### Which paper is suitable for a blank book to be written in with demanding inks like Dr. Jansen "Terra di Sienna" or gold-leaf ink?

Paper from Clairefontaine is recommended; it is available from good specialist shops and has also proved itself for breaking in old nibs. A further option is the refill of the Montblanc Diaries & Notes / Notes and Matters books (item 9526), which can be ordered individually at boutiques; the paper matches the well-known Montblanc test pads. Anyone who wants a custom-made blank book should approach a local bookbinder and supply their own high-quality paper if needed. Inks with high paper requirements feather quickly on soft writing paper, so firm, smooth, sized paper is preferable.

### What helps against light start-up and scratching on a new Montblanc 149 with M nib?

Using sandpaper without experience is strongly discouraged. For start-up problems an ink change to a thinner brand (e.g. Pelikan or Lamy royal blue) often already helps. Slight noises with an M nib can come from "squeak" on certain papers — satin-finished, high-quality paper noticeably reduces this without being significantly more expensive. Genuine scratching often comes from misaligned tines; under a magnifier both halves should sit at the same height, otherwise the nib must be straightened. A gentle break-in, with start-up improving day by day, is normal; a proven trick is to start a new line with a tiny dot.

### Can a nib with iridium tipping be 'broken in' at all, or is that a myth?

Pure material wear hardly occurs through the hard iridium grain; a true 'breaking in' through normal writing would, by estimate, take about 15 years. In reality two effects overlap: the nib tines are minimally spread through individual pressure, and the writer gets used to the behaviour of the pen. Anyone wanting to speed up the effect can use special nib polishing paper with 12,000 grit (e.g. from David Nishimura or via micro-mesh.de) and draw figure-of-eights laid flat on the sheet — this also removes light burrs and adapts the nib to one's own hand. Alternatively, the classic method using a soapstone is mentioned. Targeted manual adjustment should be done carefully, as removing too much material permanently changes the nib character.

### How do you hold and guide a fountain pen with an OM or OF nib, and are such nibs suitable for signatures?

Obliquely ground nibs (oblique, abbreviation 'O') produce a broader script with narrower vertical strokes and react very sensitively to hand position; at the wrong angle the nib scratches or skips. There are considerable differences between OF and OB, so extensive writing samples before purchase are important. For very flowing signatures these nibs are not ideal, but they can be used optimally by lightly turning the pen (counter-clockwise so the oblique foot lies parallel to the paper) — this gives maximum line variation. A detailed English-language guide is available in an article on richardspens.com. Signatures with a ballpoint are regarded among collectors as a stylistic faux pas.

### Are the M and B nib widths of Montblanc and Faber-Castell directly comparable?

Nib widths vary considerably between makers and partly within a brand, since Montblanc nibs are ground manually. Tendentially Montblanc nibs are broader than those of comparable brands (Cross M is narrower than Montblanc M); Dunhill and Aurora are similar at M; a Faber-Castell Anello M tends to seem somewhat broader than a Montblanc M, with ample but not excessive ink flow. The thinner the nominal nib width, the more clearly variation within a model shows — on the Faber Intuition, several nibs of width M showed differences in line width and ink flow. Bringing one's own paper for sample writing is recommended, since the satin sample paper of shops distorts the script.

### Which paper makes a fountain pen's line appear as broad as possible without making the script look fussy?

Generally the rule is: the cheaper and more absorbent the paper, the broader the ink line appears, because the ink penetrates more strongly into the fibre structure and spreads. Paper that is too absorbent, however, carries the risk that the pen cannot keep up with ink flow and skips, or that fibres get into the nib slit and create a brush effect. Strongly satin or coated papers, on the other hand, make the line appear narrower than it actually is, which is why the nib width chosen in the shop often appears disappointingly narrow at home. Recommended are mid-range premium papers such as Gmund papers, Cranes Crest (with cotton-like fibre composition like banknotes) and, as all-rounders, Zanders Gohrsmühle or Classic. Collectors advise always testing a pen with one's own usual paper, as the perceived nib width varies considerably.

### Is there a nibmeister in Germany at the level of Richard Binder or John Mottishaw who makes nibs flexible or replaces tipping?

In Germany there are skilled restorers who can grind and adjust nibs, e.g. the specialist known as Dr. Ink, reachable via doerrbecker.de. For demanding work such as replacing tipping, making a modern nib flexible or working in stub and italic grinds, the level in Germany, by collector judgement, does not reach Richard Binder or John Mottishaw. Therefore shipping to John Mottishaw (nibs.com) is recommended; the handling runs reliably and pleasantly via office manager Pat Ackor; phone arrangements are possible. Shipping and customs formalities to the USA must be factored in.

### What are oxidative discolourations on a Montblanc gold nib, and can you straighten bent nib tines yourself?

Pure gold does not oxidise, but on 14- or 18-carat gold nibs thin tarnish or ink-residue layers can form that are perceived as discolouration; these can be removed without problems by placing the nib for several hours in clear water and then wiping it with a cotton cloth, stubborn layers also with a silver-cleaning cloth. Vermeil nibs (gilded sterling silver) and gold-plated brass nibs of older construction tarnish more visibly; a missing silver hallmark indicates gold-plated brass, which can likewise be cleaned with a silver-cleaning cloth. Displaced or slightly bent nib tines (spreading) should not be corrected by laymen by pressing on paper, since this easily destroys the nib's tuning; for small misalignments going to a nibmeister or qualified specialist dealer is preferable.

### Is a height difference between the two nib tines on the order of half a paper thickness still within tolerance on a Meisterstück?

Between the two tines of a Meisterstück nib there must, by design, be no height difference; any visible step causes the nib to scratch when writing instead of gliding smoothly. A half-paper-thickness offset is therefore not a tolerance value but an alignment error that should be corrected by a qualified specialist dealer or in the boutique. In individual cases suspected defects turn out to be a pure nib-width misunderstanding: an F nib can seem scratchy to a writer used to an M nib, without there being a defect. For a really suitable writing experience collectors recommend, in case of doubt, exchanging the nib via Montblanc, although the cost (nib and lower section change) can lie in the region of 200 euros.

### What are the causes of intermittent ink flow on a Montblanc Noblesse Oblige, and how can the problem be remedied?

The most common cause of intermittent ink flow is dried ink in the feed, especially when the pen has not been used or only sporadically over longer periods and was not flushed before being put away. Recommended is multi-day flushing with clear water; with strongly resinified residues, soaking the front section in water or an ultrasonic bath helps. Breaking in a new nib is a long process, since the iridium grain at the tip is only polished by use over long periods; a hasty nib swap is not the way. If the ink flow cannot be stabilised by cleaning, the writing instrument should be presented with a writing sample to a specialist shop so that nib geometry, hand position and writing angle can be assessed in interaction.

### Which points are to be considered when buying a Montblanc Meisterstück 145 Chopin Platinum as an everyday fountain pen, especially regarding nib choice, source and price?

The Meisterstück 145 Chopin is absolutely everyday-suitable but may be too small for writers with larger hands; trial writing with the 145, 146 and 149 in the specialist trade with one's own paper is therefore recommended, since nib widths look different depending on paper. When buying, the boutique is the safest source; the renowned online shipper scription.de also reliably delivers genuine originals, often more cheaply; non-authorised dealers or eBay increase the counterfeit risk. An official price list Montblanc does not publish, since this contradicts the distribution philosophy; end-consumer prices within a country are, however, identical, only VAT creates small differences between countries like Germany and Austria. A piston filler is to be preferred over cartridge models; a leather case protects the writing instrument permanently. Older 1950s models like the 254 are an attractive but riskier alternative, since their condition is harder to assess.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Meisterstück 145 (Classique): https://www.fountainpen.de/c-montblanc-meisterstueck-145-en.htm

### Which fountain pens are suitable for drawing with pressure-dependent line width, and where do you get flexible or stub-modified nibs?

What is described as a pressure-sensitive nib is a flexible nib that, through varying writing pressure, delivers variable line widths. Such nibs are mostly found in pre-war writing instruments, especially in Watermans up to about 1930; in modern series-produced fountain pens flexible nibs are practically no longer fitted, apart from a few Japanese exceptions like the Pilot Falcon or Nakaya, whose flexibility, however, often falls short of historical nibs. Anyone wanting to have a modern standard nib ground flexibly or have a stub grind worked in is best served by specialist nibmeisters such as John Mottishaw (nibs.com); he can regrind an M nib both narrower and more flexibly. Special editions like a 149 Special Anniversary should not, however, be used for this, since modifications affect collector value; regular series writing instruments are more suitable. The Music Nib is an alternative for line variation without flex behaviour.

### Is it normal that a Caran d'Ache Léman accumulates a fine ink film above the nib slit?

A thin ink film that, after short writing, emerges upward from the nib slit is to be observed to varying extent on pens of very different brands (Montblanc, Pelikan, Faber-Castell, Omas, Parker, Waterman) and is not necessarily a defect. The phenomenon can be related to the chosen ink, the nib design or to a high ink amount in the feed and occurs sometimes only during storage, sometimes also during writing. If the ink film is purely a visual nuisance, presenting the pen to the dealer is advisable; the dealer checks flow and nib alignment; on suspicion of a defect, switching to another ink and thorough flushing is recommended before the pen goes for repair.

### Of which alloys are the gold nibs of high-quality fountain pens made, and how corrosion-resistant is the gold used?

Gold nibs are not made of fine gold but of alloys with silver and copper components, since pure gold would be much too soft and too little elastic. With 18-carat gold the gold content is just over half, with 14-carat only about 38 per cent. In France previously predominantly 18-carat nibs were sold; meanwhile 14-carat nibs are used there; only Solitaire models still have 18-carat nibs. Allergy sufferers, for skin tolerance reasons, often reach for 18-carat or special alloys like gold-titanium; problematic is only the low-alloy 333 gold. Pure gold is very corrosion-resistant and does not tarnish under normal conditions. For authenticity testing of precious metals, hallmarks and acid tests help.

### Are oblique nibs also suitable for daily use and longer exams?

Oblique nibs like OB or OBB produce a clearly more varied, calligraphically appearing script but require practice; the writing position must be adapted to the nib. For left-handers oblique nibs are not suitable. For fast writing over several hours, e.g. in exams, thin and well broken-in nibs like F or OM are better suited than very broad OBB nibs, since at speed and pressure legibility takes priority over script. Regular M nibs can also produce a calligraphic effect depending on grind. Important remains that the nib width fits one's own handwriting and writing strength.

### What can be done about skipping and starting problems on a new Meisterstück Mozart?

Frequent skipping is not normal and should lead to a complaint at the boutique; one's own everyday paper should be brought along, since writing behaviour on test paper deviates significantly. Inkjet paper is very smooth and can exacerbate problems; high-quality or simple college paper shows actual behaviour better. If even an exchange of the writing instrument brings no improvement, the nib width can be a factor; trying other nibs at the dealer is sensible. A crookedly seated nib is a clear defect and likewise complaint-worthy. Before concluding a production fault, it should also be checked whether the cartridge sits correctly and whether someone else can write with the pen without problems. For storage there are Montblanc cases from about 70 euros, often with integrated note pad and credit-card slots.

### Are matching nibs still available for the GDR fountain pen Markant M7720, and can a scratchy nib be repaired?

Spare parts for GDR fountain pens are barely available, since the writing instruments were largely disposed of and no spare-parts stock exists. The material collector value of these pieces is small, so a professional repair is rarely worthwhile in price terms. A scratchy nib can basically be readjusted by a nib straightener. As a contact point for Markant repairs, Schreibwaren Am Schloss in Dresden (Schloss-Str. 3-5) is recommended, whose owner is a former senior employee of Markant.

### Can a nib that sits crookedly on the feed of a Montblanc 149 be corrected oneself, or must it be exchanged?

The nib should be aligned centrally to the feed so that nib slit and capillary line up. An exchange is not necessary; the correction is done simply with two fingers (straightening the nib right and left), as would also happen in the boutique. Unlike on a Pelikan, where the nib is fastened via a metal ring and mostly has to be exchanged completely, the Montblanc nib seat cannot be unscrewed. If a laser marking on the clip is missing, the pen is presumably at least ten years old.

### Where can replacement nibs for a Montblanc Meisterstück 146 be obtained, and how laborious is a nib swap from M to OB?

Original nibs as spare parts are only available via Montblanc itself; used nibs can practically only be found via eBay, e.g. by acquiring a further 146 donor piece. The nib swap is possible on the Meisterstück; the weak point, however, are the lamellae which can easily be bent when handled; therefore extreme caution is warranted. The procedure does not differ significantly between Montblanc, Montegrappa or Faber-Castell. Anyone with little experience should first practise the procedure on cheaper pens or commission an expert.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Montblanc Meisterstück 146 (Le Grand): https://www.fountainpen.de/c-montblanc-meisterstueck-146-en.htm

### Can the nib of a Montblanc Meisterstück be exchanged oneself, what does the service cost, and are there quality differences between individual nibs?

A nib swap is unproblematic at Montblanc and is carried out by the maker via the specialist dealer; on new pens (e.g. within four weeks of purchase) it is done free of charge; afterwards it costs around 50 euros. Buying a single replacement nib is rarely worthwhile, since it is partly more expensive than a used complete pen. Since Montblanc nibs are handcrafted, individual examples can vary slightly in writing behaviour; significant differences only emerge through longer use and breaking in. When buying second-hand, especially via eBay, watch for counterfeits; stolen pens can be retained on repair. The matching nib width is best determined in a boutique through trial writing of all widths.

### Which fountain pen counts among collectors as a dream piece, and which design approaches are rated as promising for own models (brand Wancher)?

As dream pens, especially the models of the Japanese manufactory Nakaya are named, particularly the plain variants like matt-black pens with platinum finish. The presented Wancher prototype is rated by collectors as designerly promising.

### What nib width does an unusually looking nib have in a Montblanc 145 Chopin sold as an M nib?

It is not an M nib but an S nib (Special), a very rare ball nib that Montblanc produced for only one year. It is correspondingly sought-after among collectors and to be valued higher than a standard M. Ball nibs of this kind are particularly suitable for left-handers, since they have lower sensitivity to writing posture. Anyone finding the ink flow too plentiful can store the nib and put a normal M back into the piece.

### What does the letter K on a gold-coloured sticker on a Montblanc 32 mean?

The K denotes the nib width 'Kugelfeder' (ball nib). Such ball nibs were also offered by other makers like Pelikan or Faber-Castell as KF, KM etc. and often have two breather holes, which allows stronger turning in different directions — good for changing writing posture, e.g. in exams. In writing behaviour they count, however, as rather characterless. A detailed overview of rare nib widths at Montblanc can be found in the fountainpen.de newsletter from February 2005 from page 12.

### Must nibs of Montblanc fountain pens always carry a logo or visible inscription, or can a nib without imprint also be authentic?

A fully missing imprint on the nib occurs on older Montblanc models from the 1960s to 1980s, e.g. on devices with hooded nib in which the engraving is only visible after disassembly. Current writing instruments, by contrast, should always have a visible nib engraving; where this is not the case, often a foreign nib was fitted, since the original nib would have to be replaced expensively. In the concrete picture example it is a Generation I model (Generation II has a broader cap ring) with a gold-plated steel nib actually belonging to the Classic. The Generation Classic, as a cartridge pen, has anyway no compulsory imprint. The hooded nib on the 31 is reachable by unscrewing the section.

### Can Montblanc nibs be reground, and which suppliers are recommendable in Europe for nib modifications?

Nib regrinds are basically also possible on Montblanc nibs. As an alternative to the US specialists Mottishaw and Binder, collectors recommend in Europe John Sorowka ('Oxonian') in England, who, after multiple experience, delivers equivalent quality; per nib the regrind costs about 45 pounds (around 53 euros including shipping); common reworkings are e.g. from B to stub or italic. On customs questions on shipping to the USA and back, only customs itself gives binding information — legal ways exist; the exact formalities, however, change and should be enquired about directly.

### What to do if a Waterman Carène M, despite factory repair, writes disproportionately thick and the maker's communication peters out?

In such complaint cases it is purposeful to involve the dealer where the pen was bought, since this dealer can exert effective pressure on the maker than the end customer can. With email correspondence it should be considered that messages occasionally remain in the spam filter, which is why a phone enquiry or letter can be sensible. If maker and dealer both do not respond, at least it should be documented that the dealer originally responded — that strengthens the position in later legal steps.

### How can hairline scratches on a Montblanc nib be removed, and which polishes are safe?

Before polishing the nib should be inspected closely under a microscope or stereo loupe (e.g. at the optician) — often it is just lint instead of real scratches. With bicolour nibs caution is warranted, since the platinum inlay is no massive layer but only a coating and can be removed by too frequent polishing. Suitable for gold nibs is Vienna lime, which is softer than gold and only smooths the fine burrs at the scratch edge. For regular gentle care a silver-cleaning cloth is recommended, also suitable for gold-plated parts and removing smaller discolourations and fine scratches. Cloth handkerchiefs generally do not cause new scratches.

### How can the nib unit of a Montblanc 144 be removed in order to swap nibs between Slip Cap and Twist Cap versions?

To unscrew nib and feed from the front section of a 144, a special tool is required that engages in the feed and turns it without damage. Since the front sections (sections) are mechanically not compatible between Slip Cap black and Twist Cap Solitaire versions, a swap is only possible via nib + feed together, not via the entire front section. Without experience and matching tool, own attempts are advised against, since the plastic parts can quickly break or scratch.

### What does the inscription 'Dauerfeder 2' on the nib of a Montblanc 342 mean, and is it an original Montblanc nib?

'Dauerfeder' is no Montblanc designation but was used on nibs of various non-brand makers like Aldor, Hanseat, Komteß, Prinzeß, Rusewe, Stella or Urania, in sizes 2, 4 or 12. The number typically indicates the nib size. Presumably the original nib of the 342 was, in a non-authorised repair, replaced by a cheaper foreign nib because no Montblanc nib was available or it was too expensive. Assessment requires a photo, since the gold colour alone allows no conclusion on gold alloy.

### What does the nib designation 'ST' on older Pelikan nibs mean, and is there an abbreviation for stub nibs?

ST stands for Steno and not for Stub; corresponding discussions can also be found on the Fountainpennetwork forum. For stub nibs no separate abbreviation exists, since stub forms historically corresponded to standard grinding before the rise of the ballpoint made today's usual ball nibs the standard. Steno nibs are not necessarily rare but achieve premiums on coveted models: at Montblanc, for example, a 32 with steno nib can cost around 100 euros instead of 60 euros, a 146 with ball nib rise from 200 to 600 euros; Pelikan prices vary similarly.

### Which writing-instrument makers still make their nibs themselves, and is that an important purchase criterion?

Many smaller and mid-size brands (e.g. Faber-Castell, several Italian makers, presumably also Delta) source nibs from specialised suppliers like Bock or Schmidt; that is no quality defect but uses their long-standing development and manufacturing experience. Even on Montblanc Limiteds the cooperation of the Bock specialists is rumoured. Often bought-in nib blanks are subsequently individually ground or adapted by the brand maker (e.g. on Astoria); Delta is said to still make its hard-rubber/ebonite feeds by hand. From a collector view, in-house manufacture is rarely purchase-decisive, as long as overall quality is right.

Related pages on fountainpen.de:
• Astoria — brand overview (fountainpen.de): https://www.fountainpen.de/astoria-en.htm

### What does the lying J (or the letters D, E) on old Montblanc special nibs of 14K mean?

Since at Montblanc no original documentation from this time has survived, the meaning of the letters can today no longer be unambiguously clarified. In the 1920s several makers (possibly Kaweco, Soennecken) also offered J nibs to which certain writing properties were ascribed. A confusion with a reversed 1 for left-hander nibs does not exist; for left-handers these nibs are not designed.

### How do you recognise the nib width of a Montblanc 146 without sticker, since the engraved M does not denote a size but the brand name?

The M engraved on the nib stands for Montblanc and not for the line width; the actual nib width is communicated by the works only by sticker to the dealer. Without this sticker the determination is only possible under the loupe and with experience, with at most more extreme grinds (OB, OBB) being well distinguishable from M, B or BB. On eBay the stickers are often still present, so the search for an M nib in practice is feasible.

### Can individual nibs (M or B) for a Montblanc 146 be bought separately and exchanged oneself?

Montblanc does not sell individual nibs, since they could otherwise be mounted on counterfeits; a own nib swap also fails due to missing special tools and the special sealing material without which the pen leaks. An individually charged nib would, on top, be more expensive than complete sending in to nib change at the works. The recommended way is to send the pen via an authorised Montblanc specialist dealer for a factory change; a swap among collectors (BB against B, F against M) remains, without workshop solution, prone to sealing problems.

### How can a deteriorated writing behaviour of the nib after a Montblanc repair be remedied?

Montblanc grants on its own repairs six months' liability for defects; within this period one should immediately complain; afterwards the service flat fee applies again. Cause of a hard script is often a too narrow nib slit, e.g. because on reinserting the nib the feed was pressed together. Here professional setting of the nib helps, which most boutiques do not perform themselves but pass on to specialised nib workshops. A correctly set nib already brings ink onto the paper without writing pressure; more pressure would then overstrain the feed. Collectors report that setting is an experience-dependent intervention depending on the user's typical writing pressure.

### How is the nib designation MO or OM on Montblanc nibs of the 1950s for left-handers to be interpreted?

On classic lettering: if the O stands left of the nib width (e.g. OM), it is a left-bevelled nib; if the O stands right (MO), it is right-bevelled. Left-bevelled nibs were in practice primarily intended for right-handers with certain writing posture; the terms left- and right-hander nibs are, however, often used inconsistently in advertising and packaging, leading e.g. on a Sheaffer calligraphy pen to contradictory statements. Left-handers cope in practice with both MO and OM nibs, depending on individual writing posture.

### Can the nib width of a Montblanc fountain pen be recognised from the engravings, e.g. when buying on eBay?

Collectors report that a layperson can hardly reliably determine the nib width from photos alone. There are indeed engravings on the nib, but these usually do not provide information about the nib width. It is therefore recommended to buy from specialist retailers, where one can extensively test-write the fountain pen with one's own paper, or from eBay sellers whose information about the nib width is demonstrably reliable. Detail photos can, as a fallback, be compared with the examples on the Fountainpen.de page on nib widths.

### What is known about a gold nib of an Esterbrook lever filler labelled "14" and "COLDIN"?

Esterbrook was a widespread, rather inexpensive fountain pen ("one-dollar pen") in the USA in the 1940s and 1950s, with easily exchangeable steel nibs; a real gold nib is a rarity, especially in Germany. Reliable information about the specific designation "14 / COLDIN" could not be obtained either via the specialist sites ramblingsnail.net or vintagepens.com/Esterbrook.shtml. Generally, gold designations are regulated country-specifically and not standardised throughout Europe. The Esterbrook is still regarded as a thoroughly solid everyday fountain pen even after 50 years.

### How greatly do the nib widths of various manufacturers differ, and are there experiences comparing Montblanc, Cross, Pelikan and others?

Nib widths are not standardised across manufacturers and differ considerably. A Montblanc M nib writes significantly broader than a Cross M; a Waterman F roughly corresponds to a Montblanc EF; with Pelikan, the M is between Montblanc F and M. With Aurora, an M nib can write like a Montblanc EF; Faber-Castell is comparatively closer to Montblanc. Since Montblanc nibs are hand-ground, even two nibs of the same width write slightly differently; the thinner the nib, the stronger the variation. Even with old nibs from the 1950s, considerable variations are common, which makes buying used pieces without test writing a lucky dip.

### Can the nib of a Montblanc Masterpiece 142G still be exchanged today or replaced with another nib width?

Original replacement nibs for the 142G have not been produced for decades and are not available in normal specialist trade. Practical is only using another old 142 as a parts donor, which usually requires the beloved original pen as a donor. It is therefore often worthwhile having the damaged nib repaired by a specialist like HMS; nibs with not too severe damage can often be restored. A change to another nib width (e.g. from M to B) is practically not possible with the 142.

### Can the worn silver or platinum coating of an old Meisterstück nib from the 1950s be restored?

A complete restoration of the original coating is only possible at disproportionate effort and is hardly economically justifiable. However, a new rhodium coating (alternatively palladium or platinum) can be applied through professional electroplating: for this, the nib is disassembled, cleaned, the gold parts not to be coated are masked with lacquer, then rhodium-plated and the lacquer removed again. Earlier nibs were, incidentally, never coated with silver but with metals of the platinum group (rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, platinum); commonly rhodium is used, which is particularly scratch-resistant and hard. Collectors disagree as to whether a restoration is sensible — traces of use are partly seen as part of the value.

### What does the hallmark below the "750" engraving on a Montblanc 149 gold nib mean?

The hallmark relates to the gold content of the nib and is also found on other 18-carat gold parts of Montblanc, e.g. on the solid-gold fountain pen. It stands in the context of export regulations: for example, in France, fountain pens may only be sold as "with gold nib" if the gold nib has 18 carat and is correspondingly hallmarked. The nib is thus exportable without further adjustment. "Export nibs" therefore frequently have 18 instead of 14 carat as well as this additional hallmark.

### How does a nib exchange on a new Montblanc 149 proceed, and what costs are to be expected?

Within the first weeks after purchase, a nib exchange at the specialist retailer is possible free of charge — the easiest is to make the complaint there. Alternatively, one can send the fountain pen oneself (insured!) to Montblanc Hamburg, but should coordinate everything by telephone beforehand. After the exchange period has expired, an official exchange is no longer financially worthwhile; cheaper is then to acquire a used model with the desired nib and to resell one's own. For individual adjustments or refinement, specialists like Horst Schrage (max@maxpens.de) come into question.

### What advantages does the fitting of an individually made (customized) nib, e.g. by John Mottishaw, bring compared to a standard nib?

Customized nibs deliver perfectly tuned ink flow, no start-up problems and a clearly softer writing feel than series-produced standard nibs. A flexified EF nib too can noticeably change the writing character; writing an EF thereby feels more pleasant than one is used to from hard modern nibs. Providers are e.g. nibs.com (John Mottishaw); to be noted, however, are customs procedures with US orders, which require personal effort.

### Where can one obtain a replacement nib for a Montblanc 32?

Montblanc usually still keeps spare parts for models of this series; an original replacement nib, however, costs almost as much as a used complete fountain pen. It is therefore more economical to bid on a complete 32 on eBay (rough guide: at most 25 euros for well-preserved pieces; defective examples with good nib can be had for as little as 20–30 euros) or to buy from a collector. Since this model is frequently offered, with some patience almost any nib width is available.

### Why does the ink of a Montblanc 145 dry up significantly faster after a warranty repair of the grip section, and how can the writing flow be restored?

The cause typically lies in the fact that the nib was not correctly seated on the feed after the repair and the nib slit is therefore too narrow or too tight. A complaint at the dealer is the right path; an experienced specialist retailer can loosen the nib tension and remove any foreign bodies, e.g. a hair between the tines. Today many repairs have to be sent directly to Montblanc, since only few dealers from the old guard are still allowed to carry out such nib work themselves.

### How do the nib widths M and B compare with each other at Montblanc, Pelikan and Caran d'Ache?

With gold nibs, test writing is indispensable, since these are individually hand-ground and show recognisable differences even within the same nib width of one manufacturer. Tendentially, Montblanc nibs write somewhat thicker than Pelikan nibs of the same designation. The B nib of a Caran d'Ache Ecridor writes considerably finer than the B nib of a Montblanc Meisterstück Classique, which makes clear the manufacturer-specific character of nib widths.

### What to do with a new Pelikan Souverän M600 with M nib that shows writing problems despite good ink flow?

The problem is mostly to be assigned to the nib itself, not to the fountain pen as a whole. At the specialist shop where the M600 was bought, the nib can be exchanged without complication; a return or complete exchange of the writing instrument is not necessary. The M600 is generally regarded as a recommendable writing instrument.

### What does the nib width "S" mean on Montblanc fountain pens?

The designation "S" stands at Montblanc for "Special" and was offered only briefly and exclusively on the fountain pen 145 "Chopin". The nib is characterised by an extremely broad and absolutely spherical writing tipping, which makes writing easier for left-handers and writers who need a broad writing contact. The S nib has not been produced for some time.

### What should be considered when changing the nib of a Lamy 2000 to an M nib?

The Lamy 2000 has to be disassembled for the nib change; with improper assembly there is a high risk that the pen leaks. The change should therefore be left to a specialist or to Lamy service.

### How can the nibs be exchanged between the Montblanc 220 (cartridge pen) and 225 (piston pen)?

The exchange is basically feasible. With the piston filler 225, the front part is unscrewed and afterwards the nib together with feed is pressed out backwards. With the cartridge pen 220, one first removes the ink-view window and then likewise pushes nib with feed out. Then the nib can be changed. Caution is advised in the procedure.

### How does one regrind a Montblanc 146 nib oneself from M to a broader or oblique nib variant, and what should be considered in the finish?

For the rough work, a fine sharpening stone is suitable; afterwards, however, the tipping must necessarily be smoothed with ever finer abrasive paper down to 10,000 grit. Suitable fine-abrasive sheets, e.g. as round pads, are available via specialised providers like David Broadwell. Caution with iridium: too much removal makes the nib unusable; after smoothing, the ink flow can if necessary be optimised via re-adjustment of the nib unit.

### What is worth knowing about the ball nibs (KM) of the Montblanc Meisterstücks from the 1950s?

Ball nibs are an independent subject of collector interest and were extensively treated in newsletter no. 2 (02/2005) on fountainpen.de. There technical properties, writing behaviour and recognition features are documented. For the evaluation of a concrete offer, comparison with the examples depicted there is recommended.

### Why does an 18K gold nib of a Caran d'Ache Léman scratch when writing, while other nibs (Montblanc 145, Bohème, Pelikan M405) glide quietly?

Scratching noises typically arise because the two tines of the slit nib do not stand exactly parallel to each other, that is, are slightly offset. Larger and softer 18K nibs often react more sensitively to this offset than smaller 14K nibs. Very narrow nibs also tend to scratch more readily. An adjustment by an experienced specialist retailer or nib specialist eliminates the problem in most cases.

### Is it correct that a newly bought Montblanc Bohème Noir Platinum is delivered with a 14K nib although the website shows an 18K nib, and how does one care for the platinum plating?

In standard Meisterstücks and Bohème models, 14K gold nibs are fitted; 18K nibs are found only in the French market as well as in precious-metal variants (silver, gold). Models depicted on the Montblanc website often come from the French market, hence the deviating nib statement. Precious metals like platinum are basically resistant to hand sweat; thin platinum plating, however, can suffer in the long term. It is recommended to wipe the writing instrument after use with a lint-free cloth (e.g. spectacle cleaning cloth).

### Are Montblanc nibs together with nib engravings made by hand or produced by machine?

The nib engraving arises in an embossing process, that is, is applied by machine. Manual work at Montblanc essentially comprises the application of a protective foil before platinum-plating, the grinding of the nib tipping as well as the individual writing test for final inspection. Detailed information is provided by the newsletter and the Soulmakers videos on the Montblanc website.

### Who can repair bent nibs if the Montblanc service does not offer a repair or only very expensively?

With strongly deformed nibs, there is the risk that during straightening the iridium tipping breaks off, so that the nib is anyway mostly no longer usable. Specialised repairers like Horst Maxenberger (maxpens.de) offer to look at such nibs in advance based on photos and assess them. Montblanc generally offers in service a flat-rate nib repair (around 49 euros) or a complete nib exchange (significantly more expensive); before an exchange, the customer is usually informed.

### Which model is a Montblanc fountain pen with black metal cap, matt-chrome-plated grip section, MB-engraved chrome nib and 138 mm length?

This combination points to a Montblanc No. 1120 from the production period between 1976 and 1980. The model belongs to the then line with steel nibs and is well identifiable by the features mentioned.

### What does the marking J on a Montblanc Safety nib mean?

It is a contemporary, original Montblanc J nib. The J nib is particularly flexible and enables a calligraphic script, which is why it is valued as a special variant.

### How do solid-gold and bimetal nibs differ on Montblanc Meisterstücks, and what advantages or disadvantages do they have?

Ultimately, all these nibs consist of solid gold; the difference lies in a platinum coating or platinum intarsia, which has been applied since the 90s mainly for visual reasons, e.g. so that the nib matches the look of modern models like the StarWalker. The coating has no influence on the writing behaviour. Besides, on some vintage Meisterstücks (e.g. the ranges 132 to 139) there were steel nibs used due to wartime gold shortage; they write well but are regarded as inferior compared to the classical gold nib.

### Did the Meisterstück No. 14 wing nibs from the 60s already exist in different nib widths?

Yes, even then various nib widths existed. In the 30s and 40s, at Montblanc at least 40 nib widths were made; in the 70s still significantly more than today. At that time, alongside today's standard sizes, also exotics like BBBBB (5B) were available, so that the selection ranged from EF to 5B.

### Are small ink traces at the transition between nib and body of a StarWalker fountain pen a defect that falls under the warranty?

Such traces are not a defect but can occur with temperature and air-pressure fluctuations, e.g. when flying, across models and manufacturers. Important is to free the inner cap regularly thoroughly of ink residues so that from there no ink transfers to the grip section. Additionally, with the StarWalker, always two original Montblanc cartridges should be inserted, which stabilise each other; third-party cartridges can, due to deviating seals, cause leakage, as can repeated refilling of a cartridge.

### By what can the quality of a fountain-pen nib be measured, and are, for example, a StarWalker and a Meisterstück nib by Montblanc directly comparable?

Nibs of different models are, due to profile, bend, size and structural construction, not directly comparable to each other; this applies across manufacturers. A Meisterstück nib can therefore not be set one-to-one against a StarWalker nib, since both are constructed for other nib carriers and writing characteristics. A flat-rate statement which nib is 'higher-quality' is not sensible. To the quality assessment belong, alongside the material and the iridium tipping at the tip, above all grind, nib flexibility, ink flow and finishing quality. On detail questions, extensive discussions already exist that can be opened up via the search function.

### Has Montblanc ever made Meisterstück nibs with 24-carat gold alloy, as a seller claims?

A 24-carat gold nib would practically not be functional: the material would be so soft that every writing movement would bend the nib; the necessary elasticity is missing. For this reason, neither Montblanc nor any other notable manufacturer has ever made 24-carat nibs. Usual are 14- and 18-carat gold alloys, possibly with additional gilding of the surface. A corresponding seller statement is therefore to be rejected.

### How does Montblanc assign the limitation numbers in Limited Editions, especially with editions like the 'Voltaire' with division into individual pieces and sets?

All Voltaire fountain pens bear the engraving 'xxxxx /20000'; even the pieces contained in sets are counted in this total number. The low numbers 00001 to 05000 fall on the set examples, the other numbers on the individual pieces. The individual number on the fountain pen is identical with that of the matching ballpoint in the set, so set components can be recognised by matching limitation number. The statement that sets and individual pieces are led in two separate number ranges is not correct.

### Who can professionally reattach a chipped-off iridium tipping on a Montblanc Meisterstück nib No. 25 (18 carat)?

For the repair of nib tips, including soldering on new iridium tippings, John Mottishaw of nibs.com is internationally recognised as a distinguished specialist; experiences with his work are consistently positive. The repair takes place by shipping; a direct alternative at a comparable level is not established in the German-speaking area.

### How can the nib width be determined from a photo if the writing effect seems to vary between B and M?

On the photo shown, the nib tipping is to be classified as M line width. Fluctuations in the writing image between narrow and broad are primarily attributable to the paper; absorbent or rough papers make lines appear clearly broader, while smooth papers yield a finer stroke. The nib width is therefore correctly classified; the perceived differences rest on the interaction with different writing surfaces.

### Is the nib of an azure-blue Montblanc IIIb with Warranted marking and triangle period-original or subsequently inserted?

The nib described comes from a later epoch, presumably after 1945, and does not fit the production period of the IIIb of 1932 to 1934. Period-original would be a so-called b-nib with b in a triangle. As an acceptable alternative, a No. 4 nib with the 4 in the Montblanc star circle comes into question. The writing behaviour of the fitted nib, butter-soft and flexible, also corresponds rather to the characteristic of the 1950s.

## Nibs

### How do M, B and OB nibs differ in shape and writing behaviour?

Choosing the right nib width is one of the most important decisions when buying a fountain pen and depends strongly on handwriting size, paper used and personal taste. The tipping of EF, F and M nibs is rounded at the front, allowing writing from various pen positions; they are particularly suitable for beginners and daily heavy writing. B and BB nibs are ground flat at the front, leaving a horizontal stroke under the tip and producing a wider line. OM, OB and OBB nibs are ground at an angle and require a specific pen position; in skilled hands they enable calligraphic effects, but with the wrong grip they can scratch and are unsuitable for left-handers. At Montblanc the nib can be exchanged free of charge within 14 days of purchase; a later exchange is possible against a repair flat fee, provided the nib is unused and as new.

### Which nib widths does Montblanc offer, and what should one consider when choosing?

Montblanc fountain pens are typically available in nib widths EF, F, M, OM, B, OB, BB and OBB. The letter O stands for oblique, i.e. an angled tipping. Before buying, it is advisable to try various widths in a specialist shop, since the choice depends strongly on personal taste; the smaller the handwriting, the finer the nib should be. EF, F, M and OM are particularly suited to everyday use such as notes and letters, while signatures look most striking with B, OB, BB and OBB. After purchase from a specialist dealer there is a 14-day window in which the nib can be exchanged free of charge; later swaps are only possible via Montblanc Customer Service against a repair flat fee. In the Meisterstück range nibs have changed visibly over the decades; older 149 models have a bicolour nib similar to that of the 146, while newer 149s are made of yellow gold inside and out, platinum-plated in the middle.

### Why do some Montblanc pens, normally delivered with 14-karat nibs, carry an 18-karat gold nib?

When a Montblanc pen normally sold in Germany with a 14-karat gold nib unexpectedly carries an 18-karat gold nib, the reason most often lies in the French market. In France only pens with 18-karat gold nibs are offered — including standard models like the 146, 144 and 114 as well as older pens. Even special editions like the Special Anniversary Edition come with a special 18-karat nib in France. A German pen of these models with an 18-karat nib therefore usually originates from France.