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

Articles from the collector portal Nibs FAQ entry

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.

Note: The fountainpen.de FAQ knowledge base is based on collector discussions from over 20 years. Specific market prices may be outdated — the underlying methodology remains valid. Back to FAQ overview ›

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