Truly flexible nibs are practically no longer made today; the nibs shown in calligraphy videos are usually 80 to 100 years old, and machine-made modern nibs are throughout hard. Asian makers like Sailor offer special calligraphy nibs. Flexibility is determined by gold content (21 carat is softer than 18 or 14 carat), grind and shape of the nib. Anyone seeking a flexible pen is dependent on the second-hand market, e.g. via fountainpen.de or penboard.de, or must ask in specialised trade for flexible nibs.