Brand Nib Name Holder Flexibility Elasticity Best For

- Speedball - G - Standard
- Manuscript/ - Spoon - Crow Quill
Leonardt - School - Comic (Both std & Crow Quill)
- Brause - Japanese
- Nikko - Mapping Japanese
- Zebra - Soft - Deleter Nib Holder
- Tachikawa Mapping - Nikko N-20 Nib Holder
- Deleter - Tachikawa T-20 Nib Holder
- Gillott - Tachikawa Nib Holders - T-25, T-36, T-
40

Western
- Brause Ergonomic Nib Holder
- Speedball Signature Calligraphy Nib
Holder
- Speedball Standard Nib Holder
Western Specialty
- Speedball #102 Crow Quill Nib Holder
- Speedball #104 Crow Quill Nib Holder
- Speedball Oblique Nib Holder

Brause
- Brause Double Nib Pen Holder. All
wood penholder that accepts a nib at
each end. No metal parts to rust. 6-
sided staff. For Brause and similar
calligraphy nibs.
- Brause Slim Holder. A blue plastic &
metal holder for small nibs. Comes
with a Brause 511 nib.

Gilliott / William Mitchell Holder

- Coloured Pen Holder
- Gold-Marble Pen Holder
- Multi Purpose Pen Holder
- Multi-Marble Pen Holder
- School Pen Holder
- Stained Pen Holder
SpeedBall Hunt / EF 22B - EF B Medium Bronze finish for ornamental writing and fine ruling medium stiff
SpeedBall Hunt / School 56-School B Stiff Fine, bronze finish drawing pen for art school, stiff action
https://www.paperinkarts.com/blog/nib-notes-with-schin-loong/
SpeedBall Hunt / 99 Drawing B High Extra fine flexi point for draftsman and lithographers
Drawing
SpeedBall Hunt / Artist 100 Artist C Very delicate line for experts. Suitable for writing at x-heights of 1/8 of less
SpeedBall Hunt / 101 Imperial B - Classic or LSI Recommends- For precise rendering and long flowing lines:
Imperial universal? Finesse, hatching details Very flexible for ornamental work (copperplate
Soft High
calligraphy & spencerian), bronze finish.

SpeedBall Hunt / Crow 102 – Crow Quill A (Crow Quill Superfine & flexible, most popular.
Quill Holder) - Medium- LSI Recommends - For precise rendering and long flowing lines:
Soft
Cylindrical high
holder
SpeedBall Mapping 103- Mapping C Specialized for delicate work and details, line and lettering. More flexible and
less fragile than 100. For mapping and fine line work
SpeedBall Finest/ Hunt 104 -Finest C Superfine art pen for the fine hair lines and smallest details
SpeedBall Hunt / Quill 107- Hawk Quill A – Crow Quill Superfine point, stiffer than 102, very durable for long even lines and cross
Holder hatching details
SpeedBall Quill 108-Flexible Quill (Litho A – Crow Quill Superfine point for super fine lines and shades with slight pressure and cross
Hawk Quill) Holder hatching and flourishing details . Bronze finish quill pen for cross hatching,
flourishing and lithography
SpeedBall Hunt / Bowl 512 Bowl Pointed B - Classic or Bowl pointed fine pen for ruling and lettering
Stiff Medium
universal? LSI Recommends - General use, outlines For general illustration:
SpeedBall Hunt / Globe 513EF Globe B Extra fine bowl pointed for industrial arts
LSI Recommends - General use, outlines For general illustration:
 Drawing DP256 – bronze
Manuscrip
(gilt available for excellence for versals and tendrils. Suitable for use on China and Porcelain.
t
bulk purchase only)
Manuscrip Drawing
DP6H Stiff Drawing Nib is a fine nib, ideal for drawing and sketching. It is not very flexible.
t
Manuscrip Drawing
DP26580 Fine Drawing Nib is excellent for drawing & sketching.
t
Manuscrip Drawing -
DP518 polished High Extra fine nib with very flexible point. Ideal for drawing and detailed ink work.
t Lithografic
Manuscrip Drawing
DP700 Fine nib ideal for drawing and sketching.
t
Mapping /
Manuscrip
Drawing nib DP800 Bronze for outlining, tendrils and filigree illumination.
t
without collar
Manuscrip Mapping/Drawing
DP801 Bronze excellent for outlining, tendrils and filigree illumination
t Nib
EF Principal Nib an extra fine nib suitable for both Copperplate and Spencerian writing styles
The Leonardt Principal is a favorite of many calligraphers, including Michael
Sull. Extra-fine and very flexible, the Principal produces fine hairlines and
healthy swells, and glides across textured surfaces like a dream. Modeled on
Manuscrip the rare vintage Principality No. 1, this nib was produced with the expert
DPPrince
t advice of lettering artists and is a fine choice for many styles: Copperplate,
Spencerian, modern calligraphy, and more. Bronze finish. This nib is ideal for
intermediate or advanced level calligraphers and is not recommended for
beginners.
https://www.paperinkarts.com/blog/nib-notes-with-schin-loong/
Manuscrip Copperplate 2
DP111 polished Point Nib, suitable for small Copperplate writing.
t Point
Manuscrip Copperplate,
DP41 Bronze crown Nib, a fine nib suited to Copperplate writing.
t Crown
Shorthand DP40 blue/
Manuscrip
Leonardt 40/ Hiro High Shorthand Nib: very flexible nib.
t
40
The Hiro 41 is an extremely smooth nib, gliding like a dream over even the
most textured papers. Also called the Crown nib due to its unique shape, the
41 is very flexible and holds more ink than typical pointed pens. Can produce
Manuscrip
Hiro 41 decent hairlines and is acceptable for Copperplate, but is best used for modern
t
calligraphy styles. This nib is a little too flexible for beginners, and is
recommended for intermediate or advanced calligraphers.
https://www.paperinkarts.com/blog/hiro-41-nib/
Manuscrip Drawing
DPGEN General Drawing, Extra Fine
t
Manuscrip Drawing/ Copying
DP33 Copying Nib (Polished, flexible) for general drawing & writing
t

Drawing 361 Steno Blue

pumpkin
LSI Recommends - For general illustrationGeneral use, textures. Also called “Blue
BRAUSE B376 Mediu Medium-
Brause Classic or universal Pumpkin” because of its blue color and shape. Shorthand nib, very fine point, highly
WRITING NIB - m high
elastic, high ink capacity. Thin line with perfect ink flow.
STENO / BLUE
PUMPKIN - SIZE
0.7 MM?
Brause Cito Fein 0.3mm, medium soft, Very fine point, half elastic, precise writing style, gold colored
Brause Pfannen 0.45mm, hard, wider point, reinforced elasticity, strong writing style, nickel plated
Brause 515 requires a
Hard nib. Fine point, smooth reaction, high ink capacity and clear lines. Fine point,
Brause 515B specialized holder for
very small, very flexible. Tubular base.
tubular-base nibs.
Hard nib. Fine point, hard reaction and strong drawing style, Fine point, medium flex.
513B Dure is a medium flex nib that produces great line variation, from fine hairlines to
super swells. Very similar to the Brause 511 nib in appearance and performance, save
Brause 513B for a few key differences: The 513 is not as scratchy, making it easier to use on textured
papers such as Arches hot press. The 513 is less flexible than the 511, making it more
user-friendly for beginners. Calligraphers of all skill levels will love this nib. Excellent for
drawing, tiny writing, Spencerian, and Copperplate
Medium soft nib. Fine point, smooth reaction and elastic drawing style, Drawing
Brause 511B
Medium Soft Nib For tiny writing, fine lines. Fine point, flexible.
Extra fine point, very smooth reaction, highly elastic, high ink capacity. Can be used for
Brause 66B
copperplate or spencerian lettering
Bandzug –
Brause Comes with reservoir attached on the top
0.5mm
Bandzug –
Brause Comes with reservoir attached on the top
0.75mm
Bandzug –
Brause a unique size to Brause. his italic nib is good for invitations when the 1mm is too large.
0.7mm
wider point, reinforced elasticity, strong writing style, nickel plated, for longer swells,
very flexible, for advanced calligraphers. Sturdy, yet has a very flexible fine point. The
Brause Rose nib needs a very light touch as it responds effortlessly to pressure, for
B76 - Rose 0.45
Brause dramatic, swelled strokes. Has embossed rose design.
mm
https://www.paperinkarts.com/blog/brause-rose-nib/
https://www.paperinkarts.com/blog/nib-notes-with-schin-loong/
 Very flexible, with a smooth elasticity, and can produce great contrast between hairlines
and swells (thick strokes). It has a high ink capacity for its size. A favorite for pointed
66EF / Arrow pen work, especially Copperplate. EF stands for Extra Fine. Because of its shape, it is has
Brause
Nib been referred to as an Arrow nib. (The Hink & Wells 2067EF is a larger nib of the same
Arrow shape.). for fine Spencerian
https://www.paperinkarts.com/blog/nib-notes-with-schin-loong/
Shorthand nib, very fine point, highly elastic, high ink capacity, fine reaction, blue
Brause Steno nib coloured, for copperplate...both for beginners and advanced calligraphers. Fine and
elastic
Brause Ecoliere nib Fine point, hard reaction for writing, drawing and calligraphy/ medium soft.
Writing Simple and precise script pen nib with a medium fine point and a large reserve of ink,
Brause Index nib
medium thin
Nikko and Tachikawa nibs are both made by Tachikawa, but Nikko nibs are made to be slightly more flexible than Tachikawa nibs. We recommend Nikko nibs for people with lighter writing pressure or who
prefer more line variation, and we recommend Tachikawa nibs for people with heavier writing pressure or who prefer less line variation.

Mapping LSI Recommends - Curves, fine details For general illustration, for fine details
77 Maru Pen is a small, quite soft nib designed for drawing sharp lines. Maru Nibs-
Mapping or round- are ideal for creating highly detailed drawings due to the extra fine
tip. Tachikawa 77 is bigger and more flexible than Tachikawa 99 Maru Pen Hard. This
mapping style Tachikawa Comic Pen Nib draws thin lines to thick lines easily. The nib is
Tachikawa T77 - Soft Maru Cylindrical holder Soft Medium soft, so it is more comfortable to control the nib and easier to draw thick lines.
Website - This soft type round pen has a softer tip than the standard round pen, making the tip
easier to bend and easier to vary the thickness of the lines you write. It can also draw thin lines.
Uses/ Manga characters (especially perfect for details such as faces, eyes and hair!), effect lines,
backgrounds. Line strength (strong is thick lines, weak is thin lines) means that you can use
either thick or thin lines depending on the angle of the pen tip and the amount of pressure
applied.
- LSI Recommends - Straight lines, dynamic lines, sketching, For general
illustration, draw a bunch of dynamic action lines.
- Comic nibs are famous for producing strong and crisp lines that are difficult to
duplicate with pens and brushes. They are great for creating detail in drawings.
Varying nib sizes are available to suit your drawing needs.
- G Nibs is smoothest G nib for beginners in modern calligraphy, with a medium flex.
These are high-quality, hand-cut, chrome-plated Japanese nibs which give great
hairlines or much bolder, broader lines on downstrokes, making it perfect for
drawing as well as lettering too. Ideal for drawing outlines or effect lines that
gradate from thin to thick. They're extremely smooth and long-lasting. Perfect for
Medium Medium- Spencerian, Copperplate and Modern Calligraphy style. It fits in all standard pen
Tachikawa T3 - G Classic or universal
-stiff low holders. These are very similar to Nikko G but slightly harder and less flexible.
- G nibs are the most popular and versatile comic nibs. They can draw fine or bold
lines depending on the amount of pressure applied, letting you create dynamic,
expressive drawings. They require a bit more skill than other comic nibs, however,
making them best-suited to intermediate and advanced artists.
Website - This nib is easy to vary the thickness of the lines and produces the thickest lines of all
nibs. However, because it is easy to vary the thickness, it takes some getting used to in terms of
control. You can also draw thick lines with ease. Uses/ Manga characters, effect lines - Line
strength (strong is thick lines, weak is thin lines) means that you can write thick or thin lines by
changing the angle of the pen tip and the amount of pressure applied.

Tachikawa TG-3EX - G- These premium Tachikawa comic nibs have been polished and finished by master nib
Deluxe polisher Mr. Tsuyoshi Imai, whose unique techniques give them exceptional
smoothness and durability.
G nibs are the most popular and versatile comic nibs. They can draw fine or bold lines
depending on the amount of pressure applied, letting you create dynamic, expressive
drawings. They require a bit more skill than other comic nibs, however, making them
best-suited to intermediate and advanced artists.
 A sheet of anti-rust paper is included. It should be kept in the same container as the
nibs to prevent nib corrosion. Do not fold the anti-rust paper or wrap it around the
nibs.
Tachikawa Mapping 99 Maru Pen is a small hard nib perfect for creating highly detailed drawings with their
ability to hold a very fine and consistent point. These mapping nib with little flexibility
and a super-fine point ideal for creating highly detailed drawings. Produces strong, crisp
fine lines. These are capable of excellent line variation for pointed pen scripts such as
Copperplate and Spencerian.
Maru nibs—also known as mapping nibs—create the finest lines of any comic nibs.
T99 – Maru They are perfect for fine details and for creating the soft, airy look often found in shojo
(girls') manga. Maru nibs are smaller than other comic nibs, so make sure to pair them
with a compatible nib holder.
Website - This pen tip can write the thinnest lines and allow you to vary the thickness of the
lines. Uses/ Manga characters (especially perfect for details such as faces, eyes and hair!), effect
lines, backgrounds. Line strength (strong is thick lines, weak is thin lines) means that you can use
either thick or thin lines depending on the angle of the pen tip and the amount of pressure
applied.f
Tachikawa Japanes Japanese type also called as Nihonji were originally designed for writing sweeping
e hooks and curves. They are perfect for general use and drawing. These nibs are perfect
for comics lettering with a flattened bowl for greater stability. These are famous for
producing strong and crisp lines that are difficult to duplicate with pens and brushes.
They are great for creating detail in drawings. These are chrome plated Japanese nib
with a small flex.
Japanese nibs—also known as Nihonji nibs—are optimized for writing the sweeping
hooks and curves of Japanese script. They have more flexibility than school nibs but
T44 - Japanese less than a G nib. This makes them great for general use and drawings with a lot of
curves.
Website - Although it is called Japanese writing, it can be written up, down, left and right
without catching on the paper, and the nib is easy to use. It can draw lines that are neither thick
nor thin, but somewhere in between. However, you cannot vary the strength of the line. Since it
does not have the quirks unique to dip pen nibs, it is also recommended for dip pen beginners!
Uses/ Manga characters, backgrounds, effect lines - Line strength (strong is thick lines, weak is
thin lines) means that you can use either thick or thin lines depending on the angle of the pen
tip and the amount of pressure applied.
Tachikawa Mapping 99R nibs are unique because they feature a little reservoir to hold extra ink, allowing
longer writing on one tank. This nib is ideal for intermediate or advanced level
calligraphers and is not recommended for beginners.
This is a pack of Maru (Mapping, or Round) nibs, each containing a special reservoir.
T99R – Tank
The reservoir stores extra ink, such that with one dip into your ink bottle, you can write
Master
at least three times longer than with a regular Maru nib! You can check the ink level by
looking at the side of the nib, to make sure you don't run out in the middle of drawing a
line. The nibs come in a convenient flexible plastic case that snaps shut, for easy
carrying and storage
Tachikawa School School type was originally designed learning calligraphy and drawing in school. These
nibs are slightly softer compared to other nibs and creates slightly thicker hairlines.
These are chrome plated Japanese nib with a small flex. Nibs are smooth but holds less
inks. Perfect for drawing, Copperplate and Modern Calligraphy style. It fits in all
standard pen holders and has a good balance between flexibility and control.
Originally designed for schoolwork and bookkeeping, school nibs are easy to control
T5- School and create fine lines with slight flexibility. This makes them well-suited for beginners
looking to practice line variation before graduating to the more advanced G nib. Among
advanced artists, school nibs are preferred for drawing inanimate objects and scenery.
Website - This pen tip produces thin, even lines without any variation in thickness. - Uses/ For
manga backgrounds, effect lines, and frame lines. Line strength (strong is thick lines, weak is thin
lines) means that you can use either thick or thin lines depending on the angle of the pen tip
and the amount of pressure applied.

Tachikawa Spoon/ 600 is also called as spoon nib because of its distinctive shape. Spoon nibs are popular
Comic among cartoonists and calligraphers because of their ability to give crisp lines. These
nibs are quite hard and little flex as compared to G nib. Perfectly suits to mono-linear
writing style i.e. with uniform line regardless of pressure on the nib and can easily
obtained thin and precise lines. These nibs are smooth and capable of holding lot of
ink. Extra-fine point creates delicate hairlines, lot of pressure is needed to create thick
swells, making this nib great for heavy-handed calligraphers. Perfect for monoline
lettering, modern calligraphy styles, and Copperplate.
T600C - Spoon - Spoon nibs—named for their distinctive shape—produce fine, consistent lines
Chrome Plated regardless of drawing pressure. This makes them particularly well-suited to beginning
artists. If used on their side, spoon nibs can create thicker lines.
Website - This pen tip allows you to write lines with slight variations in thickness (thick and thin
lines) and uniform thickness. By laying the pen tip flat against the paper, you can create lines
with varying thickness. Another major feature is that it is chrome-colored and rust-resistant.
Uses/ Manga characters, backgrounds, effect lines - Line strength (strong is thick lines, weak is
thin lines) means that you can use either thick or thin lines depending on the angle of the pen
tip and the amount of pressure applied.

Tachikawa Japanes TG44-3EX -

e Japanese-
Deluxe
Tachikawa Spoon/ 600 is also called as spoon nib because of its distinctive shape. Spoon nibs are popular
Comic among cartoonists and calligraphers because of their ability to give crisp lines. These
nibs are quite hard and little flex as compared to G nib. Perfectly suits to mono-linear
T600 - Spoon - writing style i.e. with uniform line regardless of pressure on the nib and can easily
Tin Plated obtained thin and precise lines. These nibs are smooth and capable of holding lot of
ink. Extra-fine point creates delicate hairlines, lot of pressure is needed to create thick
swells, making this nib great for heavy-handed calligraphers. Perfect for monoline
lettering, modern calligraphy styles, and Copperplate.
Tachikawa School T5- 3EX – School
 - Deluxe
Tachikawa These premium Tachikawa comic nibs have been polished and finished by master nib
polisher Mr. Tsuyoshi Imai, whose unique techniques give them exceptional
smoothness and durability.
Maru nibs—also known as mapping nibs—create the finest lines of any comic nibs.
T99-3EX - Maru- They are perfect for fine details and for creating the soft, airy look often found in shojo
Deluxe (girls') manga. Maru nibs are smaller than other comic nibs, so make sure to pair them
with a compatible nib holder.
A sheet of anti-rust paper is included. It should be kept in the same container as the
nibs to prevent nib corrosion. Do not fold the anti-rust paper or wrap it around the
nibs.

Spoon Website - This pen tip allows you to write lines with slight variations in thickness (thick and thin
lines) and uniform thickness. By laying the pen tip flat against the paper, you can vary the
N-Saji (357) thickness of the lines. It produces uniform thickness lines. Another feature is that it is chrome-
Nikko
Chrome / Spoon colored and resistant to rust. Uses/ Manga characters, backgrounds, effect lines- Line strength
(strong is thick lines, weak is thin lines) means that you can use either thick or thin lines
depending on the angle of the pen tip and the amount of pressure applied.
Nikko Website - This pen tip allows you to easily vary the thickness of lines and produces the thickest
lines. It takes some getting used to in order to vary the thickness of lines as you wish. Uses/
G Manga characters, effect lines - Line strength (strong is thick lines, weak is thin lines) means that
you can write thick or thin lines by changing the angle of the pen tip and the amount of pressure
applied.
Nikko School Website - This pen tip can draw thin, uniform lines without any thickness. Uses/ For manga
backgrounds, effect lines, and frame lines - Line strength (strong is thick lines, weak is thin lines)
N-5 School
means that you can use either thick or thin lines depending on the angle of the pen tip and the
amount of pressure applied.
Nikko Japanes Website - It draws lines that are neither thick nor thin, but somewhere in between. It does not
e have the peculiar characteristics of a dip pen tip, so it is recommended for dip pen beginners!
N-Nihonji (555) You cannot vary the thickness of the line. Uses/ Manga characters, backgrounds, effect lines -
Line strength (strong is thick lines, weak is thin lines) means that you can use either thick or thin
lines depending on the angle of the pen tip and the amount of pressure applied.

Nikko Website - This pen tip can write the thinnest lines and allow you to vary the thickness of the
lines. Uses/ Manga characters (especially perfect for details such as faces, eyes and hair!), effect
lines, backgrounds. Line strength (strong is thick lines, weak is thin lines) means that you can
N-Maru Pen (659)
choose to draw thick or thin lines by adjusting the angle of the pen tip and the amount of
pressure applied.
 The very famous Zebra G nib is similar to the popular Nikko G Nib, but a little more flexible and
sharper, and will produce a finer hairline than the Nikko.
Zebra G
https://www.paperinkarts.com/blog/zebra-g-nib/
10 pack
Zebra Maru

Balance – hard nib provides same thickens of lines, perfect for beginner practicing
Deleter Saji Suitable for drawing the same thickness lines, recommended for everyone even beginner comic
artists, used for all types of manga.
Power – beginner to intermediate – hard nib provides same thickness of lines
Deleter G suitable for drawing thick strong lines. Recommended for describing strong impression. Used for
manga as hero, action, shonen, fighting
Technic – intermediate to professional line thickness can be controlled with pressure
Suitable for drawing thin & thick lines, depend on pen pressure from detailed to strong lines can
Deleter Maru
be drawn. Recommended for advanced comic artists. Used for manga as syojo, all advanced
levels
https://www.paperinkarts.com/blog/gillott-nibs/
Drawing A smooth-gliding, flexible nib requiring a soft touch. Appropriate for x-heights from
Gillott 170
3/16" to 1/4". Not for beginners.
Drawing A popular nib for Copperplate. Good flexibility - not too stiff, not too flexible. Very thin
Gillott 303 hairlines and good swells
https://www.paperinkarts.com/blog/nib-notes-with-schin-loong/
Drawing Both are small, delicate nibs for very small script (x-heights under 1/16"). Each requires
Gillott 290 & 291 a very light touch to keep it from catching on the upstroke. Useful for retouching letters
made with larger pens.
Drawing A popular, sturdy nib that is long-lasting, fairly stiff, and suitable for writing scripts at x-
Gillott 404 heights from 3/16" to 1/4", on all surfaces from smooth to textured. It is a good choice
for beginners.
Mapping This tiny crowquill nib is good for x-heights around 1/16". It is more sturdy than other
Gillott 659
small nibs and less flexible. Has tubular base; use with holder Gillott Pen Holder #51.
Drawing Unlike most very small nibs, the end that fits in the holder is sized as large nibs, so the
Gillott 1950
nib fits in regular penholders. Satisfactory for Spencerian Script.
Drawing Very stiff nib. Ordinary pressure will create a monoline script; more pressure will create
Gillott 1068A a script with just a slight contrast between thicks and thins. Can produce moderate
swells with enough pressure.
Drawing 1290 small, delicate and flexible nib, supple, sensitive
Mapping 850
Mapping 2788
Gillott -
Perry's 120EF Nib
Viaduct
 2552
Blanzy Departmentale
Cémentée nib
La Renommée
Le Tirailleur
No. 135 - France
No. 500 - Sergent Major
No. 2500 - Sergent Major (literally the same?)
-their main differences are in firmness (amount of pressure it takes to spread the tines),
finish (some have extra coatings and some don't, though this doesn't impact how they
write), fineness of point, and amount of spread you can get from a nib. There may be
some small difference in size (length) as well,
that the 500 vs. 2500 is a coating thing. The 2500 vs the 2550 vs. the 2552 is a firmness
thing. (though all are softer than any non-vintage fountain pen, so it's a dip-pen-relative
thing we're talking about)
popular writing nib of its day, the Sergent Major #2500 was a mid-century descendant
of the iconic nib used by Marcel Proust and countless other writers around the world.
Sergent Major nibs of this era were hand-ground, as you can see in the photos, allowing
them to hold more ink than contemporary nibs made more cheaply.
Blanzy- Sergent Major
Conté- #2500 Pen Nib A large and unusually shaped vent hole, paired with a long, fairly firm steel body, give
Gilbert (Vintage) this nib a nice balance between flex and control. Fine hairlines and medium swells are
easily achievable, and many calligraphy scripts will look great with this fine French nib.

The standard-diameter base fits almost all pen holders (including all the styles of
European and Japanese holders we tested it with.)
Inks - https://flaxart.com/ink-buying-guide/