If you frequent calligraphy circles on social media, you have probably seen no shortage of comments asking the age old question: “What nib is that?” And because knowledge is power, here is a list of the nibs I most commonly use, and what I use them for. Additionally, all these nibs are available for purchase individually, or in my favourites sampler. So, if for some reason you’ve ever been curious about the nibs I gravitate to, read on!

NIB: LEONARDT PRINCIPAL EF
USED FOR: SPENCERIAN PRACTICE, LIGHTENING MY HAND

The Leonardt Principal EF is a workhorse suitable for many scripts. Since I am very heavy handed and practically stab my paper when I write, I use this nib to work on being more delicate with my grip.  This nib produces beautiful, fine hairlines, and works well with a variety of inks.

NIB: NIKKO G
USED FOR: TEXTURED PAPER

The Nikko G nib is often the first nib that many calligraphers start out with, and I was no different! However, my tendency for heavy handedness means that I try not to use this nib too often. The Nikko G makes the list because I do reach for this nib when I am working with highly textured paper, such as the handmade paper I mentioned in my January calligraphy favourites. I also use other G nibs like the Zebra G, but with the Zebra, I feel like no matter how I prep those nibs, the ink blobs up and falls off every time. So while the performance is similar, my personal preference leans towards Nikko.

NIB: BRAUSE 361 “BLUE PUMPKIN”
USED FOR: MODERN SCRIPTS, LARGE WRITING

The Brause 361 is a nib I reach for when I’m working in a modern script. It is highly flexible, and doesn’t typically need a whole lot of pressure to get line variations. If I’m doing a script that is particularly thick and juicy, or quite large, then this nib will do nicely! Additionally, since this nib is physically large, it can also work with ink reservoirs, like this one from Tom’s Studio.

NIB: BRAUSE EF66
USED FOR: SMALL WRITING, MODERN SCRIPTS

As with the Leonardt, the Brause EF 66 is also good for lightening my hand. I reach for this nib when I am writing in a small, modern script. Much like its big sister the 361, it produces juicy swells with little pressure.

NIB: BAIGNOL AND FARJON 803
USED FOR: MY “SIGNATURE STYLE”

After nearly three years of doing calligraphy, I think I have finally settled on my signature style – where everything is a hairline except for a dollop of shade in the middle. This style is what I used for the March Calligraphy Favourites post image. The vintage Baignol and Farjon 803 nib (henceforth referred to as the B&F 803) is a recent discovery of mine, the first nib I purchased in my descent down the vintage nib rabbit hole. Since this nib is vintage and I imagine there’s a limited number of these remaining worldwide, I only break these out when I’m feeling particularly fancy. The good news is that I can use all the nibs mentioned above to do my signature script, in the event that I can no longer find these pointy pals of mine.

 That wraps up my list of my favourite nibs! You can purchase them on their own here, or in a curated set here! What nibs have you been loving lately? Have a favourite of your own you think I should try? Share your recommendations in the comments below!