REVIEW: B NIBS

I've been obsessing over monoline calligraphy for the past few months! It's a break from the usual/traditional pointed pen and brush calligraphy - which is what I need because I'm always on the look out for other ways to write and use whichever tools I have at home. Everyday I challenge myself to write more too esp. since I've focused primarily on painting for the past months. People have been sending me inquiries and questions on what this magical pen is they've been seeing on my Instagram feed and to end that curiosity, here's a quick run through of my current favorite tool:

WHAT IS IT, EXACTLY?

B nibs come in different sizes and brands. I got my Brause B-nib set (0.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm) from an online store in the US a couple of years ago, when I was still crazy about hoarding things which I really didn't use back then. You can check google.com to search which stores carry the product in your location.

*Update* Locally (Philippines), you can buy B-nibs (Speedball brand) at Deovir stores and Scribe Writing Essentials stores.

L-R: 0.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, and 2 straight holders

I frequently use the 2mm nib on a wooden straight holder. These nibs have an ink barrel which holds more ink as opposed to regular nibs without barrels. I haven't really used them for anything except monoline calligraphy, but I'll let you guys know if I find another writing use for these nibs.

WHAT INK DO I USE?

I try to experiment with paint and ink. In most cases, I use watercolor paints and dilute them with water. I also use fountain pen and calligraphy inks like J.Herbin, Higgins, and Zig Kuretake Mica gold ink. As long as the paint or ink isn't too thick in terms of consistency, then it should flow properly when you write.

If you are going to use watercolor, then you can brush the paint over the nib or you can dilute it a little and put it in those dinky dips for easier dipping.

Brands of paint I use: Zig Kuretake Transparent watercolor set, Dr Ph Martins Hydrus/Radiant Concentrated Watercolor, Sennelier WC, ShinHan PWC, Lumi Accent Color

HOW DOES WRITING WITH B NIBS LOOK LIKE?

I haven't really tried flexing these nibs and I primarily use them for monoline calligraphy. Here are some samples I made.

Hope this mini review encouraged you to try out other ways to write beautifully. Happy inking, folks!

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