4 Tools To Get Started with Pointed Pen Calligraphy

Starting to learn calligraphy? This blogpost will look at the tools that you need to get started with pointed pen calligraphy!

The four essential tools are:

• • Flexible nib

• • Pen holder

• • Ink

• • Paper

Flexible Nib

In my previous blogpost, I talked about how flexible nibs are used in pointed pen calligraphy. Flexible nibs have two tines that split apart when you apply pressure, and that’s how you create thick strokes.

If you are new to pointed pen calligraphy, I recommend nibs that are not too flexible nor too sharp. Nibs that are too flexible can be challenging to control when transitioning between thin and thick strokes. Nibs that are too sharp can catch on papers easily, so it can be frustrating for beginners.

Writing with a Tachikawa G nib and a Leonardt Hiro 40 nib

Nikko G / Zebra G / Tachikawa G

G nibs, especially the Nikko G nibs, are commonly recommended because they write smoothly and rarely catch on papers. The nibs are sturdy enough for beginners who are still learning the ropes, so you don’t have to be too careful about not breaking it. Many seasoned calligraphers still use and prefer the G nibs for their reliability!

The three G nibs differ slightly in their flexibility and how much ink they hold. But the difference is small, so all three are suitable for beginners.

Brause 361 Steno / Leonardt Hiro 40

Also known as the Blue Pumpkins, these are the nibs that I recommend beginners to try after the G nibs. The Blue Pumpkins are not too sharp either so they don’t catch on papers easily. However, these nibs are more flexible so you can get thicker downstrokes easily.

The Blue Pumpkins are great for beginners to get used to more flexible nibs, before moving on to other nibs that are very flexible and sharper. So when you’re comfortable with writing using the G nibs, give these a try!

You can also check out this blogpost, where I go through the 10 common questions & frustrations that beginners have about a pointed pen nib, including how to clean and store a nib, and how to troubleshoot ink flow issues.

Pen Holder

There are two types of pen holders – a straight holder and an oblique holder. Oblique holders are usually recommended as they have a flange to hold the nib at an angle. This makes it easier to write at an angle, such as the 55° that Copperplate script requires.

However, some calligraphers do prefer using a straight holder. If you find that a straight holder works better for you, don’t feel pressured into thinking that you must use an oblique holder!

A quick note – when you start trying more nibs, you will find that some nibs are smaller or more rounded, and don’t fit into your holder. An oblique holder with a universal / adjustable flange can fit nibs of different sizes and shapes (but are more expensive!).

I go into detail about the different types of pen holders and which you should get in this blogpost!

How nibs are inserted into a straight holder and an oblique holder. For the oblique holder, make sure the tip of the nib is aligned with the centre axis of the holder.

Manuscript Straight and Oblique Dip Pen Holder

These affordable plastic pens are a great option for beginners because the flange is removable. You can try using it as a straight holder or an oblique holder to see which you prefer!

Luis Creations Moblique 2-in-1 Penholder

You can also remove the flange of the Moblique pen holder to use it as a straight holder. It has a compartment inside the pen body that can hold a few nibs, so it’s convenient if you want to bring your pen out. Plus, there are lots of pretty colours and finishes you can choose from!

Ink

For inks, I recommend walnut ink or sumi ink as these write smoothly on a variety of papers and are relatively affordable. Walnut ink is my go-to ink for everyday practice. It writes smoothly and is water-based, making it easy to clean the nibs after writing.

Walnut Ink & Crystals

Walnut ink is available in bottles, or as walnut crystals. I use walnut crystals, which are diluted in water to make walnut ink. I like that I can adjust how dark the ink is just by adding more water or more crystals!

Moon Palace Sumi Ink

Another commonly recommended ink for beginners is Sumi ink. I use Moon Palace Sumi ink – I like how intensely dark it is and how smoothly it writes. But note that it’s harder to clean off nibs than walnut ink. It also dries with a slightly glossy sheen, while walnut ink dries matte.

Paper

Paper can be one of the most frustrating things when you’re starting out, as not all types of paper are suitable! If you use porous paper such as regular copy or printer paper, you’ll have issues with ink feathering and bleeding. It’s also easy to pick up paper fibres on your nib. So make sure you buy paper that is suitable for calligraphy use!

See how the ink feathers on regular copy paper?

These are my recommendations for affordable practice paper:

• • Paper One Premium Digital Inkjet & Laser Paper 100gsm. US-based calligraphers often recommend the HP Premium32 Printer Paper.

• • Rhodia blank paper pad

• • Midori MD Paper Pad. I like this as it’s in a pale shade of cream, instead of cool white like the two listed above.

For cards or framed calligraphy pieces, I use thicker and better quality paper. Here are some of the papers that I’ve used and loved:

• • Hot pressed watercolour paper. Brand and cotton/cellulose content doesn’t matter as much for me if I’m using it for calligraphy. It’s more important to choose hot pressed paper, which is smoother and easier to write on.

• • Strathmore Bristol Smooth Paper Pad

• • Colorplan 270gsm / 350gsm for colour paper.

Round-up

To recap, here’s a round-up of my recommendations for the essential tools to get started with pointed pen calligraphy!

• • Flexible nib – Nikko G / Zebra G / Tachikawa G

• • Pen holder – 2-in-1 straight and oblique pen holder

• • Ink – Walnut ink or Moon Palace Sumi ink

• • Paper – Paper One Premium Digital Inkjet & Laser Paper, Rhodia paper pads

Let me know if you found this blogpost useful, or what other supplies you prefer!